Super Rugby Round 16 Preview Part 1

The log-leading Hurricanes travel to Nelson to play the disappointing Crusaders, the Bulls are in Canberra where they hope to achieve their first tour win, the Sharks are back in Durban and host the Rebels, while two of the top teams, the Highlanders and Chiefs, meet in Invercargill, hoping to cement their places among the top-six qualifiers.

Crusaders v Hurricanes

The Hurricanes and Crusaders have each played 13 of their 16 games, with the former accumulating an impressive 57 log points and the latter an unimpressive 31. The Crusaders could win on Friday and stage a late rally in the competition, but even the most uncritical of Canterbury supporters must be questioning whether Todd Blackadder is the right head coach to get the best out of the franchise’s players. Excellent performances have been offset by seven defeats, which is not good enough for a squad boasting so many outstanding players. The Hurricanes, in contrast, have been superb, with coach Chris Boyd and his players delivering the goods.

Key players:
For the Crusaders, loosehead Alex Hodgman in his first 2015 start, Jordan Taufua, playing at 8, and Jimmy Tupou, at lock for injured Sam Whitelock. Richie McCaw, captain in place of injured Kieran Read. For the Hurricanes, NZ under 20 flyhalf Otere Black, scintillating attacker Nehe Milner-Skudder (playing 14), and scrumhalf TJ Perenara, outstanding last week.

The big match-ups:
Out wide, Nemani Nadolo vs Julian Savea. David Havili up against Ma’a Nonu at 12. And at 13, Robbie Fruean vs Conrad Smith. At 10, Black vs Dan Carter.

Brumbies v Bulls

It’s been a miserable tour for the Bulls, who have slipped from first to third on the SA conference. In the Australian conference, the Brumbies have lost the lead to the Waratahs. Both teams need to win to increase their chances of making the top six qualifiers, but neither team has form or winning momentum going for them. Are these Bulls the real deal? They will want to lift their performance appreciably to show they are competition contenders. The Brumbies need to show they can win the tight games, and not mess it up as they did at Newlands.

Key players:
Grant Hattingh at 5 with Victor Matfield resting, Arno Botha, wanting to show he should be back in Springbok contention, and as always for the Bulls, Handré Pollard. With Matt Toomua still injured, Christian
Lealiifano plays a crucial role at 10 for the Brumbies. David Pocock – is he the best in the world at what he does?

The big match-ups:
Two Test veterans at hooker, Stephen Moore vs Adriaan Strauss. On the wing, Francois Hougaard vs Joe Tomane. At 9, Nic White vs Rudy Paige. Do the Wallabies underrate White? Do the Bulls overrate Paige?

Sharks v Rebels

The Sharks beat the Reds to win a game at long last, but it was not an altogether convincing performance, and achieved against a sadly underperforming team. They’re back home and have the opportunity against the Rebels – well coached and willing, but limited in talent – to show they are on the right path to regaining their status as SA top dogs. The Rebels made unforced errors at Newlands, costing them points and any chance of victory. Neither team has been playing with great confidence, winning too few games to instil such confidence. Friday’s match is important, not least of all because the winners will gain confidence and momentum for the last few rounds of the competition.

Key players:
Sharks 12 Andre Esterhuizen and 10 Lionel Cronje need to show they have what it takes to play Super Rugby. Bismarck du Plessis, a real force last week. Ryan Kankowski, to add the flair the Sharks loose-forwards lack. For the Rebels, Sean McMahon and Scott Higginbotham, likely World Cup Wallabies, and Luke Burgess, getting a start at 9.

The big match-ups:
Kankowski vs Scott Higginbotham, Beast Mtawarira vs Laurie Weeks. And two wings playing at 13, Sefanaia Naivalu vs JP Pietersen.

Highlanders v Chiefs

This is a big game within the NZ conference, with the Chiefs on 44 log points and the Highlanders on 43. The winner here gets a significant boost on the overall log and moves a major step closer to qualifying for the play-offs. The Highlanders beat the Chiefs by three points in early March and this game is likely to be as tight. With both teams using their possession astutely and enjoying launching spectacular attacks and counter-attacks, this could be the must-see game of Round 16.

Key players:
For the Chiefs, junior superstar and future All Black Damian McKenzie moves from 10 to 15 with elder brother Marty starting at 10. Augustine Pulu, back to top form last week at 9. Wings Bryce Heem and Hosea Gear. For the Highlanders, lock Alex Ainley, an unheralded star last week, a Super Rugby debutant at age 33. Lima Sopoaga, having a full go at earning an All Black call-up. As always, their brilliant, match-winning 15 and 9, Ben Smith and Aaron Smith.

The big match-ups:
At 13, Malakai Fekitoa vs Charlie Ngatai. Heem vs Waisake Naholo. At 9, Augustine Pulu vs Smith – is Pulu a contender as All Blacks back-up scrumhalf?