ITM and Currie Cup Finals

Currie Cup Final
Sat 27 Oct
Sharks v Western Province     10:00am Houston time Live at Big Johns on wilcrest

ITM Cup 2nd Div final
Fri 26 Oct
Counties Manukau v Otago     01:35am   Game over and Counties run away with game at end. They are promoted to championship bracket next year.



Championship Final
Sat 27 Oct
Canterbury v Auckland     01:35am
Game over and Canterbury ended up running away with game 31-18 although at half time it looked like Auckland had the skills and muscle to win. But age and cunning of Canterbury won the day.

Pete picks;
Counties by 5

Sharks for Currie Cup by 5

The competition was trimmed to just six sides this season but retained the top four play-off system, which meant interest was held until the final round. It also meant that a team who had won just half their games can win the trophy, which doesn’t seem quite right.

The Sharks have won their last 4 games and 8/11 overall, with the 3 defeats all occurring on the road. They have won an impressive 43 of the last 47 matches on home soil by an average score of 31-16.

With the introduction of returning Springboks, it can be a bit misleading to look at how the teams have performed earlier in season however it’s worth noting that the Sharks have outscored teams after the break in 8/11 games and by at least 5 points at home so -3 on the 2nd half handicap is a decent option.

The home side has won the last 5 finals

Well Western province prevailed 25-18.

Haven't decided on ITM Championship...its a tough one and there are doubts about injuries to Ccanterbury side, so will need to check line up later.
I eventually decided this would be close but Canterbury has the experience to win by 3.
Game over and....
This game was a tale of 2 halves. Territory and possession were with Auckland. Auckland would feel confident going into half time.
But Canterbury played great and finally won 31-18. In fact it really was worse as Auckland only managed a last try in extra time when Canterbury were already partying. 

Rugby from Europe weekend beginning 26 Oct

French Top 14
Fri 26 Oct
Clermont Auvergne v Biarritz     12:50
   
Sat 27 Oct
Stade Francais v Toulouse     07:00    
Toulon v Bayonne     10:30    
Montpellier v Grenoble     10:30    
Perpignan v Racing Metro 92     10:30    
Agen v Castres     10:30    
Mont-de-Marsan v Bordeaux Begles     10:30    

Rabo Dirct Pro 12
Fri 26 Oct
Newport Gwent Dragons v Ulster     13:05     Played. Ulster massacred Dragons 46-19
Edinburgh v Scarlets     13:35     Edinburgh lost again 28-29
Munster v Zebre     13:45  Munster took a long time to put this to bed and finally win 29-3
   
Sat 27 Oct
Ospreys v Connacht Rugby     08:30    
Benetton Treviso v Glasgow Warriors     12:05  
Leinster v Cardiff Blues     12:30

Aviva Premiership
Fri 26 Oct
Worcester Warriors v Sale Sharks     14:00  Worcester add another nail to Sales coffin and win 23-16
  
Sat 27 Oct
Bath v Exeter Chiefs     08:30    
Northampton Saints v Saracens     09:00    
Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers     10:45
  
Sun 28 Oct
London Irish v Harlequins     08:15    
London Wasps v London Welsh     09:00

Petes picks from top;
Clermont by 8.
Actual  ClermonT 19-12  (by 5)
Stade to beat a weakened Toulouse team....although even a weakened Toulouse team is better than most   by 2 so not too confident.
Actual Stade came good at the end and won 28-24  (by 4)
Toulon on fire to beat a weakened Bayonne by 24
Actual. well Toulon really were on fire winning 59-0
Montpellier to beat Grenoble by 12
Montpellier won 23-6 (by 17)
Perps to bt Racing by 10.
Perps finally won at the death in a hard game 17-13 (by 4)
Castres are a tough bunch and may be just too good for Agen who win most at home. Castres by 5
Castres won 22-14 (by 8)
Mont de Mars has their best chance to date to get some points and will just win by 3
Well Mont had their best chance and fluffed it getting beat 17-12

Ospreys will massacre a weakened Connacht by 24
Ospreys ran away with this as predicted but only 26-9 (by 17)
Treviso are up to full strength whereas Glasgow have some injuries....plus I don't like the way Warriors play. Treviso at home by 2
Treviso lose...maybe Glasgow is getting better. Didn't see the game. Warriors won by 24-13
Leinster at home to beat a jekyll and hyde Blues but only by 5. Blues have an excellent team on paper.
Blues may have an excellent team on paper but they sucked again and lost 59-22

Bath at home will beat Exeter although I really like Chiefs. bath by 3
Bath did win 23-15 (by 8)
Sarries to beat Saints away from home by 5. This is a brave call, but Sarries are just too well organized.
And thuis it came to pass with Sarries winning 16-6
Leicester to bt Gloucester away by 5
Missed the game...must have been good because Cherry and Whites won this 27-21. Maybe Leic have lost some polish

Sundays games...I haven't checked team sheets yet but on the basis of guess I'd say Quinns to narrowly bt Irish away and Wasps at home to bt Welsh by 15

Bledisloe Cup

Preview: Australia v New Zealand

With that world record 18 victories in their sights, the All Blacks go in hunt of moving to within one of that target when they face Australia on Saturday.

Beating the Wallabies this weekend would equal the mark set by the 1969 All Blacks and the Boks of 1998. Lithuania hold the official highest total while Cyprus (15 international wins) will no doubt keep knocking on the door, so New Zealand are not alone in striving for global bragging rights.

Speaking of landmarks, the fixture at Suncorp will see Keven Mealamu make his 100th appearance for his country while Nathan Sharpe will wear the gold for one last time in front of Australian fans on home soil. How the veteran lock will hope it's not to be during their 100th loss to New Zealand.

The Force forward, who recently announced that he would further prolong his international career until after the end-of-year tour, will lace up his boots alongside Sitaleki Timani in a pack that has seen more than its fair share of injuries. This week, it's Saia Faingaa and Ben Alexander.

Injury nightmares have not ended there either as James O'Connor revealed on Thursday that he would not feature on the upcoming tour due to a hamstring issue, which means he joins scrum-half Will Genia and utility-back Berrick Barnes in definitely missing November games against France, England, Italy and Wales. Should their rotten luck continue, a testing winter month in Europe lies in wait.

New Zealand could not be in more of a contrasting state going into this contest, as an unbeaten Rugby Championship and players fit and in form makes theirs a happy camp. They seem settled and even boast the luxury of experimenting instead of changes being forced upon them. In comes tighthead Charlie Faumuina, who has waited patiently for his start while there is one other change of Mealamu in for Andrew Hore as they look for revenge for that 25-20 defeat 14 months ago when the Wallabies won the Tri-Nations.
Sam Whitelock touched on that loss this week so by no means will this just be a warm-down with the Bledisloe Cup already safely locked up for another year, the Kiwis want to make a statement. Can they be beaten? It seems unlikely due to the cohesive unit the All Blacks have become. Steve Hansen is also timing his tweaks perfectly - case in point being the inclusion of Hosea Gear over a much less experienced Julian Savea for their game in Soweto. That move proved inspired as Gear deserved his return, shone and has ultimately retained his place after causing SA a great deal of bother. Savea will get other chances.

Yes, we can say what we like about the Wallabies' injury issues, South Africa's selection arguments and Argentina's rebirth but not enough credit has been paid to Hansen in our opinion. Look back at 2003 and 2007 for a moment and how those English and Springbok teams struggled to remain at the World Cup bar they had set themselves. New Zealand meanwhile have gone about their business post-Graham Henry, with Hansen looking set to lead a group capable of greater standards right up until 2015's main event in England.

Ones to watch:

For Australia: Barring the absence of David Pocock, this looks as close as Australia are going to get to their starting back-row line-up. Wycliff Palu returns on Saturday after a long absence and forms a well-balanced trio alongside the busy Michael Hooper and in-form Scott Higginbotham and Robbie Deans will be hoping they click in quick time. When fully fit, Palu is a destructive and intelligent carrier so one hopes he plays to his potential behind a lock who will be playing his last game on home soil for Australia, Nathan Sharpe.

For New Zealand: Kieran Read and Daniel Carter were quite simply superb against South Africa in Soweto. Carter had his swagger back while Read was his consistent self at the base, despite almost bombing a certain try for Cory Jane before recovering to find Ma'a Nonu on his other shoulder. Carter meanwhile was once again back to his mesmeric as his set-up of Conrad Smith's try from slick hands being one of the highlights from last time out. All Blacks fans and neutrals hope for more displays of simple yet brilliant rugby again.

Head-to-head: We arrive at hooker for this battle as the powerful Tatafu Polota-Nau collides with the man making his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks, Keven Mealamu. The Blues veteran has been handed the starting spot on Saturday and will be only the third All Black to reach the distinguished milestone, following captain Richie McCaw and full-back Mils Muliaina who made their 100th appearances during last year's successful Rugby World Cup. Polota-Nau and Mealamu know each other's games well but that shouldn't take anything away from their battle. On the other end of the scale, two players who have never faced each other on the international stage, Nick Cummins and Hosea Gear, clash on the wing. Both are high-impact entertainers which bodes well for a decent scrap this Saturday.

Recent results:

2012: New Zealand won 22-0 in Auckland
2012: New Zealand won 27-19 in Sydney
2011: New Zealand won 20-6 in Auckland
2011: Australia won 25-20 in Brisbane
2011: New Zealand won 30-14 in Auckland
2010: Australia won 26-24 in Hong Kong
2010: New Zealand won 23-22 in Sydney
2010: New Zealand won 20-10 in Christchurch
2010: New Zealand won 49-28 in Melbourne
2009: New Zealand won 32-19 in Tokyo

Prediction: Australia are an unprecedented 7/1 to win at home. New Zealand by 15!

The teams:

Australia: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe (c), 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 James Slipper, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Kane Douglas, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Brett Sheehan, 22 Drew Mitchell.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.

Date: Saturday, October 20
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 20:00 (10:00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Pete says;
 The Wallabies are playing for pride as they attempt to deny the All Blacks their 17th consecutive test rugby win and their 100th test match win over the hosts on Saturday night in Brisbane.  Is there a chance that the All Blacks who have already locked the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup trophies in the cabinet for a season could get complacent and take the injury depleted Wallabies lightly?  People forget that the Wallabies finished second in the Rugby Championship and were the last team to beat the All Blacks when they last met in Brisbane. 
ABs by 24

Currie Cup Semi Finals

Sat 20 Oct
Sharks v Blue Bulls    Sat 20 Oct 16:30 (local) 09:30 Houston
Lions v Western Province    19:30 (local) 12:30 Houston
I like Sharks by 5 and WP with all their Boks back by 3. Lions are one hell of a team but I just cannot see them overcome so many returning Bok.

Preview: The Sharks v Blue Bulls

Last year's runners-up, the Sharks, host the Blue Bulls in what promises to be an explosive Currie Cup semi-final in Durban on Saturday.

