Hurricanes v Chiefs at Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Friday Feb 29, 7:35 pm (NZ)

This looms as a titanic battle between the two characteristic underperformers of New Zealand Super 14 rugby.

The Chiefs will be hungry to avenge last year's gutting 39-32 home defeat at the hands of the 'Canes when the home side had the lead snatched from them in the dieing minutes.

The home side will field the same starting XV from last week and there is just one change to the 22 as Scott Waldrom replaces his younger brother Thomas on the reserves bench.

Friday's match will be the 13th encounter in Super Rugby between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs. The Hurricanes have won seven and the Chiefs five of their previous twelve clashes.

Ian Foster has made no changes to his forwards for the third week in a row and in the backs there is just one alteration: David Bason earns his first start in the number 9 jersey for the Chiefs this round as Brendon Leonard is ruled out with a severely bruised thigh.

The Chiefs will field a new look midfield combination in Dwayne Sweeney and Mils Muliaina, while Sitiveni Sivivatu is being risked at fullback. Injury plagued centre Richard Kahui is unavailable with ankle injury. Reserve looseforward Faifili Levave will be keen to put in a strong cameo off the bench as he will clash with several Wellington club teammates.

Matt France, a former New Zealand Colt and Crusaders Wider Training Group member and Taranaki representative, will provide cover on the bench.

Prediction: Chiefs by 7 or less.

Hurricanes: 15. Cory Jane, 14. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11. Hosea Gear, 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Rodney So'oialo (capt), 7. Chris Masoe, 6. Jerry Collins, 5. Jason Eaton, 4. Craig Clarke, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore, 1. John Schwalger. Res: 16. Hikawera Elliot, 17. Tim Fairbrother, 18. Jeremy Thrush, 19. Scott Waldrom, 20. Alby Mathewson, 21. Willie Ripia, 22. Shannon Paku.

Chiefs: 15. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 14. Lelia Masaga, 13. Mils Muliaina, 12. Dwayne Sweeney, 11. Viliame Waqaseduadua 10. Stephen Donald, 9. David Bason, 8. Sione Lauaki, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam, 5. Kevin O'Neill, 4. Jono Gibbes (captain), 3. Ben Castle, 2. Tom Willis, 1. Simms Davison. Res: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Ben May, 18. Toby Lynn, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Matt France, 21. Callum Bruce, 22. Sosene Anesi

Lions v Western Force, Johannesburg

Sat Mar 1, 5:30 am (NZ)

The Western Force should be confident of taking their second South African tour scalp as they visit a Lions side that provided little more than token opposition for the Blues last weekend in Jo'burg.

The home side has a slight boost in the form of captain and first choice flanker Ernst Joubert back in the lineup for the first time this season. Former Springbok Joe Van Niekirk is set to win his first start of the year after strong performances off the bench in their last two matches.

Force coach John Mitchell is sticking to his rotation policy by this week selecting his third unique front row trio in three matches. This week Gareth Hardy will make his starting debut at hooker.

Elsewhere in the forwards Matt Hodgson wins his first start of the season in No 7 jersey and recent signing Tamaiti Horua will gain his first Force cap at No 8. Utility loosie Scott Fava returns to the starting XV in his preferred position of blindside flanker.

In the backs 2007 Wallaby Cameron Shepherd returns from injury to the No 15 jersey and, man of the match versus the Cheetahs, Drew Mitchell is switched back to left wing. This enables Ryan Cross to return to centre where he will resume partnership with Scott Staniforth.

Prediction: Force by 14 or less.

