OFFICIAL SANZAR WEBSITES

Transcription

1 2014

2 2014 OFFICIAL SANZAR WEBSITES AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

3 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CONTENTS SANZAR 02 Message from the SANZAR CEO 03 Media Contacts 04 Competition Information 07 Competition Rules 08 Tournament Schedule 11 CONTENTS AUSTRALIA Brumbies 17 Force 37 Rebels 57 Reds 77 Waratahs 97 NEW ZEALAND Blues 119 Chiefs 141 Crusaders 163 Highlanders 185 Hurricanes 207 SOUTH AFRICA Bulls 229 Cheetahs 253 Lions 275 Sharks 293 Stormers 317 SUPER RUGBY WINNERS & RESULTS SUPER RUGBY RECORDS 383 SUPER RUGBY REFEREES

4 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SANZAR SANZAR SANZAR OFFICE Suite 2105, Level 21, Tower Grafton Street Bondi Junction Sydney, NSW 2022 Australia Phone: info@sanzarrugby.com WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: superrugby & sanzartrc YouTube: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Greg Peters Phone: (DDI) (M) greg.peters@sanzarrugby.com OFFICE MANAGER Marcelle Foley Phone: (DDI) (M) marcelle.foley@sanzarrugby.com MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Alistair Hogg Phone: (DDI) (M) alistair.hogg@sanzarrugby.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Brendan Morris Phone: (DDI) (M) brendan.morris@sanzarrugby.com GAME MANAGER Lyndon Bray Phone: (DDI) (M) lyndon.bray@sanzarrugby.com OPERATIONS COORDINATOR & GAME ANALYST Nick Hannon Phone: (DDI) (M) nick.hannon@sanzarrugby.com SANZAR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mark Alexander (Chairman) Mike Eagle (NZR) Michael Hawker AM (ARU) Bill Pulver (ARU) Jurie Roux (SARU) Steve Tew (NZR) Details current as of 1 February,

5 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MESSAGE FROM THE SANZAR CEO, GREG PETERS Welcome to another season of Super Rugby! After a memorable year on the international stage, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia finished 2013 firmly entrenched as the IRB s three top ranked countries and we are privileged to have the world s elite players competing in Super Rugby week in, week out. The 2014 season of elite Southern Hemisphere rugby promises to be another thrilling and competitive campaign as 14 challengers seek to prevent the all-conquering Chiefs from becoming just the second team in history to win three successive titles. We welcome the Lions back into the South African Conference who travel to Bloemfontein for the season-opener against the Cheetahs on February 15; a week earlier than the Australian and New Zealand Conferences due to the Springbok inbound Tests commencing a week earlier in June. Last year some 2.36 million fans came through the turnstiles which is on par with 2012 and more than 60 million viewers tuned in throughout our core territories which represents a 16 per cent increase over the past three years with both figures are well up on the previous Super 14 competition. Off the field, SANZAR continues to work closely with head coaches and our referees to create symmetry and consistency about what we are trying to achieve in the game. The ability to create a game that is easy to play, referee and watch is our ultimate aim and we will continue to work on better scrums, quick ball and the ability for teams to create space for the running, attacking rugby we have come to know and love in the Southern Hemisphere. The early stages of 2014 also see some important landmarks as SANZAR works together with its constituent, National Unions, to create a blueprint for the future of Super Rugby. We expect to have some announcements during the year relating to structure, potential expansion to new territories and broadcasting arrangements that will take the competition into a bold new era from Thanks for your wonderful support and I look forward to another thrilling season of the Southern Hemisphere s pre-eminent rugby competition! MESSAGE FROM THE SANZAR CEO GREG PETERS CEO 03

6 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE MEDIA CONTACTS SANZAR CONTACTS AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION Ground Floor, Christie Street St Leonards, NSW 1590 PO Box 115 St Leonards, NSW 1590 Phone: Facebook: Instagram: australianrugbyunion YouTube: Rachel Hickey General Manager, Media & Communications Phone: (DDI) (M) rachel.hickey@rugby.com.au Mary French Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) mary.french@rugby.com.au BRUMBIES Elliot Woods Media & Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M): e.woods@brumbies.com.au FORCE Nick Smith Marketing & Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) nick.smith@rugbywa.com.au Elise Goodin Media Officer Phone: (DDI) (M) elise.goodin@rugbywa.com.au REBELS Adam Freier General Manager, Media & Communications Phone: adam.freier@melbournerebels.com.au Pete Fairbairn Media & Communications Officer Phone: pete.fairbairn@melbournerebels.com.au REDS Tom Kennedy Communications Specialist Phone: tom.kennedy@qru.com.au WARATAHS Russell Fairfax Media & Special Projects Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) rfairfax@waratahsrugby.com.au 04

7 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 NEW ZEALAND RUGBY New Zealand Rugby House Level 4, 100 Molesworth Street Wellington 6011 PO Box 2172 Wellington 6140 Auckland Office Office 4A, 125 The Strand Parnell, Auckland 1010 PO Box 2453 Shortland Street Auckland 1140 Phone: Facebook: YouTube: Juli Clausen Senior Media Advisor Phone: (DDI) (M) juli.clausen@nzrugby.co.nz Hilary Sutherland EA Public Affairs Phone: (DDI) (M) hilary.sutherland@nzrugby.co.nz MEDIA CONTACTS BLUES James Rigby Digital Media & Communications Manager Phone: james.rigby@theblues.co.nz Richard Fry Manager of Rugby Phone: richard.fry@theblues.co.nz CHIEFS Kylie Sousa Media Manager Phone: kylies@chiefs.co.nz CRUSADERS Juliet Calder Communications Manager Phone: juliet.calder@crfu.co.nz Angus Gardiner Team Manager Phone: angus.gardiner@crfu.co.nz HIGHLANDERS Amanda Gould Marketing Manager Phone: amanda.gould@highlanders.net.nz HURRICANES Hannah Fleming Communications Executive Phone: (DDI) (M) hannah.fleming@wrfu.co.nz 05

8 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE MEDIA CONTACTS SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY UNION SARU House 163 Uys Krige Road Plattekloof, Cape Town 7500 PO Box Panorama 7506 Phone: Facebook: Instagram: bokrugby Andy Colquhoun General Manager, Corporate Affairs Phone: (DDI) (M) JJ Harmse Digital & Publications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) BULLS Richard Papo Marketing Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) CHEETAHS Ronel Pienaar Media & Communications Manager Phone: Eugene van Wyk Team Manager Phone: LIONS Tarryn Steenekamp Media & Public Relations Manager Phone: (x158) SHARKS Novashni Chetty PR Manager Phone: STORMERS Howard Kahn Strategic Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) (on tour) 06

9 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 COMPETITION INFORMATION The Super Rugby tournament comprises 15 teams - five each from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa who this year, welcomes the return of the Lions based in Johannesburg. The tournament features a three-conference system where the teams in each country make up nationally-based Conferences and play their four local rivals on a home and away basis (eight games in total). They will also play four of the five teams in each of the other two Conferences on a home and away basis (another eight games). During the Regular Season, each team will play a total of 16 matches and will have two byes. In each country the teams will be ranked in separate Australian Conference, New Zealand Conference and South African Conference tables. In the overall competition standings, the three Conference leaders will occupy the top three places, followed by the three next-best wildcards, from any of the Conferences, based on their log points. After the completion of the Regular Season, a three-week Super Rugby Finals Series will take place involving the three Conference winners and the three best-placed wildcards, irrespective of the Conference in which they are based. The teams ranked 1 and 2 have a bye during the first week of the Finals Series with the teams ranked 3 to 6 taking part in Qualifiers to secure a place in the Semi-Finals. Teams 1 and 2 will host home semi-finals against the two qualifier winners. With the Conference winners ensured of home advantage, at least one Finals Series match will be played in each country each year. In June the competition will break for each respective country s inbound Tests series. COMPETITION INFORMATION SUPER RUGBY 2014 AT A GLANCE: 125 matches will be played during the Regular Season 40 Regular Season matches will be played in each country There will be 20 Regular Season local derbies in each country 50% of all Regular Season matches will be local derbies Each team will play 12 of its 16 Regular Season games within its own country with only four matches overseas 07

10 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE COMPETITION RULES COMPETITION RULES CONFERENCES The Super Rugby competition will consist of 15 Teams across three Conferences as follows: AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE AC NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE NZC SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE SAC Brumbies Blues Bulls Force Chiefs Cheetahs Rebels Crusaders Lions Reds Highlanders Sharks Waratahs Hurricanes Stormers REGULAR SEASON Each Team will play 16 matches during the Regular Season with eight matches played at home venues and eight matches played at away venues. The opposition for these matches will be determined as follows: (a) Internal Conference Matches a team will play each of the four other teams in its Conference on two occasions meaning a total of eight Internal Conference Matches. With one match against each team played at a home venue and one match played at an away venue this will result in four home matches and four away matches; (b) Cross Conference Matches a team will play four of the five teams from each of the other Conferences on one occasion meaning a total of eight Cross Conference Matches. For the four teams from the other conferences two of these matches will be played at a home venue and two matches will be played at away venues for a total of four home and four away. POINTS TABULATION Competition points will be awarded in all Regular Season matches on the following basis: Win 4 points Draw 2 points Loss 0 points for loss of more than 7 points Bonus 1 point for loss by 7 points or less Bonus 1 point for 4 tries or more SANZAR will maintain and publish the following official competition tables: (c) Separate Conference competition tables for the AC, NZC and SAC; (d) A combined Super Rugby Standings table showing the 15 teams in order as determined by the Conference Tables. 08

11 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DETERMINING REGULAR SEASON TABLE PLACING AND SUPER RUGBY FINALS SERIES QUALIFICATION TIE BREAKING RULES In the event of two or more teams being equal on competition points for any position on either the Conference or Super Rugby Standings tables, either during or at the end of the season, such position will be decided upon using the following steps until the tie is broken: (a) Most wins from all matches; (b) Highest aggregate points difference from all matches; (c) Most tries from all matches; (d) Highest aggregate difference of total tries for versus tries scored against from all matches; (e) Coin toss. Six teams will qualify for the Finals Series at the conclusion of the Regular Season as follows: (a) Conference Winners: the team in each of the AC, NZC and SAC with the highest number of competition points will be the Conference Winner for the respective Conference and will qualify for the Finals Series. The three Conference Winners will receive a Finals Series Ranking as follows: (i) The team with the highest number of competition points (b) (ii) will have a Finals Series Ranking of 1; The team with the second highest number of competition points will have a Finals Series Ranking of 2; (iii) The team with the third highest number of competition points will have a Finals Series Ranking of 3. Wildcard Teams: the remaining three Finals Series places will be allocated to the three non-conference Winning teams with the highest number of Super Rugby table competition points regardless of the Conference in which the team plays. The three Wildcard Teams will receive a Finals Series Ranking as follows: (i) The team with the highest number of competition points (ii) will have a Finals Series Ranking of 4; The team with the second highest number of competition points will have a Finals Series Ranking of 5; (iii) The team with the third highest number of competition points will have a Finals Series Ranking of 6. SUPER RUGBY FINALS SERIES FORMAT The Super Rugby Finals Series will be played over three weeks and involve six matches in the following format: COMPETITION RULES FINALS WEEK MATCH NAME HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM 1 A Qualifier Match Rank 4 v Rank 5 B Qualifier Match Rank 3 v Rank 6 2 C Semi-Final Rank 2 v Winner of matches A or B with highest Finals Ranking D Semi-Final Rank 1 v Other winner from matches A or B 3 E Final Winner of matches C or D with highest Finals Ranking Other winner from matches C or D 09

12 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE COMPETITION RULES DETERMINING WINNERS OF SUPER RUGBY FINALS SERIES MATCHES If the teams are tied at fulltime in any Finals Series Match then the following will apply until a winner is found: (a) Extra Time played in two 10 minute periods with a two minute half-time (b) Sudden Death played for up to 10 minutes with the first team to score declared the winner (c) Kicking Competition MATCH CANCELLATIONS AND ABANDONMENT In the event of a Match having to be cancelled or abandoned for any reason whatsoever, the following procedure shall apply: (i) In the event of a match being cancelled prior to match day, SANZAR will decide, based on all facts, the outcome of the match. The SANZAR Operations Manager will prepare a detailed report to the SANZAR CEO for consideration by the (ii) SANZAR Executive Committee. Where a match has been abandoned either at half-time or at any time in the second half the result shall stand; (iii) Where a match has been abandoned during the first half the result shall be declared as a draw; and (iv) In the case of a Final, should the match be abandoned in the first half; the finalists shall become the joint winners. (v) In the case of a Semi Final, including in the case of a draw resulting from (iii) above, the following shall apply; (vi) The Team scoring the most tries in the semi-final will be declared the winner. (vii) If the Teams are still tied after applying (a) above, the winner will be the Team with the higher Playoff Ranking following the Regular Season. MATCH OFFICIALS All referee appointments for Super Rugby matches will be made by the SANZAR Referee Selectors. These will be advised in 3-4 week blocks, as the competition unfolds. The appointment process is based on merit selection. Where possible, the Selectors have agreed to avoid a referee appointed to his home franchise. Some of the information contained in this section has been summarised. Please contact SANZAR or your national union for the full text of these rules and policies and to seek further information on the rules. 10