Both teams head into this clash on the back of good form after registering impressive results last weekend. The Sharks thrashed Griquas 42-3 to finish in pole position on the tournament table and the Bulls claimed a morale-boosting 50-29 victory over the Golden Lions which galvanised their season.
That win for the Pretoria outfit has made a big difference to their season as a defeat could have meant that they had to play in the promotion/relegation match with the EP Kings on Friday.
Sharks coach John Plumtree knows that the Bulls' triumph over the Lions make them a dangerous side and he expects a tough assignment this weekend.
"The Bulls did well to beat the Lions, it's never easy to win at Coca Cola Park," he said.
"They did a really good job there. They had a relegation gun pointing at their heads, which is different to our situation.
"Hopefully what we decide in terms of selection and how we integrate the players back into the side will benefit the team and then ultimately we can win the trophy - that's what we all want."
After a long and strenuous season Plumtree knows that his side will have to be at the their best over the next two weeks in their chase for honours.
"There is so much to look forward to, so much work has been done and lots of rugby has been played," he said.
"We know what we're coming up against, a very hungry Bulls side looking to prove a point. It's been a tough year, there are four teams who can finish their season on a high and all four will be talking about that."
Blue Bulls captain Dewald Potgieter believes his team have turned the corner after experiencing several lows this season and he is confident they can upset the hosts in the 'Shark Tank'
Potgieter said the fact that several of the Bulls players have won the Currie Cup before will prove valuable this weekend.
"We know what a special effort will be needed to go all the way," he said.
"We have been with our back against the walls for long spells this season, but responded every time, which is typical of the characters you find in this squad.
"They won't quit and that will be the mind-set again this weekend against a team that is well respected, but not unbeatable."
Players to watch:
For Sharks: Flanker Marcell Coetzee was one of the Sharks' most impressive players over the entire Super Rugby season, earning him a Bok jersey. He works tirelessly on defence and attack, enjoys the physical nature of the game and thrives in the foraging role. Against a side like the Bulls that latter part of his game could be a defining factor in this encounter.
For Blue Bulls: Springbok speedster Bjorn Basson is one of the leading finishers in rugby and seldom wastes a try-scoring opportunity. Another string to his bow is his aerial ability as he seldom loses the battle when competing for up-and-unders which is one of the main features of the Bulls' game-plan. After spending a large part of the season on the sidelines due to injury, Basson will be keen to impress. Don't bet against him doing just that.
Head-to-head: The battle between Sharks pivot Pat Lambie and Blue Bulls counterpart Morne Steyn could play a significant role in determining who should start in the position for the Springboks during their upcoming November internationals in Europe. Steyn was the man in possession at the start of the international season but was dropped by Bok coach Heyneke Meyer during the latter stages of the Rugby Championship. Lambie, although part of Meyer's squad throughout the year saw little game-time with his appearances restricted to cameo roles. Both will be keen to prove that they should start for the Boks and their battle should make for riveting viewing.
Previous results (2012):
September 28: Sharks won 13-12 in Durban
August 25: Blue Bulls won 42-31 in Pretoria
Prediction: It's one of the oldest clichés in the game but with several Springboks in both starting packs, as well as on the bench, the team that wins the forward battle will be triumphant. The home side, however, can call on seasoned internationals like Beast Mtawarira and Willem Alberts which will be crucial as the game progresses. Sharks to win by six points!
The teams:
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandre Marais, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Steven Sykes/Peet Marais, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Charl McLeod, 22 Meyer Bosman.
Blue Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter (c), 5 Flip van der Merwe, 4 Juandrè Kruger, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Mornè Mellett.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouchè, 22 Dean Greyling.

Amlin Cup Rd 2

Thur 18 Oct
Gloucester Rugby v Bordeaux Begles      19:45 (local) 13:45 Houston
Game over. I had Glaws by 21 and they were in the lead by 19 until last minute. Glaws win 25-13
Agen v Bath    20:45 (local) 13:45 Houston
I had Bath by 15. But as usual Bath played pitifully and only managed to finally comeout on top in last minutes. Bath are just so one dimensional, and they have such strong backs.
Agen 22-27 Bath

Sat 20 Oct
I Cavalieri Prato v London Welsh    14:00 (local) 07:00 Houston Pete says Welsh by 18

Bucharest Wolves v Calvisano     15:00 (local) 08:00 Houston   This is a tough one as there is no commentary on either team from last week and we couldn't even watch the teams last week. I'll go with bookies and hope they have Calvisano correct as Fav and I'll take them by 2. Bucuresti are usually tough at home. And these are 2 bum teams who only get together for this cup.

London Irish vs Mont-de-Marsan  15:00 (local)  09:00 Houston Irish should have too much class in backs and will win by no more than 12

Worcester Warriors v Rugby Rovigo    15:00 (local) 09:00 Houston
Worcester are going gang bang and at home should beat these mostly part timers by 32

Perpignan v Gernika RT    19:00 (local)  12:00 Houston
Stade Francais v Grenoble     21:00 (local) 14:00 Houston
Newport Gwent Dragons v Bayonne    20:10 (local)  14:10 Houston

Sun 21 Oct
Rugby Mogliano v London Wasps 14:30 (local)  07:30 Houston

Heineken Cup Rd 2

Heineken Cup Rd 2

Fri 19 Oct
Glasgow Warriors v Ulster    20:00 (local) 14:00 Houston
Castres v Northampton Saints 21:00 (local) 14:00 Houston

Sat 20 Oct
Scarlets v Leinster      13:35 (local) 07:35 Houston
Benetton Treviso v Toulouse      14:35 (local) 07:35 Houston
Saracens v Racing Metro 92     16:40 (local) 09:40 Houston
Connacht Rugby v Harlequins    18:00 (local) 12:00 Houston
Exeter Chiefs v Clermont Auvergne   18:00 (local) 12:00 Houston
Biarritz v Zebre     19:00 (local) 12:00 Houston

Sun 21 Oct
Cardiff Blues v Toulon    12:45 (local) 06:45 Houston
Munster v Edinburgh    12:45 (local) 06:45 Houston
Leicester Tigers v Ospreys    15:00 (local) 09:00 Houston
Montpellier v Sale Sharks    16:00 (local) 09:00 Houston

Sorry, no time to give a complete commentary.
So I got Saints wrong but Ulster right.
Leinster to just beat Scarlets by 5
Toulouse to beat Treviso by 21
Sarries to beat Racing..by 5
Quinns to beat Connacht by 18
Clermont with 13 internationals to finally win by a decent amount...by 15. Although I really like Exeter.
Biarritz to easily beat Zebre with Z scoring a double at least..and will win by 35 

Preview: Glasgow v Ulster

Glasgow Warriors have announced their side that will face Ulster in their Heineken Cup Pool clash on Friday.

Townsend's starting XV for the game in part depends on the outcome of the Tommy Seymour disciplinary hearing being held in Dublin today.
The winger was cited in the aftermath of the Northampton game for an alleged dangerous tackle on the Saints player Vas Artemyev.
IRB Regulation 17 states that a cited player is not eligible to play until the disciplinary process has been concluded, and as such Seymour has not been named in the Warriors team at this stage.
Should Seymour be cleared to play, he will start the game on the right wing. If he is not cleared to play, Byron McGuigan will make his Heineken Cup debut in that role.
Elsewhere in the backline, Peter Murchie will start at outside centre, Sean Lamont missing out with the facial injury he suffered at Northampton and which is still subject to further assessment. Alex Dunbar will line up on the left wing.
There are two changes up front, Tom Ryder getting the nod over Tim Swinson at lock and Chris Fusaro coming in for John Barclay at openside flanker. The Warriors welcome back Rob Harley, who has been missing since the start of September with a knee injury.
"Whatever happens with Tommy's hearing, our team tomorrow night will be strong and more than capable of delivering the right result, said Townsend.
"With a number of injuries in the backs, we've had to do some rejigging, but both Alex Dunbar and Peter Murchie have plenty of experience in the positions they'll be playing and, like the rest of the team, have gone really well in training this week."
Meanwhile, number eight Nick Williams and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar have been included in Ulster's starting line up.
Stephen Ferris has failed to recover from a back injury so impressive youngster Iain Henderson retains his place at blindside flanker, as Mark Anscombe made just two changes to the starting XV.
Williams has recovered from a rib injury picked up in the PRO12 win over Connacht a fortnight ago and will start the game at number eight in place of Mike McComish, who is named on the bench.
Pienaar showed his class in scoring the vital bonus-point winning try as a replacement last week against Castres and will start at scrum-half. Paul Marshall, who had ably deputised for the Springbok during the Rugby Championship, scored two tries in a man-of-the-match display against the French side, highlighting Ulster's strength in depth.
Indeed, Mark Anscombe admits it was a tough decision on the number 9 jersey.
"Paul played outstanding last week and he showed what he is capable of with a man of the match performance. But we're in the position where we have two fantastic options at scrum-half," said Anscombe.
"Ruan came on and showed what a quality player he is with his distribution and try and the end. We have to select the team to win specific games and that's what we've done for this weekend. Rugby is an 80 minute game and it's important to have someone like Paul, who can come on and make an impact."
Anscombe's reign as Ulster coach has been characterised by squad rotation but there has been a more settled look about the team in recent weeks.
"We're getting more and more players back from injury and it is allowing us to get close to a full strength team. We now just have a couple of players missing so it's looking quite promising," he commented.
Glasgow have beaten the Ulstermen in just one in their last five encounters. This is the first Heineken Cup tie to be played at Scotstoun since Ulster visited the ground to play Glasgow & District in October 1997.
The teams:
Glasgow: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Byron McGuigan, 13 Peter Murchie, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Alex Dunbar, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Ryan Wilson, 7 Chris Fusaro, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Al Kellock (capt), 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Mike Cusack, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Finlay Gillies, 17 Ofa Fainga'anuku, 18 Gordon Reid, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Rob Harley, 21 John Barclay, 22 Scott Wight, 23 Niko Matawalu.
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johan Muller (c), 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements:16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Black, 18 Adam Macklin, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Luke Marshall, 23 Craig Gilroy.
Date: Friday, October 19
Kick-off: 20:00
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Pete says. Too easy. Win for Ulster who are playing brilliantly. By 5 as it will rain and Warriors will be trying much harder.

Preview: Castres v Northampton

Ryan Lamb returns to the Northampton Saints fly-half berth for Friday's Heineken Cup clash against Castres at Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse.

There are two changes to the starting XV that got Saints' campaign off to a winning start last Sunday against Glasgow as Stephen Myler shifts from 10 to full-back in the place of James Wilson while Lamb takes over the pivot role.
There is one change to the bench with the addition of Scott Armstrong to the replacements.
With just a five-day turnaround between the Round 1 and 2 clashes Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that the English side has a tough challenge ahead of them.
"The tournament scheduling has not been particularly kind to us in the first two rounds, and having just five days to prepare for a tough match is certainly not ideal," he said.
"Having played Castres in both of our last two Heineken Cup campaigns we have an idea of what to expect - some big runners, strong set piece work and accurate goal kicking.
"We also know how difficult Castres are to play at home. They have not lost in front of their own fans this season, and even though the game is in Toulouse they will still be very difficult to beat.
"However we are going to France in good spirits after showing our character last Sunday to fight back and secure a bonus point win, and we will be doing everything we can to get the positive result we want."
Northampton Saints will be looking for revenge after suffering a 41-22 away defeat to Castres in last season's Pool stages which ended the 2011 finalist's hopes of reaching the knock-out stages.
Castres may have struggled against Ulster in Belfast last week but the French side have won 17 of their 26 European games on home soil.
But the hosts have won just one of their last 10 Heineken Cup matches - against Saints.
Meanwhile, Castres have been struck by a triple injury blow as full-back Brice Dulin (thigh), centre Max Evans (ribs) and loose forward Yannick Caballero (ankle) are all unavailable.
Rugby Union betting odds
The teams:
Castres Olympique: 15 Romain Teulet, 14 Romain Martial, 13 Paul Bonnefond, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Rémi Tales, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Piula Faasalele, 6 Jannie Bornman, 5 Christophe Samson, 4 Iosefa Tekori, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Brice Mach, 1 Mihaïta Lazar..
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Yannick Forestier, 18 Michaël Coetzee, 19 Matthias Rolland, 20 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 21 Pedrie Wannenburg, 22 Romain Cabannes, 23 Marc Andreu,
Northampton Saints: 15 Stephen Myler, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Vasily Artemyev, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Rhys Oakley, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Paul Doran Jones, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 GJ Van Velze, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Tom May, 23 Scott Armstrong.

