Holy shite, another week flown by, and week 2, Average 14 coming up.  Super 14, whatever.  With these ELVs round one was certainly, interesting to say the least. some absolute dross, mixed in with a couple of good games.  Fingers crossed this week there is less dross and more class.

Hurricanes v Reds

So, the first game for the weekend, the super crap Horrorcanes, whose game plan last weeks looked like a touch team on the last touch playing hot potato for 80 minutes, and was just as effective, clashing with the Reds.

The Reds beat the Highlanders last week, on the back of two shithouse decisions from the TMO.  They will need to do a bit more this week to beat the Horrors, who can't be as bad as they were last week for two weeks in a row!  I mean, they have come serious class in that team, so expect pride to be hurt and amends made.

So the match ups.  The Canes pack, should beat up the Reds eight.  Although the Reds front row is pretty handy, they are coming up against, perhaps this years test tighthead prop for the All Blacks (yes, I did type that with a straight face, and a couple of other test candidates, well one in Hore, and Schwalger, well he will probably be a one test wonder.  But the Kiwi trio should be have the beating of the Queenslanders, and the match will go from there, hopefully.

The loose trio battle should be a pearler.  The pedigree of the Horror's All Black trio is impeccable, but the Reds boys, led by the inform for the last two seasons David Croft and a tough as teak trio too.  But thanks to the (hopefully) dominance of the tight five, the Horror's backrow should get the edge here too.

Backlines, who bloody knows.  The Horrorcanes have mixed and matched and replaced Ellison with Tu'puloyu.  When really they should have replaced Gopperth with anyone!  Weepu needs to up his game, but that should not be too hard of the forward pack up theirs from last weeks disgrace.  The Reds backline is nothing too flashy, a few quality players, a few new boys, journeymen, and Chris Latham.  Latham the danger man against any team, give him no room or pay the price!

Player to watch:  Neemia Tialata.  Yes, watch a prop, I know it will be like watching paint dry for some, but keep your eye on the big man, and see if he does any work - does he have a Hayman game in him??

A result, hell, it could be a blow out if the Horror's get on top early, but I don't think so, it'll be a close battle, the home side getting a win by 12 and under...

Teams
Hurricanes:  15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Ma'a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo (c), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Reserves: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Shannon Paku.
Reds:  1. Greg Holmes 2. Stephen Moore 3. Rodney Blake 4. Van Humphries 5. James Horwill 6. Hugh McMeniman 7. David Croft 8. John Roe (c) 9. Sam Cordingley 10. Berrick Barnes 11. Clinton Schifcofske 12. Chris Siale 13. Morgan Turinui 14. Digby Ioane 15. Chris Latham
Reserves: 16. Sean Hardman 17. Dayna Edwards 18. Ed O’Donoghue 19. Leroy Houston 20. Will Genia 21. Peter Hynes 22. Quade Cooper.

Cheetahs v Western Force

The Cheetahs hosting the Aussie bad boys.  The Cheetahs coming off a home loss last week to the Lions, and the Force losing to the Sharks in a closer game than I for one expected.

As I didn't watch either of these games, I have no idea on who should win this.  Although looking at the names on the team sheets, the Force, FFS, who the hell are these boys?  I recognise about a quarter of them, the rest may as well be playing for Thames Valley in heartland rugby for all I know.

The Cheetahs much the same to be fair, but a few more recognisable.  And that Strauss at hooker must have had a pretty good game last week as he scored me a few points in test rugby!!  About the only ones I got...

Force have sacked Henjack the boxer, and again have had a hugely disjointed week, so again you would have to tip against them, so I will.

Player to watch:  The Force's new halfback probably. 

Cheetah's by under 12.

Teams
Force:  1 Pekahou Cowan, 2 Tai McIsaac, 3 Troy Takiari, 4 Tom Hockings,  5 Nathan Sharpe,  6 Sam Wykes, 7 David Pocock, 8 Richard Brown, 9 James Stannard, 10 Matt Giteau, 11 Nick Cummins,  12 Scott Daruda, 13 Scott Staniforth,  14 Ryan Cross,  15 Drew Mitchell
Reserves:   16 Luke Holmes, 17 AJ Whalley,  18 David Pusey, 19 Tamaiti Horua,  20 Scott Fava,  21 Lachlan MacKay,  22 Josh Tatupu .
Cheetahs:  Hennie Daniller; Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Meyer Bosman, Gavin Passens; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Valie Oelschig; Duanne Vermeuelen, Juan Smith ©, Heinrich Brussouw, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan, Kobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wiaan du Preez.
Reserves: Richard Strauss, Bees Roux, David de Villiers, Kabamba Floors, Tobie Botes, Conrad Barnard, Hendrik Meyer.