13 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Daylight Savings Time ends in Australia and New Zealand on 6 April Until 6 April 2014: Australia: 2 hours behind New Zealand South Africa: 9 hours behind Australia (AEDT) South Africa: 11 hours behind New Zealand From 6 April 2014: Australia: 2 hours behind New Zealand South Africa: 8 hours behind Australia (AEDT) South Africa: 10 hours behind New Zealand Note: No Daylight Savings in WA or Queensland. WA is 2 hours behind AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) and 3 hours behind AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time) TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE ROUND 1 (South African Conference Only) Saturday 15 February Cheetahs v Lions Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Saturday 15 February Sharks v Bulls Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban KICK OFF (LOCAL) 17:05 19:10 BYE: STORMERS ROUND 2 Friday 21 February Crusaders v Chiefs AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Christchurch Friday 21 February Cheetahs v Bulls Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:10 Saturday 22 February Highlanders v Blues Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Dunedin Saturday 22 February Brumbies v Reds GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 22 February Sharks v Hurricanes Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 17:05 Durban Saturday 22 February Lions v Stormers Ellis Park, Johannesburg 19:10 Sunday 23 February Waratahs v Force Allianz Stadium, Sydney 16:05 BYE: REBELS ROUND 3 Friday 28 February Blues v Crusaders Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Friday 28 February Rebels v Cheetahs AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Friday 28 February Stormers v Hurricanes DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:10 Saturday 1 March Chiefs v Highlanders Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Saturday 1 March Waratahs v Reds ANZ Stadium, Sydney 19:40 Saturday 1 March Force v Brumbies nib Stadium, Perth 19:00 Saturday 1 March Bulls v Lions Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:05 BYE: SHARKS 11

14 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE KICK OFF (LOCAL) ROUND 4 Friday 7 March Hurricanes v Westpac Stadium, 19:35 Brumbies Wellington Friday 7 March Reds v Cheetahs Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 18:40 Saturday 8 March Crusaders v Stormers AMI Stadium, Addington, Christchurch 19:35 Saturday 8 March Force v Rebels nib Stadium, Perth 16:40 Saturday 8 March Bulls v Blues Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:05 Saturday 8 March Sharks v Lions Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 19:10 Durban BYES: CHIEFS, HIGHLANDERS, WARATAHS ROUND 5 Friday 14 March Chiefs v Stormers Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Friday 14 March Rebels v Crusaders AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 15 March Hurricanes v Westpac Stadium, 16:35 Cheetahs Wellington Saturday 15 March Highlanders v Force Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 19:35 Saturday 15 March Brumbies v Waratahs GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 15 March Lions v Blues Ellis Park, Johannesburg 15:00 Saturday 15 March Sharks v Reds Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 17:05 Durban BYE: BULLS ROUND 6 Friday 21 March Highlanders v Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Hurricanes Dunedin Friday 21 March Waratahs v Rebels Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:40 Saturday 22 March Blues v Cheetahs Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Saturday 22 March Brumbies v Stormers GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 22 March Force v Chiefs nib Stadium, Perth 19:00 Saturday 22 March Lions v Reds Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:05 Saturday 22 March Bulls v Sharks Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:10 BYE: CRUSADERS ROUND 7 Friday 28 March Crusaders v AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Hurricanes Christchurch Friday 28 March Rebels v Brumbies AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 29 March Blues v Highlanders Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Saturday 29 March Reds v Stormers Suncorp Stadium, 18:40 Brisbane Saturday 29 March Bulls v Chiefs Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 15:00 Saturday 29 March Sharks v Waratahs Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 17:05 Durban BYES: CHEETAHS, FORCE, LIONS 12

15 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE KICK OFF (LOCAL) ROUND 8 (Daylight savings finished Australia and New Zealand) Friday 4 April Highlanders v Rebels Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Dunedin Friday 4 April Brumbies v Blues GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 5 April Hurricanes v Bulls McLean Park, Napier 19:35 Saturday 5 April Reds v Force Suncorp Stadium, 18:40 Brisbane Saturday 5 April Cheetahs v Chiefs Free State Stadium, 15:00 Bloemfontein Saturday 5 April Lions v Crusaders Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:05 Saturday 5 April Stormers v Waratahs DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:10 BYE: SHARKS ROUND 9 Friday 11 April Highlanders v Bulls Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Dunedin Friday 11 April Reds v Brumbies Suncorp Stadium, 19:40 Brisbane Saturday 12 April Chiefs v Rebels Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Saturday 12 April Force v Waratahs nib Stadium, Perth 17:40 Saturday 12 April Cheetahs v Crusaders Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:05 Saturday 12 April Lions v Sharks Ellis Park, Johannesburg 19:10 BYES: BLUES, HURRICANES, STORMERS ROUND 10 (Easter) Friday 18 April Hurricanes v Blues Westpac Stadium, 19:35 Wellington Friday 18 April Rebels v Force AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 19 April Chiefs v Crusaders Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Saturday 19 April Waratahs v Bulls Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:40 Saturday 19 April Sharks v Cheetahs Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 15:00 Durban Saturday 19 April Stormers v Lions DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:05 BYES: BRUMBIES, HIGHLANDERS, REDS ROUND 11 Friday 25 April Blues v Waratahs Eden Park, Auckland 17:35 Friday 25 April Brumbies v Chiefs GIO Stadium, Canberra 17:40 Friday 25 April Sharks v Highlanders Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 19:10 Durban Saturday 26 April Hurricanes v Reds Westpac Stadium, 19:35 Wellington Saturday 26 April Force v Bulls nib Stadium, Perth 17:40 Saturday 26 April Cheetahs v Stormers Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:05 BYES: CRUSADERS, LIONS, REBELS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 13

16 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE KICK OFF (LOCAL) ROUND 12 Friday 2 May Blues v Reds Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Friday 2 May Rebels v Sharks AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 3 May Crusaders v AMI Stadium, Addington, 16:35 Brumbies Christchurch Saturday 3 May Chiefs v Lions Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Saturday 3 May Waratahs v Hurricanes Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:40 Saturday 3 May Stormers v Highlanders DHL Newlands, Cape Town 15:00 Saturday 3 May Bulls v Cheetahs Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:05 BYE: FORCE ROUND 13 Friday 9 May Chiefs v Blues Yarrow Stadium, New 19:35 Plymouth Friday 9 May Rebels v Hurricanes AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 10 May Highlanders v Lions Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Dunedin Saturday 10 May Brumbies v Sharks GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 10 May Cheetahs v Force Free State Stadium, 17:05 Bloemfontein Saturday 10 May Bulls v Stormers Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:10 Sunday 11 May Reds v Crusaders Suncorp Stadium, 16:05 Brisbane BYE: WARATAHS ROUND 14 Friday 16 May Hurricanes v Westpac Stadium, 19:35 Highlanders Wellington Saturday 17 May Crusaders v Sharks AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Christchurch Saturday 17 May Reds v Rebels Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 19:40 Saturday 17 May Stormers v Force DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:05 Saturday 17 May Cheetahs v Brumbies Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:10 Sunday 18 May Waratahs v Lions Allianz Stadium, Sydney 16:05 BYES: BLUES, BULLS, CHIEFS ROUND 15 Friday 23 May Blues v Sharks North Harbour Stadium, 19:35 Albany Friday 23 May Rebels v Waratahs AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 24 May Highlanders v Forsyth Barr Stadium, 17:35 Crusaders Dunedin Saturday 24 May Hurricanes v Chiefs Westpac Stadium, 19:35 Wellington Saturday 24 May Force v Lions nib Stadium, Perth 17:40 Saturday 24 May Stormers v Cheetahs DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:05 Saturday 24 May Bulls v Brumbies Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:10 BYE: REDS 14

17 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE KICK OFF (LOCAL) ROUND 16 Friday 30 May Crusaders v Force AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Christchurch Friday 30 May Reds v Highlanders Suncorp Stadium, 19:40 Brisbane Saturday 31 May Chiefs v Waratahs Yarrow Stadium, 16:35 New Plymouth Saturday 31 May Blues v Hurricanes Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Saturday 31 May Brumbies v Rebels GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Saturday 31 May Lions v Bulls Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:05 Saturday 31 May Sharks v Stormers Growthpoint KINGS PARK, 19:10 Durban BYE: CHEETAHS ROUND 17 (Australian & New Zealand Conferences Only) Friday 27 June Highlanders v Chiefs Forsyth Barr Stadium, 19:35 Dunedin Friday 27 June Rebels v Reds AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:40 Saturday 28 June Hurricanes v Crusaders Westpac Stadium, Wellington 19:35 Saturday 28 June Waratahs v Brumbies ANZ Stadium, Sydney 19:40 Saturday 28 June Force v Blues nib Stadium, Perth 19:45 ROUND 18 Friday 4 July Chiefs v Hurricanes Waikato Stadium, 19:35 Hamilton Friday 4 July Lions v Rebels Ellis Park, Johannesburg 19:10 Saturday 5 July Crusaders v Blues AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Christchurch Saturday 5 July Force v Reds nib Stadium, Perth 17:40 Saturday 5 July Stormers v Bulls DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:05 Saturday 5 July Cheetahs v Sharks Free State Stadium, 19:10 Bloemfontein Sunday 6 July Waratahs v Allianz Stadium, Sydney 16:05 Highlanders BYE: BRUMBIES ROUND 19 Friday 11 July Blues v Chiefs Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 Friday 11 July Brumbies v Force GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:40 Friday 11 July Bulls v Rebels Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:10 Saturday 12 July Crusaders v AMI Stadium, Addington, 19:35 Highlanders Christchurch Saturday 12 July Reds v Waratahs Suncorp Stadium, 19:40 Brisbane Saturday 12 July Lions v Cheetahs Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:05 Saturday 12 July Stormers v Sharks DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:10 BYE: HURRICANES TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 15

18 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DAY & DATE MATCH HOME VENUE Super Rugby Qualifiers Friday 18 July Saturday 19 July Super Rugby Semi Finals Friday 25 July Saturday 26 July Super Rugby Final Saturday 2 August KICK OFF (LOCAL) 16

19 AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA BRUMBIES FORCE REBELS REDS WARATAHS

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21 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BRUMBIES NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Ben Alexander Prop 189cm 120kg Fotu Auelua No cm 115kg Jarrad Butler Flanker 186cm 106kg Sam Carter Lock 200cm 110kg Robbie Coleman Centre 179cm 83kg Lionel Cronjé Flyhalf 184cm 92kg Scott Fardy Flanker 198cm 110kg Conrad Hoffmann Scrumhalf 181cm 82kg Tevita Kuridrani Centre 196cm 102kg Christian Lealiifano Flyhalf 179cm 95kg Josh Mann-Rea Hooker 181cm 105kg Pat McCabe Centre 186cm 94kg Jesse Mogg Fullback 187cm 90kg Stephen Moore Hooker 186cm 112kg Ben Mowen C No cm 110kg Ruaidhri Murphy Prop 187cm 119kg David Pocock Flanker 184cm 104kg Leon Power Lock 200cm 116kg Clyde Rathbone Centre 181cm 93kg Siliva Siliva Hooker 177cm 112kg Scott Sio Prop 187cm 116kg Jordan Smiler Flanker 193cm 107kg Andrew Smith Centre 194cm 104kg Ruan Smith Prop 188cm 121kg Henry Speight Wing 186cm 97kg Harumichi Tatekawa Flyhalf 182cm 92kg Joseph Tomane Wing 188cm 102kg Matt Toomua Flyhalf 182cm 91kg Jack Whetton Lock 200cm 114kg Nic White Scrumhalf 175cm 82kg

