Don't feel obliged to read all this but I thought if you're betting on these games you might want to know a bit extra about what's going on.
Season Preview:
The Crusaders and the ACT Brumbies clash on Friday in the perfect start to the 2001 Super 12 rugby championship: a replay of the 2000 grand final.
The series opener will be back at Canberra's Bruce Stadium, where the Crusaders last May grabbed their third successive Super 12 crown when first five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens landed a long-range penalty to secure a 20-19 win.
As a result, the Crusaders' championship dominance continued and the highly favoured Brumbies failed to become the first non-New Zealand franchise to win the Super 12 since it evolved out of the Super 10 competition in 1996.
Brumbies coach Eddie Jones has admitted that his squad were rocked by the grand final loss, particularly after beating the Crusaders in Christchurch two weeks earlier to finish atop the regular season standings, but he said it didn't need to be mentioned to provide motivation.
``We're casting our minds forward,'' Jones said.
``It's more important for us that we're playing Canterbury, who are a very good side, who are the champions of the Super 12, who have set the standards in the Super 12 ... it's a very important game first up for us.''
The Brumbies' flamboyant attacking style and their 13 Australian internationals have made the Canberra-based franchise hot favourites to win the 2001 edition of the southern hemisphere's premier provincial competition.
Australian and New Zealand betting shops list the Brumbies at No 1, with opinions varied about the next best chance. The New Zealand TAB has the Hurricanes at No 2 based on odds, with the Crusaders and Blues joint third.
Australia's SportsTab betting agency lists the Crusaders behind the Brumbies but ahead of the Hurricanes.
With Australian and Brumbies first five-eighth Steve Larkham in doubt with a hamstring injury, the balance Friday could tip back in the Crusaders favour.
Neither franchise is saying the first-round encounter counts for anything more than an early win.
Despite the strength of their three-quarter line, the absence of the Larkham-George Gregan inside backs pairing could give the Crusaders an edge.
New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder spearheads a Crusaders forward pack that he says is being underestimated in its bid for a fourth successive title.
``It's irrelevant to us,'' Blackadder said of forecasters who rate the Brumbies as favourites.
``We are focusing on what we can do, not what people think of us. We start on equal footing this year and we have a young side with a few injuries but we have everything to play for and we've had a good preparation.''
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said a fourth successive crown was important, but it was crucial to win the opening match.
``People will refer to the possible fourpeat but it's of no consequence to us,'' Deans said.
The Johannesburg-based Golden Cats, who scraped into the semifinals last year after reversing a horror mid-season losing stretch, and the Western Stormers, headquartered in Cape Town, are the pick of South Africa's four franchises.
Both camps should get a good gauge of their season prospects when they meet Saturday (Sunday NZ time) in a first-round match at Cape Town.
``It's a tough way to start the Super 12, having to play the Stormers. They are a very good side, although they have never beaten us,'' Cats captain Rassie Erasmus said.
``It's time we got our act together on the overseas leg of the tournament this year.
``We have the experience, as we showed when we turned round the poor result against the Brumbies by running them close in the semifinal last year. We are ready, and we have no excuses any more.''
The Hurricanes, with their highly-rated All Blacks back three of Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga, opens their campaign on Saturday against the Reds in Brisbane.
The Reds have a new coach in former Wallabies hooker Mark McBain, who ousted stalwart John Connolly for this season.
Queensland have Australian skipper John Eales to lead the forwards and Wallabies centre Dan Herbert to direct the backs, but they have lost significant strength with the retirements of midfield back Tim Horan and flanker David Wilson.
In other matches, the New South Wales Waratahs host the Chiefs and in local derbies at either extreme of the tournament's boundaries, the Highlanders, semifinalists last season, host the Blues in Dunedin and the Coastal Sharks are at home to the Northern Bulls in Durban.
The Sharks finished at the foot of the standings last year when the Bulls produced an upset last-round win over the Hurricanes, their first win of the season. The Bulls finished 11th.
Both teams are rank outsiders again this season, although Bulls coach Phil Pretorius says it's time for a change.
