[2018-19 Guinness Pro 14] Round 4 (21 & 22/09/2018)

[TRF_heineken]

Friday, 21 September 2018

VS.

Venue: Toyota Stadium
Time: 19:15 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

VS.

Venue: BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park
Time: 20:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
​

Saturday, 22 September 2018

VS.

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Time: 15:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

VS.

Venue: Sportsground
Time: 18:15 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

VS.

Venue: Rodney Parade
Time: 18:15 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

VS.

Venue: Liberty Stadium
Time: 20:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

VS.

Venue: RDS Arena
Time: 20:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)​

 

[Amiga500]

Much tougher for us this week.

I think we could be found out on the outside edges a bit.

We'll struggle for definite if Cooney is out.

"The Admiral" Nelson would do a solid job at 15 for us if Addison is out, but probably wouldn't give us quite the same attacking edge.

Would like to see Kernohan in for Speight, but otherwise we're pretty much defined by the touring party.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ah, might as well bother my arse and do a preview:

Cheetahs vs. Ulster: Cheetahs badly need to win having regressed shockingly since last year (in both Pro14 and Currie Cup). Could be a good time to do it facing an Ulster team that had a 5 day turnaround from a laboured win over the Kings and are possibly missing their main decision maker in Cooney at 9. The big cats to get their first win of the season.

Blues vs. Munster: If the Cheetahs need to win badly, then so do the Blues! Returning from Italy with their tail very much between their legs, their upward progression of the last couple of seasons has stalled out, badly. Off the field shenanigans over the Arms Park and financials cannot be helping the cause, but it wasn't the backroom staff that blew a big lead against Zebre. Munster went down tamely in Scotstoun a couple of weeks back, can't see that happening here. Away win.

Kings vs. Glasgow: 5 points to Glasgow. Nothing much more to say here.

Connacht vs. Scarlets: Ohhh, could be a good one to watch with two teams that like to chuck the ball around. Gives it dry for Friday and Sat, so should be good conditions for it too. Scarlets got out of jail a bit last week and haven't been their slick selves for most of the preceeding games, so going for Connacht to win. Narrowly.

Dragons vs. Zebre: Is Jackman's job on the line? Talks a great game, by all accounts a great guy, but is he doing a great job? Big players brought in really need to stand up. But still too many silly handling errors throughout their games. Zebre look to be dangerous this year if you give them a glimmer, but the Dragons have to win, so going for them on the basis of that.

Ospreys vs. Treviso: Chastening experience last time out in Langerville for the Os. Can easily see them going down to a resurgent Treviso who hopefully are building into the team they threatened to become in 2013.

Leinster vs. Edinburgh: Poor Dick to be cheated out of another win by the inept biased referees. Poor little Dick.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Much tougher for us this week.

I think we could be found out on the outside edges a bit.

We'll struggle for definite if Cooney is out.

"The Admiral" Nelson would do a solid job at 15 for us if Addison is out, but probably wouldn't give us quite the same attacking edge.


Would like to see Kernohan in for Speight, but otherwise we're pretty much defined by the touring party.

I'm looking forward to seeing Marcell Coetzee having another blinder. And perhaps stay behind after the match...

 

[Amiga500]

I'm looking forward to seeing Marcell Coetzee having another blinder. And perhaps stay behind after the match...

Hopefully comes through it unscathed! Some player if we can keep him fit and healthy.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I just watched the Zebre game and I'll be picking them for the away win if it's dry conditions. Bradley and Troncon is a good coaching team and their set piece seems to be improving slightly. All without star player Minozzi.

For all their signings, who the heck do the Dragons have at 10... Henson? Gutted to hear Amos is injured for them too as I think he's a heady player.


I agree that Benetton could win too - and I'll be in clover. Another decent round of fixtures, even Kings vs Glasgow may provide entertainment (although the result seems inevitable).

 

[bazwaz]

Cardiff Blues: Gareth Anscombe, Blaine Scully, Willis Halaholo, Rey Lee-Lo, Jason Harries; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Rhys Gill, Kristian Dacey, Dmitri Arhip, George Earle, Josh Turnbull, Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins (capt), Nick Williams.