Lions: 15. Louis Ludik, 14. Dusty Noble, 13. Jaco Pretorius (Capt), 12. Doppies la Grange, 11. Rayno Benjamin, 10. Louis Strydom, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Joe van Niekerk, 7. Ernst Joubert (capt), 6. Cobus Grobbelaar 5. Willem Stoltz, 4. Gerhard Mostert, 3. Ross Geldenhuys, 2. Willie Wepener, 1. Heinke van der Merwe. Res: 16. Ethienne Reynecke, 17. Gert Andries van der Merwe, 18. Franco van der Merwe, 19. Willem Alberts, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Earl Rose, 22. Jaco van Schalkwyk

Force: 15. Cameron Shepherd, 14. Nick Cummins, 13. Ryan Cross, 12. Scott Staniforth, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. James Stannard, 8. Tamaiti Horua, 7. Matt Hodgson, 6. Scott Fava, 5. Nathan Sharpe, (capt) 4. Tom Hockings, 3. Troy Takiari, 2. Luke Holmes, 1. Gareth Hardy. Res: 16. Tai McIsaac, 17. AJ Whalley, 18. Sam Wykes, 19. Richard Brown, 20. David Pocock, 21. Scott Daruda, 22. Lachlan MacKay

Stormers v Crusaders, Cape Town

Sat Mar 1, 7:35 am (NZ)

The Crusaders will face their stiffest challenge of the early season so far this weekend as they attempt to go three straight against the unpredictable Stormers.

The men from the Cape have gotten off to a rough start with two tight losses already this season. And the Stormers have had insult added to injury as inspirational Springbok flanker Schalk Burger has been suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct - a two week ban that they are currently appealing.

In the absence of Burger, the unheralded Pieter Myburgh will wear No 7 with the rest of the team staying unchanged from the 21 that blew a 10-3 halftime lead versus the Sharks last Sunday.

Robbie Deans has made three adjustments to the starting line-up that stunned the Bulls 54-19 in Pretoria. The backline sees one cosmetic change as veteran Caleb Ralph steps in for Scott Hamilton who has been forced to return home for personal reasons. In the forwards Deans has elected to rest his battered starting props from last week's slug fest, Wyatt Crockett and Campbell replace Ben Franks and Greg Somerville.

Fifty five test All Black Greg Somerville finds himself on the bench this week and there are three other newcomers also on the pine as wing Sean Maitland and centre Tim Bateman enter the 22.

Prediction: Crusaders by 14 or more.

Stormers: 15. Conrad Jantjes, 14. Tonderai Chavhanga, 13. Gcobani Bobo, 12. Jean De Villiers (capt), 11. Sireli Naqelevuki, 10. Peter Grant, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Luke Watson, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Pieter Myburgh, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Adriaan Fondse, 3. Brian Mujati, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. JD Moller. Res: 16. Schalk Brits, 17. Brok Harris, 18. Ross Skeate, 19. Robbie Diack, 20. Bolla Conradie, 21. Gio Aplon, 22. Dylan Des Fountain.

Crusaders: 15. Leon MacDonald, 14. Kade Poki, 13. Casey Laulala, 12. Stephen Brett, 11. Caleb Ralph, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Mose Tuiali'i, 7. Richie McCaw, 6. Kieran Read, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Campbell Johnstone, 2. Corey Flyn, 1. Wyatt Crockett. Res: 16. Ti'i Paulo, 17. Greg Somerville, 18. Reuben Thorne, 19. Nasi Manu, 20. Kahn Fotuali'i, 21. Tim Bateman, 22. Sean Maitland

Highlanders v Waratahs at Carisbrook, Dunedin

Sat Mar 1, 7:35 pm (NZ)

The Highlanders will be desperate for a crucial win on home soil on Saturday as they take on a Waratahs team that will be still fuming after their 79th minute loss to the Chiefs last weekend.

For the home side Michael Delany has been called up to cover the suspension of Daniel Bowden, sidelined after a dangerous throw tackle versus the Brumbies last round. No 6 last week, Adam Thompson is sent to the bench as Hayden Triggs gets another chance on the side of the scrum. Raw young lock Isaac Ross gets his second start of the season at lock beside Tom Donnelly, winger Ben Smith is called into the reserves as cover.

