Sonny Bill Williams' House Robbed During Chiefs vs Bulls Match

Sonny Bill Williams had his house robbed when he was playing for the Chiefs against the Bulls in Super Rugby action. Imagine what would happen if he found the punk that stole his belongings. The thief was smart knowing that Sonny Bill Williams would be unavailable to protect his belongings and wouldn't be at home since he was working (playing rugby).

As the Chiefs dug deep to beat the Bulls in last night's Super Rugby clash,
thieves were breaking into star player Sonny Bill William's house.
The midfielder returned to his home after the 28-22 win to find he had been
burgled.
Williams took to Twitter to vent his frustration, tweeting: "Another good win
from the brothers too bad I got home to find my house was robbed, Thank god no
one was hurt #buzzkiller," [sic].
He said only "materialistic" things were taken, "nothing that can't be
replaced".
He added it "would be nice to runinto sum1wearing a sbw training top" [sic].

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/6993688/Sonny-Bill-Williams-house-burgled

Super Rugby Round 14 Preview - Difficult To Pick

Super Rugby Round 14 harder to pick than a broken nose!

The Super Rugby 2012 competition is reaching a crucial stage with Round 14 featuring three matches between teams directly involved in the playoffs and most matches harder to pick than a broken nose! The Chiefs vs Bulls, Brumbies vs Reds and the Sharks vs Stormers have a direct impact on who will make the Top Six. I wonder if the Reds can afford to drop their Round 14 clash with the Brumbies? There are only two rounds left before the international test match window and five weeks left in the Round Robin section of the competition. With so many mouthwatering clashes, Round 14 looks destined to be one of the toughest to pick in recent weeks.

For updated team lists go to

http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html

Game One - Chiefs vs Bulls

This match sees the top ranked New Zealand side host the second ranked South African side in a match which has massive implications for the Top Six rankings. Both of these teams would really benefit from a win in this match which would push them one step closer to hosting a final match.
The Chiefs are coming off the bye, and will miss All Blacks centre Richard Kahui, while the Bulls will be hurting after losing to the Highlanders. The Chiefs will be at their cheapest value since they are coming off the bye, so players like Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Cruden are worth a shot. The popular bargain Juandre Kruger won't be playing this match.

Players to buy - Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam, Aaron Cruden, Pierre Spies, Hika Elliot.
Bargains - Brodie Retallick, Jackson Willison, CJ Stander.
My pick - Chiefs by 7.

Game Two - Hurricanes vs Rebels

One month ago before Danny Cipriani left the Rebels and James O'Connor got injured, this match would have been an easy pick with the Hurricanes the hot favourites. Since then ironically, their performances have improved thanks mainly to the movement of Kurtley Beale into first five eighth which has seen the Rebels overtake the Waratahs into tenth spot and third Australian team. The Hurricanes should have done better against the Brumbies and this match should be a close one. The home team will miss Cory Jane. The Rebels locks are high scoring bargains usually.

Players to buy - Victor Vito, Kurtley Beale.
Bargains - Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Andre Taylor, Julian Savea, Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle.
My pick - Hurricanes by 3.

Game Three - Blues vs Highlanders

The Blues were embarrassed by the Crusaders last week and given their massive injury toll they will struggle against the Highlanders. The Highlanders are still in the hunt following their gutsy win over the Bulls, but do struggle to win away from home, especially in Auckland. The Blues have benched their All Blacks, while the Highlanders haven't been named yet, but look to the Highlanders to use this match to rest players.

Players to buy - Adam Thomson, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore.
Bargains - Gareth Anscombe, Francis Saili, Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison (if named).
My pick Highlanders by 10.

Game Four - Brumbies vs Reds

This clash could decide who wins the Australian conference with the Brumbies close to cementing the top spot, but the Reds are starting to come into some good form which makes this match difficult to pick. The Reds haven't finalised their team, while the Brumbies are the surprise package of the Australian conference and the performance of Zac Holmes at first five eighth against the Hurricanes last week must be encouraging. I am picking the home team to win.

Players to buy - Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Scott Higginbotham.
Bargains - Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen, Zack Holmes, Sam Carter, Joe Tomani.
My pick Brumbies by 3.

Game Five - Force vs Lions

The Force will go into this match as hot favourites given how poor the Lions are this season. The Force will be annoyed to have dropped their game to the Rebels last week. This game will hardly draw a large spectator audience, but the Force will be wanting to finish the season strongly in an attempt to avoid being the bottom Australian team.