Pete says. Yes this is a strong castres team and Rory Kockott will be on target for penalties and YES Castres very rarely lose at home and YES it will be pissing down with rain  and YES castres are favourites. But they are dull and cannot score tries. And YES the conditions will not be conducive to tries. BUT SAINTS need to win this just on the basis of the incredible talent of their pack. They are not just grunts. I like Saints and I think they will beat the odds by winning abroad.
Saints by 3

ITM Cup Semi Finals

Preview: Otago v Tasman

 Tasman goes into its first-ever semi with burrs under its saddle -two horrible performances, one last week against North Harbour and the other the last time these two teams met -to drive the side on. Otago has not played a final for seven years, which will be spur enough for a proud old union and its exciting young players.

VENUE & TIME: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Friday October 19 @ 1935

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 6; Otago 5, Tasman 0, drawn 1.

LAST TIME: September 23, 2012 (Dunedin, round 6) -Otago 39-13 Tasman.

WALKING WOUNDED: Otago has one significant absentee and one significant returnee for this match; Tom Franklin, who has enjoyed a big year at lock, has been ruled out after a hamstring injury against Auckland and has been replaced by debutant Jackson Hemopo, while Adam Thomson has been released by the All Blacks and will take his place on the side of the scrum. Paul Grant (shoulder) and Tama Tuirirangi (knee) were not considered. The most obvious and potentially far-reaching losses for Tasman are Jordan Taufua (recalled by Canterbury in the wake of their own injury problems), Campbell Johnstone (calf) and Robbie Malneek (knee and ankle), all of whom have starred this year. The loose forwards and three-quarter line have been rejigged as a result, but apart from Mitchell Scott making his first appearance of the year on the bench, everyone in the 22 is a regular.

FORM:
Otago:
Round 6: beat Tasman 39-13 (h)
Round 7: lost to Hawke's Bay 15-21 (a)
Round 8: beat Manawatu 51-35 (a)
Round 9: lost to Wellington 22-49 (h)
Round 10: lost to Auckland 19-24 (h)

Tasman:
Round 6: lost to Otago 13-39 (a)
Round 7: lost to Waikato 19-20 (a)
Round 8: beat Bay of Plenty 17-3 (h)
Round 9: beat Counties-Manukau 28-19 (a)
Round 10: lost to North Harbour 10-42 (h)

Otago might not have beaten Auckland, but the Dark Blues turned in a much better performance than against Wellington. They stuck with the visitors all the way and the game was only determined by an intercept try (although that may not have been the case if the TMO hadn't ruled out a potential score by Gareth Anscombe of the flimsiest of grounds), but Otago did compete well and was able to dictate the pace at times against one of the competition's best sides.

Tasman, having put in two big performances against good sides, turned in a collective shocker against North Harbour and got thoroughly dusted. The Makos made a ton of errors (the turnover count was 26-7 against them), didn't play smart rugby and got rolled over by a Harbour pack that has not been bad all year. The backs never fired either, so any hopes of hosting this match were out the window long before halftime and the second 40 minutes seemed to stretch on forever.

WHO'S HOT: With the tight five having taken a few hits recently, pressure will be on lock Rob Verbakel to lead them around the paddock this week. He does all his core stuff well and makes an impact around the field, often hitting the ball up hard or hitting opponents back equally as hard. Having Thomson back will only add starch to what has been a decent Otago loose trio, as his power going forward and all-round ability would be welcomed in any team. He hasn't had a lot of rugby lately but should be able to get back into it quickly, which will serve his side well. The Otago backline has remained relatively unchanged for most of the season and every player in it has had good moments through the season. But if there's one guy who exemplifies what's good about Otago rugby, it's Glenn Dickson -steady, reliable, talented and a bloke who always plays to win. If Tasman wants to do things in this game, they'll need to shut him down.

Tasman has used a solid core of players through the year and they have all served the side well. Up front, Quentin MacDonald and Joe Wheeler often stand out for strong all-round performances; they're both talented ball-players in the open and hard workers in the tight. MacDonald is actually one of the more skilful forwards with ball in hand, never trying to do too much but often quick to recognise where the real possibilities are, while Wheeler is one of those blokes who will take the ball up into heavy traffic and give his team-mates a chance to regroup behind him. They've both given the team a lot this year. So has skipper Andrew Goodman; he may not be a regular try-scoring hero or the flashiest player but he is always sound, always steady and always doing his very best. His tough defence is one of the reasons why Tasman does not get cut open much these days, while his attacking skills and vision often create space and time for the dangerous players out wider.

WE THINK: If Tasman can't get motivated for this game, they're not going to survive for long -and if Otago aren't up for it, the same applies. Both teams have the ability to play fast, aggressive football although Otago makes a few less errors in its games and has not suffered a real wipe-out this year. The changes forced on both teams have put a couple more points on what we think Otago's final margin will be, but it always looked likely to be a tough home win anyway.

TEAMS:
Otago: 1. Aki Seiuli, 2. Sam Anderson-Heather, 3. Liam Coltman, 4. Jackson Hemopo, 5. Rob Verbakel, 6. Adam Thomson, 7. Lee Allen, 8. Gareth Evans, 9. Fumiaki Tanaka, 10. Hayden Parker, 11. Buxton Popoali'i, 12. Glenn Dickson (capt), 13. Jayden Spence, 14. Marshall Suckling, 15. Tony Ensor.

Reserves: 16. Shota Horie, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Adam Hill, 19. TJ Ioane, 20. Peter Breen, 21. Michael Collins, 22. Hugh Blake.


Tasman: 1. Tim Perry, 2. Quentin MacDonald, 3. Sam Prattley, 4. Filipo Levi, 5. Riki Hoeata, 6. Joe Wheeler, 7. Shane Christie, 8. Tevita Kolomatangi, 9. Jeremy Su'a, 10. Hayden Cripps, 11. James Lowe, 12. Andrew Goodman (capt), 13. Kieron Fonotia, 14. Peter Betham, 15. Tom Marshall.

Reserves: 16. Francis Smith, 17. Reuben Northover, 18. Vern Fredricks, 19. Gary Redmond, 20. Steve Alfeld, 21. Mitchell Scott, 22. Albert Nikoro.

Pete says...Good weather and little rain will allow the ball to be thrown around if either team takes the chance. At home Otago thrashed tasman by 26 points. Malneek out for Tasmman is a set back and return of AB Thompson, is indeed a blessing, although he does like to stay out wide alot.
Still it must be Otago by at least 12.
Game over and Os won by 5
This from TVNZ. 
Finally they do a decent commentary on their own national sport. the rest of the year they have sucked, and one wonders why the interest in the provincial cup is waning.
Premiership semi-finals
Canterbury v Taranaki, 4.35pm Saturday, Christchurch
Head to head: Canterbury $1.10, Taranaki $6
Last meeting: Taranaki 18, Canterbury 9 (September 15 in New Plymouth)
How these two teams' paths have diverged since the Cantabs were famously denied the Ranfurly shield a month ago. Taranaki have since lost the shield and a home semi-final spot; whilst Canterbury have won their last five games by an average margin of - wait for it - 60 points to 13.
Both sides prefer to dominate up front before unleashing potent backlines to do the scoring; making the forward battle particularly important.
The amber and blacks have had another season of overachievement and their brilliant captain Craig Clarke deserves special mention. But even without injured loose forwards Matt Todd and Nasi Manu, the Cantabrians are an irresistible force and it's going to take something special to stop their drive for five titles.
Tip: Canterbury by 15 points
Wellington v Auckland, 7.05pm Saturday, Wellington
Head to head: Wellington $1.45, Auckland $2.60 
Last meeting: Auckland 43, Wellington 30 (September 22 at Eden Park)
There's little between these two teams, who finished with identical eight win, two loss records. The skill of Auckland's outside backs is already well-known, but Wellington's Jason Woodward and Matt Proctor have come on in leaps and bounds, while openside Ardie Savea must be a candidate for player of the season.
Expect Savea to wage war with experienced opposite Daniel Braid at the breakdown, but the backs should see plenty of ball in an open contest too. Both sides are relatively unburdened by injury and have had ample time off; Auckland in particular haven't played since last Thursday.
Wellington haven't won the domestic title in twelve years and seem to have had a mental block about facing Auckland in recent years. But on their home patch, they might do enough to book a final spot.
Tip: Wellington by 5 points
Championship semi-finals
Otago v Tasman, 7.35pm Friday, Dunedin
Head to head: Otago $1.45, Tasman $2.60
Last meeting: Otago 39, Tasman 13 (September 23, 2012 in Dunedin)
Anyone who bet on these two teams meeting in a semi-final at the start of the season will be watching this one on a fifty-two inch flatscreen in their tropical resort villa. Tasman's resurgence from bottom of the pile in 2011 has been built on attacking flair; while no less remarkable is Otago rising from the collapse of the ORFU in February with homegrown talent to burn.
Tasman inexplicably threw away a home semi by surrending to a hapless Harbour last weekend; more crucially, they lost key outside backs Tom Marshall and Robbie Malneek to injury. Add the return of Adam Thomson to Otago's forward pack and combine it with the fact Tasman have never beaten Otago and the hosts will have to think the rugby gods are smiling on them.
But this game is tough to pick because of Tasman's unpredictability. On their home patch though, with a firing backline, Otago should have enough to book an unlikely final spot.
Tip: Otago by 7 points
Counties v Southland, 2.05pm, Pukekohe
Head to head: Counties $1.25, Southland $3.75
Last meeting: Counties 30, Southland 9 (August 26 in Pukekohe)
Apart from a 35-7 trouncing of Hawke's Bay, the Stags have never really played well enough this year to earn a home semi. By contrast, Counties have been sizzling at times and rediscovered their mojo with a big win over Northland last weekend.
They can attack from anywhere and everywhere, with a big, mobile forward pack and fleet-footed backs like Tim Nanai-Williams and Sherwin Stowers. Forward graft will always be Southland's mantra and although injuries have hit them hard this year, they've uncovered a couple of quality backs too in Scott Eade and Marty McKenzie.
It's hard to imagine two teams with more contrasting styles. Southland are the quintessential wet weather team and if Pukekohe turns on a stinker of a night, they'll be well in the content. On a dry, firm track though, they're dead meat.
Tip: Counties by 17 points
Gamer over and Counties were in serious trouble until last 20 mins . They ended up winning 48-23.
My prediction of 21 came good...well within 5 so get max points on Superrbu

Counties-Manukau v Southland

 Counties may have locked up a playoff place early and Southland only at the last minute, but these two sides both have eyes on the same prize - two more wins will see them back into the top flight where they have spent a good deal of time since the NPC started back in 1976.

