Super 12 thread

[Anders]

Game five will see the defending champs, the ACT Brumbies start their campaign by hosting the Queensland Reds.
The Brumbies have lost coach Eddie Jones, utility back Joe Roff, loose forward Jim Williams and injured lock David Giffin _ all key components of the fantastic unit in recent years. David Nucifora replaces Jones while Pat Howard returns from England and Stirling Mortlock from injury to lessen those blows.
Most of the attention surrounding the Reds has been on the form on new signing and ex-Brisbane Broncos superstar Wendell Sailor. But the Reds will be without inspirational skipper John Eales (retired). Hard to see them repeating their semifinal efforts of last season.







:director: :director: :director: :director: :director: The Anders Line: Brumbies -9.5

 

[Anders]

The last matchup of rd one will witness the hapless Bulls at home v the Cats.
This looms as an ugly one _ the Bulls are perennial easybeats and look unlikely to fare much better this year (which means you can get plenty of valuable points on them as dogs!). They've reinstated 2000 coach Heyneke Meyer; a mistake I believe as I thought Phil Pretorious did a good job last year with what he had to work with. Captain and Boks' legend Joost van der Westhuizen will miss a large chunk of the campaign thru injury and they will rely a lot on talented but untried young players.
The Cats appear unlikely too to match recent achievements. Their three star loose forwards _ Erasmus, Venter and Vos _ all start the season injured while they have lost some other experienced performers like Delport (Sharks), Ackerman and Mulder; making it hard work for new coaches Frans Ludeke and Eugene Eloff.

:director: :director: :director: :director: :director: :director: The Anders Line: Bulls +4.5

 

[Anders]

All the news that's fit to print...


RUGBY-SUPER-HURRICANES-WALLER
WALLER COULD RETURN FOR HURRICANES' OPENER
Wellington, Feb 18 - Hurricanes rugby lock Dion Waller survived training today and is expected to be named on Thursday in the team to open the Super 12 against the Blues in Wellington on Friday night.
Waller broke a bone in his hand during a pre-season match against the Chiefs two weeks ago and was in doubt for the match at WestpacTrust Stadium.
However, coach Graham Mourie said he expected Waller would be cleared to play.
``He took a full part in training today, with a scrum session and the warm-up routines.''
Waller's return would be a welcome boost for the Hurricanes, and may be the only change to the 15 who started against the ACT Brumbies in Hastings last week.
NZPA DOM md cs
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18/02/02 1831NZ

RUGBY-SUPER-BLUES
FEW SURPRISES EXPECTED WHEN BLUES NAMED
Auckland, Feb 18 - Blues rugby coach Peter Sloane tomorrow reveals the side who will start the Super 12 match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.
It is a selection that will have caused most thought in the backs and reserves.
His forward pack is probably the one he envisaged when the Super 12 squads were announced late last year.
Sloane's uncertainty about his top side then would have been about the midfield, perhaps halfback and some of his reserve choices.
He seems to have firmed on the North Harbour pairing of Rico Gear and Mark Mayerhofler in midfield, with All Blacks halfback Mark Robinson coming in ahead of Steve Devine.
With Justin Collins and Blair Urlich the only long-term injury concerns, Sloane and his assistant Grant Fox have been able to make their choices and work them steadily.
``I think we have been coming along all right,'' Sloane said.
``We have had a few questions answered in looking to get the mix right.
``We have shown a lot of attack, but we also must defend well, too. We have to be better there than we were against the Reds (whom they beat 60-26 in a pre-season game).''
While Sloane has few selection issues, Hurricanes coach Graham Mourie is waiting until Thursday to check the fitness of Dion Waller, Rodney So'oialo and Brad Fleming, all of who sat out the Hurricanes' final trial game against the Brumbies in Hastings last week.
With Tony Woodcock, Slade McFarland and the returning Kees Meeuws showing out already in the front row, and Glenn Taylor and Vula Maimuri delivering the locking grunt, the Blues line-up suggests a better platform than they have had for years.
Likely Blues side: Malili Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear, Mark Mayerhofler, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Ron Cribb, Matua Parkinson, Troy Flavell, Glenn Taylor (captain), Vula Maimuri, Kees Meeuws, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock.
NZPA NZH md cs
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18/02/02 2104NZ