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Carre, Scott Andrews, Macauley Cook, Olly Robinson, Lloyd Williams, Garyn Smith, Matthew Morgan.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/9842.php#.W6OCStczbRY

 

[bazwaz]

Munster:

15. JJ Hanrahan
14. Andrew Conway
13. Jaco Taute
12. Rory Scannell
11. Darren Sweetnam
10. Joey Carbery
9. Duncan Williams

1. James Cronin
2. Mike Sherry
3. Stephen Archer
4. Jean Kleyn
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Peter O'Mahony (captain)
7. Chris Cloete
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Brian Scott
19. Darren O'Shea
20. Tommy O'Donnell
21. Jack Stafford
22. Bill Johnston
23. Shane Daly

JJ Hanrahan comes into the team at fullback for the clash at Cardiff Arms Park, while Jaco Taute gets his first start of the season in midfield alongside the re-introduced Rory Scannell.

Up front, Mike Sherry is named at hooker and Jean Kleyn comes into the second row.

Stander will form a strong-looking back row with captain Peter O'Mahony and openside Chris Cloete, who was man of the match against the Ospreys.

Kleyn joins Tadhg Beirne in the second row, while propping pair James Cronin and Stephen Archer are retained on either side of Sherry, who replaces Rhys Marshall after the Kiwi hooker picked up a "knock" during the training week.

Andrew Conway and Darren Sweetnam continue in the wing positions – Keith Earls was also ruled out of contention due to a "knock" sustained during the week – as Joey Carbery and Duncan Williams take the halfback slots again this week.

Hooker Diarmuid Barron is set to make his Munster debut off the bench, where he's joined by fellow academy players Jack Stafford and Shane Daly.

Promising out-half Bill Johnston is another interesting addition to the matchday squad, while Brian Scott covers tighthead after an ankle injury to John Ryan.

http://www.the42.ie/munster-team-news-cardiff-blues-stander-4246007-Sep2018/

 

[bazwaz]

Ulster (v Cheetahs)

15. Will Addison
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Henry Speight
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Angus Kernohan
10. Billy Burns
9. Dan D Shanahan

1. Eric O'Sullivan
2. Rob Herring (captain)
3. Wieahahn Herbst
4. Alan O'Connor
5. Kieran Treadwell
6. Matty Rea
7. Sean Reidy
8. Marcell Coetzee

Replacements

16. John Andrew
17. Andrew Warwick
18. Tom O'Toole
19. Jean Deysel
20. Nick Timoney
21 Jonny Stewart
22. Angus Curtis
23. Darren Cave

http://www.the42.ie/kernohan-start-ulster-cheetahs-4246016-Sep2018/

 

[bazwaz]

Cheetahs

15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 William Small-Smith, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer (captain), 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Gerhard Olivier, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Gunther Janse van Vuuren, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Stephan Malan, 21 Shaun Venter, 22 Louis Fouche, 23 Ryno Eksteen

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/PRO14/minor-changes-for-cheetahs-ahead-of-ulster-clash-20180920

 

[bazwaz]

Southern Kings

15 Masixole Banda, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Harlon Klassen, 12 Berton Klassen, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Martin du Toit, 9 Rudi van Rooyen, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Andisa Ntsila, 6 Henry Brown, 5 JC Astle, 4 Bobby de Wee, 3 Luvuyo Pupuma, 2 Michael Willemse (captain), 1 Schalk Ferreira

Substitutes: 16 Alandre van Rooyen, 17 Justin Forwood, 18 Martin Dreyer, 19 Stephan Greeff, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Ntabeni Dukisa, Michael Botha

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/PRO14/kings-welcome-back-key-loosie-for-glasgow-clash-20180921

 

[bazwaz]

Leinster Rugby (Leinster caps in brackets)

15. Jordan Larmour (24)
14. Fergus McFadden (171)
13. Garry Ringrose (51)
12. Robbie Henshaw (26)
11. James Lowe (14)
10. Johnny Sexton (149) CAPTAIN
9. Luke McGrath (97)
1. Cian Healy (192)
2. James Tracy (68)
3. Michael Bent (107)
4. Devin Toner (219)
5. James Ryan (16)
6. Max Deegan (24)
7. Josh van der Flier (61)
8. Jack Conan (76)

16. Seán Cronin (155)
17. Peter Dooley (50)
18. Tadhg Furlong (86)
19. Mick Kearney (37)
20. Dan Leavy (54)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (54)
22. Ross Byrne (51)
23. Joe Tomane (3)

Cullen has made one positional change from last week as well as bringing in a number of fresh faces to his match day 23.