22 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Elliot Woods Media & Communications Manager Phone: (M) TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Sean Hammond President: Geoff Larkham Acting Chief Executive Officer: Simon Chester Director of Rugby: Laurie Fisher Head Coach: Stephen Larkham Defence Coach: Dan McKellar Kicking Coach: Damien Hill Team Manager: Tony Thorpe Assistant Manager: Sam Irwin Strength & Conditioning: Damien Marsh Team Doctor: Dr Kate Gazzard Physiotherapist: Hamish Macauley Performance Analyst: Warrick Harrington ADDRESS LPO Box 5039 University of Canberra Bruce ACT, 2617 Australia Phone: Fax: reception@brumbies.com.au WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: brumbiesrugby YouTube: HOME GROUND GIO Stadium Canberra Battye Street Bruce, ACT 2617 Capacity: 27,000 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Navy blue jersey with gold panels, three horizontal gold stripes and white trim. CLASH STRIP: Gold jersey with navy trim. 18

23 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Jarrad Butler (Reds), Lionel Cronjé (Lions), Conrad Hoffmann (Hamilton RFC), Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears) Jack Whetton (Auckland) PLAYERS OUT: Tom Cox (Released), Colby Fainga a (Rebels), Zack Holmes (Force), Peter Kimlin (Grenoble), Etienne Oosthuizen (Sharks), Dan Palmer (Grenoble), Ian Prior (Force), Mark Swanepoel (Released), Ita Vaea (Released) BRUMBIES FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Saturday 22 February Reds GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 3 Saturday 1 March Force nib Stadium 19:00 4 Friday 7 March Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 5 Saturday 15 March Waratahs GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 6 Saturday 22 March Stormers GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 7 Friday 28 March Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 8 Friday 4 April Blues GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 9 Friday 11 April Reds Suncorp Stadium 19:40 10 BYE 11 Friday 25 April Chiefs GIO Stadium Canberra 17:40 12 Saturday 3 May Crusaders AMI Stadium 16:35 13 Saturday 10 May Sharks GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 14 Saturday 17 May Cheetahs Free State Stadium 19:10 15 Saturday 24 May Bulls Loftus Versfeld 19:10 16 Saturday 31 May Rebels GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 17 Saturday 28 June Waratahs Allianz Stadium 19:40 18 BYE 19 Friday 11 July Force GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Pat McCabe (1), Matt Toomua (3), Henry Speight (4), Robbie Coleman (12), Nic White (16) 50 Points: David Pocock (5), Robbie Coleman (15), Ben Alexander (20) 100 Points: Henry Speight (5), Clyde Rathbone (10), Jesse Mogg (16) 500 Points: Christian Lealiifano (100) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

24 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES LAURIE Director of Rugby Born: 24 May 1958, Canberra AUS Coaching History: Brumby Runners Head Coach ( ) ACT President s XV Head Coach ( ) Australian Universities Head Coach ( ) Brumbies Academy Coach ( ) Canberra Vikings Head Coach ( ) Brumby Runners Head Coach ( ) Australia U21 Head Coach ( ) Brumbies Forwards Coach (2004) Brumbies Head Coach ( ) Munster Forwards Coach ( ) Brumbies Forwards Coach ( ) Brumbies Director of Rugby (2014-) Regarded as Australia s premier mind on the breakdown and tigh forwards play, Laurie Fisher is enjoying his new role. Fisher returned to Canberra in 2012 after a successful stint with Munster in Ireland as Forwards Coach. His first two seasons back in the Australian capital saw the forwards develop into one of the most impressive units in the competition and as a result, Fisher s reputation enhanced even further. Now in his 16th year of professional coaching, Fisher boasts a wealth of experience, including a Magners League title and successive Heineken Cup semi-final appearances with Munster. A former university star in both the Canberra and Queensland club rugby competitions, Fisher believes that hard work and attention to detail are essential keys to success. STEPHEN LARKHAM Head Coach Born: 29 May 1974, Canberra AUS Coaching History: Brumbies Attack Coach (2011) Brumbies Backs Coach ( ) Brumbies Head Coach (2014-) One of the greatest fly-halves to ever play the game is quickly developing into a first-class rugby mentor, with Stephen Larkham taking on the Head Coach position in Now in his third year as the club s back s mentor, Larkham has made the seamless transition from player to coach, exemplified by the entire backline earning Australian call-ups in 2013 with the exception of Henry Speight (ineligible) and Andrew Smith (injured). A Canberra local who bleeds yellow and navy, Larkham has been involved with the Brumbies since day one. He started in the club s first ever game (a 13-9 win over Transvaal in 1996), played in both winning finals in 2001 and 2004 and has flourished as a coach over the last three seasons. Larkham represented Australia on 102 occasions, scoring 135 points over an international career spanning 12 years that included a World Cup triumph in

25 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DAN MCKELLAR Defence Coach Born: 17 July 1976, Brisbane AUS Coaching History: Tuggeranong Viking Head Coach ( ) NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Defence Coach (2013) Brumbies Defence Coach (2014-) BRUMBIES Dan McKellar returns to Canberra after a successful stint with NTT Docomo in the Japanese Top League where he served as the Defence Coach. Prior to his stint in Japan, McKellar was responsible for establishing the bulk of the Tuggeranong Vikings squad which has lost only three games since His last year in Canberra s John I Dent Cup was 2012, which saw the Vikings defeated just once on their way to the title. Well regarded by his peers, McKellar will take control of the defence, as well as player development. BEN ALEXANDER Prop 189cm/120kg Date of Birth: 13 November 1984 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 81 Super Rugby Points: 80 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2008 vs Reds, Canberra Test Caps: 62 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 6 June 2008 vs France, Sydney Now a veteran of six campaigns, Ben Alexander will edge further towards 100 Super Rugby caps in 2014 making him one of the club s and Australia s most dependable props. With more than 60 Test appearances against his name and one of only four props to have earned 50 or more caps for the Wallabies, Alexander has emerged as one of Australia s most experienced players. Just 13 players will start the new Super Rugby campaign with more Test experience than Alexander. Having started his career at loosehead, Alexander s knack for finding the line was highlighted by claiming the club s top try-scorer award in Since then, he has migrated to the other side of the scrum and is now Australia s premier tighthead prop. His elusiveness is highlighted by the fact he led the Brumbies in defenders beaten last season (37). Alexander is a self-confessed Diet Coke addict and makes the most of his spare time playing golf at Canberra s Federal Golf Course. 21

26 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES FOTU No cm/115kg Date of Birth: 29 January 1984 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2012 vs Rebels, Canberra Now in his third season in Canberra, Fotu Auelua has quickly developed into one of the squad s key enforcers, possessing a brutal carry and fearsome tackle technique. After starring for Campbelltown, Illawarra and NSW Country, as a 15-year-old, Auelua moved to rugby nursery Trinity Grammar at Summer Hill in 2001 where he was selected for the Australian Schoolboys, before moving north to the Southport School in Queensland a year later. On the cusp of 30, Auelua is no spring chicken. The Samoan knows his way around the professional rugby circuit having played for Dax ( ), Toulon ( ) and NTT Shining Aces (2011) in the French and Japanese leagues before arriving in Canberra in He was added to the Australian train-on squad in 2013 and featured 18 matches of the Super Rugby campaign, including the Final in Hamilton against the Chiefs. His 924 metres gained were easily the most for the Brumbies last season ahead of Ian Prior (621) and Stephen Moore (608). JARRAD Flanker 186cm/106kg Date of Birth: 20 July 1991 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 167, 2012 vs Highlanders, Brisbane Jarrad Butler moves to Canberra with the vision of claiming a regular spot in the match day 22. Having cut his teeth with the Reds over the last two seasons, Butler is now focused on becoming a Super Rugby full-timer having made 10 appearances for the Reds last season. Big, strong and aggressive on the ball, Butler is surprisingly agile and was part of the victorious Brumbies Sevens side at the end of year tournament in London. Born in Wellington, Butler moved to across the Tasman to Queensland at the age of 13 and has flourished in his adopted country. As a junior, Butler was part of the talent-heavy Southport School 1st XV in 2007 which also featured the likes of Jono Lance (Waratahs), Luke Morahan (Force), James Slipper (Reds) and Mark Swanepoel (Tasman, ITM Cup). 22

27 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SAM CARTER Lock 200cm/110kg Date of Birth: 10 September 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 34 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2011 vs Rebels, Canberra Sam Carter enters his fourth season of top-flight rugby having established himself as one of Australia s hardest working locks. Regularly amongst the leading tacklers, Carter s value lies in his tireless work ethic that constantly sees him as one of the club s most effective defenders and set piece operators. Standing at 200cm, Carter is an indispensable link in the lineout and is praised by the club s front-row stocks for his ability to add starch to the scrum. Just 16 games shy of his 50th Brumbies cap, Carter commands plenty of respect from his peers and should he get through the season unscathed, will bring up his half century against the Force at home in Round 19. A fussy eater, Carter s Saturday night habits see him relaxing at home where he will consume a large meatlovers pizza and a jumbo garlic bread. BRUMBIES ROBBIE Centre 179cm/83kg Date of Birth: 3 August 1990 Place of Birth: Queanbeyan, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 38 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2010 vs Reds, Canberra A former rugby Sevens star who represented Australia in Delhi at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Coleman has successfully transferred the skills he learned in the shortened version of the game to become a threat in Super Rugby. Lethal in broken play, the Prince has been one of the club s best in counter attack, linking nicely with fellow outside backs Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight and Joe Tomane. Now in his fourth full season of Super Rugby, Coleman is a local product from St Edmunds College and scored three tries last season in 12 appearances. After representing the Australian Schoolboys, U20s and Sevens sides, Coleman has proven himself an international competitor who will continue to improve at professional level over the next few years. In his spare time, Coleman keeps a constant eye on the greyhounds and is a quality tipster. 23

28 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES LIONEL Flyhalf 184cm/92kg Date of Birth: 25 May 1989 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 32 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Lions, Johannesburg A journeyman of the professional rugby circuit who has previously played for the Cheetahs, Lions, Western Province, Stormers and Blue Bulls at either Currie Cup or Super Rugby level, Lionel Cronjé comes to the Brumbies looking for more opportunities. The aged-grade South African representative featured in seven Super Rugby games for the Stormers, the last of his caps occurring in Most recently, Cronjé spent the 2013 Currie Cup with the Lions in Johannesburg where he played alongside new Brumbies teammate Stephan van der Walt. Cronjé is a quality kicker both in general play and for goal which complements his strong running game and accomplished ball skills. The South African is big, fast, talented and will prove difficult for opponents to shut down in SCOTT Flanker 198cm/110kg Date of Birth: 5 July 1984 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 30 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Force, Canberra Test Caps: 10 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs New Zealand, Sydney During the last two years, Scott Fardy has shown that you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks. Plucked from the relative obscurity of Fukushima in northern Japan at the tail end of 2011, Fardy has made his way to the top of the pile and is now considered Australia s premier blindside flanker. A big, strong ball runner who prides himself on work ethic, Fardy has developed into one of the nation s leading ball thieves, averaging just over one pilfer a game which ranked him in the top 15 last Super Rugby season. Fardy made his Test debut in a loss to New Zealand in Sydney last year and went on to play every match of Australia s campaign in The Rugby Championship, maintaining his steal-a-game average. Along with Henry Speight, Fardy is a notorious sweet tooth and has been known to down full packets of jelly babies in a single sitting. 24

29 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CONRAD Scrumhalf 181cm/82kg Date of Birth: 9 November 1987 Place of Birth: Worcester, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2008 vs Force, Perth Having overcome a series of niggling injuries which included a bulging disc in his back and a broken elbow, Conrad Hoffmann is on track to resume his professional rugby career in A talented scrumhalf who can pass, run and kick, Hoffmann goes head-to-head with Nic White and fellow new recruit Michael Dowsett, who joins the Extended Playing Squad. Hoffmann made his Super Rugby debut in 2011 with the Sharks after spending four years in Cape Town with the Stormers and Western Province. A move to the Sharks provided him with the vital breakthrough he had been looking for at Super Rugby level. Hoffmann brings plenty of rugby experience to Canberra and is likely to be a regular in the club s match day 22 throughout the 2014 Super Rugby season. BRUMBIES TEVITA Centre 196cm/102kg Date of Birth: 31 March 1991 Place of Birth: Suva, FJI Super Rugby Caps: 26 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2012 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 8 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs New Zealand, Sydney Having backed up a breakout 2012 season, Tevita Kuridrani is now ranked among the country s premier outside backs and when fit, is first chosen in Australia s No. 13 jersey. It s a dizzying rise for the Fijian native who represented his country of birth at U20 level before being making the switch the Australian U20s, Sevens, Reds Academy and finally the Brumbies in Now in his third year of professional rugby, Kuridrani has been compared to some of Australia s best outside backs such as Lote Tuqiri, Jason Little and Daniel Herbert. Kuridrani scored four tries throughout 17 games last year and also managed to find the line in the club s historic win against the British and Irish Lions. Off the field, Kuridrani enjoys playing board games with the boys and claims to be the club s best at Jenga. 25