Players to buy - Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock.
Bargains - Nathan Charles, Nick Cummins, Jaco Taute, Elton Jantjies.
My pick - Force by 10.

Game Six - Cheetahs vs Waratahs

The Cheetahs are the masters of the narrow defeats, but can they finally win a close one as they battle the Waratahs? This match could go either way, but I like the Cheetahs style of play and would love it if they beat the Waratahs who are struggling this season. These teams are sitting in 11th and 12th places. The Waratahs are battling with injuries which may see Dave Dennis have to play lock, while Rocky Elsom could be out with injury. Wallaby winger Drew Mitchell could be back. The Waratahs haven't been named yet.

Players to buy - Adriaan Strauss, Ashley Johnson, Tatafu Polatu-Nau, Wycliff Palu.
Bargains - Willie Le Roux, Tom Kingston.
My pick - Cheetahs by 3.

Game Seven - Sharks vs Stormers

This match is such a crucial fixture with the desperate Sharks circling as the table topping Stormers arrive in Durban. The Sharks have hit a rich vein of form recently and a win here would confirm their spot in the Top Six heading into the break. Patrick Lambie will be starting at fullback for the Sharks, while Gio Aplon will wear the Stormers Number 15 jersey. This match promises to be another beauty.

Players to buy - Bismarck Du Plessis, Keegan Daniel, Patrick Lambie, Tiaan Libenberg.
Bargains - Eben Etzebeth, Marcell Coetzee, Siya Kolisi.
My pick - Stormers by 3.

Super Rugby Round 14 has plenty of mouthwatering clashes. Who do you think will dominate? Have your say!

Super Rugby 2012 Finals - How The Teams Shape Up

Who will win Super Rugby 2012?

Here is the rundown for the contenders for the Super Rugby 2012 finals. It makes for some interesting matches in the upcoming weeks. Each round has about three crucial matches. Round 14 sees the Chiefs vs Bulls, Sharks vs Stormers and Brumbies vs Reds in matches which could eliminate some teams. The Reds must win against the Brumbies in order to qualify in my opinion.

Here are my picks for the Super Rugby Top Six final placings

1) Stormers
2) Chiefs
3) Brumbies
4) Crusaders
5) Bulls
6) Sharks

Mathematically there are nine teams still able to qualify for the 2012 Super Rugby Final's Series, with the Hurricanes right on the edge and needing to win three of their final four matches to reach the knockout stages for the seventh time.

Fifty-seven competition points was the minimum qualification mark for 2011 (achieved by the Sharks and Waratahs), while the Reds topped the table with 66 after their 16 matches.

The 2010 Super 14 top four 'point's spread' for final's series participation was 41 to 47 points (41 to 46 in 2009) over 13 matches, meaning that the current top six teams - with 11/12 regular season fixtures played out - are tracking well.

The current top four have all taken their two byes of the season and have five matches to play, while the chasing pack (team's five to nine) still have to take their second break of the campaign.

Super Rugby Run Home to the 2012 Super Rugby Final's Series

1. STORMERS (49pts) Beaten 2011 Super Rugby semi-finalists

Sharks (a), Bulls (a), Lions (h), Cheetahs (a), Rebels (h)

2. CHIEFS (49) Did not qualify last year, finishing tenth overall

Bulls (h), Blues (a), Highlanders (a), Crusaders (h), Hurricanes (a)

3. BRUMBIES (44) Did not qualify last year, finishing 13th overall

Reds (h), Rebels (a), Force (a), Waratahs (a), Blues (h)

4. BULLS (47) Did not qualify last year, finishing seventh overall

Chiefs (a), Stormers (h), Cheetahs (h), Sharks (a), Lions (h)

5. CRUSADERS (42) Beaten 2011 Super Rugby finalists

Bye, Highlanders (h), Hurricanes (h), Chiefs (a), Force (h)

6. SHARKS (41) Beaten 2011 Super Rugby semi-finalists

Stormers (h), Lions (a), bye, Bulls (h), Cheetahs (h)

7. HIGHLANDERS (39) Did not qualify last year, finishing eighth overall

Blues (a), Crusaders (a), Chiefs (h), Reds (a), bye

8. REDS (36) 2011 Super Rugby champions

Brumbies (a), bye, Rebels (a), Highlanders (h), Waratahs (h)