Jordan Larmour wins his 25th cap for Leinster and moves from the right wing to full back, with Fergus McFadden coming in at 14 and James Lowe also coming in on the left wing.

It's as you were in the centre with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose again selected as 12 and 13.

Captain Johnny Sexton leads the team on the occasion of his 150th cap for the province, with Luke McGrath in the number nine jersey.

In the pack Cian Healy again starts at loose head prop with James Tracy and Michael Bent coming in to complete the front row.

Devin Toner comes into the second row to partner James Ryan.

In the back row like Larmour, Max Deegan will also win his 25th cap tomorrow in the RDS and he is the only change there with Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan again in the seven and eight jerseys.

On the replacements bench Dan Leavy is in line to make his first appearance of the season having returned from injury.

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/preview/150th-cap-for-captain-sexton/?FixGuid=18LE7860

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Leinster Rugby (Leinster caps in brackets)

15. Jordan Larmour (24)
14. Fergus McFadden (171)
13. Garry Ringrose (51)
12. Robbie Henshaw (26)
11. James Lowe (14)
10. Johnny Sexton (149) CAPTAIN
9. Luke McGrath (97)
1. Cian Healy (192)
2. James Tracy (68)
3. Michael Bent (107)
4. Devin Toner (219)
5. James Ryan (16)
6. Max Deegan (24)
7. Josh van der Flier (61)
8. Jack Conan (76)

16. Seán Cronin (155)
17. Peter Dooley (50)
18. Tadhg Furlong (86)
19. Mick Kearney (37)
20. Dan Leavy (54)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (54)
22. Ross Byrne (51)
23. Joe Tomane (3)

Cullen has made one positional change from last week as well as bringing in a number of fresh faces to his match day 23.

Jordan Larmour wins his 25th cap for Leinster and moves from the right wing to full back, with Fergus McFadden coming in at 14 and James Lowe also coming in on the left wing.

It's as you were in the centre with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose again selected as 12 and 13.

Captain Johnny Sexton leads the team on the occasion of his 150th cap for the province, with Luke McGrath in the number nine jersey.

In the pack Cian Healy again starts at loose head prop with James Tracy and Michael Bent coming in to complete the front row.

Devin Toner comes into the second row to partner James Ryan.

In the back row like Larmour, Max Deegan will also win his 25th cap tomorrow in the RDS and he is the only change there with Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan again in the seven and eight jerseys.

On the replacements bench Dan Leavy is in line to make his first appearance of the season having returned from injury.

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/preview/150th-cap-for-captain-sexton/?FixGuid=18LE7860

Oh Damn!

 

[bazwaz]

Ospreys

15 Dan Evans

14 George North

13 Joe Thomas

12 Owen Watkin

11 Luke Morgan

10 Sam Davies

9 Aled Davies


1 Nicky Smith

2 Scott Otten

3 Tom Botha

4 Bradley Davies

5 Alun Wyn Jones

6 Dan Lydiate

7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)

8 James King


REPLACEMENTS

16 Ifan Phillips

17 Rhodri Jones

18 Ma'afu Fia

19 Adam Beard

20 Sam Cross

21 Tom Habberfield

22 James Hook

23 Cory Allen



The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Lloyd Ashley – Shoulder

Matthew Aubrey - Back

Dan Baker - Knee

Gheorghe Gajion – Hamstring

Keelan Giles - Knee

Paul James – Shoulder

Will Jones - Shoulder

Lesley Klim - Hamstring

Sam Parry – Bicep

Luke Price- Fractured tibia

Gareth Thomas – Shoulder

Scott Williams - Hamstring

 

[bazwaz]

Benetton Rugby: 15 Luca Sperandio, 14 Tommaso Benvenuti, 13 Marco Zanon, 12 Alberto Sgarbi (C), 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Antonio Rizzi, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Marco Barbini, 7 Abraham Steyn, 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Federico Ruzza, 4 Alessandro Zanni, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Cherif Traore.