``We have had to rid the players of the cloud of pessimism hanging over them. While we can't promise the fans that we will win everything, we can promise passion and commitment,'' he said.
Weekend Info:
Reds v Hurricanes
The Hurricanes can look forward to stifling humidity for the start of their Super 12 campaign against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Long-range weather forecasts hint at a high of 24degC, and a low temperature of only fractionally less. Rain is forecast and the humidity count is extremely close to 100 percent.
Halfback Jason Spice is one who remembers what it can be like at Ballymore in such conditions, having played for the Blues against the Reds in a night game in 1998.
``It was nice and hot and sticky. That was our first game too. And it was a lot tougher in those conditions than what we're used to.
``The humidity is not something we'll get used too, but we have to be prepared for it. We just have to be aware that it's going to hit us, and the water boys are going to have to be on the job.''
Vice-captain Spice says the Hurricanes, nevertheless, were confident they could do the job against the Reds.
Hurricanes rugby coach Graham Mourie was happy with the side's late night training gallop at Porirua Park last night.
Kupu Vanisi is a bit unsure what to expect from the referee in Saturday's Super 12 rugby match against the Reds in Brisbane, but the Hurricanes flanker has worked out a strategy to cope.
``I'm just going to give everything a go and if he penalises me I'll adapt to that,'' Vanisi said.
The reason for such a liberal attitude is simple. Every year the law interpretations change, creating havoc for flankers at the breakdown.
This year Vanisi and his team-mates have noticed significant differences between what New Zealand referees are ruling on, and their Australian counterparts' decisions.
South African Carl Spannenberg will be controlling the Hurricanes on the field in Brisbane on Saturday and their unfamiliarity with him adds to the lottery on what will be deemed legal and illegal.
The Vanisi family has been operating partly on Australian time this week with Kupu, who normally goes to bed about 10pm, trying to stay up until 1am.
That is to help him get used to the three-hour time difference between Brisbane and Wellington, which will see Saturday's game start at 11.05pm NZ time.
``It's going to be weird. I'll be wanting to go to bed and the game will only be starting,'' Vanisi said.
The Hurricanes were to train at 10pm at Porirua Park tonight to help the players get used to the time difference, which was partly blamed for their lacklustre effort in Brisbane two years ago when they lost a boring match 0-11.
Hooker Norm Hewitt survived last night's training and is expected to be named in the starting 15 tomorrow in a mainly predictable team.
With Filo Tiatia's calf injury still ruling him out, Jerry Collins will play at No 8 with Rodney So'oialo on the blindside.
Daryl Lilley will play on the left wing for the injured Jonah Lomu with Tana Umaga, one of the best wings in the world last year, in his new position of centre.
Hurricanes (likely): Christian Cullen, Daryl Lilley, Tana Umaga, Brad Fleming, Jason O'Halloran, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Dion Waller, Inoke Afeaki, Rodney So'oialo, Gordon Slater (captain), Norm Hewitt and Kevin Yates.
Reserves: Brendan Haami, Tanner Vili, Paul Steinmetz; Davin Heaps, Paul Tito, Tony Coughlan, Campbell Feather.
Stormers v Cats
Cats coach Laurie Mains, concerned over the fitness of Springbok Japie Mulder, will delay naming his line-up for the Super 12 clash with fellow South African side the Stormers until the day of the match.
Japie Mulder has been troubled with groin and calf strains and has been bracketed by Mains with Grant Esterhuizen and former Bulls player Eugene Meyer in the midfield.
Mulder could play one half of the match at outside centre to combat the threat of fellow Springbok Robbie Fleck.
Mains has also bracketed Free State's Jimmy Powell and Chad Alcock from Eastern Province at halfback. He will decide which one plays after seeing the weather in Cape Town.
Alcock was the Sharks' first choice at the start of the 2000 campaign but lost his place as a poor season unfolded.
The Cats will be captained by Springbok flanker Rassie Erasmus who forms part of a formidable loose trio which includes Springbok skipper Andre Vos at number eight and fellow international Andre Venter.
