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Preview of round nine of the Super 14 (all times AEST).
FRIDAY
CHIEFS v BULLS at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Bulls 61 bt Chiefs 17 at Pretoria (2009 final)
The Bulls’ hopes of hosting finals matches rest with winning matches like this away from home. The boys from Pretoria look nigh on unbeatable on the high veldt but last week’s loss to the Blues shows they are vulnerable on the road. The Chiefs remain a dynamic, dangerous team, even without sidelined skipper Mils Muliaina. Flanker Tanerau Latimer returns from injury in a boost to their pack. The Bulls have also made two changes with centre Jaco Pretorius and back-rower Derick Kuun ruled out. The motivated Chiefs will fancy their chances of grand final revenge but Morne Steyn’s kicking will test young fullback Tim Nanai-Williams.
Sports Alive: Chiefs $1.67, Bulls $2.20
Tip: Bulls by 3
SATURDAY
HIGHLANDERS v WESTERN FORCE at Queenstown at 12.30pm
Last meeting: Western Force 33 bt Highlanders 31 at Perth
Finally off the bottom of the ladder, the Force will be looking for successive victories for the first time this year. They should have a reasonable chance against a Highlanders side just two places and six points above them. The long-awaited return of injury-prone Wallabies back Cameron Shepherd is particularly timely, with veteran Scott Staniforth the latest in a lengthy list of Force casualties. The Force won their only previous clash with the Highlanders in Queenstown in 2008 and should go close again on Saturday.
Sports Alive: Highlanders $1.43, Force $2.80
Tip: Force by 4
BLUES v STORMERS at Eden Park, Auckland at 3.30pm
Last meeting: Blues 14 bt Stormers 8 at Cape Town
One of the most intriguing matches of the round, with the hot and cold Blues looking to add the Stormers to their list of victims after ending the Bulls’ unbeaten record last week. Blues coach Pat Lam has named an unchanged side for a game that would enable his side to climb above the Cape Town team with a bonus point victory. The Stormers have made four changes to the team upset by the Force in Perth last week. They have conceded just 75 points in seven games, easily the best defensive record of the tournament, and their ability to contain the free-flowing Blues will determine the outcome.
Sports Alive: Blues $1.32, Stormers $3.40
Tip: Blues by 8
CRUSADERS v NSW WARATAHS at AMI Stadium, Christchurch at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Crusaders 17 bt Waratahs 13 at Sydney
A trip to Christchurch is sure to provide a genuine litmus test of the Waratahs’ title credentials. Queensland are the only team to have beaten the Crusaders so far this year, although they were held to a draw by the Hurricanes last week. The Crusaders will give veteran All Blacks lock Chris Jack his first start of the season, while halfback Andy Ellis has been ruled out with concussion. Five-eighth Dan Carter and flanker Richie McCaw again loom as pivotal figures for the Crusaders. NSW expect their experienced back-rowers Phil Waugh and Wycliff Palu both to play in major boosts. Home advantage might just provide the edge for the Crusaders, who have only dropped one out of nine games against the Waratahs in Christchurch.
Sports Alive: Crusaders $1.28, Waratahs $3.70
Tip: Crusaders by 6
BRUMBIES v CHEETAHS at Canberra Stadium at 7.40pm
Last meeting: Brumbies 40 bt Cheetahs 27 at Bloemfontein
Here’s a prime chance for the Brumbies’ attack to finally click into gear. Coach Andy Friend has been forced to reshuffle his backline following injuries to Josh Valentine, Stirling Mortlock and Francis Fainifo. Medical marvel Julian Huxley starts at fullback with Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to the wing. The 12th-placed Cheetahs have made five changes following their lacklustre display against NSW but should be a much improved team with inspirational skipper Juan Smith back. Smith missed the last two games after his father suffered a heart-attack.
Sports Alive: Brumbies $1.04, Cheetahs $11
Tip: Brumbies by 22
SUNDAY
LIONS v QUEENSLAND REDS at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg at 3.10am
Last meeting: Lions 31 bt Reds 20 at Brisbane
Queensland can possibly jump into the top four with a triumphant end to their three-match South African tour. Halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper have been in sensational form and will like their chances of carving up the win-less Lions, who are conceding 45 points per match. But the Reds have slipped up the last four times they have met the Johannesburg battlers and can’t afford to be complacent. Ewen McKenzie has continued to tinker with his team, making four changes from the 30-28 loss to the Sharks. Lions coach Dick Muir has wielded the axe by making five changes, including speedy fullback Earl Rose.
Sports Alive: Lions $3.05, Reds $1.38
Tip: Reds by 18
Bye: Sharks, Hurricanes
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.