30 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES CHRISTIAN Flyhalf 179cm/95kg Date of Birth: 24 September 1987 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 70 Super Rugby Points: 400 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Test Caps: 13 Test Points: 124 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs British & Irish Lions, Brisbane In the midst of a stellar 2013 Super Rugby season, Christian Lealiifano was finally presented with the opportunity to represent Australia and he grabbed it with both hands. Equally as comfortable at 10 or 12, Lealiifano is the first-choice goalkicker at the Brumbies and in the national setup, landing penalty goals at 87.87% and 81.71% throughout Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship respectively. His 400 points now rank him amongst the club s most prolific scorers and he trails only Stirling Mortlock, Joe Roff, Andrew Walker and Matt Giteau in this department. Lealiifano will miss the start of the 2014 season after undergoing ankle surgery in early December. It is the same ankle that was reconstructed in 2012 but it s hoped the dynamic playmaker won t be sidelined for more than a few weeks early in the year. JOSH MANN-REA Hooker 181cm/105kg Date of Birth: 19 February 1981 Place of Birth: Narromine, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 2 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town The Brumbies have added an old head in Josh Mann-Rea, who returns for his second season in the Australian capital. A tough-as-nails, no nonsense sort of player, Mann-Rea forms one of the strongest hooking combos in the competition along with Siliva Siliva and Stephen Moore. He played schoolboys rugby alongside George Smith and Morgan Turunui in 1998, represented Western Sydney in the ARC, the Waratahs in 2012 and also spent three years at Kyuden Voltex in Japan from Nicknamed Bongo for his love of African percussion, Mann-Rea has dabbled in plenty of work off the rugby field including mining ironore and dealing rare musical instruments. But it s at the bottom of a ruck where Mann-Rea feels most comfortable as he strives to find a regular spot in the 22-man squad. 26

31 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PAT MCCABE Centre 186cm/94kg Date of Birth: 21 March 1988 Place of Birth: Manly, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 49 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Force, Perth Test Caps: 20 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 20 November 2010 vs Italy, Florence Pat McCabe will look to bounce back from a series of injuries in 2014 to resume his place as one of Australia s premier backs. The versatile McCabe has been utilised at most positions across the backline having played professionally at fullback, inside centre, outside centre and on the wing, but it s been at inside centre where he s had the most impact and was a mainstay for Australia during the 2011 and 2012 international seasons. Long touted as a leader of the squad, McCabe lets his on-field work do the talking with one of the most complete defensive games in the competition. If there is a gap to be plugged, McCabe is generally your guy a trait that was on show during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. McCabe has overcome two serious neck injuries, was cleared to resume contact training in January and will be a significant boost for the Brumbies if he can stay healthy throughout BRUMBIES JESSE Fullback 187cm/90kg Date of Birth: 8 June 1989 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 28 Super Rugby Points: 84 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Force, Canberra Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 6 July 2013 vs British & Irish Lions, Sydney It s only taken 24 months for Jesse Mogg to go from quality club player to a Super Rugby force. Since bursting onto the scene in Round 1 of the 2012 season with a try on debut against the Force, Mogg has continued on a steady ascent to stardom and was eventually rewarded with three Test caps. A key element to the Brumbies win over the British and Irish Lions last year, Mogg was handed a second crack just over a week later, a match where Australia would ultimately fall With his booming left foot, Mogg has eased pressure on the backs over the last two seasons and along with Nic White, is credited with being one of the longest kickers in Australian rugby. He played 16 Super Rugby matches last season, scoring six tries and six penalties, plus leading his team in defenders beaten (38) and kicks in play (141). 27

32 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES STEPHEN Hooker 186cm/112kg Date of Birth: 20 January 1983 Place of Birth: Khamis Mushait, SAU Super Rugby Caps: 118 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2003 vs Bulls, Pretoria Test Caps: 91 Test Points: 25 Test Debut 11 June 2005 vs Samoa, Sydney Mountains of experience, a comprehensive skill set and an unwavering ability to lead a team by example all combine to make Stephen Moore Australia s finest hooker and one of the world s most distinguished players. With the 2013 Spring Tour under his belt, Moore rests on the cusp of 100 Tests for the Wallabies, a remarkable feat considering he has held the mantle of most-capped Australian hooker for almost two years. Having moved to Canberra from the Reds in 2009 after six seasons in Queensland, Moore s 118 games of experience have helped guide the club through times of change between 2011 and His 162 lineout throws won last season ranked No. 1 in Super Rugby. BEN MOWEN No cm/110kg Date of Birth: 1 December, 1984 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 75 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2006 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs British & Irish Lions, Brisbane The skipper enters his ninth season of professional rugby in 2014 and last in Australia after recently signaling his intention to move to France. Should Mowen finish all 16 regular-season games as captain, he will equal George Gregan s club record of 49 appearances as skipper a fine accomplishment considering Mowen only moved to the ACT at the end of Mowen became the 80th Australian captain in Perth during 2013 when the Wallabies overcame Argentina in their first victory since the British and Irish Lions series. Having worked hard in the gym since moving to Canberra, Mowen has physically bulked up to become a force at the breakdown. There are few players who hit as many rucks as the club s leader; a testament to his big engine and dedication to strength and conditioning. Only former Brumby Peter Kimlin (1489) played more minutes than Mowen s 1440 last season and his 79 lineout wins led the competition. 28

33 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 RUAIDHRI Prop 187cm/119kg Date of Birth: 5 July 1987 Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE Super Rugby Caps: 19 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Force, Canberra Test Caps: Now in his third year in Canberra, Ruaidhri Murphy has flourished into a mainstay of the team s match-day 23. Born and raised in Ireland, Murphy represented his country of birth at school and U20s levels before making a name for himself in the Brisbane club competition with Easts. A former Exeter Chiefs player in the English Premiership ( ) who started his career at Leinster ( ) playing aged-grade rugby for Ireland, Murphy has brought a distinct European flavour to the front row and the team s scrum has profited accordingly. Since his arrival, the scrum has developed to now be amongst the competition s best with plenty of the credit for that rise resting squarely on Murphy s battle-weary shoulders. BRUMBIES DAVID Flanker 184cm/104kg Date of Birth: 23 April 1988 Place of Birth: Gweru, ZWE Super Rugby Caps: 72 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2006 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 46 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 1 November 2008 vs New Zealand, Hong Kong Widely regarded as the benchmark for open-side flankers around the world, David Pocock has completed his rehabilitation after season-ending knee surgery and is ready to roll into the 2014 Super Rugby season. By just 25, Pocock has managed to squeeze an enviable amount of personal success into his young career, including a John Eales Medal and five caps as leader of the Australian national team. He has represented his country on almost 50 occasions, travelled on five European Spring Tours and was one of Australia s best during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. A crowd favourite at any ground he plays, Pocock s ability to turn the ball when his team is desperate for momentum makes him one of Australia s most valuable rugby assets. Despite playing just 161 minutes across three Super Rugby matches last season, Pocock effected six turnovers which led the competition on a per game basis despite the small sample size. 29

34 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES LEON POWER Lock 200cm/116kg Date of Birth: 27 February 1986 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Force, Canberra With a birth certificate that says he s an Aussie, a heavy, northern Kiwi accent, Australian residency and two caps as a Junior All Black, it s fair to say Power s heritage is open to interpretation. But what fans can bank on is 100 per cent effort and a passionate approach to playing rugby for the ACT. One of three players in the squad to measure at least 200cm (along with Sam Carter and Jack Whetton), Power adds a quality option at lineout time and is a significant presence around the pitch when the ball is in play. During the 2013 Super Rugby season in which he made just three appearances, Power spent the first half of the season battling a hamstring strain suffered while taking on Tonga A for the ACT during the Pacific Rugby Cup. He has previously represented Taranaki ( ) and Bay of Plenty ( ) at New Zealand provincial level. CLYDE Centre 181cm/93kg Date of Birth: 23 June 1981 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 63 Super Rugby Points: 90 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2002 vs Crusaders, Durban Test Caps: 26 Test Points: 40 Test Debut 13 June 2004 vs Scotland, Melbourne A veteran of the club and the Super Rugby competition, Clyde Rathbone returns for his seventh season of professional rugby in All eyes were squarely focused on Rathbone in 2013 as he made a remarkable comeback having not played the sport since In all, it was a highly successful year with the Wallaby winger making his mark in 11 games including being a mainstay throughout the Super Rugby Finals Series. Born and raised just outside Durban in South Africa, Rathbone made his way to Canberra as a 21-year-old at the end of He had already made his Super Rugby debut with the Sharks and cut his teeth as a the captain of the champion, South African U21 side in 2001, but a lifestyle change and chance to play in the Australian capital proved too good an opportunity to pass up. 30

35 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SILIVA Hooker 177cm/112kg Date of Birth: 11 December 1991 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Reds, Canberra Under the watchful eye of mentor Stephen Moore, Siliva Siliva has the potential to become a Wallaby front-rower in the next three years. Strong in contact and surprisingly agile around the park, the Melbourne-born Samoan hooker has shown he s got what it takes at professional level. After making his long-awaited debut against the Reds in Round 1 last season, Siliva went on to collect another 10 caps and was named the starting hooker in the club s historic win over the British and Irish Lions. Siliva made his starting debut against the Kings at Canberra Stadium and was one of the teams better performers on the night. He also claimed a try against the Force where he spent a year in 2011 and notched a second career start against his home-town Rebels in Round 17. BRUMBIES SCOTT Prop 187cm/116kg Date of Birth: 16 October 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2012 vs Sharks, Canberra Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs New Zealand, Sydney Educated at Sydney s Trinity Grammar and representing New South Wales and Australian Schoolboys, Scott Sio is one of the fastest rising stars in Australian rugby. Since making his Super Rugby debut against the Sharks in 2012, Sio has not put a foot wrong and continues to develop into a worldclass front-rower. Just 21 games into what could be 100-plus game career, Sio has already achieved a remarkable amount including playing 18 matches of the club s 2013 campaign and earning four Australian caps. But the most exciting thing about Sio is his thirst for front-row knowledge and capacity to put what he s taught into action. Together with Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander, they form one of the best provincial front rows in the Southern Hemisphere, with Sio an essential link in the trio s ambitions. 31

36 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES JORDAN Flanker 193cm/107kg Date of Birth: 19 June 1985 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2013 vs Highlanders, Dunedin A likeable chap with a calming disposition, Jordan Smiler is a welcome addition to the full time squad after earning a promotion from the 2013 Extended Playing Squad. As an extra option at the lineout, Smiler adds height and athleticism while his ability around the park is also a bonus when the team is on attack. Formerly known as a Sevens star who went within a whisker of representing New Zealand, Smiler ended up in the Australian capital after switching allegiances to Australia where he was eventually picked up by Scott Fava for Northern Suburbs in Sydney. Smiler joined the squad in a train-on capacity in 2012 before migrating through the ranks to hold one of 30 full time contracts in Canberra. A new dad and husband in late 2013, Smiler is looking forward to a big 12 months ahead. In his four Super Rugby appearances last year, Smiler made 31 tackles, missing only one. ANDREW SMITH Centre 194cm/102kg Date of Birth: 10 January 1985 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 38 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2010 vs Blues, Auckland Andrew Smith is a strong and evasive ball carrier and enters his fifth Super Rugby season needing just 12 appearances to notch up his 50-cap milestone. Hailing from Sydney and a former member of the Waratahs Academy system, Smith came to the capital after claiming the Ken Catchpole Medal with Northern Suburbs in 2008 as best player in the Shute Shield competition. Smith s 2013 season was marred by several difficult injuries and as a result game time was limited, playing just 232 minutes across seven appearances. But when he was on the field, Smith was making things happen. His first (and last) touches on return from injury set Henry Speight up against the Highlanders while his in-and-away to Tevita Kuridrani clinched the match-winner against the British and Irish Lions. 32