9. HURRICANES (35) Did not qualify last year, finishing ninth overall

Rebels (h), Waratahs (a), Crusaders (a), bye, Chiefs (h)

With thanks to SANZAR

http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=35269

Super Rugby Round 13 Review - Highlanders Highlight

The Highlanders beat the Bulls.
Round 13 Super Rugby and the higher placed teams generally won with the exception of the Highlanders defeating the Bulls.  The margins were a mixed bag with the Crusaders posting a massive win over the Blues, while the other victories were by lesser margins right down to the Rebels one point win over the Force. 
The Brumbies showed they are still title contenders, while the Stormers continued their roll and the Sharks and Reds continued to challenge for the Top Six.
The best result of the weekend for me was the way the Highlanders beat the Bulls.  The worst performance was by the Blues who were thumped by the Crusaders.  Have they given up?
What was your favourite game of the weekend?  Who will make the Top Six?  I think the Top Six now will finish as the Top Six at the end of the Super Rugby 2012.
Sunday , May 20
Western Force 31 - 32 Melbourne Rebels
Saturday , May 19
Highlanders 16 - 11 Bulls
Crusaders 59 - 12 Blues
Reds 34 - 20 Lions
Stormers 19 - 13 Waratahs
Cheetahs 20 - 34 Sharks
Friday , May 18
Hurricanes 25 - 37 Brumbies
Playoff Qualifiers
Team P W L D PF PA PD Points
Stormers 11 10 1 0 245 171 74 49
Chiefs 11 9 2 0 302 225 77 49
Brumbies 11 7 4 0 302 237 65 44
Bulls 11 8 3 0 349 246 103 47
Crusaders 12 8 4 0 346 257 89 42
Sharks 12 7 5 0 317 265 52 41

Super Rugby Team of Round 13 - High Scoring Bargains

Cadeyrn Neville was the highest scoring player.

Lachie Munro was an unlikely top scoring player this week.

Super Rugby Round 13 rugby action saw some high scores from bargain priced players, with Lachie Munro and Cadeyrn Neville scoring 510 points in www.testrugby.com.  These two players were an unlikely source of points given they sell for around $500,000.  It shows the benefit of picking try scoring players which is funny given that one is a lock and the other was playing for a Blues team which got smashed by the Crusaders.  There were some other bargains including Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth, loose forward Micheal Hooper, midfield backs Alf Mafi and Ryan Crotty.  Richie McCaw made the team for the first time, while regulars like Stephen Moore, Corey Flynn and Kurtley Beale made the cut again, but are expensive.  The Crusaders have the bye this week, so sell these guys, while the Chiefs are coming off the bye and will provide a few bargains this week.  Only one South African player made the Team of the Round.

Super Rugby Team of Round 13 by country
Australia 6
New Zealand 5
South Africa 1

Super Rugby Team of Round 13
1 Stephen Moore FR BRM 1 460 460 $1,305,000 
2 Corey Flynn FR CRU 1 460 460 $1,097,500
1 Cadeyrn Neville LK REB 1 510 510 $497,500 
2 Eben Etzebeth LK STM 1 420 420 $540,000
1 Richie McCaw LF CRU 1 380 380 $1,167,500 
2 Micheal Hooper LF BRM 1 360 360 $605,000
1 Lachie Munro HV BLU 1 510 510 $542,500 
2 Will Genia HV RED 1 500 500 $1,025,000
1 Ryan Crotty CT CRU 1 370 370 $650,000 
2 Alf Mafi CT FOR 1 340 340 $607,500
1 Zac Guildford OB CRU 1 460 460 $1,085,000 
2 Kurtley Beale OB REB 1 440 440 $1,302,500

Do you agree with the www.testrugby.com Super Rugby Team of Round 13?

Netball Adopts Rugby Lifting Tactics - Do You Agree With Them?

Netball has adopted rugby lifting tactics in an innovative but highly legal manoeuvre.  Remember when John Eales was lifted to stop the oppositions' goalkicks from going over the posts?  What do you think about this tactic which now turns netball into a rugby lineout? 

I encourage innovation in sport, but think this move will be outlawed rather quickly, much like the John Eales lifting.  It will probably take teams a while to adjust to combat it, but it is an interesting new twist to the sport.  Anyway the lifting worked in boosting the Northern Mystics to a 49-45 win.