VENUE & TIME: Ecolight Stadium, Pukekohe, Saturday October 20 @ 1405

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 27; Counties-Manukau 16, Southland 9, drawn 2.

LAST TIME: August 26, 2012 (Pukekohe, round 1) – Counties-Manukau 30-9 Southland.

WALKING WOUNDED: Counties-Manukau will be pleased to get DJ Forbes back from sevens duties, so the loose forwards have been rejigged and Ronald Raaymakers has gone back to lock. Baden Kerr also makes a welcome return at first-five. Southland has three changes: Hoani MacDonald will start at lock and Scott McKee at blindside, while Kade Poki is on the right wing. Alex Ryan, Alex Taylor and Mark Wells make way for them respectively.

FORM:
Counties-Manukau:
Round 6: beat Manawatu 31-28 (a)
Round 7: lost to Auckland 18-22 (a)
Round 8: lost to Waikato 28-32 (h)
Round 9: lost to Tasman 19-28 (h)
Round 10: beat Northland 44-31 (a)

Southland:
Round 6: beat North Harbour 27-17 (a)
Round 7: beat Northland 16-12 (h)
Round 8: lost to Canterbury 0-84 (a)
Round 9: lost to Taranaki 18-47 (h)
Round 10: beat Manawatu 17-11 (h)

Counties had three shots at locking up the division before finally getting it right at Whangarei, where the necessary four tries were on the board shortly after halftime. The Steelers ran out to a big lead but the game lost its shape then and became rather too skittery as both sides concentrated on scoring tries and left the defence to look after itself. Counties will have taken confidence from that match after the three losses, and they have also got their scoring mojo back – a combination that will not do the Steelers any harm at all.

Southland had to work hard to even make it this far, as their slow start meant they were always trying to make up ground on the sides that had got away better. Two solid defeats by Premiership playoff teams were sandwiched by three wins over the sides that finished below them in the Championship, and that last-gasp win over Manawatu was a gritty performance as the game could easily have been lost. It also showed that Southland can still do the things that we’ve seen so often over the last few years, so a warning should have reached Pukekohe long before now.

WHO'S HOT: Two young loose forwards have impressed for Counties this year, with both Ma’ama Vaipulu and Jimmy Tupou turning in strong first seasons. Vaipulu is a strong ball-carrier and pretty quick around the paddock for a solidly-built guy. He tackles hard and has also been notable on several occasions when Counties has turned ball over at the breakdown. Tupou, a much taller man, is a good lineout forward and an athletic mover around the pitch; he, too, carries the ball well and does his share at the coal-face. Both will need to be on song against the rugged Southland loosies. Baden Kerr has been missed in the matches he has not played, as he brings calm control to the team and has good tactical awareness. Kerr is likely to use his strong boot to try and pin Southland in the corners, but he’s not scared to have a run and tops it all off with good results off the tee.

Jamie Mackintosh battled through a hard game last week when far from at his physical best, but his example lifted the troops in what was a rugged forward encounter. Mackintosh carried the ball often, almost always in heavy traffic, and never shirked on defence or in the scrum, where Southland did well. Tim Boys was another who played hard for the full 80 minutes, even if he was initially hard to pick because the trademark hair is now gone. Once you got used to that, it was a lot easier to see how busy Southland’s No 7 was and the sort of impact he was having on the game. Fullback Marty McKenzie scored the winning try, capping off a good game. He has had his moments in 2012, but in recent weeks has found a consistent level of performance that has really helped his side. He is willing to attack, can kick well, is sound positionally and brave under fire – all signs of a good young player.

WE THINK: Southland will be hoping that they can make this into a forward battle, with plenty of set-pieces and not straying too far from the breakdowns. That’s their game, and they play it well. Counties, on the other hand, will be looking for wide open spaces but they’ll need to do the hard work first. If the pack gets it right and the backs minimise their handling errors Counties should win comfortably, but not getting it right will make the day a lot harder than it needs to be.

TEAMS:
Counties-Manukau: 1. Simon Lemalu, 2. Mahonri Schwalger, 3. Matt Talaese, 4. Ronald Raaymakers, 5. Daniel Adongo, 6. Ma’ama Vaipulu, 7. DJ Forbes (capt), 8. Jimmy Tupou, 9. August Pulu, 10. Baden Kerr, 11. Sherwin Stowers, 12. Bundee Aki, 13. Reynold Lee-Lo, 14. Tony Pulu, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams.

Reserves: 16. Suliasi Taufalele, 17. Maka Tatafu, 18. Sikeli Nabou, 19. Bruce Kaino, 20. David Bason, 21. Kane Hancy, 22. Tyrone Lefau.

Southland: 1. Jamie Mackintosh (capt), 2. Jason Rutledge, 3. Nick Barrett, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 5. Hoani MacDonald, 6. Scott McKee, 7. Tim Boys, 8. Elliot Dixon, 9. Tayler Adams, 10. Scott Eade, 11. Tim Cornforth, 12. Matt Saunders, 13. Cardiff Vaega, 14. Kade Poki, 15. Marty McKenzie.

Reserves: 16. Brayden Mitchell, 17. Tukiterangi Raimona, 18. Michael Fatialofa, 19. Dion Bates, 20. Nemia Kenatale, 21. Junior Ngaluafe, 22. Mark Wells.
Pete says Counties will make sure they do not keep running into Stags tight 5. The weather is good but windy so I expect a bit of open rugby. Counties to play wide ball to their good backs and win by 21. I would say more but it is a semi and Stags realize they only have to play really well for a couple of games and they go up, and will therefore play with much heart.
Finally started throwing ball around and CM finally win 48-23. But only started to get ahead in last 20 mins.

Preview: Canterbury v Taranaki 

 Taranaki was the last team to trouble Canterbury, let alone beat them, but in the five weeks since that Ranfurly Shield match the two sides have seen their seasons go in opposite directions. If Taranaki wants to make its first top-level final, it's going to need to find form that has been MIA for some weeks now as the Cantabs are red-hot.

VENUE & TIME: AMI Stadium, Addington, Saturday August 20 @ 1635

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 59; Canterbury 42, Taranaki 15, drawn 2.

LAST TIME: September 15, 2012 (New Plymouth, round 5) - Taranaki 18-9 Canterbury.

WALKING WOUNDED: Canterbury had something of a loose forward crisis this week, with both Matt Todd and Nasi Manu being ruled out with knee injuries. As a result, Jordan Taufua was recalled from Tasman to fill one of the bench gaps. Wyatt Crockett has again been released by the All Blacks, and he'll start in the front row. Taranaki has made a few changes, especially in the loose trio where Kane Barrett and Blade Thomson were both ruled out after Wellington. There has also been a shuffle in the three-quarters with Frazier Climo out through a calf strain, with James Marshall starting at fullback, Andre Taylor and Waisake Naholo taking the wings and Jackson Ormond going to the bench.

FORM:
Canterbury:
Round 6: beat Waikato 52-27 (a)
Round 7: beat Southland 84-0 (h)
Round 8: beat Northland 56-11 (a)
Round 9: beat Hawke's Bay 44-3 (a)
Round 10: beat Bay of Plenty 63-22 (h)

Taranaki:
Round 6: beat Northland 32-31 (a)
Round 7: beat Manawatu 59-18 (h, RS)
Round 8: lost to Waikato 10-46 (h, RS)
Round 9: beat Southland 47-18 (a)
Round 10: lost to Wellington 17-33 (a)

Since losing that Ranfurly Shield match, Canterbury has been on a team that reminds one of the great Auckland sides on the late 1980s. They haven't scored less than 44 points or six tries in any of the five matches, and the games have been well locked away not long after halftime. Knockers might suggest they haven't played any formidable sides in that run - Waikato wasn't going well at the time - but the style in which Canterbury has put its opponents to the sword has really impressed.

After seven rounds Taranaki looked a good bet to host a semi, but since then someone has let all the air out of the tyres. Apart from the last 20 minutes against Southland, Taranaki has looked ordinary - forget the last quarter at Wellington, the game was long gone by then and Wellington had the cue firmly in the rack. Injuries, especially in the loose forwards, haven't helped but at the moment Taranaki seems to be running on fumes - and that won't be good enough this weekend.

WHO'S HOT: Everyone in a Canterbury jersey looked good last weekend, and there wasn't an area where the red-and-blacks did not dominate. George Whitelock is having a fine season both as captain and on the side of the scrum; he hasn't been a heavy try-scorer over his career but seems to get one every week at present. Tom Taylor continues to slot almost all his goals; he has kicked 60 out of 68 goal attempts this year (88 percent) and has 142 points without a try - quite some feat. Since nobody has managed to stop him taking seven or eight shots a game in recent weeks, it's easy to see the damage he causes. Andy Ellis also causes a lot of angst among opposing teams, but in a totally different way. He picks his options well, runs good lines on attack and reads the game on defence, all the while making sure his forwards are hard at work. He is certainly sending up a ‘don't forget me' to the national selectors.

Taranaki has taken the unusual step of restoring Craig Clarke to the side but leaving the captaincy with Jason Eaton, which suggests Clarke is tiring after a huge season. He has done everything asked of him all year - including battling a dicky knee - and has never shirked any of the hardest work. When it's over, he can reflect on a year most players would love to have in the CV. James Broadhurst is an interesting choice at blindside flank, but the cupboard was getting pretty bare and experience counted a lot more than an extra yard of pace. That said, Broadhurst has played well all year and is certainly a force around the field and he has stepped his running game up a notch. Beauden Barrett looked rusty last week, which was hardly surprising as he's played four minutes of rugby in more than a month. But he needs to step it up about 200 percent from that effort this time, and needs to match Tom Taylor off the kicking tee if Taranaki is to have any chance in this game.

WE THINK: If anyone is thinking about dropping a few bob on Taranaki at the TAB, they'll get either an 18.5-point start or hefty odds in a square go, which is only fair given what the two sides have delivered lately. It's hard - make that almost impossible - to see Taranaki winning this one; they haven't been good recently, and Canterbury has been tearing teams apart. If the weather behaves itself, Canterbury should win this one with plenty in hand.

TEAMS:
Canterbury: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Paea Fa'anunu, 4. Joel Everson, 5. Dominic Bird, 6. George Whitelock (capt), 7. Jed Brown, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Adam Whitelock, 15. Tom Taylor.

Reserves: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Matt Symons, 19. Jordan Taufua, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Telusa Veainu, 22. Stephen Gee.


Taranaki: 1. Chris King, 2. Timo Tutavaha, 3. Michael Bent, 4. Craig Clarke, 5. Jason Eaton (capt), 6. James Broadhurst, 7. Chris Walker, 8. Jarrad Hoeata, 9. Chris Smylie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Waisake Naholo, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. Kurt Baker, 14. Andre Taylor, 15. James Marshall.

Reserves: 16. Laurence Corlett, 17. Carl Carmichael, 18. Nemia Soqeta, 19. Adrian Wyrill, 20. Jamison Gibson-Park, 21. Seta Tamanivalu, 22. Jackson Ormond.
Pete says this is an excellent preview courtesy of ITM CUP dot co.nz
Canterbury by 28

Preview: Wellington v Auckland

Wellington and Auckland have a fair playoff history now, with Auckland generally getting the better of it. That's something Wellington will want to change this Saturday when they host the blue-and-whites, who took out the round-robin match 43-30 a month ago in Auckland.

