Reds v Cheetahs, preview

April 20, 2007 - 4:46am
Story by: Sportal

Venue & time

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Saturday April 21, 15:30 AEST

Head to head

Played 2: Cheetahs 2, Reds 0.

Last time

March 24, 2006 (Bloemfontein). Cheetahs 10-6 Reds.

Walking wounded & team changes

For the first time in a while the Reds have no new injuries from last week so this week's changes are tacticle. Coach Eddie Jones has chosen to start hard-running flanker Tom McVerry ahead of David Croft. Dynamic teenage playmaker Quade Cooper comes back in at flyhalf with Berrick Barnes moving to inside centre.

The Cheetahs are yet to name their line-up but should stick close to last week's combination.

Form

The Reds were walloped by the Sharks at home before being edged in a tight game against the Waratahs in Sydney last week. They always show plenty of promise but are 10 per cent down in most areas to other teams and that usually results in a loss.

The Cheetahs fell out of finals contention in the last few weeks after tight losses to the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes. They, too show so much promise and have a more disciplined structure to their game than the Reds. But still like to throw the ball around in attack.

Who's hot

Reds lock Hugh McMeniman played a tough game against the Waratahs, while Berrick Barnes and Clinton Schifcofske were the best in attack.

Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith, as always, was inspirational against the Hurricanes last start. Winger Eddie Fredericks continued his purple patch while Jannie du Plessis has been powerful up front.

Teams

Reds

1. Tama Tuirirangi,
2. Stephen Moore,
3. David Te Moana,
4. Hugh McMeniman,
5. James Horwill,
6. Mitch Chapman,
7. Tom McVerry,
8. John Roe (c),

9. Nic Berry,
10. Quade Cooper,
11. Peter Hynes,
12. Berrick Barnes,
13. Ben Tune,
14. Andrew Walker,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.

16. Sean Hardman,
17. Herman Hunt,
18. Ed O'Donoghue,
19. David Croft,
20. Will Genia,
21. Andrew Brown,
22. Brando Va'aulu.

Cheetahs (likely line-up)

1. Ollie le Roux,
2. Richardt Strauss,
3. Jannie du Plessis,
4. Rory Duncan,
5. Corniel van Zyl,
6. Duane Vermeulen,
7. Juan Smith (c),
8. Kabamba Floors,

9. Michael Claassens,
10. Herkie Kruger,
11. Tiger Mangweni,
12. Meyer Bosman,
13. Marius Joubert,
14. Eddie Fredericks,
15. Bevan Fortuin.

16. Hans van Dyk,
17. Wian du Preez,
18. Heinrich Brussouw,
19. Darron Noll,
20. Noel Oelschig,
21. Willem de Waal,
22. Philip Burger.