RUGBY-SUPER-CRUSADERS
BLAIR OUT, MARSHALL STILL DOUBTFUL
Christchurch, Feb 18, NZPA - The Crusaders will give All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall until Thursday to prove his fitness for the Super 12 match against the Highlanders here on Saturday.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans today confirmed All Blacks fullback Ben Blair would definitely miss the night game at Jade Stadium. Blair is still battling to overcome an injury behind his right knee.
Marshall is in doubt because of a foot injury which kept him out of the All Blacks' end of year tour.
Deans and co-coach Colin Cooper will leave a decision on Marshall until Thursday when the 22-man squad to meet the Highlanders are named.
``It will be the same policy as usual. He'll have to complete the final training run to be considered. There'll be no special circumstances.''
Other than Marshall and Blair, the Crusaders have a fully fit squad to choose from.
The coaches have some head scratching to do before finalising the starting 15 after the Crusaders' two pre-season wins.
Most of the established players have looked lively for this stage of the season and new recruits like Brad Mika, Orene Ai'i, Joe Maddock, Matt Mustchin and Corey Flynn have also shown their enthusiasm.
The Highlanders will also name their starting 15 on Thursday.
All Blacks loosehead prop Carl Hoeft has already been ruled out after failing to recover in time from an off-season knee operation. Joe McDonnell is expected to take his place.
NZPA CHP md cs
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18/02/02 1922NZ

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RUGBY-SUPER-NSW
EDMONDS OUT OF MATCH AGAINST CHIEFS
Sydney, Feb 18, AAP - Wallabies first five-eighth Manuel Edmonds was today ruled out of the NSW Waratahs Super 12 rugby match against the Chiefs in Rotorua on Saturday.
Edmonds suffered a shoulder injury in a trial match against the Crusaders in Blenheim last Thursday.
He was officially ruled out today after he was examined by team doctor Sharron Flahive.
Utility back Duncan McRae is expected to fill the vacant position when NSW name their team tomorrow.
The Waratahs' other injury doubt, winger Scott Staniforth, was cleared to play.
One of the major points of interest about the NSW side will be the anticipated Super 12 debut of former rugby league international Mat Rogers, who switched codes at the end of last year.
Rogers played at fullback against the Crusaders with regular No 15 Matthew Burke at centre.
AAP md

 

[Anders]

Its open season again on Super 12 coaches
By SPIRO ZAVOS,The Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday, February 19, 2002
email to a friend printer version

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call it Super 12 roulette. Either David Nucifora, coach of the ACT Brumbies, or Mark McBain, coach of the Queensland Reds, or Bob Dwyer, coach of the NSW Waratahs, will face calls to resign if the tournament runs true to form.

It is the way professional rugby has evolved since 1995: players in losing teams tend to keep their places and their coaches tend to be sacked.

There are three new coaches in New Zealand, for instance, after the failure of Kiwi teams to make the finals last year. The fact that no South African team has won the Super 12 has led to virtually every coach in South Africa (and outsiders such as the Kiwi Laurie Mains, now coach of the Otago Highlanders) being given a go with a Super 12 side.

Of the Australian coaches, Nucifora is probably the safest. The Brumbies know how difficult it can be for a new coach. The first year Eddie Jones had the team, after Rod Macqueen had taken the side to the final, the Brumbies came in 10th. A year later, Jones took the team to the final, and last year they overwhelmed the Sharks 30-6 to become the first Australian side to win the tournament.

Given this history, the Brumbies are likely to be tolerant of Nucifora if last year's triumphs are not repeated. The likelihood, though, is that the tolerance will not have to be exercised. The Brumbies showed with their annihilation of the Wellington Hurricanes at Napier a few days ago that back-to-back tournament wins are on the cards. So comprehensive was the dominance of the Brumbies that the locals, usually fanatical in their support of the Hurricanes, booed their side from pitch.

When Mark McBain took over the Queensland Reds last season, there were many influential people who resented the appointment. One said of McBain's coaching record: "Mate, what has he won? Nothing!"

Early on, there were leaks to the media about the disenchantment of senior players with the new coach. The Reds, unsettled, got off to a terrible start before roaring into the finals.

McBain will probably have to get the Reds into the finals again to silence his critics. Ominously for him, though, the media leaks have begun again already. The sports gossip sections of last Sunday's newspapers carried items intended to destabilise the Reds. One item in The Sun-Herald stated that Reds players "haven't forgiven McBain for taking credit for their resurgence late last season".

Interestingly, John Connolly, the coach McBain replaced, wrote in his column in the same paper that "the ship was righted only after John Eales returned".

With his team in awful pre-season form, McBain faces the worst possible opening match on Saturday, with the Reds travelling south to play the Brumbies at Bruce Stadium, a venue where the Brumbies rarely lose.

The NSW Waratahs have had four coaches and are yet to play in the finals series. The pressure on Dwyer to change this will be immense. NSW is, or has been, the powerhouse of Australian rugby.

The way the fans have made the roly-poly but athletic prop Matt Dunning an instant folk hero bears witness to what amounts to a yearning by supporters to see the Waratahs become finals contenders.

Early last season, it looked as if Dwyer was going to succeed in this quest. Under his guidance the Waratahs started brilliantly but fell away badly when five-eighth Manuel Edmonds was injured.

