2009 Super 14 Begins at the House of Pain

Highlanders (2008 Position: 11th)

V Brumbies (2008 Position: ninth)

@ Carisbrook Stadium Dunedin – 7:35pm local

Head to head: Played 13 Brumbies 7 Highlanders 6

Last match: Brumbies 22 Highlanders 20 at Canberra

The Brumbies travel to the House of Pain, having only won in the Deep South once before, two years ago in the final round with George Gregan and Stephen Larkham playing their final games in ACT colours. 

Australia’s most successful Super rugby franchise, with two titles, effectively continues to rebuild, with Laurie Fisher being replaced by Andy Friend, and Wallaby number eight Stephen Hoiles appointed debutant captain, replacing Stirling Mortlock after five years of captaincy under the big midfielder.

Despite this, it will be a surprisingly strong Brumbies outfit that will take the field to kick off the 2009 station, when they have flown under the raider of title chances.  Eleven of their players have worn national colours, and with the acquisition of Stephen Moore from the Reds—said by some to be the form hooker in the world last year, they will be a formidable challenge. 

Despite the power evident in their three quarter line and pack, much will depend on their still inexperienced halves combination.  In the preseason the Brumbies beat the highly fancied Hurricanes 28-14 and lost to the Waratahs 17-14.

Otago will field the weakest New Zealand squad on paper, but despite being lacking in big name players, they will as every season be a formidable hurdle for any team to overcome, especially at home.  In 2008 they were never embarrassed losing five of their games by less than six points—and defeating the eventual champions the Crusaders in the final round of the regular season.

Captained by Jimmy Cowan, the All Black scrumhalf enjoyed his best season after indiscretions off the field earlier in the year.  Despite having a largely inexperienced back line outside of him; Fetu’u Vaninikolo will spearhead the attack—one of the most promising attacking wings in world rugby.  The backs are coached by Glenn Moore, who has had considerable success with Hawkes Bay in the last two seasons.

While having many young players in the pack, they are buttressed by Adam Thomson and Jamie Mackintosh, who both debutant All Blacks last year.  They will continue Otago’s proud tradition of being a considerable threat in the set pieces.

However, they will be in for a massive first game, with the Brumbies equipped to match them in the set piece, and likely dominate the breakdown due to the influence of George Smith.  Otago has had a poor preseason run, losing to the Chiefs 19-36, the Crusaders 17-40 and the Blues 45-35.  In all games they folded as the match processed, leading both the Blues at the Crusaders before being overrun.

It will be a bridge too far for the Highlanders to resist the attacking class of the Brumbies; we pick the team from Australia’s capital to notch a victory by six points.

Brumbies: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Julian Salvi, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Nic Henderson.

Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Peter Kimlin, 20 Joshua Holmes, 21 Tyrone Smith, 22 Matt Toomua.

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Johnny Leota/Jayden Hayward, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Chris King, 18 George Naoupu, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Jayden Hayward/Brett Mather, 22 Kenny Lynn.