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Preview panel for round 10 of the Super 14 this weekend (all times AEST):
FRIDAY
CHIEFS v STORMERS at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Chiefs 28 bt Stormers 14 at Cape Town
The Chiefs’ promising start to 2010 will be completely snuffed out with another loss at home. Without Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina, they have suffered another blow with prop Sona Taumalolo out with a shoulder injury. The Chiefs have shown glimpses of their 2009 form but have struggled for consistency over the entire 80 minutes. The Stormers went back to basics for their win over the Blues after being upset by the Force in their tour-opening match. Allister Coetzee has stuck with the same side and they will again look to grind the unravelling Waikato side into the dirt.
Sports Alive: Chiefs $2.05, Stormers $1.77
Tip: Draw
BRUMBIES v HURRICANES at Canberra Stadium at 7.40pm
Last meeting: Hurricanes 56 bt Brumbies 7 at Wellington
Last year’s 49-point loss stands as the darkest moment in the Brumbies’ rich history and one that won’t be forgotten. The Hurricanes come to Canberra fresh from a bye but their under-performing squad is also vulnerable. The Canes have also lost Piri Weepu, are missing a specialist openside and have dropped flyhalf Willie Ripia. The Brumbies attack finally clicked into gear against the hapless Cheetahs but their backline has been forced into a reshuffle with Matt Toomua injured. Matt Giteau moves back to five-eighth and he’ll be desperate to lead the way. Halfback Josh Valentine has failed in his attempts to return from a hamstring problem while Mark Chisholm returns to the second-row with Mitch Chapman out.
Sports Alive: Brumbies $1.47, Hurricanes $2.70
Tip: Brumbies by 12
SATURDAY
BLUES v WESTERN FORCE at Eden Park, Auckland at 3.30pm
Last meeting: Blues 25 bt Force 19 in Perth
One month ago the Force were the easybeats of the competition — how times have changed. The returns of David Pocock, Richard Brown and Cameron Shepherd have inspired the Force to two straight wins, including a six-try blitz to sink the Highlanders in Queenstown. The Blues must win to keep their slim finals hopes alive and Pat Lam has swung the axe following last week’s 33-21 home loss to the Stormers, dropping livewire centre Rene Ranger in one of five changes to the side. Winning in Auckland is never easy but the Force are quietly confident of causing the upset. Be sure to keep an eye on young halfback Justin Turner who has been a revelation off the bench since making his debut two weeks ago.
Sports Alive: Blues $1.28, Force $3.70
Tip: Blues by 8
CRUSADERS v CHEETAHS at AMI Stadium, Christchurch at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Cheetahs 20 bt Crusaders 13 in Bloemfontein
Even a worrying injury cloud over Dan Carter shouldn’t have the Crusaders concerned in the slightest about losing again to the struggling Cheetahs. Carter has a mysterious groin-hip problem and looks set to be rested ahead of their South African tour. The All Blacks maestro needs to pass a fitness test at training on Friday. Even if he does, the Crusaders will field a new-look backline. Richie McCaw is back at No.7 while Kieran Read has a shoulder injury and has been replaced by Thomas Waldrom. The Cheetahs know they are off the pace and out of contention and coach Naka Drotske has made a handful of changes to have a look at several youngsters.
Sports Alive: Crusaders $1.02, Cheetahs $16
Tip: Crusaders by 25
QUEENSLAND REDS v BULLS at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 7.40pm
Last meeting: Bulls 33 bt Reds 20 in Pretoria
This is the big acid test for the competition’s big surprise packets. Queensland can vault into the top four with an upset of the defending champion Bulls and like their chances. Ewen McKenzie has named an unchanged side after road testing his tactics against the Lions last week. The Reds must negate the Bulls dangerous driving game off lineouts and continue to challenge their defence through the magical attacking skills of Quade Cooper. Queensland have a good track record at home against the Bulls and, in 14 years of Super rugby, the Pretoria-based side have never won their final game on an Australasian tour. The battle between Will Genia and Fourie du Preez will be a highlight.
Sports Alive: Reds $2.35, Bulls $1.60
Tip: Reds by 10
SUNDAY
LIONS v SHARKS at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg at 1.05am
Last meeting: Sharks 25 bt Lions 10 in Durban
The last-placed Lions have finally recognised the need to fix their tackling problems by recruiting former Springbok Ray Mordt as defence coach. Mordt has a job ahead of him – Dick Muir’s men have conceded 43 tries in eight matches, including four in the first 17 minutes against the Reds. But they did show enough in the last hour to suggest they can surprise more-fancied rivals. The Sharks have their tails up after a win over Queensland and a bye and still count themselves as finals outsiders. Rival coaches Muir and John Plumtree are good friends after working together at the Sharks and will know how each will instruct their teams. The Sharks have not lost this match since 2001.
Sports Alive: Lions $4.10, Sharks $1.24
Tip: Sharks by 15
Bye: NSW Waratahs, Highlanders.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.