John Connolly in The Sun-Herald picked the Brumbies, the Canterbury Crusaders, the Reds and the Highlanders (in that order) to be the top four teams. He places the Waratahs in 8th position. My guess is that the Sharks and the Waratahs will be finals teams, but not the Reds and the Highlanders.

If Connolly is right, Bob Dwyer will probably be forced out. If my finals guess is right, Dwyer will stay on but Mark McBain will have to start dodging bullets.

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-WARATAHS-TEAM
WARATAHS TEAM TO PLAY CHIEFS NAMED
Sydney, Feb 19 AAP - Rugby League convert Mat Rogers was today named at fullback for the New South Wales Waratahs in their opening Super 12 rugby match against the Chiefs in Rotorua on Saturday.
Rogers has played only game for the Waratahs at fullback in the lead up to the competition.
Captain and Wallaby fullback Matt Burke moves to the centres where he'll combine with Nathan Grey who kept out the challenge from Sam Harris for the inside centre role.
The much-travelled Duncan McRae will play at five eighth in the absence of injured incumbent Manny Edmonds.
Waratahs: Mat Rogers, Scott Staniforth, Matt Burke (captain), Marc Stcherbina, Nathan Grey, Duncan McRae, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Tom Bowman, Jono West, Des Tuiavii, Rod Moore, Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Patricio Noriega, Steve Talbot, Jone Tawake, Tim Rapp, Sam Harris, Luke Inman.
AAP cb NZP
19/02/02 1135NZ

 

[Anders]

FETCHED BY ANDERS ON 19-FEB-02,13:15: NEW FILE NAME IS ENGI20-SUBEDS-WTE
RUGBY-SUPER-HURRICANES
LOMU LIKELY TO START FROM BENCH
Wellington, Feb 19 NZPA - World rugby's most famous face, Jonah Lomu, appears set to watch the Hurricanes start the Super 12 competition this Friday night from the substitutes' bench.
Though under pressure from a poor warm-up season, Hurricanes management looks to have decided Lomu's fitness is not up to the mark and he won't start against the Blues on Friday night.
Lomu ran most of yesterday's session at Porirua in the reserves, with Taranaki utility Darryl Lilley running on the left wing.
Lomu struggled to get back and help fullback Christian Cullen when turned by the Brumbies in Hastings on Friday night.
That lack of workrate seems to have counted against him. Lomu had a full six weeks off rugby through the summer and didn't rejoin the Hurricanes fully until two days after the first warm-up match on February 1.
As well, Blues first five-eighths Carlos Spencer has used his kicking game to expose Lomu in the past.
Coach Graham Mourie is likely to bring the giant winger on in the second half off the bench. Lilley is seen as being much more capable of handling the

 

[Anders]

Centrebet $2 lines:

Hurricanes +4.5/Blues -8.5

Chiefs -2.5/Waratahs -2.5

Crusaders -10.5/Highlanders +6.5

Brumbies -11.5/Reds +7.5

Bulls 2.10 ML/Cats -4.5

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-WINNERS
SUPER 12 CHAMPIONS 1996-2001
Sydney, Feb 19, Reuters - List of Super 12 champions since the southern hemisphere's regional rugby tournament started in 1996:-
1996 Auckland Blues (New Zealand)
1997 Auckland Blues (New Zealand)
1998 Canterbury Crusaders (New Zealand)
1999 Canterbury Crusaders (New Zealand)
2000 Canterbury Crusaders (New Zealand)
2001 ACT Brumbies (Australia)
Reuters md
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19/02/02 1417NZ

We loaned one to the Aussies last year :moon:

 

[Cartman88]

See what happens when u live across the ditch; a cultural oasis...shame on you two for not recognising one of the greatest men of our era...

Hard to recognise anyone when they are keeled over like the Queen Mother.

I still have no idea.

:shrug:

Time to share the answer Anders.

 

[Anders]

....(sigh....) :moon:

'tis the mighty Henry Rollins - u gotta check out his Spoken Word and written stuff; 'tis truly out of this world

