PREVIEW: AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE, 2012 SUPER RUGBY, WEEK ELEVEN
The Australian Conference gets underway with the Rebels hosting the Bulls for the first time, with the Melbourne based franchise still searching for their first win over a South African Conference side.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on the glamour Australian Conference clash at Canberra, which could go a long way to deciding the best outfit in the country in 2012.
Friday 4 May
Rebels v Bulls
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off (local, GMT, NZT, NSW/ACT, SAT)
19:40, 9:40, Fri 4 May 21:40, Fri 4 May 19:40, Fri 4 May 11:40
R Andrew Lees
AR Angus Gardner
AR Julian Pritchard
TMO George Ayoub
Head to head: Played 1, Rebels 0, Bulls 1
Last match: Bulls 47 - 10 Rebels @ Loftus Versfeld (2011SR WK13)
Notable fact: Rebels are still to beat a South African team
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Both teams come into this clash fresh, having taken a bye in week ten, but the tourists won’t be as well rested as their hosts – with many of the Bulls taking part in a Springboks planning camp before making the long haul over to Victoria.
The Rebels will be keen to record two little pieces of history in this clash, not only looking to beat a franchise from the Republic for the first time, but to win three straight matches at the ‘Stockade’ for the maiden time in their brief existance.
Their form is mixed coming into this, for while the Rebels have lost back-to-back matches, they traded the Waratahs try-for-try (three apiece) in their last outing, while a month ago they defeated the Blues.
The Bulls, tied on points with the Stormers at the top of their local log, will look to stake their claim for a fourth title with a fourth straight win, a run that began with the defeat of the Crusaders in Pretoria.
Flip van der Merwe and Dean Greyling return to bolster the three-time champions, who have shown more than once this season they are a major power, while their backline remains intact from their last outing against the Brumbies.
The Rebels don’t have enigmatic playmaker Danny Cipriani anymore, so Kurtley Beale will navigate a home team backline containing the newest inductee to the Super Rugby centurion club Mark Gerrard – while former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock plays his first match of the season.
Saturday 5 May
Brumbies v Waratahs
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off (local, GMT, NZT, NSW/ACT, SAT)
19:40, 9:40, Sat 5 May 21:40, Sat 5 May 19:40, Sat 5 May 11:40
R Chris Pollock
AR James Leckie
AR Richard Goswell
TMO Matt Goddard
Head to head: Played 18, Brumbies 7, Waratahs 11
Last match: Waratahs 41 - 7 Brumbies (2011SR WK18)
Notable fact: Waratahs have won seven of last nine
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The Brumbies return home after a sound trip to the Republic, pushing the Bulls all the way in Pretoria, before registering a handsome win against the Lions – the third straight match Jake White’s troops have scored at least five tries.
While the two-time champions sit on top of the Australian Conference and have looked revitalised under the World Cup winning former Springboks coach, they can’t afford any more slipups if they are to challenge for the title, with three losses in their last five stalling any potential momentum.
The Waratahs could potentially overhaul their opponents at the top of their local table, but would need to deny the Brumbies a competition point, while collecting a full house themselves as well as precisely a 29 plus point win.
New South Wales performance against the Crusaders last week hinted at some good things for the always heavily scrutinised Waratahs, although the difference between the sides at Allianz Stadium a week ago was accuracy and execution.
This has been one of the hallmarks of the Brumbies this season, playing a structured and organised game, as opposed to the Waratahs who have tinkered with their match strategies as the year has progressed.
The Brumbies backline has been the surprise of the season so far, and with Christian Lealiifano looking more like a Stephen Larkham clone (and potential Wallabies number ten) with each game, look for the hosts to continue with what has been a surprisingly efficient attack to marry with their solidity up front – especially with the return of captain Ben Mowen.
The Waratahs will fancy their chances up front after they held their own against an All Black laden Crusaders pack, and if the likes of Tatafu Polota-Nau and Dave Dennis continue their growing form, and only change to the starting team in 125kg lock Sitaleki Timani fires, the NSW could receive bragging rights for Australian rugby.
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