Bulls v Crusaders

Hah, a much better game this one to talk about.  The Boers only champion, the Bulls, against one of only two New Zealand champions, the Crusaders.  A repeat of last years semi final.

Both teams had wins last week too, the Crusaders crushing the Brumbies, and the Bulls scraping past the Stormers on the road. 

The Bulls though have something like only 6 starting from last years final winning team too, so it is a whole new kettle of fish for the big boys.  They are however at home, and the Crusaders have had the big travel to the republic, so it will probably be a closer match than expected.

An almost unchanged side for the Crusaders from their big win, All Black Andy Ellis coming into the starting XV.  The Crusaders forward pack expected to have too much for the Bulls, and they were pretty much to a man on form last week.  Brad Thorn looking like he has not been out of rugby for a minute, Williams slotting right back into his 'A' game from last season, Tuiali'i carrying on his NPC form, and front rankers doing what they are meant to do (the work man, the work), and Keiran Reid slotting into the mix nicely at 6, although I see R Thorne on the bench this week, so a big game needed to keep his starting spot.

The Crusaders backline, MacDonald, Laulala and Ellis were at the tops of their games last week.  If they can carry on with that sort of form, and the remaining backs pick their games up, it could end up being a comfortable win for the Crusaders.  Dan Carter will want to find some serious form too, after being a little slow last week - along with Brett, who was anonymous. 

Player to watch:  Mose Tuiali'i.  If he keeps this sort of form up, it will be hard not to include him in the All Blacks this year.

Result - Crusaders winning a close one.  Twelve and under.

Teams:
Crusaders:  15. Leon MacDonald, 14. Kade Poki, 13. Casey Laulala, 12. Stephen Brett, 11. Scott Hamilton, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Andrew Ellis, 8. Mose Tuiali’i, 7. Richard McCaw (captain), 6. Kieran Read, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Greg Somerville, 2. Corey Flynn, 1. Ben Franks
Reserves: 16. Ti’i Paulo, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Reuben Thorne, 19. Nasi Manu, 20. Kahn Fotuali’i, 21. Hamish Gard, 22. Caleb Ralph
Bulls:  15 Zane Kirchner, 14 John Mametsa, 13 JP Nel, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Marius Delport, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Fourie du Preez (captain), 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements:  16 James vd Walt, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Jaco Engels, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Morné Steyn, 22 Danwel Demas.

Chiefs v Waratahs

Those bloody Chiefs.  Horrible last week against the Blues, and coming up against the Waratahs, who looked pretty good in beating the Hurricanes.  Although as mentioned, the Canes were shite last week.

The Chiefs lost last week in the coal face, the Blues scrum, with test front rankers Mealmau and Woodcock, along with Afoa did a demo job on their front row.  They are up against a less formidable trio, and will have much to prove.  So even if the Chiefs do get beaten up front, it won't be by the length of the back straight like it was last week.

The Chiefs have picked five forward reserves too, so their will be no running out of gas this week in the forward exchanges.  No excuses if thy do anyway, beaten this week, they are just plain not good enough! 

Anyway, if the Chiefs can get parity, or even dominance up front, than watch that backline unleashed.  They are a fast bunch of blokes that should relish having a crack against the league 'stars' in the Waratahs back division.

Donald should have the edge on youngster Beale in then 'bossing' of the game, and this should be the winning and the losing of the game.  However, the Chiefs are the Chiefs...

Player to Watch:  Leonard - is he an All Black, or a pretender?

Result, well, home ground advantage, plenty to prove, Chiefs to go down by 12 and under in a game that they will have the winning of multiple times.

Teams:
Chiefs:  (1-15) Simms Davison, Tom Willis, Ben Castle, Jono Gibbes (captain), Kevin O’Neill, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Stephen Donald, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Callum Bruce, Richard Kahui, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Mils Muliaina.
Reserves:   Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Toby Lynn,  Faifili Levave, Tom Harding, David Bason, Lelia Masaga.
Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Timana Tahu, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris, Alfi Mafi.

Brumbies v Highlanders

Both teams backing up off losses last week, Brumbies thumped by the Crusaders, the Highlanders shafted by some shockingly inept TMOing.   Not to say that theydeserved the win, it is just that they did not deserve to lose like that!!  No teams do, not even nasty Boers or 'orrible Aussies.

But to this week, Brumbies no names at home against the Highlanders no names, so it will probably be a really good game.

However, I think the home ground advantage, and the fact that the Clan is playing against the Brumbies - the BRUMBIES - might count against the rookie team, despite the Brumbies being a shadow of their former selves.   It will be a good measure for rookie Super 14 coach Moore if he can get the Clan to pinch this game, as their is really no reason why they can't - except the top two inches I reckon.