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-HURRICANES-D/L
MOURIE VOWS TO LOOK AFTER LOMU
Wellington, Feb 20, NZPA - Jonah Lomu was a valuable commodity and was being treated accordingly, Hurricanes coach Graham Mourie said after training last night, which made it clear Lomu wouldn't start against the Blues in Friday night's Super 12 rugby opener in Wellington.
The Hurricanes will not name their team for the WestpacTrust Stadium match until tomorrow morning due to doubt over lock Dion Waller's hand injury. Mourie refused to say if Lomu would be in the side.
However, at training Darryl Lilley spent much of the time on the left wing, with Lomu coming on with the subs late in the piece.
Lomu only rejoined the Hurricanes on February 1 and had trained well since, Mourie said. But it's clear both Mourie and back coach David Rennie believe he's not yet match-sharp and needs hard work to get him back after his six-week spell.
Mourie said the February 1 deadline set by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union was not an issue.
``We accept the players have to have a decent rest. You only have to see the way Cully (Christian Cullen) is running now, compared to what he was six months ago,'' Mourie said.
``There's no doubt players do need time off and Jonah's had a high workrate in the past three or four years. He's played a lot of sevens as well as international rugby -- which most of the other players haven't been doing on a regular basis.
``We accept it's New Zealand's call and obviously we'll do the best we can for the team. We're going to look after Jonah as well as we can and at the same time try to make good decisions for the team.
``There is no (fitness) issue with Jonah at all. But we'll put what we think is the best prepared team on the field (against the Blues).''
The Hurricanes are also conscious of the kicking skills of Auckland playmaker Carlos Spencer, who has tormented Lomu on wet nights in the past. Wet weather is forecast again for Friday night.
``Darryl's very capable and he's scored a hell of a lot of tries for the Hurricanes with limited playing time,'' Mourie said.
Waller, who broke a bone in his hand a few weeks ago, again got through training, but a final decision will be made tomorrow.
There are no other injury worries.
Meanwhile, the Blues had a late replacement when form lock Vula Maimuri was named in their starting line-up, but then strained a hamstring. He was replaced by Xavier Rush. Troy Flavell moved to lock.
Possible Hurricanes: Christian Cullen, Daryl Lilley, Tana Umaga, Lome Fa'atau, Pita Alatini, David Holwell, Jason Spice or Brendan Haami, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Dion Waller, Paul Tito, Brent Thompson, Tony Penn, Andrew Hore, Gordon Slater (captain).
Blues: Malili Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Mark Mayerhofler, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Ron Cribb, Matua Parkinson, Glenn Taylor (captain), Troy Flavell, Xavier Rush, Kees Meeuws, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock.
NZPA WEP jh gs NZP
20/02/02 1126NZ

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-CHIEFS
ROOKIE LOCKS NAMED IN CHIEFS OPENING LINE-UP
Hamilton, Feb 20 - Keith Robinson will partner Kristian Ormsby in an inexperienced locking partnership for the Chiefs in their first Super 12 match of the rugby season on Saturday.
Chiefs coach Kevin Greene named the rookie pair today in his team to take on the New South Wales Waratahs in Rotorua in a 5.35pm match.
Former All Blacks lock Royce Willis is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in the opening pre-season game against the Blues and was not considered, while another former All Black, Chresten Davis, has also been troubled by a knee injury, although he was available for selection.
Bay of Plenty's experienced lock and captain Mark Weedon, who replaced Mark Cooksley when he was ruled out of the squad with his neck injury, has been named on the bench.
Robinson, who first came into the squad last year, gives the Chiefs their best middle-of-the-lineout jumping option at this stage, while the versatile young Ormsby, 21, brings much needed power and aggression while also covering the six and eight loose forward positions despite being new to Super 12 rugby.
``Kristian Ormsby has been most impressive in pre-season and has given us some real power and go-forward,'' said Greene, who has also got big raps on Weedon.
Much of the rest of the team is predictable, with loosie Scott Couch (infected knee cut) the only other player ruled out by injury.
Rhys Duggan gets the nod at halfback in what Greene said would be a continuing close contest with Danny Lee, while Glen Jackson's form has got him the first five-eighths berth with David Hill still working his way back from the wrist injury he suffered against the Blues.
Both Hill and last year's regular fullback Loki Crichton, who is also on the comeback from injury, have been named on the bench and will get game time. The in-form Todd Miller starts at fullback.
``It's probably fair to say that apart from Willis and Couch, everybody in the squad came into consideration and nobody has put themselves out of contention at this stage,'' Greene said.
``Individually we've performed really well in pre-season, but now it's a question of getting our team game going consistently.''
Greene said it was consistency that was the difference between the top teams and the rest.
``As (Wallabies coach) Eddie Jones said to us last year, if you drop 3 percent below your efficiency level you can be beaten by 30 points in this competition, but on the other hand, if you improve by 3 percent, you can win by 30,'' he said.
Chiefs: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Bruce Reihana, Mark Ranby, Glen Jackson, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (captain), Marty Holah, Keith Robinson, Kristian Ormsby, Jonno Gibbes, Deacon Manu, Keven Mealamu, David Briggs. Reserves: Loki Crichton, David Hill, Danny Lee, Wayne McEntee, Mark Weedon, Michael Collins, Guy Coleman.
NZPA HNT jh gs NZP
20/02/02 1000NZ

 

[Anders]