VENUE & TIME: Westpac Stadium, Wellington, Saturday October 20 @ 1935

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 173; Wellington 78, Auckland 92, drawn 3.

LAST TIME: September 22, 2012 (Auckland, round 7) -Auckland 43-30 Wellington.

WALKING WOUNDED: Wellington has named an unchanged team from the one initially intended to face Taranaki, although Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen was a late scratching from that match. Auckland's intention was to make only two changes, with Liaki Moli and Joe Edwards returning to the starting pack, but Ali Williams is an uncertain starter (no) thanks to a back problem. If he cannot play, Andrew van der Heijden will take his place with Nathan Hughes moving up to the bench.

FORM:
Wellington:
Round 6: lost to Auckland 30-43 (a)
Round 7: beat Bay of Plenty 36-26 (a)
Round 8: beat North Harbour 34-28 (h)
Round 9: beat Otago 49-22 (a)
Round 10: beat Taranaki 33-17 (h)

Auckland:
Round 6: beat Taranaki 43-32 (h)
Round 7: beat Wellington 43-30 (h)
Round 8: beat Counties-Manukau 22-18 (h)
Round 9: beat North Harbour 36-16 (a)
Round 10: beat Otago 24-19 (a)

Wellington has only been held to less than 30 points twice all year, and the most recent time was when they scored 29 in beating Waikato. They might have lost to Auckland in a high-scoring game a month back but since then the Lions have been collecting five points a week without necessarily playing for 80 minutes. When they do floor it, though, it would take a very good side to stay with them and nobody outside the others in the top three has managed to do it yet.

Auckland's last loss was the thumping they got from Bay of Plenty back in round five, and since then they've been rolling along nicely. They've had a couple of toughies -one was last week, but a couple of rough refereeing decisions didn't help the cause -but have always looked to have enough in hand to remain in control. When Auckland gets going they're hard for any team to stay with, and none outside the top group would likely be able to do so at this stage of the year.

WHO'S HOT: Dane Coles had an excellent game for Wellington last week, continuing a good season. As well as doing all his tight work-the Wellington lineout is going very nicely at present -he added several flourishes in open play, not the least of which was a delicate chip for Jason Woodward to collect and score from. Ross Filipo has been in fine form as a blindside flanker, still offering plenty of grunt and remaining a good lineout option but getting around well and proving a menace in the open. He was another who had a big game against Taranaki, and his ability to fill the No 6 jersey so well has really helped his side. It's a measure of Tim Bateman's reliability and durability that he was subbed for the first time all year last week, and then only after the game was well won. Everything he does carries the stamp of class, and in a backline where others get bigger headlines he's one of the most important men on the park.

Angus Ta'avao has been one of the most impressive tight forwards anywhere in recent weeks, as he's really getting into his work. His scrummaging is always strong and he will bring plenty of pressure to bear on the Lions front row, while he really gets around for a big bloke and makes good decisions when he has the ball. Steven Luatua has pushed on in 2012 and has moved up from ‘good provincial player' to a guy who will stake a claim at the next level. He's a hard worker, rugged and tough, and a dangerous ball-carrier. Gareth Anscombe, with 170 points, a 50m range and a kicking average of 84 percent, is an ever-present threat to punish sides. He has a shot at breaking Tony Brown's single-season record of 196 points, which has not been seriously challenged since it was set in 1998. Anscombe also brings tactical acumen, a good running game and vision to the Auckland backline -the Chiefs will be more than pleased that they picked him up for 2013.

WE THINK: This is the best match of the weekend and, by far, the hardest to pick. Both sides have been in fine form for the last month and you could make either favourite without being wrong. However, in a semi one has to win and we'll pick Wellington, mainly on the strength of home advantage as the Lions have not lost in their own park this year. That said, it's not a game that will get us rushing down to the TAB to drop the rent money on any prediction.

TEAMS:
Wellington: 1. Reg Goodes, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, 4. Jeremy Thrush (capt), 5. Mark Reddish, 6. Ross Filipo, 7. Scott Fuglistaller, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Frae Wilson, 10. Tim Bateman, 11. Jason Woodward, 12. Shaun Treeby, 13. Alipate Leiua, 14. Matt Proctor, 15. Charlie Ngatai.

Reserves: 16. Motu Matu'u, 17. Eric Sione, 18. Lua Lokotui, 19. Genesis Mamea, 20. Kayne Hammington, 21. Lima Sopoaga, 22. Ambrose Curtis.


Auckland:1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Tom McCartney, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Ali Williams or Andrew Van der Heijden, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Daniel Braid (capt), 8. Joe Edwards, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. Dave Thomas, 12. Hadleigh Parkes, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Ben Lam, 15.Charles Piutau.

Reserves: 16. Nathan Vella, 17. Siosiua Halonukonuka, 18. Van der Heijden or Nathan Hughes, 19. Sean Polwart, 20. Scott Patterson, 21. Simon Hickey, 22. Lolagi Visinia.

REFEREE: Bryce Lawrence

Pete agrees...Lions by3

Weather will be windy so this could go either way and may come down to who gets the most penalties with wind at their back

I would say Lions pack has edge but Auckland backs have the edge.

 

Heineken Cup tournament preview

Heineken Cup tournament preview

Ccourtesy of planet rugby

 Pool One.

EDINBURGH
Coach: Michael Bradley
Captain: Greig Laidlaw
Best finish: Semi-finals in 2012
Key signing: WP Nel
Player to watch: David Denton
Pool odds: 7/1

MUNSTER
Director of rugby: Rob Penney
Captain: Doug Howlett
Best finish: Winners in 2006 and 2008
Key signing: Casey Laulala
Player to watch: Peter O'Mahony
Pool odds: 13/8

SARACENS
Director of rugby: Mark McCall
Captain: Steve Borthwick
Best finish: Semi-finals in 2008
Key signing: Chris Ashton
Player to watch: Schalk Brits
Pool odds: 13/8


RACING METRO
Coach: Pierre Berbizier
Captain: Jacques Cronje
Best finish: Pool stage in 2011 and 2012
Key signing: Olly Barkley
Player to watch: Benjamin Fall
Pool odds: 7/2
How we see it: On paper, Pool One is the toughest to call with any one of the four sides capable of progressing to the quarter-finals. Munster, Saracens and Edinburgh all made it into the last eight last season, with the latter surprising everyone by going one better and reaching the semis. But a top-eight repeat for the Scots will once again come as a shock, considering they're poor form in the Pro12 in which they've only managed just two wins thus far. Saracens, meanwhile, are fourth in the Premiership standings having suffered just one defeat and showed last time out they have enough nous to finish top. In previous years, Munster would normally start as favourites. However, the two-time champions are going through something of a transition and are not quite the force they were. Despite boasting a star-quality squad, Racing Metro had a disappointing campaign last season having lost all of their home games and celebrated one solitary win. Lessons will no doubt have been learned as the Parisians bid to cause an upset or two this time around.

Key fixture(s) in Pool: Edinburgh and Racing have the luxury of playing at home first up against Saracens and Munster respectively, but opening wins are far from guaranteed for the two hosts considering they were both defeated in their own backyard last weekend in the Pro12 and Top 14. An away win for Munster will be ideal with two home games to follow, whilst Saracens have the tricky task of playing three away games on the trot - though one of them is technically a home fixture away from home at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Bottom line is, an opening victory for any one of these teams could go a long way in helping them to a place in the quarters. But expect some drama along the way...

Prediction: 1 Saracens, 2 Munster, 3 Racing Metro, 4 Edinburgh

Pool Two 

TOULOUSE
Coach: Guy Noves
Captain: Thierry Dusautoir
Best finish: Winners 1996, 2003, 2005, 2010
Key signing: Yoann Huget
Player to watch: Edwin Maka
Pool odds: 4/5
LEICESTER
Director of rugby: Richard Cockerill
Captain: Geordan Murphy
Best finish: Winners in 2001 & 2002
Key signing: Vereniki Goneva
Player to watch: George Ford
Pool odds: 2/1
OSPREYS
Coach: Steve Tandy
Captain: Alun-Wyn Jones
Best finish: Quarter-finals in 2008, 2009 & 2010
Key signing: Jonathan Spratt
Player to watch: Justin Tipuric
Pool odds: 4/1
TREVISO
Coach: Franco Smith
Captain: Corniel Van Zyl
Best finish: Pool stages
Key signing: Doppies La Grange
Player to watch: Tommaso Benvenuti
Pool odds:: 100/1
How we see it: Never was the title "Pool of Death" a more apt title as multiple former European champions Leicester and Toulouse are joined by Pro12 champions Ospreys and giant slayers Treviso. Indeed, no one is guaranteed victory over Italy's best side, who have beaten Ospreys once already this year. Considering their track record in recent years, Toulouse are rightfully the bookies favourites to top the group although last year's upset loss in Edinburgh suggests they are no longer an unstoppable force. Tigers will be smarting from a disappointing campaign last term (they failed to advance from the pool stages) but have such a strong first-choice team they must still been seen as candidates for the title if they are spared injuries in key positions. Ospreys do not have a great record in Europe and after a shaky start to their Pro12 title defence, one wonders if they may have to choose where their priorities lie.
Key fixture(s) in Pool: Leicester visit Toulouse this weekend in a game that could set the tone for the rest of pool stage. The return fixture at Welford Road is the final game of the group and could be the decider. Leicester will probably need to win at the Liberty Stadium if they hope to top the group.
Prediction: 1 Toulouse 2 Leicester 3 Ospreys 4 Treviso

Pool Three
 
BIARRITZ
Director of rugby: Patrice Lagisquet
Captain: Imanol Harinordoquy
Best finish: Finalists in 2006 and 2010
Key signing: Aled Brew
Player to watch: Dimitri Yachvili
Pool odds: 10/11
HARLEQUINS
Director of rugby: Conor O'Shea
Captain: Chris Robshaw
Best finish: Quarter-finals in 2009
Key signing: Dave Ward
Player to watch: Nick Evans
Pool odds: 10/11
CONNACHT
Director of coaching:Eric Elwood
Captain: Gavin Duffy
Best finish: Pool stages in 2012
Key signing: Dan Parks
Player to watch: Mike McCarthy
Pool odds: 25/1
ZEBRE
Director of rugby: Roberto Manghi
Captain: Gonzalo Garcia
Best finish: Maiden campaign
Key signing: Daniel Halangahu
Player to watch: Mauro Bergamasco
Pool odds: 500/1
How we see it: Two-time finalists Biarritz and English champions Harlequins have probably be given the easiest draw of all and both will strongly fancy their chances of qualifying for the last eight, even if they don't win the group. Connacht surprised many by derailing Quins' campaign last year with a shock win at the Sportground but the Irish side will struggle to compete away from home. Heineken Cup debutants Zebre are the weakest team in the competition and the big guns will expect to pick up a full house of points against them.
Key fixture(s) in Pool: Biarritz have a strong pedigree in European competition and always seem to find an extra gear on the big ocassion. If Quins can beat the Basques on the opening weekend they'll set themselves up nicely for the rest of the campaign and might even be able to rest a few players for the return leg in January.
Prediction: 1 Harlequins, 2 Biarritz, 3 Connacht, 4 Zebre

Pool Four. 
 

