Friday, March 11
Blues v Hurricanes, Eden Park, Auckland
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Blues have won only one of their last 12 matches against New Zealand opposition.
Line-ups
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Rene Ranger, Male Sa'u, George Moala, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall; Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Josh Bekhuis, Steven Luatua, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kara Pryor, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Melani Nanai.
Hurricanes: James Marshall, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Leni Apisai, Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Loni Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Willis Halaholo, Cory Jane.
Team News
Blues coach Tana Umaga has once again opted to shake up his 23, making seven changes to the side beaten by the Crusaders. Halves Bryn Hall and Ihaia West return while there is a first start of the season for rising Sevens star Akira Ioane with Steven Luatua shifting the second-row. Meanwhile, Rene Ranger will line up on the left wing with Male Sa'u returning at outside centre. All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina also wins a first run-on start of the year at tighthead.
The Hurricanes have mixed news on the injury front with All Blacks Cory Jane and Nehe Milner-Skudder passed fit but hooker Dane Coles again ruled out. Coach Chris Boyd has otherwise maintained the same squad beaten by the Highlanders last week, with Milner-Skudder starting ahead of Jane on the right wing.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Blues still look a bit sloppy while the Hurricanes are really struggling. I'm going to go for the Blues by five here, largely due to the Canes' injury woes.
UBET verdict: Both sides went down in round two while this is the Hurricanes third straight week away from home. The Hurricanes won both encounters with the Blues last year and have been well supported as $2.05 outsiders.
Force v Brumbies, nib Stadium, Perth
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Brumbies have won seven of their last eight matches with the Force.
Line-ups
Force: Dane Haylett-Petty, Luke Morahan, Ben Tapuai, Solomoni Rasolea, Semisi Masirewa, Jono Lance, Ian Prior, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (capt), Brynard Stander, Adam Coleman, Ross Haylett-Petty, Jermaine Ainsley, Heath Tessmann, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Nathan Charles, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Steve Mafi, Angus Cottrell, Alby Mathewson, Peter Grant, Marcel Brache.
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane, Christian Leali'ifano, Tomas Cubelli; Jarrad Butler; David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Leslie Makin, Tom Staniforth, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, Andrew Smith, Nigel Ah Wong.
Team News
Force coach Michael Foley has shuffled the side that defeated the Reds last week, with first-choice players Alby Mathewson, Nathan Charles and Steve Mafi all shifting to the bench. They have been replaced by Ian Prior, Heath Tessman and Ross Haylett-Petty respectively, while Angus Cottrell has been replaced by Wallabies back-rower Ben McCalman at No.8.
The Brumbies have been forced into two changes with Rory Arnold and Jarrad Butler replacing Blake Enever and Ita Vaea at lock and No.8 respectively.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Force may have got the win last week but they were only marginally better than the basket-case Reds. The Brumbies should win this one comfortably. Maybe 31 points?
UBET verdict: As the betting suggests, the Brumbies ($1.25) are expected to win. The ACT side are two from two this season - against quality opposition - and have had the wood on the Force in the past.
Saturday, March 4
Highlanders v Lions, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Having dispensed of the last two New Zealand teams they've faced, the Lions will now be hunting three straight wins against NZ opponents for the first time since 1996-97.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (capt), Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Dan Pryor, Luke Whitelock, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Elliot Dixon, Shane Christie, Josh Renton, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery.
Lions: Jaco Van Der Walt, Ruan Combrinck, Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, Howard Mnisi, Courtnal Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf De Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Warwick Tecklenberg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Jacques Van Rooyen. Reserves: Armand Van Der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Julian Redelinghuys, Robert Kruger, Ruan Ackermann, Dillon Smit, Jacques Nel, Andries Coetzee
Team News
The Highlanders have made a forward pack reshuffle with Lock Tom Franklin and prop Josh Hohneck, left out for the weekend, while Alex Ainley comes in for Franklin, and Siosiua Halanukonuka replaces Hohneck. Co-skipper Shane Christie and Elliot Dixon move to the bench with Liam Squire moving to No.8, Luke Whitelock moving to blindside flanker for Dixon, and Dan Pryor taking over on the openside.
Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Jaco van der Walt will get their first start for the Lions this season, while new centre pairing Howard Mnisi and Janse van Rensburg will replace Lionel Mapoe, who became a father on Wednesday, and Harold Vorster, who returned home after injuring his left knee.
Greg Growden's verdict: You saw last week how well the Highlanders can play at home. I think they'll win this one by a decent margin, about 10 or 12 points.
UBET verdict: The Lions are the most improved team in the competition, but again start lengthy outsiders at $3.50. They oddly have a decent record against the Highlanders having won four of the last eight, but every one of those matches has gone with the home team.
Rebels v Reds, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
While things are grim at the Reds, they do boast a strong set-piece. Their lineout success rate sits at an impressive 97% while they are one of three teams yet to lose a scrum.
Line-ups
Rebels: Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperly, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Ben Meeham, Adam Thomson, Sean McMahon (c), Jordy Reid, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, James, Hanson, Toby Smith Reserves: Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah Nau, Jamie Hagan, Sam Jeffries, Steve Cummins, Mick Snowden, Dan Hawkins, Kotaro Matsushima
Reds: Karmichael Hunt, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, Eto Nabuli, Jake McIntyre, Nick Frisby; Jake Schatz, Waita Setu, Hendrik Tui, Rob Simmons, Cadeyrn Neville, Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, Sef Fa'agase. Replacements: Matt Mafu, Ben Daley, Sam Talakai, Ben Matwijow, Curtis Browning, Scott Gale, Sam Greene, Ayumu Goromaru.
Team News
The Rebels have made just one change to the Rebels starting line-up from last week's lose, with Jordy Reid moving to the run-on side. One of 23 former Reds players, Adam Thomson moves to the No.8 jumper while Lopeti TImani has been named in the second row.
Interim Reds coach Nick Stiles and Matt O'Connor have already applied their stamp on things with Karmichael Hunt returning to full-back, allowing former Wallabies Anthony Fainga'a to start at inside centre. The Reds have handed another former NRL player a start, with Waita Setu coming in at openside.
Greg Growden's verdict: When they replace a coach, a team usually lifts. If there is going to be an upset, it's going to be here. A tight game, but I'm going the Rebels by two.
UBET verdict: Tricky. Rebels have had a lot of travelling, and the Reds have sacked their coach. In 2015 both teams won their home matches, but the worry with the Rebels is fatigue. For that reason there has been solid money for the Reds to get into the winners' circle.
Sunwolves v Cheetahs, Singapore National Stadium
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Cheetahs have won only one of their last eight matches against teams from outside South Africa.
Line-ups
Sunwolves: TBA
Cheetahs: Sias Ebersohn, Sergeal Peterson, Francois Venter (c), William Small-Smith, Raymond Rhule, Neil Marais, Shaun Venter, Henco Venter, Uzair Cassiem, Paul Shoeman, Francois Uys, Carl Wegner, Johan Coetzee, Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche. Replacements: Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais, Maks van Dyk, Reniel Hugo, Hilton Lobberts, Boom Prinsloo, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga
Team News
*
The Cheetahs have had to rest Sprinboks forward Lood de Jagar in accordance to South Africa Rugby ruling and have named Francois Uys in his place. While Jacques du Toit will be starting as hooker, with Torsten van Jaarsveld on the bench for the Cheetahs historic make against the Sunwolves.
Greg Growden's verdict: This is a bit of a pseudo home game for the Sunwolves, being in Singapore. The Cheetahs aren't a great team but that little bit of extra Super Rugby experience should be enough here.
UBET verdict: Hard to line up. Cheetahs are warm $1.42 favourites, but the Sunwolves weren't too bad in their first match of the season. From what we have seen, should be a lot of points in this game. Take note it will be played in Singapore.