FETCHED BY ANDERS ON 20-FEB-02,08:30: NEW FILE NAME IS SHOR20-SUBEDS-WTE
RUGBY-SUPER-ACT-LEAD
BRUMBIES TURN TO GIANT LOCK TO BLUNT REDS' LINEOUT
Canberra, Feb 19, AAP - Dan Vickerman won the battle to replace David Giffin as the ACT Brumbies look to attack Queensland's strengths in the first match of their Super 12 rugby title defence on Saturday night.
Vickerman, a former South African under-21 representative, will partner Wallaby Justin Harrison at lock, keeping David Pusey on the reserves bench in the injury-enforced absence of Giffin.
At 2.04m, Vickerman is the tallest player in the Super 12 and his height will be a bonus against the Reds who have proven jumpers in Nathan Sharpe and Mark Connors.
Ex-league star Peter Ryan claimed the other contentious berth, starting at No 8 ahead of ex-Reds loose forward Scott Fava in the spot left vacant by Jim Williams' departure.
``There was nothing between Vickerman and Pusey and Ryan and Fava,'' Brumbies coach David Nucifora said.
``We'll be selecting our side from week to week based on what we feel we will need for particular opponents.''
Nucifora, a former Queensland hooker, said his team would look to attack his former state's strength at scrums and lineouts.
``Queensland have based their game for years on having stable set pieces,'' Nucifora said.
``To disrupt them, you need to challenge their possession as aggressively as possible.
``We won't be waiting for them. We'll be looking to take the game to them.''
The appearance of Wendell Sailor in the Queensland side has created great interest in Canberra with a crowd of more than 20,000 expected.
``Everyone in rugby is looking forward to seeing how he performs. It's a big test for him,'' Nucifora said.
``We've taken a look at how he's played over the last couple of trials and he has a lot to offer.''
ACT Brumbies: Andrew Walker, Mark Bartholomeusz, Stirling Mortlock, Pat Howard, Graeme Bond, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), Peter Ryan, George Smith, Owen Finegan, Dan Vickerman, Justin Harrison, Ben Darwin, Jeremy Paul, Bill Young.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Angus Scott, David Pusey, Scott Fava, Travis Hall, Tim Atkinson, Damian McInally.
AAP md

 

[Anders]

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RUGBY-SUPER-CRUSADERS-LEAD
HOPES RISE FOR MARSHALL TO PLAY AGAINST HIGHLANDERS
Christchurch, Feb 19, NZPA - All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall gave the Crusaders' Super 12 rugby build-up a boost when he got through a torrid training session today.
Marshall, 28, has been battling a foot injury which kept him out of the All Blacks' end-of-season tour in 2001 and restricted him to just 40 minutes of play in the Crusaders' two pre-season games.
He will still have to prove his fitness on Thursday to take his place behind the Crusaders' scrum for their Super 12 game against the Highlanders here on Saturday night.
Crusaders' coach Robbie Deans said the news from today's training session was ``more encouraging'' on a number of fronts.
``Marshy finished training, and Nathan Mauger, who strained a muscle this morning and Joe Maddock, who strained a muscle yesterday, also finished training, so that's good.
``In terms of Justin, we'll just have to see how he pulls up after training.''
Marshall's understudy Ben Hurst sat out some of today's training after slightly straining his a thigh muscle. Deans and Hurst both said the injury was not serious.
All Blacks lock Norm Maxwell is ready to play after being troubled during pre-season training this year with niggling hamstring and groin strains.
He missed the first warm-up game against the Reds in Greymouth, but came on for the second half when the Crusaders beat New South Wales in Blenheim last Thursday.
Maxwell today said he felt ``not too bad'' after the outing despite his limited preparation.
``I just used it as a bit of a hitout to get the legs working again. I'm just looking at working my way into the season and, hopefully my fitness will get better in the next three or four games.''
With Todd Blackadder now playing in Scotland, Maxwell will start the season as the Crusaders' senior lock and is likely to be paired with Chris Jack.
The two rangy middle-of-the-lineout specialists have forged a good understanding together for the All Blacks.
``We can pretty much alternate and do a good job in any position,'' Maxwell said.
``Jacko's played two (at the front of the lineout) more often than I have, so he'll probably slot in there, and I'm sure he'll do a good job.''