NORTHAMPTON
Director of rugby: Jim Mallinder
Captain: Dylan Hartley
Best finish: Winners in 2000
Key signing: Dominic Waldouck
Player to watch: George Pisi
Pool odds: 5/4

ULSTER
Coach: Mark Anscombe
Captain: Johann Muller
Best finish: Winners in 1999
Key signing: Tommy Bowe
Player to watch: Ruan Pienaar
Pool odds: 6/4

CASTRES
Coaches: Laurent Labit/Laurent Travers
Captain: Matthias Rolland
Best finish: Semi-finalists in 2002
Key signing: Pedrie Wanneburg
Player to watch: Max Evans
Pool odds: 4/1

GLASGOW
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Captain: Alastair Kellock
Best finish: Quarter-final play-off in 1998
Key signing: Josh Strauss
Player to watch: Stuart Hogg
Pool odds: 12/1

How we see it: This pool features two teams (Ulster and Northampton) currently top of their respective leagues (Pro12 and the Premiership) and both are Heineken finalists in the last two seasons. In all, this intriguing pool - comprising English, Irish, Scottish and French clubs - is one of the toughest to call as the four sides are capable of producing big performances on their day. Ulster, unbeaten in the Pro12, are favoured to top the group but it remains to be seen how the Irish province cope with the favourite's tag as they look to go one better this time out after their impressive run to the Twickenham final last season. Northampton on the other hand, are hard to predict. The Saints marched to the 2010/11 final, but failed to make it past the pool stages the following season. The loss of England full-back Ben Foden will also be a massive blow. Castres, currently sixth in the Top 14, are always a formidable force on home soil whilst Glasgow have made a promising start to the domestic campaign and will deem their home form as integral to their hopes of reaching the last eight.

Key fixture(s) in Pool: Former Ulster flanker Pedrie Wanneburg returns to his old hunting ground with Castres in the opening hit-out of the pool, and will no doubt have passed some inside knowledge to his new French team. They'll definatelly need it as Castres have one of the worst away records in the tournament having won just won of their last 17 games on the road. The Ulstermen have won their last 11 games at home in the Heineken Cup, and will be determined to extend that impressive run to 12. The Saints won't want a repeat start to last season's opener (when they lost to a last-gasp Ronan O'Gara drop-goal), and will be banking on maximum points against Glasgow to kick-start their campaign. Diarise December 15 - the battle between Ulster and Northampton could prove decisive in who tops this group....

Prediction: 1 Ulster 2 Northampton 3 Castres 4 Glasgow

 Pool Five. 
 
LEINSTER
Coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Leo Cullen
Best finish: Winners in 2009, 2011 and 2012
Key signing: Quinn Roux
Player to watch: Rob Kearney
Pool odds: 8/11
CLERMONT
Coach: Vern Cotter
Captain: Aurelien Rougerie
Best finish:Semi-finals in 2012
Key signing: Napolioni Nalaga

Player to watch: Wesley Fofana
Pool odds:13/8
SCARLETS
Coach: Simon Easterby
Captain: Rob McCusker
Best finish: Semi-finalists in 2000, 2002 and 2007
Key signing: Tomas Vallejos
Player to watch: Jonathan Davies
Pool odds:9/1
EXETER
Director of rugby: Rob Baxter
Captain: Tommy Hayes
Best finish: Maiden campaign
Key signing: Dean Mumm
Player to watch: Tom Johnson
Pool odds: 20/1
How we see it: Once again, title contenders Leinster and Clermont themselves lumped together in very tough pool. It's fourth successive Heineken tournament they meet either at the pool or knockout stages. We've seen some epic battles between the blues and yellows over the years - including a nail-biting semi-final last April - and this season should be no different as former Clermont boss Joe Schmidt attempts to mastermind a remarkable fourth Heineken Cup title in five years for the Irish giants, who are the bookmakers' favourites to retain their crown. Scarlets, aren't looking bad either, as illustrated by their 45-20 win over a second-string Leinster side on the opening day of the Pro12 season. Tournament debutants Exeter could bruise an ego or two on home soil but probably don't have the depth to compete on two front and are likely to focus their attention on the Premiership by they time we reach the latter rounds.
Key fixture(s) in Pool: The back-to-back fixtures between Leinster and Clermont in Rounds Three and Four are likely to decide who finishes top. Since the French side have not lost at home, in any competition, in three years a victory in the Auvergne will be a major achivement, so les Jaunards' visit to Dublin on December 15 is set to be humdinger. If Clermont can't pick up any points in the Irish capital, the could find themselves under prressure for their trip to Parc y Scarlets on the last day.
Prediction: 1 Leinster, 2 Clermont, 3 Scarlets, 4 Exeter
Pete says...this is the most interesting group of them all, with any of these teams potential winners.

Pool Six.
TOULON
Director of rugby: Bernard Laporte
Captain: Joe van Niekerk
Best finish: Quarter-finals in 2011
Key signing: Andrew Sheridan
Player to watch: Matt Giteau
Pool odds: 4/11
CARDIFF BLUES
Director of rugby: Phil Davies
Captain: Andries Pretorius
Best finish: Finalists in 1996
Key signing: Jason Tovey
Player to watch: Jamie Roberts
Pool odds: 6/1
SALE
Coach: Bryan Redpath
Captain: David Seymour
Best finish: Quarter-finals in 2006
Key signing: Richie Gray
Player to watch: Rob Miller
Pool odds:12/1
MONTPELLIER
Coach: Fabien Galthie
Captain: Fulgence Ouedraogo
Best finish: Pool stage in 2012
Key signing: Shontayne Hape
Player to watch: Lucas Amorosino
Pool odds:6/1
How we see it: Looking at squad depth, form and star quality, there would be few disagreeing that Toulon are hot favourites to finish atop of this Pool. The likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau, Joe van Niekerk and Steffon Armitage stand out while any team who has Gethin Jenkins and Carl Hayman sat on their bench must be pretty strong. Cardiff Blues have had a mixed start to their PRO12 campaign to say the least but on their day will be a match for anyone, with the major issue concerning them being the scrum. Things could be worse though for the Blues, as their English opponents Sale have yet to taste victory in 2012/13 in what has been a hugely disappointing opening to their season. Undoubtedly the Sharks will be thankful of this Heineken Cup distraction and a home game against Cardiff is massive for their hopes of qualification. Montpellier, led by Fulgence Ouedraogo and Francois Trinh-Duc, are the Pool's dark horses but cannot be underestimated - as Leinster found out last year - but it is unlikely they will sustain a consistent challenge.
Key fixture(s) in Pool:Round Two of the games in this Pool sees Cardiff Blues host Toulon while Sale travel to Montpellier. If the Blues earn a vital away win in the opening weekend at the Sharks then the fixture at the Arms Park is likely to play a big factor in the group shake-up. Montpellier will take points off teams at Stade Yves du Manoir but in all honesty we see Toulon as having the Pool wrapped up by the time the host Cardiff in Round Five.
Prediction: 1 Toulon, 2 Cardiff Blues, 3 Montpellier, 4 Sale

Currie Cup Rd 10

Currie Cup Rd 10
Friday , October 12
Sharks vs Griquas    19:10  12.10 Houston
Saturday , October 13
Western Province vs Cheetahs    17:05 local 10.05 Houston
Lions vs Blue Bulls    19:10 local 12.05 Houston

Currie Cup preview: Sharks v Griquas

The Currie Cup's final round of league matches takes place this weekend with only two teams assured of a play-off berth.

The South African Rugby Union has to be commended for their decision to decrease the number of teams in the Premier Division from eight to six as it has certainly made the standard of play better.
There were much less one-sided encounters this year - something which was becoming a frequent occurrence when the tournament's stronger unions played against their less-fancied counterparts in previous seasons.
The return of the Springboks from Rugby Championship duty to their various unions is another factor which will raise the standard of play during this last round of fixtures.
The weekend's action kicks off on Friday when the table-topping Sharks host this season's surprise package, fourth-placed Griquas, at Kings Park in Durban.
Saturday sees Western Province hosting the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands in Cape Town and on the same day the Blue Bulls face their neighbours, the Lions, at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.

Standings:
1. Sharks 30
2. Golden Lions 28
3. Western Province 20
4. Griquas 20
5. Free State Cheetahs 18
6. Blue Bulls 18

---

Sharks v Griquas
Kings Park Stadium, Durban
The Sharks will be grateful for the favour that Griquas did for them by beating the Golden Lions in Kimberley last week.
Griquas' 37-21 triumph over the champions meant that the Sharks moved to the top of the standings after their 37-30 victory over the Cheetahs and secures them a home final if they should win their semi-final which will also be in Durban.
John Plumtree's charges will, however, be out for revenge as they suffered a similar fate to the Lions when they lost the 22-15 to the tournament's underdogs in the corresponding fixture in Kimberley last month.
The hosts will thus be going all out to turn the tables on Pote Human's side and ensuring an easier path to a potential home final.
"We've put ourselves in a nice position, but we know how tough Griquas are," Plumtree said.
"They've knocked off almost everyone this year, so it's going to be a tough match.
"We've got a lot of respect for them. In the past we haven't had too much trouble with them, especially here in Durban, but we think this side's got a little bit more to them."
All eyes will be on Sharks pivot Patrick Lambie who after spending the Springboks' entire Rugby Championship campaign on the replacements bench finally makes a start in a competitive match.
Human's troops also have plenty at stake in this clash and a victory will secure them a place in the semi-finals.
Griquas enjoy running from all areas of the field and have two of the competition's most devastating counter-attackers in full-back Willie le Roux and left wing Rocco Jansen.
Prediction: Although the Sharks are not starting with all their returning Boks Plumtree's trump card could be his replacements bench which contains several experienced campaigners. If things don't go according to plan he will surely introduce them to the fray and this will prove the difference between the sides. Sharks to win by 12 points.
The teams:
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Jandre Marais, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Peet Marais, 19 Marcell Coetzee, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.
Griquas: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jannie Boshoff, 13 Jean Stemmet, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Rocco Jansen, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Marnus Hugo, 8 Leon Karemaker, 7 Justin Downey, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Ligtoring Landman, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Ryno Barnes (c), 1 Steph Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Matt Dobson, 17 Ivann Espag, 18 Edwin Hewitt, 19 Wesley Wilkins, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Marnitz Boshoff, 22 Richard Lawson.
Kick-off:19:10 (18:10 BST, 17:10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper

pete agrees. It should be illegal to bring in all the international players in the final round and then finals. Griquas just do not have the stars. Sharks by 18 after clearing the bench.
Sharks actually won 42-3 thanks to Boks return.

Western Province vs Cheetahs.
I have WP by 12 
Final result 36-15 to WP and really Cheetahs easily beaten.

G Lions v Blue Bulls

This clash between two of the traditional heavyweights of the South African game has plenty at stake, particularly for the Blue Bulls.