The Northern Mystics added a new dimension to their sport with a rugby lineout-style defensive strategy during a pivotal trans-Tasman victory in Melbourne yesterday.
Silver Ferns defender Anna Harrison at first confounded spectators at Hisense Arena when an outstanding vertical leap tipped a goal-bound shot from the rim before halftime and then the wiry 1.87m-tall veteran infuriated Vixens fans when the Mystics unveiled a revolutionary tactic to give her an even greater height advantage during their 49-45 triumph.
Kayla Cullen and Jessica Moulds adopted the role of a lineout lifter to hoist Harrison and, after initial teething problems, the ploy had the desired result in the final quarter when Vixens shooter Karyn Howarth's goal-bound shots were twice batted away when the home side was trying to mount a comeback.
Boosting Harrison's already notable elevation had been planned – and perfected – during closed training sessions for a month, and the Mystics players and management were rapt the move worked as they savoured their third win in Australia from 14 excursions since the competition began in 2008.
Last year's runners-up now have a six-win, two-loss record and remain in the top four with Adelaide, reigning champions Queensland and the NSW Swifts.
Mystics coach and former Silver Fern Debbie Fuller reluctantly claimed ownership of the innovation, emphasising that her defenders and Australian-born skills coach Jason Gregory had also had input.
"I don't want to be boastful but I said: let's have a go at it, let's practise it and put it into the game," Fuller said.
She discussed her idea with umpires in Australia and New Zealand, and was told it was not illegal and, although the crowd reaction became irate, she was confident the tactic was not contrary to the spirit of the game.
"If you put somebody on someone's shoulder and put them up there that's different. This shows the athleticism of the netballers.
"Everything's got to connect: the timing, understanding the flight of the ball, your ability to jump, the strength of your defensive partner.
"It's very hard to do and it's not always going to work because a shooter can change their timing or offload to her partner – she has options."
Vixens captain and defender Bianca Chatfield had no issue with the manoeuvre.
"I loved it. As a defender you are always trying to be so creative ... it was just awesome for them to be able to do that."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/6955657/Northern-Mystics-adopt-lineout-lift-tactic

Scott Higginbotham Signs For Rebels

Reds loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been signed by the Rebels for next season's Super Rugby competition.  The Reds can't afford to keep the dynamic loose forward, while the Rebels have a larger salary cap and need to replace Welsh loose forward Gareth Delve.  The Rebels don't have much local talent, so have to draw on players from other franchises.  What do you think of the Rebels signing Scott Higginbotham?  I think he is impressive and is a great signing.

A salary cap squeeze and new contracting protocols will result in Wallabies back-rower Scott Higginbotham leaving Super Rugby champions Queensland next season for a richer two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels.
Almost a month after agreeing with the Reds to stay at Ballymore, the Rebels on Friday officially confirmed the raw-boned 11-Test flanker would play for Melbourne in 2013 and 2014.
Higginbotham's change of plans came after the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) top-up offer to the in-form forward fell short of what he and Queensland officials expected.
Before this year, players negotiated with the ARU first for top-up deals before deciding on their province.
With Welsh No.8 Gareth Delve leaving Melbourne at the end of the year, the improving Rebels successfully lured the athletic 25-year-old south in a huge boost to the fledgling franchise.
Higginbotham is rated Australia's best blind-side flanker and is set to beat Rocky Elsom to the Wallabies No.6 jersey for next month's Tests against Wales and Scotland.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/13720369/rebels-lure-wallaby-higginbotham/

Super Rugby Round 13 Picks - Return Of Public Enemy Number One!

Love him, or hate him, Quade Cooper is back for the Reds and boy have they missed him!

Hopefully Super Rugby Round 13 is easier to pick than Round 12.  Last weekend I had a shocker only picking the correct winner for three out of seven games, and even then my margin for the Sharks vs Force game was way off the mark.  Super Rugby Round 13 looks like another tough round for punters, although there should be enough easy to pick winners to keep most punters on the positive side of the ledger.  Mind you, if you had money on the Rebels to beat the Crusaders then you would be laughing all the way to the bank!