Sharks v Bulls
South African under-21 player Butch James has been named for the Sharks' opening Super 12 fixture against the Bulls in Durban on Friday.
James, a first five-eighth, will make his Super 12 debut in a new-look backline for the three-time semi-finalists who slumped to the bottom of the standings in 2000.
New coach Rudolf Straeuli has paired James with South African under-23 halfback Craig Davidson.
The combination carried Natal, who provide 14 of the Sharks starting line-up, to the Currie Cup final in 2000.
The Sharks team also includes two black players -- the most ever fielded in a South African Super 12 side.
Springbok tourists Ricardo Loubscher (fullback) and Deon Kayser (centre) are in the starting line-up while black prop Etienne Fynn is on the bench.
Highlanders v Blues
Blues centre Jeremy Stanley is among a cast of comebacks at Carisbrook on Friday as the Highlanders host the start of the Super 12 rugby season.
Jeff Wilson's reappearance for the Highlanders may warrant top billing, but Stanley's return to the Super 12 will come after a horrific run of injuries.
Almost two years ago, Stanley's right knee was badly mangled at Carisbrook in Dunedin where he was combining a rugby career with the Highlanders and his medical training.
After a year's lay-off, Stanley's knee failed a warrant of fitness check in a trial game and there were doubts he would get back to top-level rugby.
But, after more surgery and a move back to the Blues, Stanley will resume his rugby life on Carisbrook after winning a tight selection duel with Craig Innes.
Further renaissances range from the recasting of Highlanders captain Taine Randell as an openside flanker through the revival of their old All Blacks front row to the rebranding of others like Ron Cribb, Glenn Taylor, Rua Tipoki, Iliesa Tanivula and Aisea Tuilevu in new franchise livery.
Initially, new Blues coaches Frank Oliver and John Kirwan thought Stanley might take time before he challenged for a start.
``The Southern Cross series in Australia showed us quickly that he was ready,'' Oliver said today.
``He played in every game, he showed he had adjusted to the tempo, his body was right and he was mentally adjusted. He is ready to go.''
Stanley would be an intimidating opponent for his former Highlanders team-mates. He had an uncomplicated, confrontational style, good communication and ``likes smacking people over in defence''.
Stanley's selection was the surprise Blues choice today, while Xavier Rush's selection on the blindside flank split up a potential North Harbour loose forward trio.
``Xavier has played just a bit more rugby than Craig Newby and that gives him the nod,'' Oliver said.
``This game is going to get pretty physical, so I wanted to have the most hardened group out there for a start.''
The Highlanders have taken a similar selection route.
They have beefed up their loose forward experience by switching Randell to the openside, instead of rookie Josh Blackie, and moving Kelvin Middleton to the blindside.
That alteration was canvassed at the end of last season by the All Blacks selectors, who suggested Randell's international fortunes might be helped with a swap to openside breakaway.
All Blacks halfback Byron Kelleher will not start the game because of a niggly foot injury, but is expected to come off the reserves bench during the second half.
Wilson's return brings up his 200th first-class game of rugby, a mark equalled by Taylor in his return to the Blues pack after last season's stint as Chiefs captain.
There are many provincial links between the two sides, but perhaps the most unusual involves the three Fijian wingers.
Blues wing Joeli Vidiri is Tuilevu's uncle and a cousin of Tanivula.
Highlanders coach Peter Sloane initially hinted Wilson might resume as a winger, but with Tuilevu and Tanivula showing strong form Wilson has been restored in what used to be his favourite fullback position.
Teams:-
Blues: Orene Ai'i, Joeli Vidiri, Jeremy Stanley, Rua Tipoki, Doug Howlett, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Ron Cribb, Matua Parkinson, Xavier Rush, Robin Brooke (captain), Glenn Taylor, Craig Dowd, Slade McFarland, Paul Thomson.
Reserves: Steve Devine, Justin Wilson, Mils Muliaina, Craig Newby, Charles Reichelmann, Tevita Taumoepeau, Keven Mealamu.
