Super 15 Semi Finals- Teams + Preview

Chiefs Vs Crusaders

A repeat of the 2012 semi-final this looks like it’s going to be another cracker. The Crusaders are coming off last weeks demolition of the Reds while the Chiefs had the week off due to their impressive season finishing in a direct qualification position.

Here’s a looks at the stats and the sides for this huge battle of the New Zealand franchises.

Average score: Chiefs 20 Crusaders 29

Last five results 
05 Jul 2013 Chiefs v Crusaders 15-43 Christchurch
24 May 2013 Chiefs v Crusaders 28-19 Hamilton
27 Jul 2012 (Semi) Chiefs v Crusaders 20-17 Hamilton
06 Jul 2012 Chiefs v Crusaders 21-28 Hamilton
09 Mar 2012 Chiefs v Crusaders 24-19 Napier

Chiefs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 22 ,Wins 7 ,Losses 15 ,Draws 0

Super Rugby Semi-Final (Match D)
Match No.123/125: Chiefs v Crusaders
Date : Saturday 27 July, 2013
Venue : Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand
Kick Off local: (1935 local, 1735 NSW/ACT, 0935 SAT, 0735 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh
Assistant Ref 1:Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 2:Chris Pollock
TMO : Glenn Newman

Teams

Chiefs

1.Toby Smith , 2.Hika Elliot , 3.Ben Tameifuna , 4.Craig Clarke (c) , 5.Brodie Retallick , 6.Liam Messam , 7.Tanerau Latimer , 8.Matt Vant Leven , 9.Tawera Kerr-Barlow , 10.Aaron Cruden , 11.Asaeli Tikoirotuma , 12.Andrew Horrell , 13.Charlie Ngatai , 14.Lelia Masaga , 15.Gareth Anscombe

Replacements : 16.Rhys Marshall , 17.Ben Afeaki , 18.Michael Fitzgerald , 19.Sam Cane , 20.Augustine Pulu , 21.Bundee Aki , 22.Robbie Robinson.

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett , 2. Corey Flynn ,3. Owen Franks , 4. Luke Romano , 5. Sam Whitelock , 6. George Whitelock , 7. Matt Todd , 8. Kieran Read (c) , 9. Andy Ellis , 10. Dan Carter , 11. Zac Guildford , 12. Tom Taylor , 13. Ryan Crotty , 14. Tom Marshall , 15. Israel Dagg ,

Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell , 17. Joe Moody , 18. Luke Whitelock , 19. Richie McCaw , 20. Willi Heinz , 21. Tyler Bleyendaal , 22. Adam Whitelock.

Bulls Vs Brumbies

It’s the battle of the Springbok franchise and the Wallaby franchise in the other Super 15 Semi-Final. The Bulls will be aiming to reach their fourth semi and in doing so also possibly host the final. if the Crusaders defeat the Chiefs and the Bulls win they will host the final. Considering the Chiefs Vs Crusaders result will have come in by the time these LADS start, it will be a massive incentive for the Bulls. That aside the Brumbies have been the most improved team from last year many have said. They were the only touring side to defeat the British & Irish Lions side this summer. Their combination of Southern hemisphere skills and Northern hemisphere brutality makes them a tactically brilliant side. This one should be a very intense affair…

Here’s a looks at the stats and the sides for Springbok Vs Wallaby Semi-Final.

Average score: Bulls 27 Brumbies 31

Last five results 
30 Mar 2013 Bulls v Brumbies 20-23 Canberra
21 Apr 2012 Bulls v Brumbies 36-34 Pretoria
20 Feb 2010 Bulls v Brumbies 50-32 Pretoria
17 Apr 2009 Bulls v Brumbies 31-32 Canberra
09 May 2008 Bulls v Brumbies 28-17 Pretoria

Bulls overall record against the Brumbies
Played 15 ,Wins, 6, Losses, 9 ,Draws 0

Super Rugby Semi-Final
Match No.124/125: Bulls v Brumbies
Date : Saturday 27 July, 2013
Venue : Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa
Kick Off local: (1705 local, 0305 NZ, 0105 NSW/ACT, 1505 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant Ref 1:Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant Ref 2:Marius Jonker
TMO : Shaun Veldsman

Teams

Bulls

Zane Kirchner , Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein , Bjorn Basson , Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Dewald Potgieter (c), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann , Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe , Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling

Replacements: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Morne Mellett, Paul Willemse, Jono Ross , Jano Vermaak, Jurgen Visser.

Brumbies

1. Scott Sio , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Ben Alexander , 4. Scott Fardy , 5. Sam Carter , 6. Peter Kimlin , 7. George Smith , 8. Ben Mowen (c) , 9. Nic White , 10. Matt Toomua , 11. Clyde Rathbone , 12. Christian Lealiifano , 13. Tevita Kuridrani , 14. Henry Speight , 15. Jesse Mogg

Replacements: 16. Siliva Siliva , 17. Ruan Smith , 18. Fotu Auelua , 19. Colby Faingaa , 20. Ian Prior , 21. Andrew Smith , 22. Joe Tomane