Super Rugby preview, team news, line-ups: round 1

Friday, February 13

Crusaders v Rebels, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Head-to-head: Played 3, Crusaders 3, Rebels 0, Drawn 0

In Christchurch: Played 1; Crusaders 1, Rebels 0, Drawn 0

Last clash: Round 5, 2015 - Rebels 19-25, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Crusaders are unbeaten in 23 home games against Australia opposition since February 2004, winning 22, while the Rebels are yet to win in eight visits to New Zealand since their inclusion to the competition in 2011.

• The Rebels have won their opening fixtures of the season in each of the past two years, while the Crusaders lost their opening game in 2013 and 2014.

• The Crusaders scored 12 tries from kick returns last season, more than any other side in the competition, while the Rebels conceded a competition-high 3.1 penalty goals per game.

Line-ups

• Crusaders : Colin Slade ; Robbie Fruean , Kieron Fonotia, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl; Daniel Carter, Mitchell Drummond; Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd (captain), Richie McCaw; Dominic Bird, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Wyatt Crockett, Scott Barrett, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Ryan Crotty, Nathaniel Apa.

• Rebels: Mike Harris; Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham, Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu.

Team News

• Richie McCaw starts for the first time in 2015, with Todd Blackadder making two more changes to the starting team that lost a warm-up game 35-12 against the Reds in Brisbane. Joe Moody starts at loose-head prop with Ben Funnell at hooker. All Blacks Wyatt Crockett and Ryan Crotty also return to the mix for the first time, looking for a start off the bench. "There is a real buzz within the team at the moment, they are fired up for this season and ready to get it started," Blackadder said.

• Mike Harris and Dom Shipperley will start on debut for the Rebels in Christchurch, having moved fronm Queensland, while fellow recruits Ben Whittaker and Sefanaia Naivalu have been named as reserves. Whittaker returned to Melbourne from Biarritz, while Naivalu is in line to become the first player to represent the Rebels after being signed from the Dewar Shield, Victoria's premier Club Rugby competition. Tamati Ellison starts after returned from his playing stint in Japan's top league, but Tom Kingston was unavailable due to injury.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Crusaders have numerous All Blacks fronting up first round, and that will be more than enough to quell the restructured Rebels.

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 14 Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Sam Bruce: Crusaders Andy Withers: Rebels

Brumbies v Reds, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Head-to-head: Played 24, Brumbies 18, Reds 5, Drawn 1

In Canberra: Played 13, Brumbies 10, Reds 3, Drawn 0

Last clash: Round 9, 2014 - Reds 20-23 Brumbies, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Brumbies have won 11 of their past 13 at home to Australian opposition, but those two exceptions were both defeats by the Reds. The Reds, also, have lost just three of their past 10 away derbies, winning six.

• Nic White provided a competition-high 14 try assists last season, but Christian Leali'ifano managed only a 50% kicking success rate - the lowest rate of any player to attempt more than 10 attempts.

• The Brumbies had the lowest scrum success rate (75%) in 2014, but they boasted the best ruck success rate of any side (96%).

Line-ups

• Brumbies: Robbie Coleman; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Joe Tomane; Matt Toomua, Nic White; Jarrad Butler, David Pocock (captain), Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio. Replacements: Stephen Moore, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Ita Vaea, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.

• Reds: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi; Chris Kuridrani, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner; Karmichael Hunt, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Curtis Browning; Marco Kotze, James Horwill; Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper (captain). Replacements: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Ed O'Donoghue, Adam Korczyk, Nick Frisby, Duncan Paia'aua, Campbell Magnay.

Team News

• David Pocock captains a Brumbies side featuring three rookies, namely starting lock Rory Arnold and replacement outside backs James Dargaville and Lausii Taliauli. Stephen Moore and Ita Vaea will feature from the bench, the club captain having overcome a knee reconstruction while the latter has won a two-year battle with a heart condition. "We've got three players debutising [sic] tonight, starting with our 2 metre and 8cm lock, Rory Arnold, who becomes the tallest player in Super Rugby history," head coach Stephen Larkham said. "Lausii Taliauli and James Dargavilel have also impressed me. James comes from Sydney Uni and Lausii from the Aussie Sevens. "Stephen Moore … is going to feature for us in the second half. He'll definitely get 20 or 30 minutes in the second half. One of the best stories coming out of this team is the return of It Vaea. He was pretty much retired this time two years ago, but he's pushed through and everyone at the Brumbies is excited to see him back."