Highlanders: Jeff Wilson, Aisea Tuilevu, Romi Ropati, Pita Alatini, Iliesa Tanivula, Tony Brown, Billy Fulton, Samiu Vahafolau, Taine Randell (captain), Kelvin Middleton, John Blaikie, Simon Maling, Kees Meeuws, Anton Oliver, Carl Hoeft.
Reserves: Brendan Laney, Mark Urwin, Byron Kelleher, Josh Blackie, Vula Maimuri, Carl Hayman, Tom Willis.
George Leaupepe is out injured and Byron Kelleher will be on the reserves bench for the Highlanders' Super 12 rugby match against the Blues at Carisbrook here on Friday night.
Leaupepe will watch the game from the grandstand because of a knee injury while Kelleher, the regular starting halfback last year, will be in the reserves because of his on-going foot problem.
Romi Ropati will take Leaupepe's place at centre, while Billy Fulton will get his first Super 12 start at halfback.
Coach Peter Sloane today described the absence of Leaupepe and Kelleher's naming in the reserves as ``a bit of a setback''.
``George is a key part of the midfield and Byron is obviously a key player at halfback.
``But we've had to go for 100 percent fitness and pace around the field. We just can't take any risks.''
There was confidence early this week Leaupepe would be fit to play, but he aggravated the injury when he was tackled at training.
Sloane said Leaupepe should be fit for the second round game, against the Cats in Johannesburg.
Kelleher tried to be philosophical as he sat out the main part of team training with an ice-pack on his inflamed plantar fascia, the tissue which connects the sole of the foot to the heel bone.
``It's gutting not being able to start, but sometimes it can be quite inspiring coming off the bench,'' he said.
Sloane said Kelleher's foot was ``pretty good'' yesterday, not so good today, but he was optimistic it would settle down by Friday night.
``It's disappointing for him and us, but the medical staff are confident he'll be able to front up for some game time.''
Sloane said Fulton had worked hard, was ``super fit and ready to go''.
``His attitude's been outstanding and he's had more game time than Byron in the pre-season matches.''
Fulton is one of three players who will play his first run-on game for the Highlanders. The others are Fijian wings Aisea Tuilevu and Iliesa Tanivula.
While Sloane earlier indicated he would prefer to play Jeff Wilson on the wing, he will be at fullback against the Blues.
``We're trying to utilise our speed with the two Fijian boys and Jeff at the back.
``I think we need all the pace we can muster and, when you look at what the Blues have got, we're going to have to react quickly and also attack ourselves.''
Captain Taine Randell will start on the openside flank rather than in his preferred blindside role.
Sloane said the injury to Finau Maka, and the fact newcomer Josh Blackie had not had a lot of pre-season game time, had influenced that decision.
Maka, Leaupepe, prop Joe McDonnell and wing Neil Brew were the players not considered because of injury.
The forwards, with the exception of No 8 Samiu Vahafolau, are the Otago pack from last year, but there will be much interest in how the backline knits together.
The Blues side include 10 past or present All Blacks in the starting 15, including former Highlanders Jeremy Stanley, Rua Tipoki and Doug Howlett.
Waratahs v Chiefs
The little and large of New South Wales rugby will make their Super 12 debut this week as new coach Bob Dwyer opts for a fresh start for the Waratahs.
Winger Brendan Williams and prop Matt Dunning, both 22, were named in the Waratahs' starting side to play the Chiefs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night but that's where the similarities end.
Williams weighs in at a fragile 71kg, while Dunning tips the scales at 122kg, even after losing weight over the summer.
But Williams has belied his size in pre-season form and has complemented his electrifying attack by getting involved in heavy traffic and defence.
Many experts, Dwyer included, predict Dunning will be a Wallaby as early as this year.
``Matt Dunning is an extremely good player. Without wanting to motivate the Australian props any more, he will be there sooner or later,'' Dwyer said.
