good start jotster
Super 12)
Game Two) Waratahs v Cats, Aussie Staduim
Waratahs -23/25.5
The Waratahs return home from a surprising 3-match trip to NZ and SA at the top of the Super 12 table. And they couldn't have got better opposition for their first match in front of home fans.
The Cats couldn't match it with the Highlanders at Carisbrook in rd 3. They were unlucky not to peg back the score in the latter stages of the first half after the home team jumped out to a good lead but rarely threatened after and only scored their sole try in the last minute from an intercept as the Highlanders threw it around.
They may miss Bobo's attacking talents but he was an awful defender who couldn't tackle. Coach Frans Ludeke has made a number of changes following 2 bigh thumpings away, with first-five and goalkicker Louis Koen replaced by Andre Pretorius.
Rudi Coetzee comes in for Bobo, Willie Meyer is back from suspension and will be partnered at prop by Lawrence Spehaka.
``In the last two games we named our supposed best 15 and got drilled,'' Ludeke said.
``We have nothing to lose by giving these guys a chance. Maybe they can provide the spark.''
Sounds like the words of a desperate man to me.
Noriega is out and has been replaced on the bench by Al Baxter and Simon Kasprowicz, younger brother of test cricketer Michael, comes in on the flank for Des Tuiavii; otherwise it's business as usual for the Waratahs.
Skipper Matt Burke, an unqualified success at centre this season, has talked about the return travel factor from SA but it certainly didn't harm the 'canes last night.
I can't imagine coach Bob Dwyer letting his team's superb start slip here. Mat Rogers has slipped in comfortably at fullback, Staniforth and Stcherbina have their confidence high and the pack has been solid.
Waratahs won this encounter 51-16 when the 2 teams last met in Sydney and should roll again tonight.
PLAY WARATAHS -23
Game Three) Bulls v Brumbies, Loftus Versfield
Bulls +26.5
Yuck! Just can't play a team in SA giving that many points, even though it would be no surprise if the Brumbies won by 40. The Bulls are a rabbble; have made wholesale playing changes in a week that has seen many officials and ex-players calling for the head of coach Heyneke Meyer. Brumbies have Andrew Walker back at fullback and will cruise here.
NO PLAY
Game Four) Stormers v Highlanders, Newlands
Pick 'em
Now we'll find out how good the Highlanders truly are as they step out of the South Island for the first time.
They've looked great in their first 3 outings - 3-0 ATS, 2-1 SU - and have the backs and forwards combining nicely under Laurie Mains. Jeff Wilson looks to be near his best again on the wing while Aisea Tuilevu replaces Romi Ropati on the left wing as the only change.
The Stormers have been a surprise package; beating the Sharks away and thumping the 'canes at home while being pipped at home by the Waratahs.
Percy Montgomery kicked well last week so that will keep Werner Greef at first five, where he is getting good service from impressive halfback Johannes Conradie. Their pack will be tested though against the Highlanders.
Strangely enough, Newlands is probably the Highlanders' fave away ground, having won here in three of their last 4 visits.
The value is probably with the home team in a pick 'em but I think the Highlanders are a very good unit and could upset.
NO PLAY
Game Five) Reds v Crusaders, Ballymore
Crusaders +2.5
No 5-unit play here alas!
This game will be played 4pm Qld time and the temp is expected to be around 30 degrees celsius - the Reds hope it will be a key weapon.
They staved off the Chiefs last weekend for their 2nd successive home win but it was an ugly affair with not much to recommend. Reds are good snaffling other teams' throws but hooker Sean Hardman was terrible trying to find his own players and the Crusaders' efficient line-out, with All Blacks' Chris Jack, Norm Maxwell and Reuben Thorne, should snare a good supply of ball.
I think the Crusaders pack will have an edge too and this will place pressure on the ball that Sam Cordingley, Elton Flatley and Steve Kefu - weak links in the Reds' line-up I believe - get to work with.
The Crusaders have Mark Robinson replacing Nathan Mauger at centre while Sam Broomhall continues at No8 after coming on v the Blues for the injured Scott Robertson.
Marshall and Mehrtens again need to control the game for the visitors and with their strong bench a bonus in the conditions, I think the Crusaders have the pedigree here to stay unbeaten.
PLAY CRUSADERS +2.5
GLTA
