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Hurricane David Smith - Source: Photosport -
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Preview to round five of the Super 14:
FRIDAY
Chiefs v Crusaders at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Last meeting: Crusaders 19 bt Chiefs 13 at Christchurch
The all-NZ affair looms as the match of the round, especially with the Chiefs smarting from their upset loss to Queensland last weekend when they let go a 15-0 lead. They have lock Craig Clarke back to bolster their weakened tight-five in a boost while hooker Aled de Malmanche is back in the starting side. The Crusaders, 33-20 winners over the Blues, have promoted Isaac Ross to their second row but have lost in-form halfback Andy Ellis due to a head knock. The Chiefs will have to do without star No.8 Sione Lauaki for some time after he was charged over a bar assault.
Tip: Crusaders by 8
NSW Waratahs v Lions at Sydney Football Stadium
Last meeting: Waratahs 38 bt Lions 33 at Johannesburg
The Waratahs should make short work of the battling, winless Lions but a mere victory won't be enough in the fans eyes. NSW are on the nose with many of their supporters following an ugly and lucky 25-21 win over the Sharks. Skipper Phil Waugh becomes the most-capped Waratah, eclipsing Chris Whitaker, in his 119th match and coach Chris Hickey is hoping for a performance that lives up to the occasion. The Lions have former All Black Carlos Spencer back calling the shots. They were rugged in the 23-14 loss to the Brumbies but have been unable to put both attack and defence together this season.
Tip: Waratahs by 11
SATURDAY
Brumbies v Sharks at Canberra Stadium
Last meeting: Sharks 35 bt Brumbies 14 at Durban
Three wins from four matches means the Brumbies are the clear-cut pacesetters for Australian teams. But the lack of bonus points for scoring tries has shown that they are still well off their best. Combinations are still being struck with Matt Giteau yet to fully overcome a quad injury. For the fourth straight week coach Andy Friend has named the same 22, showing fortune is on their side with a lack of injuries. Fortune is something that has by-passed the poor old Sharks who are still stewing over Kurtley Beale's "intercept" last weekend in Sydney. The Durban franchise remain without a win but have a quality side with plenty of Springboks, especially up front.
Tip: Brumbies by 5
SUNDAY
Bulls v Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Last meeting: Highlanders 36 bt Bulls 12 at Palmerston North
The chances of the Highlanders reproducing last season's massive upset over the Bulls look virtually non-existent. Not only are they without inspirational skipper Jimmy Cowan but the Otago-based franchise has also suspended leading lights Adam Thomson and Michael Hobbs for breaching team rules. The unbeaten Bulls will be well rested after their bye and looking to continue their ruthless form at home. They have recalled long-striding No.8 Pierre Spies from injury and also promoted blond flanker Dewald Potgieter. It looms as an opportunity for another major points haul for Morne Steyn.
Tip: Bulls by 31
Stormers v Hurricanes at Newlands, Cape Town
Last meeting: Hurricanes 34 bt Stormers 11 at Wellington
The Stormers pack was highly impressive in overpowering the Highlanders for a 33-0 whitewash last week. Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg still gets the chance to return from injury with Deon Fourie making way. Colin Cooper has made five changes to the Hurricanes line-up which slipped up against the Cheetahs with All Blacks centre Conrad Smith the most influential selection. Tamati Ellison, Willie Ripia, Jacob Ellison and Scott Waldrom are also back in a more experienced line-up but their defence will have to improve and play a smarter game. Being back at sea level will help the Kiwis.
Tip: Stormers by 3
Queensland Reds v Western Force at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Last meeting: Western Force 39 bt Queensland Reds 7 at Perth
Neither team has been unveiled as yet with both Ewen McKenzie and John Mitchell keeping their cards close to their chests for the rare Sunday encounter. The resurgent Reds are likely to be bolstered by the returns of Test backs Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes while the Force will have Kiwi five-eighth David Hill calling the shots for the first time. James O'Connor will continue to kick goals but it's unclear whether he'll play inside centre or fullback. The Force's bye came at the right time to give their injury-depleted squad a chance to regroup. The Reds are desperate for back-to-back victories but must end a five-match drought against rival Australian teams dating back to 2008.
Tip: Reds by 9
Bye: Cheetahs, Blues.
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