• Karmichael Hunt steps in for Quade Cooper as the Reds fly-half, the code-hopper recruited from AFL named as one of seven Super Rugby debutants in the match-day squad. Sam Talakai, Marco Kotze, Sef Faagase, Adam Korczyk, Duncan Paia'aua and Campbell Magnay also in line to make their first Reds appearance. Will Genia will play his 100th Super Rugby game, after already earning his 100th cap for Queensland in 2014. Cooper, Anthony Fainga'a, Greg Holmes, Dave McDuling, Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Rob Simmons and Ben Tapuai were unavailable due to injury, while James O'Connor and Adam Thomson were not considered as neither has prove his fitness since joining the Reds from overseas. Coach Richard Graham congratulated the rookies for earning selection, saying "the forwards have performed strongly in the two pre-season games. Whilst Sam Talakai, Marco Kotze, Sef Faagase and Adam Korczyk are making their debuts at this level, I have confidence in their abilities. Slipper, Fainga'a, Horwill, Schatz, Gill and Hanson all have plenty of experience at this level, and they will ensure the new lads go into the contest well prepared. It'll be a collective effort."

Greg Growden's verdict: David Pocock is back, and Quade Cooper isn't. The Reds will take some time to get over the loss of Cooper, and the Brumbies will relish not having to counter him.

Tips - Greg Growden: Brumbies by 10 Brittany Mitchell: Brumbies Brett McKay: Brumbies Sam Bruce: Brumbies Andy Withers: Brumbies

Lions v Hurricanes, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Head-to-head: Played 15, Lions 3, Hurricanes 12, Drawn 0

In Johannesburg: Played 7, Lions 3, Hurricanes 4, Drawn 0

Last clash: Round 2, 2012, Lions 28-30 Hurricanes, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Hurricanes have won five straight against the Lions but the South African side ended 2014 with three straight victories, a feat they hadn't managed since winning four in a row in the early part of the 2007 season.

• The Lions have lost seven of their past eight home games against New Zealand opposition, but the Hurricanes have lost five of their past seven games in South Africa - as well as nine of their last 12.

• The Lions have won their past two opening weekend fixtures (2012 & 2014) in Super Rugby, while the Hurricanes have lost their past four opening fixtures.

Line-ups

• Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan; Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronje; Warren Whiteley (captain), Derick Minnie, Jaco Kriel; Franco Mostert, Martin Muller; Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Schalk van der Merwe. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Jacques van Rooyen, Robert Kruger, Warwick Tecklenburg, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Stokkies Hanekom.

• Hurricanes: Jason Woodward; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (captain), Rey Le-Lo, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields; James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dan Coles, Ben Franks. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Reggie Goodes, Chris Eves, Callum Gibbins, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.

Team News

• Malcolm Marx was a surprise inclusion to face the Hurricanes in Johannesburg, the former South Africa Under-20 hooker preferred to Armand van der Merwe while No 1 rake Robbie Coetzee recovers from the neck surgery he underwent last year. Marx represented South Africa in the 2014 Junior World Championship in New Zealand, but he sustained a knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. He returned to play for the Golden Lions in the Under-19 domestic competition.

• Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd named all his fit and available All Blacks to start against the Lions, but he suffered a late injury blow when Jeremy Thrush returned home to New Zealand with a calf problem. Ma'a Nonu was not considered as he was scheduled to arrive in South Africa only on Thursday after the birth of his third child.

Greg Growden's verdict: You can't trust the Hurricanes - especially on the road - and the Lions showed enough during the Currie Cup to indicate they will win a fair few this season.

Tips - Greg Growden: Lions by 5 Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Sam Bruce: Lions Andy Withers: Hurricanes

Saturday, February 14

Blues v Chiefs, QBE Stadium, Albany

Head-to-head: Played 23, Blues 10, Chiefs 13, Drawn 0

In Albany: Played 1, Blues 1, Chiefs 0, Drawn 0

Last clash: Round 19, 2014 - Blues 8-11 v Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Blues boast a 63% win rate at home to New Zealand sides, but the Chiefs are on a seven-match winning sequence over the Blues.

• Liam Squire made 71 tackles last season without missing a single one; no other player made more than 32 without missing at least one.

• The Blues had the strongest defence in 2014, completing a competition-high 88% of tackles in 2014, while the Chiefs had the worst discipline in 2014, conceding a Competition-high 12.8 penalties per game.

