The Cheetahs limp into town, anything but the sleek prowling hunting cat after which they are named. Even worse, Juan Smith, their inspirational captain and Springbok flanker, will not be playing.
And the team features a mammoth ten changes from the side that was humbled by the Reds.
Furthermore, reports have surfaced from South Africa this week that coach Naka Drotske is being taken to court in civil action after he and former player Ollie Le Roux were allegedly found at another man’s house.
Certainly not what a struggling team needs.
They come seeking their first win in Australasia, desperate to break an eight match losing streak and looking to win just their third match in 23 games.
Unfortunately, the face a Hurricanes team with much wind in their sails, who last week looked like the tournament contenders they have been talked up to be.
Their victory over the Crusaders was impressive.
They will now be looking to emphasis their credentials against a team that looked a shadow of a competent rugby team. While the Cheetahs compete well at Currie Cup level, at Super 14 they look completely out of their depth. Which is a major issue when expansion is being considered by SANZAR and South Africa is pushing for a sixth team.
Even a powerful looking Cheetahs pack appears to be unable to impose any form of domination on their opposition, and unless the Hurricanes approach this game asleep, it will be a drubbing.
Jerry
Guest
The Cheetahs only stayed close cause Weepu was having a poor kicking day and the Canes lineout was truly dreadful. Even then, the Canes always looked like they had enough to pull away and once they had the bonus point try pretty much eased off. The Cheetahs spent a fair bit of time on attack in the second half, but didn't really have the firepower. The reffing of the breakdown was pretty poor - nothing that disadantaged either team but it just bugs me the way refs are allowing hands in the ruck constantly. There was a couple of times when the tackled player got pinged for holding on when the guy who was on his feet had no right to play the ball anyway.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Didn't see the game, but they got the bonus point win right? Blowouts are overrated. What the hell is going on in Dunedin? Did we decide to have any even worse local derby than the Aussies?
Jerry
Guest
Left Arm - stats can be deceiving, the Canes looked more dangerous all day. They blew a few opportunities through trying to push passes but created so many more they were always gonna get more points on the board.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
James, Always dangerous when you pick the short priced favourite, particularly the flaky Canes, you can only lose. Didnt see the game, just the score and the stats, neither evidence a "blow off the park" result. possession was 51% to Canes.
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
Despite the Hurricanes win I was more impressed with the Cheetahs and they showed glimpses of why they are a good Currie Cup side. Opening the season with a six match road trip is tough though. Can't see how this will improve with an expanded competition. While you didn't put the jinx on us James, I think your love for the Hurricanes is blinding you to how good this team really is with your prematch prediction.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
It could be that they were simply "seeing a man about a dog", as my dear old Grandfather would say when he didnt want to tell us what he was doing or going!!! Anyway, back to the rugby. The Canes can only beat themselves. The Cheetahs are in disarray and without Smith, are likely to be involved in the first S14 blow out for 2009.
Ben J
Guest
I meant to say they cannot hold onto their players...oops
Ben J
Guest
The Cheetahs are a good Currie Cup side at best and unfortunately do not posess the finances to hold on to their p. This is a shame because Frans Steyn,Gurthro Steenkamp, Jannie & Bismarck du Plessis,CJ vd Linde and many others started their careers there. And no, the vast majority of South Africans know that the ploy to have another team in the Eastern Cape is a political one which has no chance to survive in Super Rugby. The EC rugby teams are quite good at school level but their provincial team are not a Tier 1 Currie Cup side. If they cant make that work what right do they have to be allowed into Super rugby?.At least the Force brought major names with them.
Knives Out
Guest
What? Drotske and le Roux in a menage a trois? Surely the heaviest such occurrence in the history of intimacy! Yuck.. I feel terrible now, even a little bit sad. Oh dear.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Hope you haven't jinxed us James. But yeah, anything less then a bonus point victory will be embarrassing. And the Saffas want another team!?!?!?
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Don't talk the Hurricanes up!
James Mortimer
Guest
Full preview and teams can be found here http://www.rugbycountry.net/2009/03/super-14-preview-wellington-hurricanes.html As for the comment regarding found at another mans house - that is all the SA media is willing to release at this stage. But if you read between the lines, clearly they were doing something with the mans lady friend.
Sin-ick
Guest
They were found at another mans house?? I didn't know they were lost.......
Knives Out
Guest
"Furthermore, reports have surfaced from South Africa this week that coach Naka Drotske is being taken to court in civil action after he and former player Ollie Le Roux were allegedly found at another man’s house." What? That is insane!