Kings v Chiefs, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Chiefs were triumphant in their only previous meeting with the Kings, winning 35-24 in Port Elizabeth in 2013.
Line-ups
Kings: Jurgen Visser, Luzuko Vulindlu, Stefan Watermeyer, Shane Gates, Malcolm Jaer, Louis Fouché, Ntando Kebe; Jacques Engelbrecht, Thembelani Bholi, Chris Cloete, JC Astle, Steven Sykes (c), Jacobie Adriaanse, Edgar Matutlule, Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: 16 Sithembiso Sithole, 17 Martin Bezuidenhout, 18 Tom Botha, 19 Schalk Oelofse, 20 Cyril-John Velleman, 21 Kevin Luiters, 22 Elgar Watts, 23 Jaco van Tonder.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Glen Fisiiahi, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Brad Weber, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane (co-capt), Taleni Seu, Johan Bardoul, Michael Allardice, Siate Tokolahi, Nathan Harris, Mitchell Graham. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu, Atu Moli, James Tucker, Maama Vaipulu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sam McNichol.
Team News
The Kings have made four changes to the starting side hammered by the Sharks a fortnight ago, the biggest of which sees Louis Fouche take over from Elgar Watts at fly-half.
The Chiefs have made eight changes to their starting 15, with a new-look front row, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris and Siate Tokolahi packing down for their first starts of the Super Rugby season. In the backs, halfback Brad Weber replaces All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow, while former Warriors NRL back Glen Fisiiahi will start on the right wing.
Greg Growden's verdict: Simple. Chiefs by 50. No, make that 51.
UBET verdict: The Chiefs suffered a big upset loss at the hands of the Lions last week, but this looks a much easier assignment. The Kings' only match this season resulted in a 43-8 loss to the Sharks, and that is why the Chiefs are $1.11, and conceding 15 points on the handicap.
Stormers v Sharks, Newlands, Cape Town
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Stormers have missed an average of only eight tackles per game so far this season and enjoy a success rate of 92%, making them the best tackling team in the competition.
Line-ups
Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Dillyn Leyds, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh (co-captain), Leolin Zas, Kurt Coleman, Jano Vermaak, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe (co-captain), Bongi Mbonambi, JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: Scarra Ntubeni, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, JD Schickerling, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Nic Groom, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Huw Jones.
Sharks: Willie Le Roux, Odwa Ndungane, Paul Jordaan, Andre Esterhuizen, JP Pietersen, Joe Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Marcell Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Etienne Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Tendai Mtawarira (captain) Replacements Kyle Cooper, Juan Schoeman, Lourens Adriaanse, Hyron Andrews, Philip van der Walt, Michael Claassens, Garth April, S'bura Sithole.
Team News
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has made four changes and a positional switch in the starting XV to face the Sharks at Newlands. Kurt Coleman steps up at fly-half in the absence of Rob du Preez, who has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury. Jean-Luc du Plessis could make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut if he comes off the bench to replace Coleman. In the front row props JC Janse van Rensburg and Frans Malherbe get their first opportunity to start this season, with Oli Kebble and Vincent Koch taking their respective places on the replacements bench. Siya Kolisi will also get his first start of the Vodacom Super Rugby season, with Schalk Burger taking the No.8 jersey and Nizaam Carr moving to No.6 in place of Sikhumbuzo Notshe who is set for an impact role off the bench.
The Sharks are unchanged from the squad that defeated the Jaguares at Kings Park last weekend.
Greg Growden's verdict: This is going to be a very good game, one worth getting up for. I think you've just got to go with the home team, so the Stormers by two.
UBET verdict: Two in-form sides who have won at both appearances this season. Their last six meetings have resulted in three wins apiece. By virtue of the home ground, the Stormers open as the $1.45 favourites, but there is plenty of money around to say the Sharks can spring an upset.