Line-ups

• Blues:Lolagi Visinia; Charles Piutau, George Moala/Hamish Northcott, Francis Saili, Tevita Li; Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan; Jerome Kaino (captain), Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis; Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Akira Ioane, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Hamish Northcott/Ben Lam.

• Chiefs: Tom Marshall; Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe; Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber; Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul; Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons (captain); Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Allardice, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Marty McKenzie, Bryce Heem.

Team News

• Tony Woodcock returns from shoulder surgery to play Super Rugby for the first time in eight months, winning his 140th cap, with fellow All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina coming off the bench. Jimmy Cowan will earn his 124th Super Rugby cap, but his first in two years after playing for Gloucester in England, while 2014 captain Luke Braid, returns from a double shoulder reconstruction via the bench alongside exciting teenager Akira Ioane, who was signed this week.

• Hika Elliot returns to Super Rugby in the Chiefs front-row, between Pauliasi Manu and Ben Tameifuna, while Dave Rennie has named rookie back-rowers Johan Bardoul and Maama Vaipulu alongside All Blacks openside Sam Cane. Rennie has also named Brad Weber to debut at half-back with prop Siate Tokolahi, lock Michael Allardice, five-eighth Marty Mckenzie and winger Bryce Heem all set to debut from the bench. "There has been some difficult decisions with a lot of competition for places," Rennie said. "We're rapt with the side we have picked but realise it will be a big challenge at North Harbour."

Greg Growden's verdict: Uncertainty remains around who is the Blues best No.10, while the Chiefs are quick settlers. The Chiefs are on another level.

Tips - Greg Growden: Chiefs by 9 Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs Brett McKay: Chiefs Sam Bruce: Chiefs Andy Withers: Chiefs

Sharks v Cheetahs, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

Head-to-head: Played 13, Sharks 8, Cheetahs 5, Drawn 0

In Durban: Played 7, Sharks 4, Cheetahs 3

Last clash: Round 18, 2014 - Cheetahs 27-20 Sharks, Vodacom Park, BloemfonteIn

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Sharks have started each of the past two seasons with a victory, including a win over the Cheetahs in 2013. They also beat the Cheetahs on the opening day in 2011. The Cheetahs last won an opening fixture in 2007, since when they have lost seven straight.

• The Sharks' tackle success rate of 84% was the lowest in Super Rugby last season, despite making the fewest tackles in the league, while they conceded a competition-high 17 turnovers per game.

• The Cheetahs conceded an average of 33 points and 3.7 tries per game last season, both competition-high figures, and they had the worst final-quarter points differential of -123.

Line-ups

• Sharks: SP Marais; S'bura Sithole, Waylon Murray, Heimar Williams, Lwazi Mvovo; Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Tera Mtembu, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Mouritz Botha; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis (captain), Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Matt Stevens, Marco Wentzel, Jean Deysel, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga, Odwa Ndungane.

• Cheetahs: Willie le Roux; Clayton Blommetjies, Francois Venter, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule; Joe Petersen, Sarel Pretorius; Willie Britz, Oupa Mohoje, Jean Cook; Francois Uys (captain), Lodewyk de Jager; Coenie Oosthuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Danie Minnie. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, BG Uys, Maks van Dyk, Carl Wegner, Boom Prinsloo, Tian Meyer, Willie du Plessis, Cornal Hendricks.

Team News

• Gary Gold has named his first Sharks squad, naming the majority of the players who have either returned or been drawn to the franchise. Waylon Murray feature at outside centre with Renaldo Bothma and Mouritz Botha in the pack while Matt Stevens and Jean Deysel are on the bench. "We are expecting a physical battle against a well-coached team, who have some exciting young players in their squad," Gold said. Aassistant coach Brad Macleod-Henderson said they would try to play an exciting brand of rugby "but we still need to make sure we do the basics well, that we defend well, our set-pieces are functioning and that we're accurate at the breakdown."

• Joe Pietersen starts at fly-half for the Cheetahs, the former Stormers player selected ahead of Willie du Plessis. Clayton Blommetjies starts at right wing after moving from the Bulls, with Springboks flyer Cornal Hendricks name don the bench. Heinrich Brussow was not considered for selection after returning from Japan concussed.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Sharks have a dream draw and the Cheetahs are suffering from a mass player exodus. This could be a mis-match.