The spectre of possible relegation hangs over the Bulls, Western Province, Griquas and Free State Cheetahs but the nature of the tournament has been so that they are all still in the running for the two remaining semi-final places.
In contrast, the table-topping Sharks and Golden Lions are guaranteed of hosting home semi-finals in Durban and Johannesburg next weekend, but who their opponents will be is impossible to predict - as is the identity of the wooden-spoonists, who will have to fight for their Premier Division lives against the Eastern Province Kings in a promotion-relegation battle.
Lions caretaker coach Johan Ackermann knows matches against the Bulls are always physical and tense affairs and expects his side to be at their best win this clash.
With the Johannesburg-based side already assured of their place in the semi-finals, Ackermann has rested some of his first-choice players but he is adamant that his side will still be competitive.
"Regardless of what side we selected it would be a tough game because they (the Bulls) will be a full-strength side," he said.
"We are going out to win the game and there is no doubt in my mind that the players will feel the same.
"If the Bulls are good enough to beat us with the team they bring, then they deserve a place in the semis."
The Bulls are determined to win this clash after missing out on last year's semi-finals for the first time in a decade and there will be extra motivation after they lost 32-23 to the Lions at Loftus Versfeld in the corresponding match earlier this year.
Although they will be boosted by the return of several Springboks, the performance of fly-half Morne Steyn will be closely scrutinised.
Dropped for the final two Rugby Championship matches, he will be keen to prove to Bok coach Heyneke Meyer that he is not a spent force in the international arena.
Steyn's battle with Lions pivot Butch James will be one of the most important match-ups in this encounter.
Prediction: With the Lions not fielding their strongest XV and the Bulls' Boks back, there can be only one winner. Bulls to win by eight points which secures them the final play-off position.
The teams:
Golden Lions: 15 Ruan Combrinck, 14 Deon Helberg, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Butch James (c), 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Michael Rhodes, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Callie Visagie, 1 CJ van der Linde.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 Paul Willemse, 19 Warren Whiteley, 20 Whestley Moolman, 21 Elton Jantjies, 22 Lionel Mapoe.
Blue Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter (c), 5 Flip van der Merwe, 4 Juandrè Kruger, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Mornè Mellett.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouchè, 22 Dean Greyling.
Kick-off:19:10 local (18:10 BST, 17:10 GMT)

Bulls ahev so many Boks back that this will be one sided. bulls by 24

 

Heineken Cup Rd 1

Heineken Cup  All times BST. Generally deduct 6 hrs for Houston time.
Friday , October 12
Ospreys vs Benetton Treviso    20:00
Ulster vs Castres    20:00

Saturday , October 13
Edinburgh vs Saracens    13:35
Racing Metro 92 vs Munster    13:35
Zebre vs Connacht    13:35
Harlequins vs Biarritz    18:00
Clermont Auvergne vs Scarlets    15:40
Leinster vs Exeter    15:40

Sunday , October 14
Toulouse vs Leicester    15:00
Northampton vs Glasgow    12:45
Sale vs Cardiff Blues    12:45
Toulon vs Montpellier    20:00

Preview: Ospreys v Treviso

Ospreys kick off their Heineken Cup campaign with tricky clash against Treviso at Liberty Stadium on Friday.

In the past Ospreys may well have been resounding favourites for the opening fixture in Pool Two, but that is no longer the case after Treviso's shock win over the defending Pro12 champions a few weeks ago.
Ospreys has turned their poor start to the season around and head coach Steve Tandy's first game in charge in Europe is the perfect opportunity to show they are on the right track.
Last season saw Treviso enjoy their best campaign in the Heineken Cup for seven years with victory over Biarritz and a draw against the Ospreys.
Kris Burton is wracking up the points in front of goal and in Italy flanker Roberto Barbieri, Treviso have the highest scoring forward in the Pro12 with six tries already this season. The Ospreys will be banking on Dan Biggar being on song with the boot.
Richard Hibbard makes his 150th Ospreys appearance while Jonathan Thomas plays his 50th Heineken Cup game. Ryan Bevington makes his first Heineken Cup start.
"We've been drawn against the best team in Italy, France and England, there are six Heineken Cup titles in the pool and every match is going to be a real test," said Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees.
"Treviso first up is a difficult one, we've seen for ourselves already, not just on the opening day of the season but also last year in the Heineken, how good a team they are. Leicester have also found it tough going against them in Europe and Toulouse will be well aware of how Biarritz fared against them last season, so we will be paying them the respect you would expect for such a good team.
"It's crucial in Europe to get off to a good start, and crucial that you win your home games, so the importance of Friday night can't be underestimated."
Meanwhile, Treviso welcome back wing Ludovico Nitoglia from injury as he returns to the starting XV for the first time since mid September. Tobias Botes and Kristopher Burton form a dangerous half-back pairing.
In the pack, Manoa Vosawai is back in the number eight jersey after a five-month layoff with a shoulder injury.
The other changes are in the front row where experienced Leonardo Ghiraldini, is joined by Alberto De Marchi and Jacobus "Bees" Roux.
The teams:
Ospreys:15 Richard Fussell, 14 Hanno Dirksen, 13 Andrew Bishop, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 Eli Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Jonathan Thomas, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ryan Jones, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Ryan Bevington.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Dwyer, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 George Stowers, 20 Sam Lewis, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Matthew Morgan, 23 Tom Isaacs.
Treviso: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Ludovico Nitoglia, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Tommaso Iannone, 10 Kristopher Burton, 9 Tobias Botes, 8 Manoa Vosawai, 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Simone Favaro, 5 Valerio Bernabò, 4 Antonio Pavanello (c), 3 Jacobus Roux, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Alberto De Marchi,
Replacements: 16 Enrico Ceccato, 17 Ignacio Fernandez-Rouyet, 18 Pedro Di Santo, 19 Francesco Minto, 20 Paul Derbyshire, 21 Robert Barbieri, 22 Fabio Semenzato, 23 Andrea Pratichetti.
Date: Friday, October 12
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Kick-off: 20:00 BST (19:00 GMT)

Pete says. Treviso sending their best team.
Home ground advantage should be enough. Ospreys by 5

Preview: Ulster v Castres

Last season's beaten finalists Ulster start their Heineken Cup campaign against Castres at Ravenhill on Friday.

Ulster are top of the Pro12 standings and unbeaten in their opening five games of the season. The Ulstermen have won their last 11 games at home in the Heineken Cup.
In stark contrast, Castres, consistent performers in the Top 14, have one of the worst away records in the tournament having won just won of their last 17 games on the road.
In team news, loose forward Iain Henderson will make his home debut for Ulster in the Pool 4 opener. Henderson replaces the injured Nick Williams, who has failed to recover from a rib injury picked up in the 25-0 win over Connacht on Friday.
Henderson will make his fourth appearance for the province, his first in the Heineken Cup. It follows Wednesday's news that the 20-year-old has signed his first full contract, keeping him at the club until June 2015.
Henderson's inclusion at blindside flanker will mean Stephen Ferris switches to the back of the scrum. The rest of the team is unchanged from the clinical victory over Connacht.
The only change on the bench will see Ruan Pienaar, who returned from Rugby Championship duty with South Africa earlier in the week, named in place of Michael Heaney.
After missing most of last season with an Achilles tendon injury, full-back Jared Payne will also make his European bow.
"I can't wait. I've been watching games at Ravenhill since I was a kid and I'm really looking forward to pulling on the white jersey and experiencing the atmosphere as a player," said Henderson.
"My first aim for the season was to be involved in a few PRO12 games but with the few injuries that we have in the back row, I've been given an opportunity and I have to try and grab it with both hands.
"Castres are a very physical team but they also throw the ball wide and have an expansive kicking game. That should make for a tough, but entertaining game. We'll have to work really hard to nullify their threats."
Castres currently occupy sixth position in the Top 14 having beaten Clermont Auvergne at the weekend, and with Ulster undefeated in the PRO12, it promises to be a tantalising clash.
The teams:
Ulster: Jared Payne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Stephen Ferris, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johan Muller (c), 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Black, 18 A Macklin, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Luke Marshall, 23 Craig Gilroy.
Castres:15 Romain Teulet, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Seremaia Bai, 12 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 11 Marc Andreu, 10 Pierre Bernard, 9 Thierry Lacrampe, 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 4 Matthias Rolland, 3 Michaël Coetzee, 2 Mathieu Bonello, 1 Yannick Forestier
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Grégory Marmoiton, 18 Mihaïta Lazar, 19 Iosefa Tekori, 20 Antonie Claassen, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Paul Bonnefond, 23 Thomas Sanchou,
Date: Friday, October 12
Venue: Ravenhill, Belfast
Kick-off: 20:00 (19:00 BST)

Pete says Ulster by 10. They are playing good rugby and Castres are fairly one dimensional which is surprising given the quality of their backs.

Preview: Harlequins v Biarritz

English champions Harlequins kick off their Heineken Cup campaign against Biarritz at the Stoop on Saturday.

The 2011 Amlin Challenge Cup winners host the two-time Heineken Cup Finalists and reigning Challenge Cup champions arguably the most important clash in Pool 3.
Harlequins failed to reach the knock-out stages in last season's Heineken Cup despite beating four-time winners Toulouse away from home as they stumbled at the last hurdle against Connacht (with whom have have been drawn again) on the lsat day of the pool stages.
Harlequins have never faced Biarritz in the tournament but skipper Chris Robshaw is well aware of the importance to get off to a winning start.
"We want to push through to that quarter-final stage. It's all about winning your first couple of games. As soon as you let those slip away you're playing catch-up," he told the ERC website.
Biarritz made a flying start to the Top 14 season but have lost their last four games.
Bairritz have named former Crusaders and Leinster playmaker Mat Berquist at fly-half while ex-England full-back Iain Balshaw also starts.
French internationals Imanol Harinordoquy and Dimitri Yachvili are absent due to injury while Damien Traille is on the bench.
There are five changes to the Harlequins team that started against Exeter Chiefs last weekend.
Tom Williams has recovered from a hip injury and starts on the right wing, while Danny Care returns at scrum-half.
Among the forwards Joe Marler comes in at loose head, with Rob Buchanan making his first start of the season at hooker where he replaces Joe Gray, who is having treatment to an injury which will prevent him playing for a number of weeks. Gray's injury status will be updated following a specialist's opinion.
Maurie Fa'asavalu returns to the starting line-up with captain Chris Robshaw and Nick Easter completing the back row.
Among the replacements, Dave Ward will look to make his first senior appearance, while Ben Botica and Seb Stegmann provide cover for the backs.


The teams:
Harlequins:15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care,8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Rob Buchanan, 1 Joe Marler,
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Ben Botica, 23 Seb Stegmann,
Biarritz: 15 Iain Balshaw, 14 Taku Ngwenya, 13 Dane Haylett-Petty, 12 Seremaïa Burotu, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Mat Berquist, 9 Yann Lesgourgues, 8 Talalelei Gray, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Magnus Lund, 5 Thibault Dubarry, 4 Erik Lund, 3 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 2 Arnaud Heguy, 1 Fabien Barcella
Replacements:16 Benoit August, 17 Lodewicus Blaauw, 18 Thomas Synaeghel, 19 Pelu Taele, 20 Benoit Guyot, 21 Julien Peyrelongue, 22 Damien Traille, 23 Benoît Baby,
Date: Saturday, October 13
Kick-off: 18:00 BST

Good preview from planetrugby and I pick Quins by 9 as Biarritz are dangerous even with a so called weakened side.

Toulon v Montpellier

Heineken Cup title contenders Toulon kick off their campaign with a Mediterranean derby against Montpellier on Sunday.