37 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 RUAN Prop 188cm/121kg Date of Birth: 24 January 1990 Place of Birth: Vryburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2012 vs Blues, Auckland Ruan Smith has earned a spot in the top squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season after impressing during his time on an Extended Playing Squad contract in First spotted playing off the bench for the Force in 2012, Smith took the plunge and moved to Canberra with the aim of making his way into regular reckoning for the side s match-day 22. It wasn t long before Smith was picking up game time in 2013 and he featured in the entire Super Rugby Finals Series and historic win over the British and Irish Lions along the way. In all, the 24-year-old accumulated 136 minutes across eight appearances last season. One of only a handful of players to have represented two countries at schoolboy level, Smith changed allegiances from South African Schools to Australian Schoolboys and then back again. BRUMBIES HENRY SPEIGHT Wing 186cm/97kg Date of Birth: 24 March 1988 Place of Birth: Suva, FJI Super Rugby Caps: 46 Super Rugby Points: 95 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Chiefs, Canberra Henry Speight is one of the most lethal broken play runners in the Super Rugby competition. Give the Fijian flyer an inch and he ll take a metre with his powerful fend, high knee running style and lightning-quick left-right step. Like any world-class counter attacking winger, Speight has the potential to punish opposition defensive mistakes from anywhere on the field. For the last two seasons, Speight has been the Australian Conference s most prolific try-scorer, most of which are polished off with his signature swan dive. During 2013, he led the Brumbies in carries (162) which was also ranked 10th throughout Super Rugby as a whole. But not only is it his attack which earns him praises, but the hard yards he puts in off the ball which make him such a valued team member. In January, the IRB ruled that Speight would be eligible to represent Australia from September 11,

38 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES HARUMICHI Flyhalf 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 2 December 1989 Place of Birth: Nara, JPN Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: Super Rugby Debut: Test Caps: 20 Test Points: 36 Test Debut 28 April, 2012 vs Kazakhstan, Almaty Highly endorsed by coaches like Eddie Jones, Toutai Kefu and George Gregan, the inside back has been a star for the Japanese national team, earning 20 caps for the Cherry Blossoms since his debut in Tatekawa was recommended to the club after starring for Kubota in the Japanese Top League last year. A big playmaker who looks equally as comfortable at either 10 or 12, Tatekawa will add extra depth to an already impressive backline. Tatekawa is a physical player with the size and aggression to make a big impact at Super Rugby level. The third player to feature in a Super Rugby squad from Japan, Tatekawa will be aiming to feature regularly for the squad throughout the 2014 Super Rugby season. JOSEPH Wing 188cm/102kg Date of Birth: 11 February 1990 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 30 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Force, Canberra Test Caps: 9 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 5 June 2012 vs Scotland, Newcastle Three years after transitioning from the NRL, Joe Tomane, is fulfilling his potential as a world-class outside back. He made 18 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring four tries and ranking third in the team for defenders beaten (37). Born in New Zealand, Tomane grew up in Queensland and played schoolboys rugby with the likes of Israel Folau and James O Connor. He represented the Melbourne Storm ( ) and Gold Coast Titans ( ) before joining the Brumbies in Big, fast and mobile, tackling Tomane in full flight is one of the toughest assignments in Australian rugby. Given a sniff of space, the speedster will make you pay either as an elusive finisher or linking with another back thanks to his silky skills. The first guy at training and usually the last to leave, it s obvious that Tomane has a huge passion for rugby and works tirelessly to improve his game. 34

39 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MATT TOOMUA Flyhalf 182cm/91kg Date of Birth: 2 January 1990 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 38 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2008 vs Hurricanes, Canberra Test Caps: 10 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs New Zealand, Sydney After a breakout season in 2013, Matt Toomua has finally been able to cement himself as one of Australia s premier playmakers. Stringing 18 Super Rugby games together at flyhalf in 2013 handed Toomua a spot in Ewen McKenzie s squad for The Rugby Championship and he made his Australian debut against the All Blacks in Sydney. Coaches have been pleased with Toomua s progress, particularly considering the challenges he faced earlier in his career. Playing behind Matt Giteau, Toomua struggled for time in his first four years before a crippling knee injury cut his 2012 campaign short. A highly professional player who has been in the elite system since the day he finished school, Toomua s approach to recovery, rehabilitation, training and game day have all been behind his eventual rise to the top. BRUMBIES JACK WHETTON Lock 200cm/114kg Date of Birth: 5 May 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: One of three players to rise above 200cm mark (along with Sam Carter and Leon Power), Jack Whetton will provide plenty of value in the lineout and around the park during the 2014 Super Rugby season. The son of former All Blacks captain, Gary Whetton, Jack qualifies as a local through his Australian grandfather and will be working towards a starting spot in the second row over the next 12 months. While his father represented New Zealand on 58 occasions, Whetton s uncle Alan also featured heavily for the All Blacks earning 65 caps between 1984 and At just 21, Whetton has already cut his teeth on the professional circuit with Auckland and Northland in New Zealand s ITM Cup. He was a key member of the Auckland side that eventually bowed out during the Semi Finals in 2013, making nine appearances in the navy and white. 35

40 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BRUMBIES NIC Scrumhalf 175cm/82kg Date of Birth: 13 June 1990 Place of Birth: Scone, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 34 Super Rugby Points: 33 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2011 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 10 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs New Zealand, Sydney Another Canberra-based player to have burst onto the international rugby scene over the last two years, Nic White is now a Wallabies regular. While White s bullet pass, running game and booming boot are all among the competition s finest, it s his ability to get to the breakdown and clear the ball at pace that ranks him as one of Australia s best. It was an agonising wait to the national setup for White who was not used, despite sitting on the bench for 180 minutes in But that time has been more than recouped in 2013, with the scrumhalf making appearances throughout The Rugby Championship and then again during the Spring Tour. White made his Super Rugby debut in 2011 when the Brumbies upset the championship-winning Reds on their home turf the only loss inflicted at Suncorp Stadium that season. 36

41 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FORCE NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Chris Alcock Flanker 182cm 103kg Phoenix Battye Lock 204cm 115kg Marcel Brache Centre 190cm 92kg Nathan Charles Hooker 183cm 104kg Angus Cottrell Flanker 191cm 105kg Pekahou Cowan Prop 185cm 116kg Nick Cummins Wing 189cm 99kg Patrick Dellit Fullback 192cm 100kg Sias Ebersohn Flyhalf 176cm 83kg Tetera Faulkner Prop 178cm 117kg Kyle Godwin Centre 187cm 93kg Dane Haylett-Petty Fullback 189cm 95kg Jayden Hayward Centre 185cm 95kg Chris Heiberg Prop 183cm 115kg Matt Hodgson C Loose Forward 185cm 103kg Zack Holmes Flyhalf 175cm 87kg Kieran Longbottom Prop 181cm 113kg Salesi Manu Prop 185cm 122kg Alby Mathewson Scrumhalf 173cm 93kg Ben McCalman Loose Forward 192cm 106kg Hugh McMeniman Lock 200cm 114kg Luke Morahan Fullback 189cm 95kg Ian Prior Scrumhalf 179cm 83kg Solomoni Rasolea Centre 184cm 102kg Brynard Stander Flanker 190cm 97kg Wilhelm Steenkamp Lock 200cm 110kg Ed Stubbs Wing 182cm 94kg Heath Tessmann Hooker 182cm 105kg Chris Tuatara-Morrison Centre 189cm 100kg Sam Wykes Lock 197cm 111kg

42 2014 FORCE TEAM MEDIA CONTACTS Nick Smith Marketing & Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) nick.smith@rugbywa.com.au Elise Goodin Media Officer Phone: (DDI) (M) elise.goodin@rugbywa.com.au TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Dr Russel Perry President: David Redpath Chief Executive Officer: Mark Sinderberry Head Coach: Michael Foley Senior Assistant Coach: David Wessels Backs/Attack Coach: Kevin Foote Strategist: Philip Fowler Junior Elite Coach/Skills Coach: Dwayne Nestor High Performance Manager: David Joyce Team Manager: Mark Calverley Strength & Conditioning: Charlie Higgins Assistant Strength & Conditioning: Brendyn Appleby Team Doctor: Dr Mike Cadogan Senior Physiotherapist: Emidio Pacecca Team Support Coordinator: Adrian Blacker Analyst: Damian Pacecca ADDRESS Western Australian Rugby Centre 203 Underwood Avenue Floreat, WA 6014 Australia PO Box 146 Floreat, WA 6014 Australia Phone: Fax: info@rugbywa.com.au WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: westernforce YouTube: HOME GROUND nib Stadium 310 Pier Street Perth, WA 6000 Capacity: 20,500 38

43 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Ocean blue embraced by iconic black swan. Ocean blue shorts and socks with black trim. CLASH STRIP: White with an ocean blue panel on the front, embraced by iconic swan. White shorts and socks with ocean blue trim. FORCE TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Marcel Brache (Western Province), Dane Haylett-Petty (Tokyo Shokki Shuttles), Chris Heiberg (Stormers), Zack Holmes (Brumbies), Luke Morahan (Reds), Ian Prior (Brumbies), Brynard Stander (Natal), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Bulls), PLAYERS OUT: Richard Brown (Honda Heat), James Hilterbrand (Edinburgh), Toby Lynn (Retired), Salesi Ma afu (Northampton Saints), Lachlan McCaffrey (Brumbies), Sam Norton-Knight (Kubota Spears), Brett Sheehan (London Wasps), Mick Snowden (Released), Winston Stanley (Highlanders), Will Tupou (Released), Ben Whittaker (Biarritz) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Sunday 23 February Waratahs Allianz Stadium 16:05 3 Saturday 1 March Brumbies nib Stadium 19:00 4 Saturday 8 March Rebels nib Stadium 16:40 5 Saturday 15 March Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 6 Saturday 22 March Chiefs nib Stadium 19:00 7 BYE 8 Saturday 5 April Reds Suncorp Stadium 18:40 9 Saturday 12 April Waratahs nib Stadium 17:40 10 Friday 18 April Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 11 Saturday 26 April Bulls nib Stadium 17:40 12 BYE 13 Saturday 10 May Cheetahs Free State Stadium 17:05 14 Saturday 17 May Stormers DHL Newlands 17:05 15 Saturday 24 May Lions nib Stadium 17:40 16 Friday 30 May Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 17 Saturday 28 June Blues nib Stadium 19:45 18 Saturday 5 July Reds nib Stadium 17:40 19 Friday 11 July Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Luke Morahan (4), Nathan Charles (6), Sias Ebersohn (6), Chris Alcock (9), Kieran Longbottom (9) 100 Caps: Alby Mathewson (1), Matt Hodgson (3) 50 Points: Nick Cummins (5) 100 Points: Alby Mathewson (10), Zack Holmes (21), Jayden Hayward (31) 300 Points: Sias Ebersohn (23) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

44 2014 FORCE MICHAEL FOLEY Head Coach Born: 7 June 1967, Sydney AUS Coaching History: Bath Forwards Coach ( ) Australia Assistant Coach ( ) Waratahs Assistant Coach ( ) Waratahs Coaching Coordinator (2011) Waratahs Head Coach (2012) Force Head Coach (2013-) Michael Foley enters his second season with the Force after joining the West Australian side ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season from the Waratahs. In 2013, under the guidance of the former Rugby World Cup-winning hooker, the Force returned its best winning percentage at home since 2009, including epic victories over the Crusaders and Brumbies. The team also recorded its first ever triumph over the Reds in Brisbane. Foley has 50 Test caps to his name, making his debut against Canada during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and retired at the end of His transition to coaching happened almost immediately with Foley heading to England as Bath s Forwards Coach. He s also served stints for the Wallabies and Waratahs before finding his way to Perth. DAVID WESSELS Senior Assistant Coach Born: 18 February 1983, Johannesburg RSA Coaching History: Stormers Defensive Consultant ( ) University of Cape Town Assistant Coach ( ) Brumbies Defensive Consultant (2012) Force Defensive Consultant (2013) Force Assistant Coach (2014-) David Wessels re-joins the Force as the Senior Assistant Coach after fulfilling the role of Defence Consultant with the club during the 2013 season. He brings with him a wealth of rugby knowledge from three years with South African Varsity Cup side, University of Cape Town, as well as consultant roles with the Brumbies and Stormers in Super Rugby. In Wessels time with the Brumbies in 2012, his defence strategies saw the side concede the fewest points in the Australian conference and the second least overall. 40

