There’s a massive game in Hamilton on Friday night, as traditional foes the Chiefs go up against the Blues in the ‘Battle of the Bombays’.
After their compelling win over the Rebels, eyes will be on Tana Umaga’s men to see if they can make the step up when confronted with the defensive speed and physicality of the meanest side in the competition.
I am hoping for a lot from the Blues’ Blake Gibson, who is competing with some of the world’s best loose forwards. If he can excel at the breakdown as he did against the Rebels he could nullify the Chiefs’ dominant tight five. His battle with fellow Aucklander Mitch Karpik should be a beauty.
And despite the surplus of exciting backs scheduled, it is Damien McKenzie who has the potential to set the game alight. Whether smashing bigger boys in tackles or soaring up after the high ball before dazzling with speed and footwork, this tough little man should delight.
To start the round on Thursday, the Reds travel to Perth to battle the Force. Youngsters Izack Rodda, a huge, raw-boned young loosie, and halfback James Tuttle will have my undivided attention – both were brilliant in Round 1 with late impact.
For the Force, openside flanker Kane Koteka is another young loose forward set to make a mark, while Michael Ruru is a solid young halfback who should battle well with Tuttle.
On Saturday, the Hurricanes and Beauden Barrett should run riot over the Rebels. The defending champions have been gifted an easy start to the season.
Following on, the Crusaders have Bryn Hall at halfback – I love his unique passing style – and Whetu Douglas is at No.8, while for the Highlanders surely Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga have spent the week getting to know each other and must improve.
The Brumbies taking on the Sharks will be an arm wrestle, with big Tendai Mtawarira, who looks as fit as ever, set to lead his front five.
I expect the Sunwolves to improve at home game against the Kings. Filo Tiatia must wish he just had bit more bulk up front as his backs look capable of carving oppositions up. This is a must-watch game.
The Lions are at home to the Waratahs, who must find a way of getting Israel Folau into the game – he ran like 11 metres with ball in hand last week. Will Skelton is a giant wrecking ball and I will be watching his progress as well.
The Stormers, Jaguares, Cheetahs and Bulls all play again in the dead of night, so will get little of my attention, especially as I have to get in a healthy dose of NRL action as well.
Norris Woodbine
Roar Pro
Well played Force it was a good game
Loftus
Guest
This is also news to me!
Akari
Roar Rookie
I hope that heat/rain helps the Force as I have tipped them.
piru
Roar Rookie
I can't decide if the weather is a good thing for the Force or not - I suspect it might be, with Lance's cool head at 10. If they can stifle Cooper early and make him try to play too much it could unravel
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yes, the one thing that the Force have is three top ranked tacklers at 10,12 and 13. They've just got to learn to how to turn that defensive strength into attacking pressure. They now have good speed outside (with Newsome) so they should do fairly well in that regard. Unfortunately the heavy rain last night and today is likely to ruin what would have been a free flowing and fast game in dry conditions.Expect more of what we saw last week thanks to the weather.
kickedmyheight
Roar Pro
He certainly did play 13 last week. One thing the Force did very well last week was ensure the ball didn't really get wider than 12 for the Tahs, I can't remember Folau, Kellaway or either of the wingers getting much pill without a defender in their face at least. The weather may have been a factor here but still. Will be interesting to see if the Force can shut down the Reds backline as well this week. It is looking like a wet one tonight as well.
piru
Roar Rookie
he played at centre last week didn't he? Rona and Meakes shut him out of the game
Vic rugby
Guest
Warratahs should put folau at centre the he would score loads of trys Why wont gibson try it?
Marto
Guest
Izack Rodda, massive loosie Height: 202cm Weight: 121kg
Akari
Roar Rookie
Is it not better to refer to "fellow Aucklander Mitch Karpik" as an ex-Aucklander even if he commutes to Chief's country to make the training? I am looking forward to the match of the round and things will get very interesting if the Blues win 2 on the trot while away from home. The Stormers/Jaguares match will also be a must watch if Harry Jones is right. I'd love to know when their love/hate relationship started and why.
RedandBlack
Guest
I'm inclined to agree - they broke down the Rebels quite nicely. Despite all the usual hoo ha about their star power they worked for that score and earned the margin - quite different from the Blues of the past. That being said I have had to put up money for my multi and the Chiefs carry the cash - not confident at all though.
RebelRanger
Guest
If the Tahs can keep up with the speed of the Lions I'll be very impressed. Without the blind eye of home refs they won't get away with as much niggly stuff. Hope Irae Simone goes well I drafted him in my fantasy team. Tough start for my beloved Rebels. Thought we started strong and had good structures in place. Garden Bachop didn't look like a threat. Our attack looked stagnant until Blues got a few lucky tries and our heads dropped. Reiko should be shut down if Chiefs put ALB on him. But if TNW is on the job it should be points all around. I've got Total Reiko and TNW on my fantasy squad so would love that
Jameswm
Guest
Why do people keep calling Rodda a loosie? Did I miss something?
Norris woodbine
Guest
I will tape it then
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Why not Harry? What s love without a bit of pain? When did this love / hate relationship start?
Norris woodbine
Guest
Blues might just win
Harry Jones
Expert
The Jaguares at Newlands will be fireworks. Two teams who genuinely don't love each other.