RCT have rolled out all their big guns in a starting XV that features Frederic Michalak at scrum-half inside fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.
Wales prop Gethin Jenkins must settle for a place on the bench, where he is one of five internationals riding pine.
Matt Giteau, Carl Hayman, Delon Armitage, Andrew Sheridan, Bakkies Botha and Chris Masoe all start.
Club captain Joe van Niekerk and Pumas skipper Juan Fernandez Lobbe do not feature in the matchday 22.
Botha said he was delighted to be appearing on the European club stage.
"It's a great challenge for me but also for the team to test ourselves against the best," said the veteran Springbok lock.
"It's the highest of the high in rugby. When you see the level of the Top 14 and only six teams qualify for the European Cup, you quickly understand that this competition is particularly elevated."
Montpellier welcome back Lucas Amorosino while Scottish international Johnnie Beattie starts at number eight.
French internationals Fulgence Ouedraogo and François Trhinh-Duc have been rested.


The teams:
Toulon: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Vincent Martin, 13 Maxime Mermoz, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 David Smith, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Frederic Michalak, 8 Chris Masoe, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Pierrick Gunther, 5 Jocelino Suta, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Sebastien Bruno, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements:16 Mickael Ivaldi, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Virgile Bruni, 19 Mathieu Bastareaud, 20 Benjamin Lapeyre, 21 Sébastien Tillous-Borde, 22 Simon Shaw, 23 Davit Kubriashvili.
Montpellier: 15 Lucas Amorosino, 14 Yoan Audrin, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Paul Bosch, 11 Yohann Artru, 10 Ilian Perraux 9 Julien Tomas, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Rémy Martin, 6 Alexandre Bias, 5 Mickael Demarco, 4 Drickus Hancke, 3 Maximiliano Bustos, 2 Mickael Ladhuie, 1 Yvan Watremez.
Replacements:16 Agustin Creevy, 18 George Jgenti, 19 Aliki Fakate, 20 Mamuka Gorgodze, 21 Benoit Paillaugue, 22 Pierre Bérard, 23 Timoci Nagusa.
Date: Sunday, October 14
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 BST)
Venue: Stade Felix-Mayol
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)Good preview courtesy of planet rugby.
I have Toulon by 24. This is the best Toulon team. 

Toulouse v Leicester

 Toulouse host fellow former champions Leicester Tigers in the biggest clash of the opening weekend of the Heineken Cup on Sunday.

There's no harder place to begin the Heineken Cup trail than in Toulouse this weekend, says Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill, who spent two years as a player in France.
"They're historically the best club in France, they're the most successful team in Europe, and there's not a harder place to go so, we've got to be right," said Cockerill, who has been with Tigers in each of the club's five visits to a European final.
"It's the unique nature of the Heineken Cup to go to places like Toulouse and have two good sides playing each other in the first round.
"The pool stages are not a procession -you have to perform really well from day one.
"This could be the kind of fixture to grace a quarter-final or semi-final."
Toulouse academy graduate Gael Fickou will make his European debut at inside centre for the four-time champions. Clement Poitrenaud returns to the full-back berth meaning Yoann Huget shifts to left wing.
Pumas lock Patricio Albacete returns from international duty in the Rugby Championship and comes in on the bench. Veteran French international centre Yannick Jauzion is on the bench but will undergo a fitness test on matchday.
For Leicester, Steve Mafi and Scott Hamilton are both included in the starting XV on their return from injury.
Flanker Mafi and full-back Hamilton both missed the Aviva Premiership wins over Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks, but have returned to fitness in time for the European opener in France this weekend.
Loosehead prop Marcos Ayerza is also included in the Tigers squad for the first time this season on his return from international duty with Argentina.
Vereniki Goneva makes his Heineken Cup debut on the wing as two-time European champions Tigers visit four-time winners Toulouse in Pool 2.
Toulouse coach Guy Novès describes Sunday's match as the one "everyone is waiting for."
"Leicester is a team that has been European champions, champions of England and has experience at least equal to our own, so this will be a match of the highest level," he said.
"It is a match everyone has been waiting for since the start of the season. Anything can happen in this competition as we saw last year when we beat Harlequins away and they came to win in Toulouse."


The teams:
Toulouse: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Yoann Huget, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 Jean Marc Doussain, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Thierry Dusautoir, 6 Yannick Nyanga, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Romain Millo Chlusky, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Christopher Tolofua, 17 Jean Batiste Poux, 18 Antoine Guillamon, 19 Patricio Albacete, 20 Jean Bouilhou, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Luke Burgess, 23 Timoci Matanavou.
Leicester: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Niall Morris, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Thomas Waldrom, 6 Steve Mafi, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Graham Kitchener, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Logovi'i Mulipola.
Replacements:16 George Chuter, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Martin Castrogiovanni, 19 Ed Slater, 20 Richard Thorpe, 21 Sam Harrison, 22 George Ford, 23 Matt Smith.
Date: Sunday, October 14
Kick-off: 16:00 local (15:00 BST)

Pete says Toulouse look great on paper as usual. Lets give them one more chance to win by a couple of tries. Toulouse by 14

Northampton v Glasgow

Glasgow are intent on maintaining their fine Pro12 form when they step into the Heineken Cup arena with a trip to Northampton on Sunday.

The Pool 4 clash at Franklin's Gardens sees head coach Gregor Townsend take his team to one of his former clubs, set on securing a fifth straight victory in all competitions.
The Warriors have never before beaten an English Premiership team on their own patch, and with the Saints currently leading that competition, the size of the challenge facing Townsend and his troops this weekend is clear.
Townsend, however, is adamant that Glasgow are equipped with both the ability and attitude to claim a Round 1 triumph in the Midlands.
"The start of the Heineken Cup is always a really exciting time in the calendar, he said.
"This weekend we have the opportunity to achieve something we've never done before, beating a Premiership side in England, and although we know it will be massively tough, we travel with confidence in each other and how we want to play.
"Historically, we've not been fast starters in our pool, and getting results on the board early on is crucial to our firm ambition of qualifying for the knock-out stages.
"It's going to take a very special effort from all 23 players to beat Northampton and establish early momentum in the tournament, but this group certainly has what it takes to achieve that."
Townsend's team for the clash shows three changes from the excellent away win over Cardiff Blues last Saturday. Stuart Hogg - who impressed off the bench having recovered from an ankle injury - lines up at full-back, while Ryan Grant comes in at loosehead prop and Tim Swinson starts in the second row.
Glasgow have gone for a 6/2 forward/back split on the bench, testament to the level of physicality they expect to encounter from the Saints.
Meanwhile, Northampton boss Jim Mallinder wants a massive improvementfrom his side after they suffered their first Premiership defeat in six matches against London Irish last week.
"We know we need to get off to a good start in the Heineken Cup and make the most of starting our campaign at home," he said.
"All of the players have worked hard in training this week and are determined to get another winning run started on Sunday."
The Saints head into Europe sitting at the top of the Premiership Rugby table but Mallinder knows that Glasgow are not to be underestimated.
Two of the Warriors' recent victories were on the road in Cardiff and Swansea which has elevated them to third place in the PRO12 standings.
"You don't win at places like the Arms Park and Liberty Stadium unless you are a good team and Glasgow have shown in the last couple of seasons that they are developing into a dangerous outfit," said Mallinder.
"Gregor Townsend has a squad which is full of international, Heineken Cup and Pro 12 experience, and they have followed up last season's Pro 12 semi-final with a good start to the season.
"From our perspective we know we need to get off to a good start in the Heineken Cup and make the most of starting our campaign at home.
"But if we are to get the result we want we know that nothing less than a massive step up from last weekend's game will do.
"All of the players have worked hard in training this week and are determined to get another winning run started on Sunday."
The teams:
Northampton: 15 James Wilson, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Vasily Artemyev, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Rhys Oakley, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Paul Doran Jones, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 GJ Van Velze, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Tom May.
Glasgow: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Ryan Wilson, 7 John Barclay, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Al Kellock (c), 4 Tim Swinson, 3 Mike Cusack, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Finlay Gillies, 17 Ofa Fainga'anuku, 18 Gordon Reid, 19 Tom Ryder, 20 Chris Fusaro, 21 James Eddie, 22 Niko Matawalu, 23 Peter Murchie.
Date: Sunday, 14 October
Pete says Saints by 14. Both are good teams on paper. Hopefully Glasgow will throw the ball around a bit and be competitve. If they play pedantic rugby they will be beat by more.

Sale Sharks v Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues welcome back wing Alex Cuthbert to their starting line-up for Sunday's Heineken Cup clash with Sale Sharks at Salford City Stadium.

Cuthbert replaces Harry Robinson while there are four changes up front with Sam Warburton, Marc Breeze, Bradley Davies and Tafa'ao Filise starting, having missed the match against Glasgow.
"We've enjoyed a great tradition in the tournament as the Blues," said director of rugby, Phil Davies.
"We're one of the top seeds and are very eager to protect that status, so we're keen to do well in the competition as a whole.
"It will be very direct, forward battle on Sunday.
"There are areas which we can improve on, particularly the consistency with which we perform all the moves.
"We need the players to deliver that for us and we need to make sure that we give them the confidence to do that.
"We need to encourage them to play positively and get those key fundamentals right."
Meanwhile, North West youngsters Will Addison, Nathan Fowles, Mark Jennings and Tommy Taylor are all named in Sale's starting fifteen.
Addison switches to outside centre and Fowles teams up at half-back with Nick Macleod, following two appearances off the bench against Bath and Leicester Tigers. Jennings makes his senior debut on the right wing, whilst Taylor is at hooker in an unchanged pack.
"Everybody at the club worked hard last season to qualify for the Heineken Cup. Going into this game, we want to relieve a little bit of the pressure on ourselves. All we're after is a performance like last Friday, to take some of our chances, and I'm sure that win's not far away," said director of rugby, Bryan Redpath.
"Cardiff Blues have been a strong side through the years in the Heineken Cup and are the number one seeds in our pool. They'll be a tough nut to crack. We'll approach the game with increased confidence, especially after the first half display against Leicester, and we must make sure that we're smart during the second half.
"Will Addison is a very talented player. He's had to fill in on the wing to cover injuries and a suspension, but I view him as a natural thirteen. Nathan Fowles added a lot of energy when he came on last weekend and didn't look out of place. We're giving him a chance to perform on a big stage and he's got a big role to play. Mark Jennings has played well in the Jets matches and has trained well. He's a physical boy who'll come up against some big players. We need to be on our mettle - it's an opportunity for all three of them to play well in a big game."


The teams:
Sale: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Mark Jennings, 13 Will Addison, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Nathan Fowles, 8 Andy Powell, 7 David Seymour (c), 6 Richie Vernon, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Eifion Lewis-Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Vadim Cobilas, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 James Gaskell, 21 Cillian Willis, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Johnny Leota.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Gavin Evans, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tom James, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Andries Pretorius (c), 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 Lou Reed, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Benoit Bourrust, 2 Marc Breeze, 1 Tafa'ao Filise.
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Nathan Trevett, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 James Down, 20 Robin Copeland, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Dan Fish.
Date: Sunday, October 14
Kick-off: 12:45 BST
Blues have a few quality players back in the side.
Plus, they are targeting this competition, whereas Sale really need to focus on staying in premier division. They've both been playing crap rugby but I'll take a chance with Blues by 14