45 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KEVIN FOOTE Backs/Attack Coach Born: 22 March 1979, Johannesburg RSA Coaching History: University of Cape Town Assistant Coach ( ) University of Cape Town Head Coach ( ) Force Defensive Consultant (2013) Force Backs/Attack Coach (2014-) FORCE Kevin Foote joined the Force as a defence consultant in 2014, with his enthusiasm and broad knowledge of the game seeing him take on the role of Backs and Attack Coach. During his playing career, Foote represented Western Province at U21 level, Natal Wildebeest in the Vodacom Cup and the Springbok Sevens from He began his coaching career as an assistant at Ikeys in 2008 and took on the Head Coach role in 2011, where he guided the team to its first Varsity Cup title over the University of Pretoria Tuks. CHRIS ALCOCK Flanker 182cm/103kg Date of Birth: 24 June 1988 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2010 vs Cheetahs, Sydney Chris Alcock was a regular on the field in his first season with the Force, playing all 16 matches after spending with the Waratahs. Alcock s workman-like performances and physicality on the field earned him nine starts at openside flanker while he also provided significant impact off the bench. His 117 tackles were ranked fourth in the team as an aggregate, but first when taking minutes into consideration. He made a tackle every seven minutes he was on the pitch, missing just nine all year. Alcock also beat 20 defenders last season which was enough to place him equal-second among the Force ranks, alongside Nick Cummins and behind Kyle Godwin (40). His fearless approach at the breakdown will again make him a formidable opponent in

46 2014 FORCE PHOENIX BATTYE Lock 204cm/115kg Date of Birth: 28 September 1990 Place of Birth: Cooma, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Reds, Brisbane Phoenix Battye is an athletic lock and a reliable option in the lineout. The two-metre tall tight forward enters his third season with the Force. In 2013, Battye was named in the side to face the British & Irish Lions in Perth and was given another opportunity when selected in the starting XV for the Combined Country side. Battye will look to build on his 11 Super Rugby caps and compete for opportunities alongside Sam Wykes, Hugh McMeniman and new recruit Wilhelm Steenkamp.. MARCEL Centre 190cm/92kg Date of Birth: 15 October 1987 Place of Birth: Los Angeles, USA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2012 vs Lions, Cape Town American-born and South African-raised, Marcel Brache joins the Force backline as a foreign developing player for Despite reaching 190cm, Brache is an agile centre with a strong work ethic and brings a solid background in provincial rugby to the Perth club. He has four seasons and 41 caps of Currie Cup experience under his belt with Western Province, and has represented the Stormers at Super Rugby level, where he played in He represented the University of Cape Town in the Varsity Cup and is eligible for the United States on account of being born in Los Angeles. 42

47 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 NATHAN Hooker 183cm/104kg Date of Birth: 9 January 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 44 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2010 vs Stormers, Perth Nathan Charles returns to compete for the starting hooker role in 2014 after his 2013 campaign was cut short following a knee injury sustained against the Cheetahs in Round 6. The 25 year-old has been a consistent performer for the Force since being drafted into the squad as injury cover during 2010 and until his injury, had not missed a match in four seasons. He started his career with the Brumbies but had to wait until moving to Perth to receive his first Super Rugby cap. Charles also spent a year at Gloucester in 2011 before returning to the Force. At just three months of age, Charles was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and is now an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Australia. FORCE ANGUS Flanker 191cm/105kg Date of Birth: 20 November 1989 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Brumbies, Canberra Angus Cottrell enters his third season with the Force after adding a further nine caps to his tally in Cottrell is a workhorse back-rower who is physical at the breakdown and is renowned for his high work rate. He scored his first Super Rugby try in Round 3 against the Bulls, touching down for a 50-metre intercept in Pretoria. Cottrell took up an Extended Playing Squad contract with the Force for the 2012 season before being elevated to the senior squad for 2013 and He was among the team s most effective tacklers in 2013, posting an 89.5 percent success rate, ranking fourth among players with at least 50 tackles. 43

48 2014 FORCE PEKAHOU Prop 185cm/116kg Date of Birth: 2 June 1986 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 75 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2006 vs Waratahs, Perth Test Caps: 5 Test Debut 20 June 2009 vs Italy, Melbourne Pek Cowan is one of the longest-serving Force players and after adding another 15 caps to his tally in 2013, has played the third most matches for the club (behind Matt Hodgson 97 and Nathan Sharpe 92). Cowan began his Super Rugby journey with the Force in its inaugural season in 2006 and has been a consistent performer for the club over the years. His versatility across the front-row and on-field leadership have seen him become a permanent fixture in the forward pack, with the veteran assuming the captaincy for three matches during the 2013 Super Rugby season. Only Alby Mathewson played more minutes (1120, 16 appearances) last season than the resilient prop (1113, 15 appearances). NICK Wing 189cm/99kg Date of Birth: 5 October 1987 Place of Birth: Port Macquarie, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 59 Super Rugby Points: 45 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 12 Test Points: 25 Test Debut 6 October 2012 vs Argentina, Rosario Nick Cummins or the Honey Badger has been a mainstay of the Force backline after making his Super Rugby debut in The incumbent Wallaby winger provides speed to the Force backline and an ability to puncture the line with his fearless and powerful running. He will be looking to see more of the ball in 2014 after a knee injury restricted him to just six games in Cummins added a further six caps and three tries to his international total in The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour in He was recognised by his peers as the Rugby Union Players Association Medal of Excellence winner and despite featuring just six times last season, he posted the second highest average gain at the Force (7.16 metres) behind Sam Christie (8.09m). 44

49 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PATRICK Fullback 192cm/100kg Date of Birth: 21 August 1986 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 31 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2011 vs Lions, Johannesburg Patrick Dellit is an imposing outside back who enters his fourth Super Rugby season with the Force. Dellit added a further 14 caps to his tally in 2013 and crossed for his maiden try in Round 8 against the Rebels. The Sydney-born fullback has also been a handy option in the centres, but last season he did most of his damage on the wing, starting in the number 14 jersey on 13 occasions and crossing for three tries. Just two of his teammates managed to log more minutes than Dellit (1045, 14 appearances) in the 2013 Super Rugby season. FORCE SIAS EBERSOHN Flyhalf 176cm/83kg Date of Birth: 23 February 1989 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 44 Super Rugby Points: 277 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Sias Ebersohn was a regular in the starting lineup for the Force in 2013, playing 14 matches in his first season with the club. The foreign developing player joined the club from the Cheetahs where he played from and will again prove a handy option in the halves. The experienced flyhalf proved valuable with the boot, netting five conversions, 14 penalties including a monster 60 metre long bomb against the Bulls in Round 3 and two drop goals in the season, while his kicking in general play provided strong field position for his side throughout the season. Ebersohn has a twin brother named Robert who plays for Montpellier. The pair was schooled at Grey College in Bloemfontein and quickly rose through the ranks to represent Free State, South Africa U20 and the Cheetahs. 45

50 2014 FORCE TETERA FAULKNER Prop 178cm/117kg Date of Birth: 26 July 1988 Place of Birth: Tauranga, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 15 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2011 vs Rebels, Melbourne Tetera Faulkner had a consistent season in 2013, registering 12 appearances for the West Australian side, three of those in the starting XV. Faulkner s strength and technical ability makes him a formidable opponent in the scrum and he continues to develop his skills on both sides of the front row. Faulkner grew up playing his rugby in Melbourne after moving from his native New Zealand at 12 years of age and was an Australian Schoolboys, U19 and U20 representative before linking with the Brumbies and Waratahs Academies. His junior experience includes the 2007 U19 Rugby World Cup in Ireland and the inaugural Junior World Championship in Wales in 2008 where Australia finished fifth. KYLE Centre 187cm/93kg Date of Birth: 30 July 1992 Place of Birth: Harare, ZWE Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2012 vs Reds, Perth Kyle Godwin had a breakout season in 2013 with the hard-working young gun making the inside centre jersey his own, missing just two matches. He was recognised by his peers, club and Force members at the end of season awards evening, taking home the inaugural Nathan Sharpe Medal, Rising Star Award and Members MVP. Godwin one of six local products in the squad this year progressed through the RugbyWA development pathway, playing Australian Schoolboys and Australian Under 20s. Among the Force contingent last season, Godwin was ranked second in carries (115), tackles (140) and third in minutes played (1095). 46

51 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DANE Fullback 189cm/95kg Date of Birth: 18 June 1989 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2008 vs Chiefs, Perth Dane Haylett-Petty, another local Western Australian player, returns to the Force where he began his Super Rugby career six years ago. The powerful winger played three seasons with the Force, accumulating 12 caps, before taking up a contract with French club Biarritz from Haylett-Petty, who represented the Force against the British & Irish Lions last year, accepted a contract with Japanese club, Toyota Shokki Shuttles in 2013 and will return to Perth following the completion of their season. Born in South Africa, Haylett-Petty moved to Perth when he was 10 years old and ascended to the Australia A Schoolboys team and Australia U20. He shares the record for most tries in a single Junior World Cup match (4 vs Canada, 2008) with Kurtley Beale, Richard Kingi and Julian Savea. FORCE JAYDEN HAYWARD Centre 185cm/95kg Date of Birth: 11 February 1987 Place of Birth: Hawera, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 34 Super Rugby Points: 69 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Brumbies, Dunedin Jayden Hayward joined the Force for the 2013 season from the Hurricanes as an adept centre. Despite his background in the midfield, Hayward s presence was felt at fullback in 2013 after taking on the role in Round 9 and bringing additional speed and versatility to the backline. Hayward played eight matches in the 15 jersey and took on the goal-kicking duties, scoring 69 points for the season (17 penalties, 9 conversions). Prior to joining the Force, the New Zealand-born Hayward played two seasons each with the Highlanders ( ) and Hurricanes ( ), amassing nine and 15 caps respectively. His breakout came at the 2008 Air New Zealand (now ITM) Cup where he was voted Most Promising Player and Back of the Year. 47

52 2014 FORCE CHRIS Prop 183cm/115kg Date of Birth: 1 June 1985 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Chris Heiberg joins fellow Western Province teammate Marcel Brache at the Force in The powerful prop initially made his name with the University of Cape Town Ikeys Tigers before representing Western Province in the Vodacom and Currie Cups. In 2013, he was a regular starter for the Vodacom Cup side that made it to the semi-finals but succumbed to eventual champions, the Golden Lions Despite being part of the Stormers setup last year, Heiberg remains uncapped at Super Rugby level and will be seeking to change that in MATT Loose Forward 185cm/103kg Date of Birth: 25 June 1981 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 97 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Brumbies, Perth Test Caps: 6 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Fiji, Canberra Matt Hodgson will again captain the side in 2014 after taking the reins for the 2013 season. Hodgson donned the number seven jersey in the club s inaugural game in 2006 and has been an integral part of the team ever since. The robust and versatile back-rower can play on either side of the scrum or at No.8, and regardless of the number of his back is renowned for his high involvement and consistent ball-winning at the breakdown. He won 11 turnovers for the Force last season, trailing only Chris Alcock (17). In 2014, the six-time Wallaby will close in on becoming the first player to reach the 100 game milestone for the Force and extending his caps record for the West Australian club. 48

53 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ZACK Flyhalf 175cm/87kg Date of Birth: 30 May 1990 Place of Birth: Perth, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 79 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Zack Holmes returns to Western Australia this year after beginning his Super Rugby career with the Brumbies in Holmes, a former Aquinas College student, advanced through the rugby pathway Perth, representing the West Australian schoolboys in 2007 before being selected in the RugbyWA Academy in He was also a member of the Australian Rugby Sevens side that finished third in the IRB Sevens World Series before returning to the 15-a-side game with the Brumbies in Holmes made just two appearances in a highly-competitive Brumbies outfit last season, scoring one try for the Super Rugby runners-up. FORCE KIERAN Prop 181cm/113kg Date of Birth: 20 December 1985 Place of Birth: Perth, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2008 vs Chiefs, Perth Kieran Longbottom enters his seventh Super Rugby season with the Force and is closing in on 50 caps with the West Australian club. He played 11 matches in 2013 both at loose and tighthead six of them in the starting XV. The prop is one of three Perth-born players in the squad this year along with new recruits Luke Burton and Zack Holmes while Longbottom is the first born-and-bred player to progress directly through the local rugby pathway to the Force. 49