For the Tahs former Wallaby prop Al Baxter suffered a head knock against the Chief and is being rested this week bringing former NZ U19s and Counties Steelers representative Sekope Kepu into the starting line-up at loosehead with Matt Dunning shifting across to tighthead. While Australian U19 prop Dan Palmer comes on to the bench in place of Benn Robinson.

McKenzie has rotated Will Caldwell into the starting side with Dean Mumm to come off the bench.

Prediction: Waratahs by 7 or less.

Highlanders: 15. James Wilson,14. Paul Williams, 13. Niva Ta'auso, 12. Johnny Leota,
11. Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10. Michael Delany, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Steven Setephano, 7. Alando Soakai, 6. Hayden Triggs, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Isaac Ross, 3. Clint Newland, 2. Jason Macdonald (capt), 1. Jamie Mackintosh. Res: 16. David Hall, 17. Chris King, 18. Adam Thomson 19. Tim Boys, 20. Toby Morland, 21. Ben W Smith, 22. Brett Mather

Waratahs: 15. Lachie Turner, 14. Timana Tahu, 13. Ben Jacobs, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Lote Tuqiri, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Brett Sheehan, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (capt), 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Dan Vickerman, 4. Will Caldwell, 3. Matt Dunning, 2. Adam Freier, 1. Sekope Kepu Res: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17. Dan Palmer, 18. Dean Mumm, 19. Beau Robinson, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Sam Harris, 22. Alfi Mafi

Brumbies v Reds, Canberra Stadium

Sat Mar 1, 21:40 pm (NZ)

The Brumbies will take great heart from holding the Highlanders at bay last weekend in Canberra and appear likely to back-it-up with a repeat performance versus the Reds this weekend.

Former Brumbies Academy centre Sanualio Afeaki will debut in partnership with the impressive Tyrone Smith in the midfield this week after the Canberra franchises' terrible run of injuries continued last weekend with Anthony Faingaa joining the lengthy sideline list.

In other backline changes Partick Phibbs is set to make his first starting appearance of the season as talented youngster Josh Holmes is sent to the bench.

The ACT pack sees two changes with Adam Wallace-Harrison replacing the injured Alister Campbell while hooker Saia Faingaa earns his first cap. Loose forward Huia Edmonds has been sent to the bench this week.

For the visitors 20-year-old halfback Will Genia has a rare chance to challenge Sam Cordingley's ascendancy with injury ruling the Red's regular No 9 out of contention.

Queensland Academy half Ben Lucas joins the bench for the first time as back-up.

Otherwise the Reds remain the same as the line-up that lost 23-18 to the Hurricanes in Wellington last round.

Prediction: Brumbies by 7 or less.

Brumbies: 15. Julian Huxley, 14. Mark Gerrard, 13. Sanualio Afeaki, 12. Tyrone Smith, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Patrick Phibbs, 8. Stephen Hoiles, 7. George Smith (capt), 6. Mitch Chapman, 4. Mark Chisholm, 4. Adam Wallace-Harrison, 3. Guy Shepherdson, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1. Nic Henderson. Res: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Salesi Ma'afu, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Julian Salvi, 20. Josh Holmes, 21. Peter Playford, 22. Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Reds: 15. Chris Latham, 14. Digby Ioane, 13. Morgan Turinui, 12. Chris Siale, 11. Clinton Schifcofske, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Will Genia, 8. Leroy Houston, 7. David Croft, 6. John Roe (capy), 5. James Horwill, 4. Van Humphries, 3. Rodney Blake, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Greg Holmes. Res: 16. Sean Hardman, 17. Dayna Edwards, 18. Ed ODonoghue, 19. AJ Gilbert, 20. Ben Lucas, 21. Peter Hynes, 22. Quade Cooper.

Cheetahs v Blues, Bloemfontein

Sun Mar 2, 4:00 am (NZ)

Baring a major falling off of the wheels the Blues express appears to be well on track to make it a hattrick of early 2008 S14 wins.