It will be interesting to see who managers go for as their inside backs given that bargain priced options Tom Taylor and Beauden Barrett aren't starting, while Dan Carter and Quade Cooper are back, but in Cooper's case, will Mike Harris kick goals?  There is also a new kicker for the Cheetahs and Brumbies, while the Sharks are sweating on the fitness of Patrick Lambie.

There are some top level players out injured or rested for Round 13 so check updated team lists here

 http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html

Super Rugby Round 13 Picks

Brumbies vs Hurricanes

The Brumbies are coming off the bye against the Hurricanes who are fresh from a win over the Highlanders.  The Hurricanes will gain plenty of confidence from that result and will back themselves to get across the line again despite constantly losing possession and territory.  Both teams have new first fives for this week and new goalkickers.  Zac Holmes and Tusi Pisi could be worth taking a punt on if you are desperate for a bargain.  Holmes is listed as an outside back.

Players to buy - Ben Mowen, Stephen Moore, Victor Vito, Andre Taylor, Dane Coles.
Bargains -  Julian Savea, Tusi Pisi, Zac Holmes, Michael Hooper.
My pick - Hurricanes by 3.

Highlanders vs Bulls

The forward exchanges in this match will be worth the price of admission alone.  The Bulls have plenty of motivation with Morne Steyn set to raise his 100 Super Rugby games in style.  The Highlanders are running out of steam but are still in the Top Six.  As usual the Highlanders haven't named their team yet.

Players to buy - Andrew Hore, Adam Thomson, Morne Steyn,
Bargains - CJ Stander, Juandre Kruger.
My pick - Bulls by 3.

Crusaders vs Blues

Who would have thought that the Crusaders would come into this match after a loss and the Blues after a win.  Both teams have changed their loose forward mix, so be warned.  I think Luke Braid will inspire his team from Number Eight.  The Crusaders should still win, but not by too much.  It will be interesting to see Dan Carter at Number 10 and Richie McCaw in the Number Eight jersey.  Last week's loss by the Crusaders, may or may not have done the Blues a favour!

Players to buy -  Dan Carter, Luke Braid, Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg, Ma'a Nonu.
Bargains - Michael Hobbs, Luke Romano.
My pick - Crusaders by 10.

Reds vs Lions

One of the best teams on current form, play against the worst.  The Reds welcome back the enigmatic Quade Cooper for this match, but it is hard to know if he will kick goals or if Mike Harris will.  The Reds should win this easily against a Lions team who even got dorked by the Blues last week.  If you have spare trades then get into some Reds this week they should win easily!

Players to buy - Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill.
Bargains - Mike Harris, Jaco Taute, Dom Shipperley.
My pick - Reds by 29

Cheetahs vs Sharks

The usually high scoring Cheetahs are hosting the Sharks in a battle that is a dangerous one for the Sharks.  The visitors look likely for a Top Six finish, but a loss here to the dangerous Cheetahs could throw a spanner in the works.  The Cheetahs almost tipped over the Stormers last week and there was even a rumble.  The Sharks will want Patrick Lambie for this match.  The Sharks haven't been named.  The battle between the hookers will be massive.  The Cheetahs are trying a new first five eighth who could be worth a crack.

Players to buy - Patrick Lambie (if playing), Bismarck Du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Keegan Daniell.
Bargains - Willie Le Roux, Jaques Botes, Marcell Coetzee.
My pick - Sharks by 3.

Stormers vs Waratahs

The Stormers were given a fright last week and will want to put away the disappointing Waratahs.  The main concern for the hosts are their loose forwards where Jebb Sinclair comes in to wear the poisoned chalice Number Eight jersey.  He is a bargain.  This match should be a win for the home team.

Players to buy -Andries Bekker, Tiaan Liebenburg, Peter Grant, John Ulugia/Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Bargains - Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Dave Dennis.
My pick - Stormers by 14.

Force vs Rebels

The Force will be pleased to be back home after a torrid time in South Africa.  These two teams are trying to avoid being the bottom team in the Australian conference.  The Rebels have been in better recent form after nearly beating the Bulls and beating the Crusaders last week.  They look better with Kurtley Beale at first five eighth.  I am picking them to continue their good form, but this game should be close like plenty of derby matches.  Neither team has been named, so double check.  The Rebels is looking like Dad's Army with all their experience these days!

Players to buy - David Pocock, Kurtley Beale, Nathan Sharpe.
Bargains - Caderyn Neville,  Nathan Charles.
My pick - Rebels by 3.