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-CRUSADERS
HIGHLANDERS BRACING FOR MORE OF THE SAME AT JADE STADIUM
By Kip Brook of NZPA
Christchurch, Feb 19, NZPA - Laurie Mains' Highlanders are bracing for more of what Otago struck in last year's NPC final at the Jade Stadium.
Canterbury beat Otago 30-16 in the final at Jade Stadium 15 weeks ago after trailing 6-16 at halftime.
The two teams for their first Super 12 match of 2002 on Saturday night are not greatly dissimilar to the sides that played in the NPC final with Kees Meeuws, Brendan Laney (both Otago), Todd Blackadder and Brad Thorn (both Crusaders) the main absentees.
Mains said after the November 3 final that the awarding of Justin Marshall's 46th minute try by video referee Steve Walsh was the turning point of Canterbury's win.
``All I can say is that Steve Walsh must have a different television set to me,'' he said.
``I'm at a loss to know how that try could be awarded. If you're playing Canterbury in Christchurch, you have to have things go for you.''
Canterbury's NPC approach last season was to play at ``100 miles an hour'' under Steve Hansen, now coaching Wales.
Mains said the Crusaders would adopt the same game plan this season.
``I don't think Robbie (Deans) will make too many changes to the way they played in the NPC. He'll have them firing.
``So we are anticipating a pretty quick game and creating spaces, but we're doing a bit of that ourselves.''
The Highlanders are in much better shape this week than Otago were in leading into the NPC final last year.
They lost Pita Alatini two days before the final and Tony Brown 20 minutes into the game. They also lost Jeff Wilson with concussion during the match.
``It had a big impact on our solidity in the backs when Andrew Mehrtens got his kicking game going,'' Mains said.
``Obviously we will be a bit better geared up than that this week.
``We're pretty excited about getting under way in the Super 12.
``It's been a long build up and we're in a positive frame of mind.
Prop Carl Hoeft is the only key Highlander out injured and his place is taken by Joe McDonnell.
Crusaders' halfback Marshall is in doubt and fullback Ben Blair has been ruled out.
Meanwhile, Mains disagreed with Hurricanes centre Tana Umaga who said the Super 12 should be scrapped.

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-HURRICANES-TEAM
HURRICANES TEAM FOR BLUES MATCH
Wellington, Feb 21 - Hurricanes team to play the Blues in a Super 12 rugby match at WestpacTrust Stadium here on Friday night:
Christian Cullen, Lome Fa'atau, Tama Umaga, Daryl Lilley, Pita Alatini, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Paul Tito, Dion Waller, Brent Thompson, Gordon Slater (captain), Andrew Hore, Tony Penn. Reserves: Jonah Lomu, Shannon Paku, Riki Flutey, Campbell Feather, Luke Andrews, Tony Coughlan, Shane Carter.
NZPA WGT jh NZP
21/02/02 0853NZ

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-REDS-SAILOR (with pix)
SAILOR READY FOR HOSTILE CANBERRA CROWD
Brisbane, Feb 21 AAP - High profile Queensland Reds recruit Wendell Sailor is ready for any taunts from a potentially hostile Canberra rugby crowd on Saturday night.
Dubbed ``Wendell the Wanker'' by Canberra Raiders fans during Brisbane Broncos games in his rugby league days, Sailor said today he was prepared for any stick.
``I live to play that sort of game,'' said Sailor, who makes his Super 12 debut against the ACT Brumbies.
``They've never really liked me anyway because of the (State of) Origin thing.
``As soon as I cross the border I know I won't get any support.''
Sailor, who has been the media magnet for the team for the last couple of months, said he felt the pressure but was mentally prepared for his biggest test since he switched codes.
``Now I've got to make sure I just get on the field and just do what I know best,'' he said.
Reds coach Mark McBain said Sailor would start on the left wing for the season's opening match.
Sailor's best advantage was his size, his speed and his agility, he said at the season launch in Brisbane today.
``We want to try to make it similar to the way he played in rugby league,'' McBain said.
``The advice I get from the Broncos - from Wayne Bennett, Gorden Tallis and all those sorts of people - is get the ball in his hands as often as you can and that's what we intend to do.''
Sailor acknowledged he had not yet mastered all the rules but said his team mates were very ``forthcoming'' when it came to helping him.
``At the end of the day we're all fighting for the same cause to win the Super 12s and they all want to see me succeed as much as I want to succeed.''
AAP hc
NZP
21/02/02 0609NZ