54 2014 FORCE SALESI Prop 185cm/122kg Date of Birth: 26 September 1990 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2012 vs Stormers, Perth Salesi Manu is a powerful and dynamic front-rower with the ability to play on both sides of the scrum. Manu added one cap in 2013, coming off the bench in the final round against the Brumbies but will be challenging for a regular spot in the 23-man side in The 2012 Force Rising Star represented Australia at Schoolboys and Under 20s and built on his scrummaging experience with a stint at North Harbour in the 2012 ITM Cup. Manu was part of the Australian U20 team that finished second to New Zealand at the 2010 Junior World Championship, losing in the Final. ALBY Scrumhalf 173cm/93kg Date of Birth: 13 December 1985 Place of Birth: Hastings, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 99 Super Rugby Points: 90 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 7 August 2010 vs Australia, Christchurch Alby Mathewson was a consistently high performer for the Force last season, appearing in every match and starting all but one. The New Zealander has a wealth of rugby experience behind him at a provincial, national and international level and if fit and selected, will earn his 100th Super Rugby cap in Round 2 against the Waratahs in Sydney. The attacking scrumhalf s experience was integral for the Force last season and his ability to spot a gap resulted in a number of linebreaks throughout the season and a number of tries for himself and his teammates. He was ranked fourth in Super Rugby for passes (965, behind Brendan McKibbin, Nic White and TJ Perenara) and proved a valuable asset with a team-leading four try assists for the Force. He has previously represented the Hurricanes ( ) and the Blues ( ). 50

55 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BEN Loose Forward 192cm/106kg Date of Birth: 18 March 1988 Place of Birth: Dubbo, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 51 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Brumbies, Perth Test Caps: 29 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 24 July 2010 vs South Africa, Brisbane Ben McCalman is a core member of the Force s forward pack and with his ability to play across the back-five, has cemented himself as a key member of the squad. Last season he joined an elite group of Force players, notching his 50th cap in the side s victory over the Highlanders in Round 15. After an injury-plagued 2012, the Wallaby loose forward made 14 appearances for the Force and his man-of-the-match performances in victories over the Highlanders and the Brumbies in the final round showed why he is one of his club and country s most valuable assets. FORCE HUGH MCMENIMAN Lock 200cm/114kg Date of Birth: 1 November 1983 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 37 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Hurricanes, Brisbane Test Caps: 22 Test Debut 11 June 2005 vs Samoa, Sydney Hugh McMeniman returned for his first Super Rugby season since 2009 with his on-field impact having the Force s Sea of Blue wishing he d returned earlier. He finished fourth in the club s Nathan Sharpe Medal count despite playing just half the season after missing the opening match (pectoral strain) and sustaining a shoulder injury in Round 8 that ruled him out for a further seven games. McMeniman s hard running and power in contact made him a formidable opponent and a highly respected member of the team in 2013 which also saw him return to Test rugby for the Wallabies against New Zealand. He started his professional rugby career at the Reds ( ) and spent three seasons at the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League ( ). He ranked sixth for the club in turnovers won last year (6) despite missing half of the season, illustrating what a valuable weapon he can be for the Force in

56 2014 FORCE LUKE Fullback 189cm/95kg Date of Birth: 13 April 1990 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 46 Super Rugby Points: 55 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2009 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 5 June 2012 vs Scotland, Newcastle Luke Morahan brings a wealth of rugby experience to the Force, including 46 Super Rugby caps with the Reds from , a dozen tournaments for Australia in Rugby Sevens and one appearance for the Wallabies. The pacy fullback/winger was a member of the 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning Australian Sevens side, having also been a member of the national squad in scoring a squad high 27 tries for the season and fourth highest overall. Despite featuring on just nine occasions last season, Morahan proved what he is capable of in open space with an average gain of 7.76 metres, finishing behind only Rod Davies (10.76) at the Reds. IAN Scrumhalf 179cm/83kg Date of Birth: 21 August 1990 Place of Birth: Bundaberg, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2011 vs Lions, Johannesburg Ian Prior is a consistent scrumhalf, who joins the Force after two seasons with the Brumbies. The Queenslander played 13 Super Rugby matches last season including the Final plus a starting role in the club s historic triumph over the British & Irish Lions. The 2010 Australian U20 representative kick-started his career with the Reds as part of their 2011 Super Rugby championship-winning side, accumulating six caps including starting from the bench in their win over the Crusaders in Brisbane. 52

57 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SOLOMONI Centre 184cm/102kg Date of Birth: 29 April 1991 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Rebels, Melbourne Solomoni Rasolea transitioned from Sevens to Super Rugby in 2013 with his hard running and elusiveness with ball in hand leading him to 12 appearances for the Force, including seven starts. He scored his first Super Rugby try in the victory over the Brumbies after capitalising on a barnstorming Nick Cummins break. The 22-year-old former Queensland Schoolboys representative also played for Fiji in the 2010 and 2011 U20 sides at the IRB Junior World Championship. He attended Brisbane s Anglican Church Grammar School, which is also the former stomping ground of Quade Cooper and David Pocock. FORCE BRYNARD STANDER Flanker 190cm/97kg Date of Birth: 27 April 1990 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Brynard Stander is an imposing flanker who will deliver additional physicality and intensity to the Force back row in Stander brings provincial experience, having played 24 matches with the Natal Sharks at Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup level during 2012 and The barnstorming back-rower was recognised as the Sharks Forward of the Year during their 2013 Vodacom Cup campaign and joined the Force on a two-year deal prior to the 2014 Super Rugby campaign. 53

58 2014 FORCE WILHELM Lock 200cm/110kg Date of Birth: 7 February 1985 Place of Birth: Calvinia, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 53 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Stormers, Cape Town Wilhelm Steenkamp joins the Force as a marquee international player for the next three seasons, injecting additional size and experience into the powerful forward pack. The robust and aggressive lock recorded 53 Super Rugby caps in his time with the Bulls ( and ), Sharks (2010) and Cheetahs (2011), and, having played alongside Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha at the Bulls, will bring significant knowledge and physicality at the lineout. Standing at two metres, Steenkamp s experience and strength will be a powerful addition to the Force s set-piece. Steenkamp s younger brother, De Kock, plays for the Stormers and is about to embark on his fifth season at Super Rugby level. ED Wing 182cm/94kg Date of Birth: 2 February 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2010 vs Cheetahs, Canberra Ed Stubbs left his mark with some memorable on-field performances in his return to the 15-a-side game in The 25-year-old demonstrated speed and agility in attack while his defensive performance against the Crusaders including two blockbuster try-saving tackles was a favourite in the end-of season highlights package. Stubbs began his Super Rugby career at the Brumbies with three matches in 2010 before making his international Sevens debut in the same year, playing in the Cup-winning side in London. 54

59 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HEATH Hooker 182cm/105kg Date of Birth: 3 March 1984 Place of Birth: Ayr, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Waratahs, Melbourne Heath Tessmann made the most of his opportunities in 2013, holding down the starting hooker role after initially joining the Force s extended squad. He signed as injury-cover at the start of the 2013 Super Rugby season and debuted off the bench in the Round 1 clash against his former side, the Rebels. When regular starter, Nathan Charles, suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cheetahs, Tessmann took up the starting hooker role, playing 13 matches for the club. The 29-year-old was a foundation member of the Rebels and played 10 Super Rugby matches for the Victorians during 2011 and FORCE CHRIS TUATARA-MORRISON Centre 189cm/100kg Date of Birth: 11 September 1986 Place of Birth: Hastings, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Chris Tuatara-Morrison is a robust centre that took the field for the Force in the trial match against the Tongan Select XV, scoring a try in the 46-0 victory. He was also a member of the run-on side that played the British & Irish Lions on their Australian tour, named at inside centre in the loss. The former rugby league player made five appearances for Wests Scarborough before returning to play four games for Shute Shield club, Northern Suburbs where he had been a regular in the side that made the Semi-Finals. He turned down an offer from French rugby league side Catalans to focus on rugby thanks largely to the influence of Northern Suburbs coach Scott Fava. 55

60 2014 FORCE SAM Lock 197cm/111kg Date of Birth: 25 April 1988 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 59 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2008 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Sam Wykes put his 2012 injury woes behind him and returned for all but one match last season, surpassing the 50-game milestone in Round 8 against the Rebels. After learning his trade under the tutelage of the now retired Nathan Sharpe, Wykes has established himself as a regular in the West Australian starting XV. With six seasons at the Force to his name, Wykes is an experienced lineout technician, is strong in contact and skilful in general play. 56

61 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 REBELS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Eddie Aholelei Prop 190cm 120kg Paul Alo-Emile Prop 180cm 130kg Luke Burgess Scrumhalf 179cm 87kg Tamati Ellison Centre 184cm 95kg Tom English Centre 187cm 95kg Colby Fainga a Flanker 183cm 99kg Scott Fuglistaller Flanker 183cm 100kg Bryce Hegarty Flyhalf 184cm 87kg Scott Higginbotham C No cm 107kg Shota Horie Hooker 180cm 104kg Mitch Inman Centre 191cm 104kg Luke Jones Lock 196cm 110kg Tom Kingston Wing 190cm 89kg Max Lahiff Prop 185cm 117kg Lachlan Mitchell Centre 178cm 91kg Cadeyrn Neville Lock 202cm 119kg Hugh Pyle Lock 201cm 116kg Jordy Reid Flanker 183cm 107kg Angus Roberts Flyhalf 186cm 92kg Alex Rokobaro Fullback 183cm 87kg Tom Sexton Hooker 178cm 104kg Toby Smith Prop 190cm 112kg Nic Stirzaker Scrumhalf 179cm 81kg Chris Thomson Lock 205cm 120kg Lopeti Timani No cm 116kg Telusa Veainu Wing 180cm 85kg Laurie Weeks Prop 180cm 115kg Jason Woodward Fullback 188cm 97kg

62 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Adam Freier General Manager, Media & Communications Phone: Pete Fairbairn Media & Communications Officer Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Jonathan Ling Chief Executive Officer: Rob Clarke Head Coach: Tony McGahan Assistant Coach: Matt Cockbain Assistant Coach: Sean Hedger Head of Athletic Performance: Bryce Cavanagh Team Manager: Scott Harrison Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: Zane Leonard Team Doctor: Dr Asheer Singh Head Physiotherapist: David Rundle Physiotherapist & Rehab Coordinator: Josh Bird Physiotherapist: Paul Percy Nutritionist: Alison Garth Logistics Manager: Mark Rowe Head Analyst: Eoin Toolan Rugby Team Analysis: Damon Edmonds Player Development Manager & 5 Star Coordinator: Cameron Yorke ADDRESS Visy Park Gate 3, Level 2, Royal Parade Carlton North, VIC 3054 Australia PO Box 29 Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia Phone: Fax: info@melbournerebels.com.au WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: melbournerebels YouTube: HOME GROUND AAMI Park Olympic Boulevard Melbourne, VIC Capacity: 30,050 58

63 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Navy, Red, White CLASH STRIP: White, Navy, Red TEAM CHANGES REBELS PLAYERS IN: Luke Burgess (Stade Toulousain), Tamati Ellison (Highlanders), Colby Fainga a (Brumbies), Tom Kingston (Waratahs), Max Lahiff (London Irish), Tom Sexton (Leinster), Toby Smith (Chiefs), Lopeti Timani (Waratahs), Telusa Veainu (Crusaders) PLAYERS OUT: Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Tim Davidson (Retired), Gareth Delve (NEC Green Rockets), Nic Henderson (Retired), James Hilgendorf (Released), James King (Released), Richard Kingi (Stade Français), Nick Phipps (Waratahs), James O Connor (London Irish), Ged Robinson (Highlanders), Jarrod Saffy (USBPA), Rory Sidey (Released), Kimami Sitauti (Released), Cooper Vuna (Toshiba Brave Lupus) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 BYE 3 Friday 28 February Cheetahs AAMI Park 19:40 4 Saturday 8 March Force nib Stadium 16:40 5 Friday 14 March Crusaders AAMI Park 19:40 6 Friday 21 March Waratahs Allianz Stadium 19:40 7 Friday 28 March Brumbies AAMI Park 19:40 8 Friday 4 April Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 9 Saturday 12 April Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 10 Friday 18 April Force AAMI Park 19:40 11 BYE 12 Friday 2 May Sharks AAMI Park 19:40 13 Friday 9 May Hurricanes AAMI Park 19:40 14 Saturday 17 May Reds Suncorp Stadium 19:40 15 Friday 23 May Waratahs AAMI Park 19:40 16 Saturday 31 May Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 17 Friday 27 June Reds AAMI Park 19:40 18 Friday 4 July Lions Ellis Park 19:10 19 Friday 11 July Bulls Loftus Versfeld 19:10 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Mitch Inman (4), Lachlan Mitchell (5), Hugh Pyle (7), Toby Smith (13) 50 Points: Hugh Pyle (10), Tom Kingston (20), Lachlan Mitchell (20), Tom English (25) 100 Points: Jason Woodward (44) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