Who are you picking to dominate Super Rugby Round 13?  Do you agree with my picks?

Super Rugby 2012 Viewership Increases in New Zealand - Why?

The number of people attending and watching Super Rugby on television has increased since last year.  The obvious reason for this varies by region in my opinion.  The Chiefs have been playing well this season and that pulls the punters, while the Hurricanes have been showing encouraging signs with a new bunch of young players.  The Crusaders have actually been playing in Christchurch this season, while the Highlanders are playing in a flash new indoor stadium to make viewing more comfortable.  The only shock is that the Blues viewers have increased, but it is only by a small portion.

I wonder if the Rugby World Cup 2011 helped to boost the profile of rugby in New Zealand and get plenty of old fans returning to the games.  It probably also helped that New Zealand won, so we have a far more optimistic view towards the game than we used to.

I also wonder if people may not have attended matches last season because they bought Rugby World Cup tickets which were expensive in some cases and people only have so much disposable income.

Another possible reason is the switch over to digital television in New Zealand may mean that people get Sky television instead of Freeview because they need the satellite dish.  

Anyway, this is all positive for Super Rugby 2012 in New Zealand.

Why do you think more people are watching Super Rugby?  

Winning makes all the difference when it comes to home support in the Super Rugby competition.

The Chiefs, enjoying their best year through the preliminary stages, have had a 97 percent life in home attendances.

The Highlanders are 70 percent up on their attendances, no doubt boosted by the covered stadium which makes conditions more comfortable.

The Hurricanes, after a poor year last season, are up by 40 percent while even the lowly Blues have a 12 percent boost. The Blues also have the highest average crowd figures across the country.

The Crusaders have a 13 percent lift recorded but that has to bear in mind the fact they played no games in Christchurch as a result of last year's earthquake.
click here!

Total attendances across the country are up by 37 percent while television viewership is up by 33 percent as well. That represents 1.9 million more viewers than last season.

The Blues had a 50 percent increase in viewers, the Hurricanes 47 percent, the Highlanders 33 percent, the Chiefs 19 percent and the Crusaders 18 percent.

New Zealand Rugby Union general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said the results were evidence of the benefits of hosting, and winning, the Rugby World Cup last year.

"We also know that the on-field action has been outstanding, and unpredictable, adding a real edge to the New Zealand conference and the whole competition. The ladder is now starting to heat up with teams jostling to become clear contenders as we approach the business end of the competition.

"The Chiefs under the new coaching team led by former Turbos coach Dave Rennie has re-ignited the enthusiasm of rugby fans from across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau and they've seen some remarkable increases in crowd numbers," he said.

 http://www.sportal.co.nz/rugby-union-news-display/nz-switches-back-on-to-rugby-177009

Super 15 Rugby Round 13 Teams Named

Here are the Super Rugby Round 13 team lists named already.

For up to date Super Rugby Round 13 teams go to

http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html


Hurricanes vs Brumbies

Hurricanes
1. Reggie Goodes,2. Dane Coles,3. Ben May,4. Jeremy Thrush,5. Jason Eaton,6. Brad Shields,7. Karl Lowe,8. Victor Vito,9. TJ Perenara,10. Tusi Pisi,11. Julian Savea,12. Tim Bateman,13. Conrad Smith (c) ,14. Cory Jane,15. Andre Taylor
Replacements : 16. Motu Matu’u,17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,18. James Broadhurst,19. Jack Lam,20. Chris Eaton,21. Beauden Barrett,22. Jayden Hayward.

Brumbies – 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Fotu Auelua, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Ben Mowen (c), 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Subs: 16 Anthony Hegarty, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Peter Kimlin, 19 Ita Vaea, 20 Nic White, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Tevita Kuridrani.

Highlanders vs Bulls
Bulls - Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 CJ Stander, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.

Reds vs Lions
Reds Ben Lucas, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes. Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Eddie Quirk, Nick Frisby, Chris F'sautia, Luke Morahan.

Lions – 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Joshua Strauss (c), 7 Grant Hattingh, 6 Derrick Minnie, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Subs: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Cobus Grobbelaar, 19 Jaco Kriel, 20 Tian Meyer, 21 Ruan Combrinck, 22 James Kamana.

Stormers vs Waratahs
Stormers – 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Don Armand, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Gerhard van den Heever.