Crusaders want to sink Sharks early

Crusaders v Sharks
Timaru, 5.30pm today

The Crusaders are looking for early dominance today after last week's error-ridden opening half against the Reds.

"We don't want to give the Sharks a sniff, really," Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said. "They're dangerous when they get their tails up."

Captain Richie McCaw anticipates a titanic struggle in the forwards early on and is calling for his side to return to their own game to blunt the Sharks' effort.

"We didn't get stuck in from the start [last week], so that's what we'll put the emphasis on this week."

Deans has brought in Matt France for reserve halfback Andrew Ellis, who suffered a rib cartilage injury during the 47-21 win against the Reds.

Winger Scott Hamilton comes on to the bench after suffering concussion in the opening game against the Highlanders.

Former All Black and Highlander Tony Brown makes his debut for the Sharks, whose talented backline includes Percy Montgomery and Brent Russell.


Highlanders v Cheetahs
Bloemfontein, 6.10am tomorrow

The Highlanders break new ground when stage one of their South African safari begins.

Greg Cooper's squad are the first New Zealand side to perform the three-match swing through the republic. They have the Stormers and Bulls next.

The Highlanders' task has been made harder without dynamic loose forward Craig Newby, suspended for one match after a dangerous tackle in the Blues match last week, and the loss of Andrew Blowers who was supposed to take Newby's No 8 spot.

Blowers remains affected by a pre-season head knock and has been sent home, with Southland's Hale T-Pole coming on to the bench.

Filipo Levi starts at No 8 against the Cheetahs.

In other changes to the team who beat the Blues last week, prop Clarke Dermody replaces Nick White at loose head and Chris Smylie comes in for Jimmy Cowan at halfback.

The Highlanders will need to be the top of their game against the Cheetahs, the Currie Cup champions, Cooper said.

"At high altitude, they tend to play a very aggressive, direct, game up front and use a kicking game."

The Cheetahs had a powerful No 7 in skipper Juan Smit and boasted a quality front row with props Os du Randt and CJ van der Linde.

Bloemfontein, at an altitude of over 1500m, would be an unknown to most of the Highlanders.

"Neil Brew is the only one of the squad who has played at Bloemfontein -- with the Hurricanes," Cooper said.

"Even [All Black and Highlanders captain] Anton Oliver who has had 20 trips to South Africa hasn't been to Bloemfontein so it's new to us."


Bulls v Waratahs
Pretoria, 4am tomorrow

Waratahs and Wallaby stalwart David Lyons has lost his starting place to Stephen Hoiles.

Rookie first-five Daniel Halangahu, who replaced Tim Donnelly in the first half of last week's game, gets his first Super 14 start. It continues a remarkable rise for the 21-year-old Sydney University back, who started this year as a NSW Academy player.

Lyons, who has played 71 consecutive Super games since his debut, will form a devastating two-pronged back row contingent off the bench, alongside another strong runner, Wycliff Palu.

"The Bulls will be a hefty challenge and I am confident with Lyons and Palu on the bench, we'll have the firepower late in the game to see us through," said coach Ewen McKenzie.

The Waratahs will again field an all-Wallaby pack.

Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has recalled prop Andries Human in place of Danie Thiart, and replaced one Springbok back rower, Danie Rossouw, with another, Pedrie Wannenburg.