Tips - Greg Growden: Sharks by 16 Brittany Mitchell: Sharks Brett McKay: Sharks Sam Bruce: Sharks Andy Withers: Sharks

Bulls v Stormers, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 22, Bulls 9, Stormers 12, Drawn 1

In Pretoria: Played 11, Bulls 6, Stormers 5, Drawn 0

Last clash: Round 18, 2014 - Stormers 16-0 Bulls, Newlands, Cape Town

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Bulls were unbeaten at home in 2014, winning seven and drawing one, and they have lost just one of their past 19 matches at Loftus Versfeld.

• Handre Pollard slotted 93% of his kicks at goal last season, the best rate of any player to attempt more than five.

• The Stormers averaged a competition-low 18.1 points per game in 2014, while the Bulls averaged fewer tries per game (1.8) than any other team.

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jurgen Visser; Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan SerfonteinJan, Francois Hougaard; Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl; Arno BothaPieter Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann; Victor MatfieldJacques Du Plessis; Werner Kruger, Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane. Replacements: Callie Visagie, Morne Mellett, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Grant Hattingh, Pierre Spies, Rudy Paige, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jesse Kriel.

• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Michael Rhodes, Rynhardt Elstadt; Ruan Botha, Jean Kleyn; Vincent Koch, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Wilco Louw, Jurie van Vuuren, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones.

Team News

• Adriaan Strauss has recovered from the calf injury that had kept him out of the pre-season matches and will take his place in the Bulls' front-row alongside Trevor Nyakane. The pack boasts six Springboks, with Arno Botha making his long-awaited return from injury in the No 8 jersey. Lappies Labuschagne is another to make his first appearance for the Bulls since his off-season move from Bloemfontein. Victor Matfield captains the side in the absence of Pierre Spies, who will be eased back into action from the bench.

• Duane Vermeulen is one of three Springboks in the Stormers' starting XV, with a fourth, fit-again loose forward Nizaam Carr, on the bench. Allister Coetzee, meanwhile, named former Western Force winger Dillyn Leyds and four rookies in the matchday squad - Johnny Kotze and Vincent Koch in the starting XV and tight-head prop Wilco Louw and outside back Huw Jones on the bench. Coetzee described the Bulls as a "tough assignment" and a "great challenge", but "it's been done before".

Greg Growden's verdict: Don't ignore the Bulls this year. They have a big pack and a big No 10. The Loftus factor is also big. Go big bad Bulls.

Tips - Greg Growden: Bulls by 6 Brittany Mitchell: Bulls Brett McKay: Bulls Sam Bruce: Bulls Andy Withers: Bulls

Sunday, February 15

Waratahs v Force, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Head-to-head: Played 13, Waratahs 9, Force 3, Drawn 1

In Sydney: Played 6, Waratahs 3, Force 2, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 9, 2014 - Force 28-16 Waratahs, nib Stadium, Perth

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Force have never won a season-opening fixture, and they Waratahs beat them 43-21 in round one last season.

• Israel Folau made 52 offloads last season, 24 more than any other player.

• Matt Hodgson was the top tackler in the league last season, notching 234, and effected a competition-high 35 turnovers; no one else made more than 24, and the Force will feel his absence with a hamstring injury.

Line-ups

• Waratahs:Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jaques Potgieter; Will Skelton, David Dennis (captain); Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro.

• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Solomoni Rasolea, Marcel Brache; Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson; Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes (caaptain); Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan. Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Francois van Wyk, Oliver Hoskins, Steve Mafi, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Luke Burton.

Team News

• Taqele Naiyaravoro makes his starting debut for the Tahs after impressing in pre-season, while captain Dave Dennis is fit to start after playing 40 minutes off the bench against the Chiefs in Campbelltown. Matt Carraro also returns from injury while Sam Lousi will debut off the bench after earning the praise of Michael Cheika for his efforts against the Chiefs.

• Chris Alcock replaces Matt Hodgson in the Western Force back-row after his 2014 season was limited to just three matches due to a shoulder injury. Sam Wykes captains the Force in Hodgson's absence, the second-rower becoming the ninth player to lead the team in Super Rugby. Kyle Godwin makes his first start in the No.13, named alongside Junior Rasolea for the ninth time having previously run on at inside centre in 24 of his 27 matches.

Greg Growden's verdict: Sydneysiders love Sunday football and a large crowd is bound to enjoy what could easily be a lopsided affair as the Force have lost their heart and soul - Matt Hodgson.

Tips - Greg Growden: Waratahs by 13 Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs Brett McKay: Waratahs Sam Bruce: Waratahs Andy Withers: Waratahs