Super Rugby Preview: Week 7

We return to normal this week after the much-hyped match at Twickenham last Sunday; saying this is, however, certainly not indicative of less excitement for the upcoming fixtures. Arguably the match of the weekend, as a contest, has again been saved for last with the Stormers travelling to Durban to face the Sharks. In addition, this weekend has thrown up a few fixtures where tries could be aplenty and a few arse-kickings are in order here.

We start with the Highlanders against the Brumbies in Invercargill and the setting of the world's worst weather looks like it won't disappoint with rain predicted for Friday night's fixture (NZ time). The return of Colin Slade will prove an immeasurable boost for the Highlanders but we may have to wait a week or two for his full potential as a result of a lack of match-fitness. The Brumbies have been a bunch of knobs so far this season and will find it difficult in the unfavourable conditions. Matt Giteau has been one of their few shining lights but the ever-present Adam Thomson and the rest of the Highlanders should be too much.

The Waratahs bounced back with a solid win last week and host the Chiefs on Friday. Catfish Beale is back at flyhalf, the position where he showered himself more in excrement than glory in his early days in the number 10 shirt, but he is a much more experienced player and the battle against Delany should be interesting with both bringing much attacking flair to the table. This could be a good one and should see one pretty sweet tries.

Roturua plays host to what could be a real blowout. The Blues have been very good so far and the Cheetahs have a history of being atrocious against New Zealand opposition away from home. They are without Heinrich Brussow and will struggle to compete with the Blues pace and power. Just looking at the two backlines clearly illustrates the gulf in class: Wilmaure Louw (???) v Rene Ranger, Mcallister v Corner Uys; good god! The only chance the Cheetahs have is if Hennie Daniller magically turns up injury-free but it doesn't look like we'll be blessed with the big man's presence this weekend. I'm definitely backing the Blues here!

Game two on Saturday features two of the under-performers of the season. The 'Canes and the Bulls have been poor so far and both will be looking for a big performance. We all know, however, that the dutchmen miss the comforts of home and aren't renowned for being particularly good travelers. I mean, life has to be hard without an abundance of steak and two-tone shirts at one's disposal. The Hurricanes have Hosea Gear back this week but with Daniel 'I like to get run over by everyone I try tackle' Kirkpatrick at fylhalf they might as well not play. This one is difficult to call and really could go either way.

 The Force v Rebels game in Perth could be a good one as well as both of these Australian sides have shown glimpses of good play that their positions on the log don't reflect. They currently sit 13th and 12th, respectively, but don't let this discourage you as we should see some good attacking rugby. They both fancy to throw the pigskin around and we should see some fan-friendly play. It will be interesting to see if the Rebels' bi-weekly routine continues and it is no coincidence that this has accompanied their home and away fixtures. The new kids on the block have won 2 of their 4 home fixtures, losing one narrowly to the Sharks, and have lost woefully in their 2 away matches. I'm picking the Force for this one.

The Reds begin their South African tour with a a match against the erratic Lions. Despite all the hype they find themselves in the same position on the log as they usually do and the only real change is the manner in which they lose rather than an actual change in results. Their attacking play is almost an excuse for being a bunch of bums but this won't get them very far. The Reds adopt a similar game plan but actually have the quality to pull it off. So poor and unreliable has Elton Jantjies been so far that the Lions have called back Andre Pretorius to start at 10 which is far from encouraging for them. The young man should use this time to work on his bop and his place-kicking but it shouldn't be long; Pretorius is always good for an injury soon after a come-back. Digby Ioane at outside centre will be exciting and the Reds should take this one quite comfortably.

Last of all we have the feature match between the Sharks and the Stormers. The Stormers, along with the Crusaders, are the form side so far and looked exceptional against the Force last week. They showed a complete performance and added the tries to their game that the Newlands faithful were delighted to see, at least those who took sunglasses to the stadium. The Sharks have been struggling, having lost their last two games and without Lambie and now Potgieter, unconfirmed, they will struggle without a recognised goal-kicker. This will be a tight, physical contest and Peter Grant's imperturbable playing style might give the away side the edge. The Sharks will battle for the full 80 and be sure to expect plentiful ball carries from The Business and Willem Alberts.