Super Rugby 2011 - week 14

Week 14 of Super Rugby 2011 has an interesting selection of matches. Some are mouth watering others simply leave a bad taste in the mouth with regards the new format thrust upon us by SANZAR.


First up on Friday morning is the rather tantalising clash between the Stormers and the Blues in Auckland. The Stormers have been robbed of the services of a trio of Bok backs, with the number one centre pairing in World Rugby out injured, compounded by the loss of the inform Peter Grant.


The weather is expected to be wet, which is no surprise at this time of the year in the land of the long grey cloud, and the Stormers have picked an entire front row on their bench in anticipation of a forwards dominated game – that and they probably want to keep the ball away from the Blues deadly backline
.
The first game on Saturday morning sees the Chiefs looking to turnover a severely injury ravaged Crusaders side in their home away from home this season, Napier. Having already had to recall the aging Reuben Thorne into their squad as cover in the pack they have no lost the services of three inform backline players for the season and the man machine Sonny Bill Williams is out for at least a week with a bruised knee.


After that the Lions travel to Sydney hoping to replicate their former franchise buddies the Cheetahs by achieving their first ever win in New South Wales. They will be buoyed by their first ever victory in Canberra last week, but Lions fans don’t get your hopes up – even the Rebels have beaten the Brumbies this year!


Talking about the Brumbies, they play the Force in Perth in arguably the least appealing clash of the week, possibly month. In utter disarray this year the once proud Super Rugby champions are falling apart at the seams and with Ashley-Cooper and Giteau, arguably their best players, both leaving for “greener pastures” next season Jake White certainly has his work cut out for him – but then again he had the same when he become Bok mentor in 2004.


The highlighting of the diluting of the Australian rugby pool continues later on Saturday when the newly created Rebels take on a fast improving Cheetahs side fresh off an impressive culling of the Crusaders. While the Cheetahs may have yet more injuries, in particular Heinrich Brussouw yet again, they should have to much fire power for the Rebels in Bloemfontein.


Tune into www.2OV.fm from 4:45pm as Blokes on the couch brings you commentary with balls. Don @ThatmanDon Johnstone and Kai @KapteinKai Linder bringing you all the action live on streaming audio.


Straight after that at 7pm Don and Kai will be joined by Ryan @PlanetPi Scott and Kyle @TheChuckSays Leigh as we try a new four man panel for what is surely Saturday’s game of the day.


The Bulls continue on their campaign to defend their crown in what is a must win game for the Pretoria outfit, taking on the Sharks in Durban. The KZN side will know by Friday afternoon if they can leapfrog the Stormers into third place. 


The Bulls however will be intent on denying the Sharks victory at all costs as they attempt to sneak into the play-off’s through the back door – as they do every season that they travel down under early and finish the round robin stages in South Africa.


It should be an absolute war of attrition in the Shark Tank – hold onto your seats as we bring you all the action on 2Oceansvibe Radio.


For all your pre-match previews and team selections check out www.blokesonthecouch.com where you can also catch the Blokes thoughts and reviews of every game.


Blokes on the couch.com – commentary with balls!