S14: Where your team is at

[travelling_gerry]

S14: Where your team is at

Rupert Guinness | May 14, 2008 - 6:48AM


ONLY one Australian team - the NSW Waratahs - has a chance of playing in the finals as the Super 14 reaches its last round. But ironically, their chances of holding on to a semi-final berth hinge on the strength and will of another Australian team - the Queensland Reds - who they play in Brisbane on Saturday night.

A win by the 11th placed Reds could force the third place Waratahs out of the top four altogether.

It is a derby with plenty of spice, even hotter with the inclusion of former Waratahs centre Morgan Turinui - who was in the NSW sides that made the final in 2005 and semi-finals in 2006 - now playing for the Reds.

Meanwhile, for Australia's two other teams and one time semi-final contenders - the Brumbies and Force - the season ends this week with their own derby in Perth on Friday night.

Neither team will be short of motivation as they will try to use the fixture as a way of finishing on a winning note.

Furthermore, they will be wanting impress in the battle for Wallabies selection, knowing that 24 hours later the Waratahs and Reds will be pitching their own cases for inclusion.

WARATAHS
In the news: Speculation that Timana Tahu will start at outside centre against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday after a strong return off the bench against the Stormers last week. Was the absence of their bags on the flight from Cape Town to Jo-burg for the connecting trip to Sydney a deliberate ruse aimed at destabilising them?

Physio's table: Lachie Turner (head knock) is being monitored, Matt Dunning (calf) should be cleared to play.

The good: No shortage of motivation as the game is a must-win affair. If they get points, their strong defence should hold out. The experience of an almost all-Wallaby forward pack. On a dry track, their attacking backline.

The bad: Physical effects of their South African tour and the short turn around. Inexperience in the backs. Unlikely to get bonus points they will need to secure a home semi-final in a derby that is often a low scoring affair.

REDS
In the news: The farewells of Sam Cordingley (to Grenoble), David Croft (retirement), Stephen Moore (to Brumbies) and what should have been one for Chris Latham (to Japan). Rodney Blake back from one week ban.

Physio's table: Chris Latham (shoulder) will not play. In doubt are Cordingley (calf) and John Roe (shoulder). Possible returns from injury are Hugh McMeniman (ankle) and as an outside chance prop Greg Holmes.


The good: The emotion. Having tested the Crusaders and led until two yellow cards, they will know that they have it within themselves to cause an upset and ruin NSW's - and Australia's - hope of a semi-finals presence.

The bad: The emotion. Will it all get the better of the Reds as it did last week as a massive victory beckoned - only for them to receive two yellow cards (Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas) and hand the win back to the Kiwis.

BRUMBIES
In the news: The real test for new Brumbies No.10 Christian Lealiifano arrives in their final round derby against the Force in Perth where he will come up against Matt Giteau. It will be their first head-to-head.

Physio's table: Nothing to report

The good: If they get their backs to play as a collective unit and nullify Giteau, they have potential to score plenty of tries. The incentive to make a last impression in the battle for Wallabies selections is also on offer.

The bad: Major communication issues in their backline were exposed against the Bulls last weekend. If Giteau is on his game, the Brumbies won't be on theirs.


FORCE
In the news: The Force play their last game to end a season of highs and lows that at one point had them tipped to be the only Aussie team in the finals. A win against the Brumbies in Perth will repay their fans for sticking with them through thick and thin.

Physio's table: Nothing to report

The good: Cameron Shepherd ... quickly making the Wallabies No. 15 slot his own, especially with Chris Latham out injured. If it is a tight game, he has the magic to be the match winner as his try last week showed.

The bad: Discipline up front. Penalties between two attacking teams who will almost certainly find their defences tested could make the difference. Can ill afford any yellow cards such as No. 7 David Pocock's last week.

[Burgs]

But ironically, their chances of holding on to a semi-final berth hinge on the strength and will of another Australian team
Hey wordsmiths, does that actually qualify as irony?

Can ill afford any yellow cards such as No. 7 David Pocock's last week.

No, we certainly can't afford to recieve unwarranted Yellow Cards

[JediKnight]

Physio's table is pretty full with Force players at the moment!

[BLR]

Physio's table is pretty full with Force players at the moment!

Indeed, but I assume they think because they reported it last week that it is old news...