Substitutions: 16 Engjel Makelara, 17 Alberto De Marchi, 18 Giuseppe Di Stefano, 19 Marco Fuser, 20 Marco Lazzaroni, 21 Edoardo Gori, 22 Ian McKinley, 23 Tommaso Iannone

Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

Unavailable: Tomas Baravalle, Andrea Bronzini, Angelo Esposito, Ornel Gega, Irné Herbst, Nasi Manu, Giovanni Pettinelli, Nicola Quaglio, Federico Zani


Read more at https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/09/21/benetton-rugby-team-to-face-ospreys/#6dkzQySB8z61CYe9.99

 

[bazwaz]

Edinburgh team to face Leinster

15. Dougie Fife (110)

14. Jamie Farndale (1)

13. Chris Dean (66)

12. Juan Pablo Socino (1)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (20)

10. Jaco van der Walt (19)

9. Sean Kennedy (62)

1. Allan Dell (47)

2. Ross Ford (181)

3. Simon Berghan (51)

4. Fraser McKenzie (103) CAPTAIN

5. Ben Toolis (91)

6. Luke Hamilton (3)

7. Jamie Ritchie (51)

8. Magnus Bradbury (54)

Replacements: 16. Dave Cherry*; 17. Pierre Schoeman (3); 18. Murray McCallum (40); 19. Callum Hunter-Hill (1); 20. Luke Crosbie (13); 21. Nathan Fowles (59); 22. Simon Hickey (2); 23. James Johnstone (21)


Read more at https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/09/21/edinburgh-team-to-face-leinster/#RrW5jOs5xI22osuU.99

 

[bazwaz]

Scarlets
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Johnny McNicholl, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil Price, 2 Ken Owens (c), 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Steve Cummins, 6 Ed Kennedy, 7 Lewis Rawlins, 8 Blade Thomson

16 Ryan Elias, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Werner Kruger, 19 David Bulbring, 20 Uzair Cassiem, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Angus O'Brien, 23 Paul Asquith

 

[bazwaz]

Connacht

Kick-off 5:15pm:

(15-9) Tiernan O'Halloran, Cian Kelleher, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion, (1-8) Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Gavin Thornbury, Quinn Roux, Sean O'Brien, Jarrad Butler, Robin Copeland.

Replacements (16-23): Tom McCartney, Peter McCabe, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ultan Dillane, Colby Fainga'a, Caolin Blade, Craig Ronaldson, Niyi Adeolokun.

 

[bazwaz]

Glasgow Warriors

15 Ruaridh Jackson

14 Tommy Seymour
13 Huw Jones
12 Nick Grigg
11 DTH van der Merwe

10 Peter Horne
9 Nick Frisby

1 Jamie Bhatti
2 George Turner
3 D'arcy Rae
4 Greg Peterson
5 Scott Cummings
6 Ryan Wilson (Captain)
7 Chris Fusaro
8 Adam Ashe

Substitutes

16 Fraser Brown
17 Alex Allan
18 Kevin Bryce
19 Robert Harley
20 Callum Gibbins
21 Ali Price
22 Adam Hastings
23 Robbie Nairn

Touring players unavailable: Zander Fagerson (ankle) and Oli Kebble (head)

 

[bazwaz]

Zebre

15 Francois Brummer

14 Mattia Bellini

13 Giulio Bisegni

12 Tommaso Castello (cap)

11 Edoardo Padovani*

10 Carlo Canna

9 Marcello Violi*

8 Giovanni Licata*

7 Johan Meyer

6 Jimmy Tuivaiti

5 George Biagi (cap)

4 David Sisi

3 Dario Chistolini

2 Oliviero Fabiani

1 Andrea Lovotti*

Replacements:

16 Massimo Ceciliani*

17 Daniele Rimpelli*

18 Giosué Zilocchi*

19 Apisai Tauyavuca

20 Matu Tevi

21 Guglielmo Palazzani

22 Tommaso Boni*

23 Gabriele Di Giulio*


Read more at https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/09/21/zebre-rugby-club-team-to-face-dragons/#7dwP6vOGmHHvFmLB.99

 

[Tooting Carmen]

Ospreys should win with their principal players back, though to be sure it won't at all be the walkover of previous years. Scarlets should narrowly beat Connacht - Glasgow did, and I still rate Scarlets higher than them. Blues v Munster a draw? Dragons to narrowly beat Zebre. SA teams to lose again. Leinster to beat Edinburgh, especially with such a strong team out as that at home.