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-PREVIEW
PLENTY TO PROVE FOR NZ TEAMS
By Chris Barclay of NZPA
Wellington, Feb 20 NZPA - Attention has been focused on the New Zealand cricket team's recent purple patch, and rightly so, but there will be no dodging the spotlight for the country's top rugby players from this weekend as they seek Super 12 redemption.
New Zealand's five-year stranglehold on the southern hemisphere tournament was shattered last season when the Brumbies reigned supreme.
The season was a pitiful one for the five New Zealand franchises --for the first time no New Zealand team made the semifinals; the Highlanders at fifth were the highest finishers although most of the kudos was reserved for the sixth-placed Chiefs, whose mid-table finish helped All Blacks coach John Mitchell into the top job.
After a stuttering end to the last international season in Buenos Aires, Mitchell will start with a clean slate and new selection panel as he assembles the squad for his first serious pre-World Cup assignment -- winning back the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup.
Pre-season form has predictably thrown up as many questions as answers.
Can a fifth coach in as many years work for the Blues?
How badly will the Crusaders miss the talisman-like leadership of Todd Blackadder?.
Can Laurie Mains work the oracle for a remodelled Highlanders outfit, the Kiwi team with the highest reliance on the draft.
Can the Chiefs do it again? Can the Hurricanes do it week in, week out?
Of the New Zealand sides, the Crusaders appear the best equipped to challenge the Brumbies dominance, despite their grim 10th placing last year.
This year, under new captain Reuben Thorne, another in the ``follow me'' leadership mould, the squad boasts 18 past or current All Blacks.
Only three of the 28-member squad -- Aucklanders Orene Ai'i, Nick White and Corey Flynn (Southland) -- are not playing their provincial rugby with NPC champions Canterbury.
The livewire Ai'i, overlooked by the Blues, might well end up making his home province pay for their lack of faith in him, much as Ron Cribb did two years ago in red and black colours.
The Auckland-based franchise were a dismal 11th last year, failing to recover from the initial impediments of having neither a recognised tighthead prop, a goal kicker or captain.
Those oversights have been addressed although the front row stocks still look a little thin should either Kees Meeuws -- back from Otago -- or Christian Califano (France) spend some serious time on the sideline.
New coach Peter Sloane's gave Northland and former All Blacks lock Glenn Taylor the captaincy, a move designed to heighten the team's appeal outside Auckland.
Cribb, who's form fell away last season, in a year dogged by injury, is among a forward pack with plenty to prove as he seeks to regain the All Blacks No 8 jersey.
Veteran midfielders Mark Mayerhofler and Lee Stensness are back from stints in France and there is express pace out wide in the form of Fijian flyer Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Doug Howlett.
The Blues have been impressive in the pre-season, racking up more than 100 points in romps against the Reds and Waratahs.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Hurricanes have had three losses, placing coach Graham Mourie under pressure already.
As usual, expect fireworks from a backline brimming with talent --Brad Fleming, Tana Umaga, Pita Alatini, Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu (once fit) will again create mayhem given enough quality ball.
The loose forwards are among the most mobile in the competition but it is up front the Hurricanes may struggle with captain Gordon Slater the pick of what is otherwise a front row of the future.
Also, can the Hurricanes keep their emotions in check and play with 15 for the duration?
Mains has the pedigree to continue the Highlanders tradition of being the only New Zealand team to finish in the top six since the competition's inception.
He took the Cats from 11th (1999) to 3rd in two years and improved the Otago NPC side from 8th (2000) to losing finalists last year.
The loss of Meeuws leaves a big void up front but the Highlanders can still call on two current All Blacks hookers and captains (Anton Oliver and Tom Willis) plus two other internationals in Carl Hayman and Carl Hoeft.
Much will be expected from Wellington midfielder Paul Steinmetz who made a well-publicised swap with Alatini. Jeff Wilson has another season to prove he still has the passion to play at top level.
The Chiefs, under Kevin Greene, have a simple philosophy -- try to maintain the momentum from last season.
Led by last year's New Zealand Super 12 player of the year Deon Muir, the Chiefs won't lack for resolve up front but they may struggle to improve on last year's placing and make the semis for a first time.
Although new Brumbies coach David Nucifora will be missing Wallabies Joe Roff, Rod Kafer, David Giffin and Jim Williams he still has an experienced core to chose from -- including former Wallaby midfielder Pat Howard who is back from Britain.
Nucifora has been pressured by predecessor Eddie Jones to switch Larkham to fullback to limit the weekly punishment he receives at pivot. With that in mind the trend-setting Brumbies are keen to develop a backline where all seven are capable of playing every position.
Wendell Sailor has attracted the headlines ahead of the Reds season but the Queenslanders chances will also be dependent on how they handle the loss of John Eales and Michael Foley.
Daniel Herbert has taken over as captain but has been in doubt with a hand injury. Test stars Totai Kefu and Matt Cockbain form an important part of the pack.
The New South Welshmen, eighth last year, have never made the semis and need to win on the road to be realistic title contenders. They have won only seven of 33 games outside Sydney.
Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer has had no hesitation putting league convert Mat Rogers at fullback for their competition opener against the Chiefs. He has been clearly impressed with Rogers' adaption from league. Wallaby Matt Burke has moved to centre to accommodate the former Kangaroo.
Surprise finalists last year, the Sharks, face losing their coach Rudolph Straeuli, if as expected, he takes over as the Springboks coach.
Veteran lock Mark Andrews captains a side, whose major acquisition is former Cats fullback Thinus Delport.
The Cats, beaten semifinalists last time under Mains, have been ravaged by injuries with Springboks Andre Venter, Andre Vos and Rassie Erasmus out of action initially.
Crocked players also threaten to scupper the Stormers with Bob Skinstad, Robbie Fleck and Breyton Paulse not expected to take part until April.
Perennial strugglers, the Bulls, should again battle to make an impact.
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21/02/02 0604NZ