A few changes to the Clan, Triggs moves back into lock where he belongs, and Adam Thompson starts at 6, where he should have been last week to start with.  The blouses have shuffled a little, Carthorse Williams moving to the wing for the unlucky Mulipola and James Wilson starting at 15.

Player to watch:  Adam Thompson.  OK, so I am a fan of this beast of a man, but he is bloody good, and made an impact when he came on last week in the loss to the Reds.  Expect much from him, he is a former sevens rep, and has all the skills, and good pace for a big man too, so expect much.

Result, well, I would love the Clan to get up, but I think the Brumbies will sneak in.  Twelve and under. 

Teams:
Highlanders: 15 James Wilson, 14 Paul Williams, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Steven Setephano/Ezra Taylor, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Macdonald (capt), 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Tim Boys/Ezra Taylor, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Brett Mather.
Brumbies:   Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Tyrone Smith, Anthony Faingaa, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes; Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (capt), Mitch Chapman, Al Campbell, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Salesi Maafu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Peter Playford, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Sharks v Stormers

South African v South African.  All we can hope for is lots of blood and gore!!

Stormers lost at home last week to the champion Bulls outfit, while the Sharks struggled past the Western Farce.

Player to watch:  Steyn at fullback for the Sharks because he is in my fantasyrugby team!! 

Home team to win going away at the end, 13+

Teams:
Stormers:  Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller. Replacements: Schalk Brits, Brok Harris, Francois van der Merwe, Ross Skeate, Bolla Conradie, Gio Aplon, Dylan des Fountain.
Sharks:  15. Francois Steyn 14. Odwa Ndungane 13. Waylon Murray 12. Bradley Barritt 11. JP Pietersen 10. Frederic Michalak 9. Ruan Pienaar 8. Ryan Kankowski 7. AJ Venter 6. Jacques Botes 5. Johann Muller ( Capt ) 4. Johan Ackermann 3. BJ Botha 2. Bismarck du Plessis 1. Tendai Mtawarira  Reserves 16. Craig Burden 17. Jannie du Plessis 18. Albert van den Berg 19. Keegan Daniel 20. Rory Kockott 21. Adrian Jacobs 22. Stefan Terblanche.

Lions v Blues

On paper, or in pixels in this day and age, this should be a comfortable win for the Blues.

The Lions are even more no names (for this Kiwi) than the Brumbies and Highlanders.  The Lions snatched a one pointer away off the Cheetahs last week, while the Blues thumped the Chiefs at home.

The Blues have named an unchanged team for the match, meaning their big boys in the forward pack will get another run out.  At the moment, they are looking the most accomplished of the NZ 8s for mine.  They have a good balance with pace and power.  No out and out opensider with Braid on the injured list, but between veteran Collins and Kaino they have two mobile flankers that more than make up for that.

The backline put some nice moves together for two set piece tries last week on the back of the forward pack dominance at scrum time.  They will be hoping for more of the same from the fattiers, and the fatties will be hoping the same!!  Nothing better when lifting your head from a scrum to see your winger streaking in for a five pointer.

The Lions, well, no idea, did not see them play last week, but being 'big biltong eating bastards', who hate losing, and who hate losing to Kiwis even more, they'll be up for the encounter in spades.

Player to watch:  Rokocoko.  has never really had a good Super rugby season, but started last week in pretty good form - hard grounds in Boerland, extra space from set pieces, give the ball to the Rock often and early I say, and let him run!!

Winning team and margain.  Blues by 13+ 

Teams:
Blues:  15.Isa Nacewa, 14.Anthony Tuitavake, 13.Isaia Toeava, 12.Benson Stanley, 11.Joe Rokocoko, 10.Nick Evans, 9.Danny Lee, 8.Nick Williams, 7.Justin Collins, 6.Jerome Kaino, 5.Troy Flavell (capt), 4.Kurtis Haiu, 3.John Afoa, 2.Keven Mealamu, 1.Tony Woodcock.
Res: 16.Tom McCartney, 17.Nick White, 18. Bryn Evans, 19.Onosai Tololima-Auva'a, 20.Rudi Wulf, 21.Ben Atiga, 22.Taniela Moa.
Lions:  1 Heinke van der Merwe, 2 Willie Wepener, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 4 Anton van Zyl, 5 Gerhard Mostert, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Franco van der Merwe, 9 Jano Vermaak, 10 Louis Strydom, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 12 Doppies La Grange, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 14 Dusty Noble, 15 Louis Ludik Reserves: 16 Gavin Williamson, 17 Gert van der Merwe, 18 Alten Hulme, 19 Joe van Niekerk, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Earl Rose, 22 Jaco van Schalkwyk.