They are two of four players set to make their Super 12 debut, with lock Jono West and centre Luke Inman also named while another rookie, Drew Hickey was selected on the reserves bench.
Chris Whitaker beat Sam Payne to the hotly contested halfback berth while flanker Phil Waugh was named vice-captain, assisting Matt Burke who leads the side from fullback.
Dwyer admitted halfback was a difficult decision but Whitaker's defence gave him the job although he said Payne would see plenty of game time.
Dunning admitted his rise, although taking the classic route through the Australian Schoolboys, under-19s and under-21s, was rapid for a prop.
``Two years ago I was still in the bar up there watching the game having a good time,'' he said today.
``I was lucky enough to be seen when I was young and be developed by the AIS programme and the under-21s.''
Roly poly as he came through the ranks, he has toned his huge frame and retains great mobility for a big man.
``I changed my body shape a little bit, I've lost a bit around my waist but I've only dropped two or three kilos,'' he said.
``I've got a long way to go, I'm just thrilled to be playing on Saturday and playing Super 12 against guys I've watched for years and have idolised.''
Williams, on the other had, has worked at adding flesh to his frame and although he can bench press 30kg more than his body weight, he is still the smallest man in the Super 12.
``I think it's an advantage,'' he said.
``Guys can have strength and power but don't have the skills, I've got skills and speed at the same time.
``Big guys get tired pretty quick. I have freedom that Bob gives me to run around and take a big guy on.''
Marc Stcherbina was named on the other wing while Wallaby tourist Scott Staniforth is on the bench.
NSW: Matt Burke (captain), Brendan Williams, Luke Inman, Nathan Grey, Marc Stcherbina, Manuel Edmonds, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Stu Pinkerton, Jono West, Peter Besseling, Rod Moore, Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning.
Reserves: Mark Crick, Alastair Baxter, Fili Finau, Drew Hickey, Scott Staniforth, Christian Warner, Sam Payne.
Brumbies v Crusaders
Injury has forced All Black Andrew Mehrtens out of the Canterbury Crusaders' opening Super 12 rugby match against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra on Friday.
Mehrtens has a groin injury which has kept him out of the squad named today to play the Brumbies.
He has been struggling to shrug off the injury for some time. Aaron Mauger will now wear the No 10 jersey in place of Mehrtens in the Crusaders' line up.
Mehrtens' withdrawal is only part of the injury toll facing the reigning champions. Centres Mark Robinson (achilles), Nathan Mauger (cracked rib), and All Black lock Norm Maxwell (muscle problem) were also not considered for the Brumbies match.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said today he hoped Mehrtens would recover from the injury within the next week.
Deans spoke to Mehrtens about his fitness at the final training session before the side flew out to Canberra later today.
Mehrtens was changed for training but took no part in the final hit-out.
Mauger and fullback Ben Blair will share the goalkicking duties.
Another feature of the side is former Brisbane Broncos' league forward Brad Thorn being listed in the reserves, probably to come on at some stage as an impact player.
All Black prop Greg Feek has been bracketed with David Hewitt and a final decision will be made closer to Friday night's kick off.
New Zealand A prop Con Barrell will pack down at loosehead.
Daryl Gibson, Leon MacDonald and Mark Hammett who have all had minor injuries in the last week have reported fully fit and are included in the 22-man squad.
The Brumbies are the TAB's favourites to win the Super 12 and are at short odds to win on Friday night despite the Crusaders winning the last three Super 12 titles.
The Brumbies Wallaby first five Stephen Larkham is in doubt for the game.
Crusaders squad:
Backs: Ben Blair, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Marika Vunibaka, Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger, Justin Marshall; Forwards: Sam Broomhall, Scott Robertson, Chris Jack, Todd Blackadder, Reuben Thorne, Con Barrell, Matt Sexton, Greg Somerville.
Reserves: Leon MacDonald, Afato So'oalo, Ben Hurst; Greg Feek/David Hewitt, Mark Hammett, Brad Thorn, Dallas Seymour.
) and as promised I intend to 'cap each week for anyone intersted.