Blues coach David Nucifora has made minor changes to the 22 that last weekend demolished the Lions with ease. In a rotation selection he has dropped well performed centre-come-wing Anthony Tuitavake to the bench in favour of giving Rudi Wulf a run.

The only other changes involve switches on the bench as prop Bronson Murray and lock Anthony Boric come into the reserves at the expense of Nick White and Bryn Evans respectively.

The Cheetahs blew a winning position against the Lions in round one at home but will feel robbed to have lost 16-15 to the Force last week after missing a late penalty and then conceding one with time almost up.

Prediction: Blues by 14 or more.

Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Eddie Fredericks, 13. JW Jonker, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Gavin Passens, 10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9. Noel Oelschig, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Juan Smith (capt), 6. Heinrich Brussow, 5. David de Villiers, 4. Rory Duncan, 3. Kobus Calldo, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 1. Wian du Preez. Res: 16. Richardt Strauss, 17. Bees Roux, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Kabamba Fllors, 20. Tewis de Bruyn, 21. Conrad Barnard, 22. Hendrik Meyer.

Blues: 15. Isa Nacewa, 14. Rudi Wulf, 13. Isaia Toeava, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Joe Rokocoko, 10. Nick Evans, 9. Danny Lee, 8. Nick Williams, 7. Justin Collins, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Troy Flavell, 4. Kurtis Haiu, 3. John Afoa, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock. Res: 16. Tom McCartney, 17. Bronson Murray, 18. Anthony Boric, 19. Onosai'i Tololima-Auva'a, 20. Taniela Moa, 21. Ben Atiga, 22. Anthony Tuitavake

Bulls v Sharks, Pretoria

Sun March 2, 6.05 am (NZ)

These two arch rivals should provide easily the South African match up of the round as the out of form defending champs look to gain a lifeline at home versus the erratic Sharks.

And the Bulls have received a massive injection of raw grunt in the shape of Springbok second row hard-man Bakkies Botha who will make his first appearance of the 2008 season this Sunday.

In the backline their former Bok No 10 Derrick Hougaard has been rotated with Morne Steyn and Akona Ndungane has rehabilitated himself following a broken foot and will take his berth on the right wing.

Sharks coach Dick Muir has rung a bunch of changes enforced by injury and rotational plans. In the pack hooker Bismarck du Plessis (rib injury) is bracketed Skipper Badenhorst and brother Janie du Plessis has entered the XV at the expense of Beast Mtawarira. Veteran and former Springbok stalwart Johan Ackermann is set to play his last ever match for the Sharks as prepares to retire and begin a business career next round.

Star Sharks No 9 Ruan Piennar has missed a tantalizing opportunity to tangle with Bok arch rival Fourie du Preez as he is sideline with a collarbone injury. Piennar will be replaced by Rory Kockett at No 9 with starting pivot Frederic Michalak, also an accomplished halfback, also able to provide cover.

Surprisingly reliable flanker Jacques Botes has been demoted to the bench as Keegan Daniel gets a start.

Prediction: Sharks by 7 or less.

Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Akona Ndungane, 13. JP Nel, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Danwel Demas, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez (capt), 8. Pedrie Wannenburg, 7. Wikus van Heerden, 6. Danie Rossouw, 5. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Rayno Gerber, 2. Derick Kuun, 1. Gurthro Steenkamp. Res: James van der Walt, Werner Kruger, Jaco Engels, Deon Stegmann, Heini Adams, Derick Hougaard, John Mametsa.

Sharks: 15. Francois Steyn, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Waylon Murray, 12. Bradley Barritt, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Frederic Michalak, 9. Rory Kockott, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. AJ Venter, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller (capt), 4. Johan Ackermann, 3. BJ Botha, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira. Res: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Jannie du Plessis, 18. Albert van den Berg, 19. Keegan Daniel, 20. Charl Mcleod, 21. Adrian Jacobs, 22. Stefan Terblanche.