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-SHARKS
SHARKS HIT BY INJURIES
Durban Feb 20 Sapa - Springboks centre Trevor Halstead, already battling to overcome injury ahead of the Sharks' first 2002 Super 12 rugby match against the Stormers in Durban on Friday night, was dealt a further blow this week.
Halstead injured a knee during training on Monday.
Indications are that he iwill be out of action for the first half of the competition.
Deon Kayser, Charl van Rensburg, newcomer Nicky van der Walt and hooker John Smit are also on the injury list, but are expected to be fit for the match.
Rudi Keil from Boland has joined the Sharks.
The team's assistant coach Theo van Rensburg will remain at home next week when the rest of the Sharks squad travel to New Zealand for their first away game against the Highlanders.
With only 24 players travelling to Dunedin, van Rensburg will be assessing more players to select a further four to travel with him to Sydney to join the Sharks.
Sharks squad:
Backs: Ricardo Loubscher, Thinus Delport, Rodger Smith, Andre Snyman, Stefan Terblanche, Werner Gey van Pittius, Herkie Kruger, Gaffie du Toit, Craig Davidson, Chad Alcock.
Forwards: Ollie le Roux, Lukas van Biljon, Deon Carstens, Etienne Fynn, Eduard Coetzee, Albert van den Berg, Mark Andrews, Philip Smit, AJ Venter, Shaun Sowerby, Warren Britz, Wayne van Heerden.
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20/02/02 1921NZ

 

[Anders]

RUGBY-SUPER-AUST
BRUMBIES THE FLAGBEARERS AGAIN
By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA Sydney, Feb 20 - Queensland and New South Wales may have snared the big-name league recruits but the ACT Brumbies remain not only the best Australian prospects but the team for everyone to beat in rugby's Super 12.
Last year's coach Eddie Jones has left the Brumbies to take up his Australian post but otherwise the Canberra-based side boasts essentially the same personnel that saw them reach a different level to their opponents in claiming the 2001 title.
However, new coach David Nucifora says his team need to develop further if they are to keep the crown.
``What Eddie left behind here made my job a lot easier because the place is very well organised and structured,'' Nucifora said.
``You can't improve on first but there are other ways to measure improvement and success. We are about making the Brumbies a successful team for a long period of time.''
The biggest holes are left by injured lock David Giffin and the departed Rod Kafer and Joe Roff.
Roff's absence can by covered out wide to some degree by the brilliant Andrew Walker, the Brumbies' proven version of in-coming rugby league stars Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers. That pair will do well to make the impression at the Reds and Waratahs respectively that Walker has in two seasons.
Second-five eighth Kafer can be covered by the equally-intelligent Pat Howard, who has arrived from Leicester.
Playing outside the halves pairing of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, and inside rejuvenated centre Stirling Mortlock, the Brumbies' back division has multiple threats.
Up front, props Bill Young and Ben Darwin have been rejoined by dynamic hooker Jeremy Paul, who missed most of last year's campaign with injury. George Smith and Owen Finegan remain two of the premier flankers in the world while lock Justin Harrison is a first-rate ball-winner.
The Brumbies and the Queensland Reds have excellent home records so both are helped by getting six of their 11 games allocated at home.
A late run of matches at Ballymore saw the Reds reach the semifinals last season despite losing five of their first six games.
Under second-year coach Mark McBain, they must quickly recover from the retirement of legendary lock John Eales.
The Reds pack remains as workman-like as ever, with No 8 Toutai Kefu providing the spark. Elton Flatley will fill the troublesome first five-eighth spot and is an important link to their strong outsides. Steve Kefu and Daniel Herbert are a powerful midfield pair while the likes of Ben Tune, Sailor and Chris Latham are all potential match-winners.
Boasting the bulk of Australia's player base and finances, it is a source of embarrassment to New South Wales that they have never finished better than sixth.
As usual, the Waratahs are being hyped as big chances this year but remain the least-likely of the Australian squads.
In a manufactured-looking backline, Rogers provides an unknown value from fullback while Matt Burke could be a success or failure at centre.
Coach Bob Dwyer will demand more from his forwards, with loosies Phil Waugh, David Lyons, prop Patricio Noriega and hooker Brendan Cannon the key performers.
The Waratahs made a blistering start with several home matches last year but their mettle will be tested with three away fixtures to kick of this season.
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20/02/02 1727NZ