Super Rugby Round 5 Preview

As we head into the fifth week of this year’s Super Rugby tournament, some teams are beginning to find their flow, while others are showing more cracks than ever. Either way, there are some interesting match-ups happening this weekend with many of the teams having an opening to secure some ever-valuable points.

Blues vs. Hurricanes

Both the Blues and Hurricanes will be eager for a win after both ending Round 4 with a loss. The Blues, who fell to the impressive Stormers, will still be without their attacking weapon of Rene Ranger and scrumming meistro Kevin Mealamu, but still have more than enough talent to cause the Hurricanes some damage. The Hurricanes will also be looking to stretch the Blues defense with the likes of young Beauden Barritt, moving the backline swiftly and placing some clever tactical kicks. Both teams have been rather inconsistent so far, but Blues, with Weepu in the flyhalf position, should steal the win at home if they’re able to keep the likes of the dangerous Andre Taylor, Julian Savea and Conrad Smith at bay.

Rebels vs. Western Force

The Rebels are still looking to prove their worth this season with a comprehensive win, and no bigger chance to do so than against the Western Force, who have also struggled with their season openers, but managed to beat a strong Waratahs team last weekend. The Rebels will need to involve the likes of their star signings of James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale (if available) if they’re looking to make an attacking nuisance of themselves. Force’s James Stannard has been somewhat of a bright spot amongst the issues, and may pose a threat with his accurate kicking. To call a winner in this will be tough, but Rebels are looking hungry despite their losses, and should pick up their first win of the season.

James O'Bieber needs to use his attacking strength

Waratahs vs. Sharks

The Waratahs, coming off a loss to the Force last week, will be clambering to get back onto their winning ways when they face the Sharks, who overcame to last year’s champions, The Reds. The Sharks have proved they’re a quality side over the last few seasons and have the depth to prove it. Waratahs are also still finding their combos after a few losses to the club, but Sarel Pretorius and Berrick Barnes have more than enough talent to ignite a strong backline consisting off Wallabies Rob Horne and Adam Ashley-Cooper. The Sharks will have a tough time in Sydney, but given their good record of winning on the road, Sharks should have a slight edge, most notably in the forward division and Patrick Lambie’s reliable place-kicking.

Crusaders vs. Cheetahs

Crusaders fans will rejoice knowing that their All Black star, Dan Carter, has returned to the squad. Not fully match-fit, Carter is expected to play a role later in the game as he comes off the bench. Despite the talismanic return of the All Black pivot, the Cheetahs will be revelling in confidence after their win over the Rebels last week. Flyhalf Johan Goosen and winger Willie Le Roux have proved to be a hand-full for any defence and should cause some concerns for the Crusaders. Despite this, the Crusaders should seal the win easily with the likes of Robbie Freun and Zac Guildford at their disposal, along with the notion of revenge after the Cheetahs shock-win over the 7-time champions last season.

The return of DC will see a a rise in the Crusaders' hopes and female blood pressure.

Brumbies vs. Highlanders

The Highlanders have come out of the gates as the undeniable darkhorse of the tournament so far. Four wins from four has secured the Highlanders a top of the table position alongside the likes of the Stormers. Adam Thompson and his men will be eager to grab another win from this fixture, but the Brumbies will be no easy task given their strength in defence and persevering attitude, which has seen them steal a number of wins in the past. Highlanders will need to look to the attacking prowess of the underused Hosea Gear and Ben Smith for inspiration, while the Brumbies will most probably rely on the boot of flyhalf Christian Lealiifano. The Highlanders are a team playing one of the most exciting brands of rugby this season, and should take the win.

Bulls vs. Reds

An epic encounter awaits Loftus Versfeld as 2011’s champions travel to Pretoria to take on the Bulls. The Bulls should be eager to come out hard at the Reds after a week’s bye after their defeat at the hands of the Blues. The Reds will be looking for inspiration to comeback from their loss to the Sharks in Durban last week, but still without the mercurial Quade Cooper, Mike Harris will have to look to spark the talented backline outside of him. The Reds will undoubtedly be a favourite for the season, but the Bulls physicality and home ground advantage should trump the visitors come Saturday evening.

The Reds will need to be more physical against the Bulls

Lions vs. Stormers

The ‘Currie Cup grudge match’ between the Sharks and Lions saw the Durban visitors come out on top in Round 3, after the Lions found themselves without the unpredictable attacking skill of the young Elton Jantjies. Hurt from the loss, the Lions will be keen for redemption, however, their opposition this weekend lies with the Stormers. Undoubtedly South Africa’s strongest side in the tournament as of now, the Stormers have everything they need to tear through the local opposition and make their way into the play-offs. Despite playing away, the Stormers should come out ontop of the Lions comfortably.