64 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS TONY Head Coach Born: 19 July 1972, Warwick AUS Coaching History: IBM Coaching Coordinator (2005) Munster Defence & Backs Coach ( ) Munster Director of Rugby ( ) Australia Defence Coach ( ) Rebels Head Coach (2014-) Tony McGahan comes to Melbourne highly regarded as an international coach with a record of success at the top level. After leaving Australia in 2005, McGahan had success in Japan and then spent seven years at Irish Club Munster as Defence Coach and later, Director of Rugby. McGahan was part of two Heineken Cup titles and two Celtic League titles (RaboDirect Pro 12), and also coached Munster to its historic 15-6 win over the touring Wallabies at Thomond Park in In 2012, McGahan returned home and was appointed to the role of Wallabies Coaching Coordinator. In July 2013, he was announced as the Rebels Head Coach for the 2014 and 2015 seasons and began work straight away as the club searches for its maiden Super Rugby Finals appearance. SEAN HEDGER Assistant Coach Born: 13 November 1973, Darwin AUS Coaching History: Reds Academy Program Coordinator ( ) Kobe Steelers Assistant Coach ( ) Kyuden Voltex Head Coach ( ) ARU Academy ( ) Rebels Assistant Coach (2014-) Sean Hedger joins the Rebels as an experienced international coach, with a strong background in both professional and community rugby; most recently as National Academy Coach at the Australian Rugby Union. Hedger began his professional rugby career as Rugby Coordinator of the Reds Rugby College before assuming the role of Rugby Program Head Coach from 2003 until In mid 2005, he re-located to Japan, fulfilling multiple coaching roles with Top League team, Kobelco Steelers, over five seasons. In 2010, Hedger was named Assistant Coach of Kyuden Voltex, before accepting the role of Head Coach in He then returned home to Sydney where he was appointed as National Academy Head Coach (NSW) at the Australian Rugby Union. Hedger s unique background encompasses development, managerial expertise and both assistant and senior coaching. The Rebels are excited to being able to utilise his coaching expertise, but also to add value in other parts of the rugby program. 60

65 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MATT COCKBAIN Assistant Coach Born: 19 September 1972, Coffs Harbour AUS Coaching History: Reds Lineout Coach (2007) Rebel Rising Joint Head Coach (2011) Rebels Assistant Coach (2012-) REBELS Matt Cockbain enjoyed a successful rugby career which included 91 matches for the Reds and 63 Tests for the Wallabies. During his international career he participated in two World Cups, including the successful 1999 campaign under Rod Macqueen AM. After retirement, Cockbain transitioned into coaching and was appointed as the Reds lineout coach in 2007 before moving to Melbourne. Since then, he has taken up various roles with Melbourne University Rugby Club and the Victorian State team, before working with Rebel Rising in 2011 and being appointed by the club for the 2012 season. With a primary focus on forward play, Matt s first two years of professional coaching the Rebels have shown steady improvements across both set piece and general play. His experience has been particularly invaluable at lineout time, with the club winning 85% of attacking ball between 2012 and EDDIE AHOLELEI Prop 190cm/120kg Date of Birth: 3 December 1981 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2012 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 4 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 25 May 2013 vs Japan, Kanagawa Eddie s Aholelei s experience proves that good things come to those who wait. At 30 years of age, he was promoted from the Extended Playing Squad into the full-time unit for 2013 and retained for the 2014 season. Aholelei joined the club after an impressive 2011 season with Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield Competition, and for the Rebel Rising side. A physical and tenacious prop, Aholelei always turns in consistent and professional performances. The Tongan international is able to play both sides of the scrum and is regarded as having one of the best attitudes and work ethics at the club. He is also a fantastic role model for young players in the local community. 61

66 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS PAUL Prop 180cm/130kg Date of Birth: 22 December 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2012 vs Lions, Johannesburg 2013 was a breakthrough year for Paul Alo-Emile as he continued to develop into one of the club s brightest young talents. After playing the final two games of the 2012 season, Alo-Emile featured on a regular basis throughout the 2013 season, making 16 appearances and scoring one try. Of Samoan heritage and growing up in Queensland, Alo-Emile represented the Australian Schoolboys while at Brisbane High School and his promise saw him begin involvements with the Australian Rugby Union s National Talent Squad. A fixture in the Australian U20 squad in 2010 and 2011, Alo-Emile was a key member of the group that finished third in the Junior World Championships. The future appears bright and at just 22, he still has a lot of time to develop into a top class front-row forward, although his rise thus far has already been rapid. LUKE Scrumhalf 179cm/87kg Date of Birth: 20 August 1983 Place of Birth: Newcastle, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 59 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2005 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Test Caps: 37 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 14 June 2008 vs Ireland, Melbourne Former Wallaby scrumhalf Luke Burgess joined the club from Toulouse in June last year following more than 50 appearances for the four-time Heineken Cup champions between Burgess, who has represented his country on 37 occasions, has played alongside many members of the team s backroom staff. The Sydney University player began his Super Rugby career in Canberra with the Brumbies ( ) alongside foundation Rebel captain Stirling Mortlock before moving to the Waratahs where he played 56 games between Burgess will play a key role in helping with the development of young scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker, as well as providing great leadership to a young Rebels backline. Burgess brings his wife Emilie and daughter Freya to Melbourne with him and has committed to the club for three seasons. 62

67 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TAMATI Centre 184cm/95kg Date of Birth: 1 April 1983 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 77 Super Rugby Points: 65 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2005 vs Waratahs, Sydney Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 14 November 2009 vs Italy, Milan Former All Black Tamati Ellison joins the Rebels in 2014 following the completion of Ricoh Black Rams Top League season in Japan. The powerful centre has over 70 Super Rugby caps after he began his career playing for the Blues in Auckland in 2005, before stints at the Hurricanes ( ) and Highlanders ( ). A quick and powerfully built centre, Ellison has represented the All Blacks on four occasions, as well as representing New Zealand underage sides, New Zealand Maori and the New Zealand Rugby Sevens team. Ellison will add experience to the young Rebel backline, and has the ability to cover numerous positions if required. Rugby is in Ellison s blood; he is related to the first ever All Black captain, Thomas Rangiwahia Ellison, and his grandfather Vince Bevan also played for his country. Ellison made eight appearances for the Highlanders last season, scoring four tries. REBELS TOM Centre 187cm/95kg Date of Birth: 8 March 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Brumbies, Melbourne Tom English had a breakthrough 2013 season, making nine Super Rugby appearances and winning the Rebels Rookie of the Year award. He was given the daunting task of making his run-on debut in Christchurch against the Crusaders, playing 58 minutes of the defeat. English played the full 80 minutes in the club s final seven matches of the season, scoring five tries in the process, exceeding all expectations. English, a New South Wales Schools product and former Australian Rugby Sevens representative, is yet another of the Sydney University alumni to make the move south. Although originally signed as an outside centre, English played on the wing for all but one of his Super Rugby appearances in His size and athleticism is a rare mix for centres in current Australian playing ranks. 63

68 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS COLBY FAINGA Flanker 183cm/99kg Date of Birth: 31 March 1991 Place of Birth: Queanbeyan, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2010 vs Chiefs, Canberra Colby Fainga a younger brother of Wallaby twins Saia and Anthony has moved from Canberra to Melbourne for the 2014 Super Rugby season. Fainga a, who captained Australia s U20 side at the 2011 Junior World Championship, made 35 appearances for the Brumbies since debuting in 2010 as a 19-year-old. Having learnt from and played alongside Wallaby flankers George Smith, Michael Hooper and David Pocock, Fainga a brings an outstanding skill set to Melbourne. Known for his high tackle completion numbers and pilfering ability, Fainga a will provide intense competition for the openside flanker position. Fainga a saw his 2012 season devastated by injury, but hit back well in 2013 to feature in 16 matches, including the Brumbies Super Rugby Finals campaign. SCOTT Flanker 183cm/100kg Date of Birth: 16 April 1987 Place of Birth: Hawera, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2012 vs Bulls, Dunedin Scott Fuglistaller joined the club ahead of the 2013 season and immediately made the openside spot his own. The Kiwi-born flanker played in every match for the Rebels in 2013 and was awarded the Spirit of Weary Dunlop Award for the player who showed the most passion on the field. At 100kg, he represents the traditional openside flanker, with great presence at the breakdown and an immense work rate around the park. Fuglistaller seized an opportunity to play a key role with the Highlanders late in the 2012 Super Rugby season. A New Zealand U19 representative in 2006, he s also played 54 provincial matches for Wellington and has signed a two-year deal with the Rebels. He showcased elite tackling numbers last season (94.44 per cent) and his 187 tackles led the Rebels and placed eighth overall in Super Rugby. 64

69 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BRYCE Flyhalf 184cm/87kg Date of Birth: 28 August 1992 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2013 vs Blues, Auckland The 2013 season was an overwhelming success for Bryce Hegarty, with the youngest member of the squad winning the Rebel Rising Player of the Year. Hegarty joined the club s Extended Playing Squad from the Brisbane Broncos U20 side, having been forced to choose between rugby league and rugby union whilst playing in high school. During his time at the Broncos, Hegarty was mentored by former international Steve Renouf. Hegarty scored two tries in the club s final round victory over the Highlanders, including the match winner, to send off departing and retiring Rebels as winners in front of a raucous AAMI Park crowd. Hegarty s ability to break the line and find space is exciting for fans and teammates alike. His move to the club has not impacted his tertiary education, with the Queenslander continuing his Queensland University of Technology Law degree. REBELS SCOTT HIGGINBOTHAM No cm/107kg Date of Birth: 5 September 1986 Place of Birth: Perth, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 78 Super Rugby Points: 115 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2008 vs Bulls, Brisbane Test Caps: 23 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 27 November 2010 vs France, Paris With the signing of Scott Higginbotham for the 2013 season, the Rebels acquired one of the best forwards in world rugby. They also secured the signing of an inspirational leader, his standing amongst the club reflected in his appointment as captain for the 2014 season. Higginbotham was awarded the 2013 Rebels Players Player and extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season. Equally comfortable playing at blindside flanker or No.8, Higginbotham scored six tries for the Rebels in the 2013 season before his year was prematurely ended by a shoulder injury that saw him miss the British & Irish Lions series and Australia s Spring Tour. The 2012 Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year runner-up is the ultimate back row forward. His robust nature in contact causes havoc among opponents. 65

70 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS SHOTA Hooker 180cm/104kg Date of Birth: 21 January 1986 Place of Birth: Osaka, JPN Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Brumbies, Melbourne Test Caps: 27 Test Points: 30 Test Debut 15 November 2009 vs Canada, Miyagi Japanese international hooker Shota Horie made history in 2013 when he became the first Japanese player to feature for an Australian Super Rugby side (narrowly missing the honour of first overall when Fumiaki Tanaka came off the bench for the Highlanders in the night s preceding match). Horie played every game for Japan at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and scored a try against Canada in the group stages. He is a strong ball running forward and aggressive tackler with a high work rate. Horie made six appearances for the Rebels in 2013, including one start against the Blues in Auckland, as he continued to train hard and work on his scrummaging. Horie has committed to the Rebels for the 2014 season where he will attempt to become the club s regular starting hooker. The 28-year-old spent two seasons with the Canterbury Academy in New Zealand before returning to Japan in 2008 where he won the Top League with the Panasonic Wild Knights, scoring eight tries in the process. MITCH Centre 191cm/104kg Date of Birth: 24 October 1988 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 46 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Brumbies, Perth Mitch Inman joined the club at the start of the 2012 season after two years with the Force and in 2013, consolidated his position as an integral member of the Rebels backline. Inman was a standout player last season, in particular defensively where he made 106 tackles just one behind Nick Phipps who had the most as a backline player. Inman played all but one of the Rebels games last season and added try scoring to his repertoire as he crossed three times, including twice in defeat to the Blues in Auckland. In 2012, Inman s efforts were rewarded when then Australian Head Coach Robbie Deans called the young centre on to the Spring Tour, but he fell agonisingly short of making his Wallaby debut. 66

71 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LUKE Lock 196cm/110kg Date of Birth: 2 April 1994 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 32 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2010 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Luke Jones 2013 season saw the young forward cement himself as an integral member of the Rebels. Featuring in each match to move to 32 career caps, Jones will be looking to maintain his form and cement his spot in the starting line-up for A young schoolboy sensation at St Pius, Jones is the prototype modern forward. Tall enough to operate in the second row, he is also athletic and skilful enough to line up anywhere in the back row. He was a key player for the club s Rebel Rising team during its debut season in 2011 and his performances throughout the campaign earned him the Rebel Rising Player of the Year Award to add to his schoolboy and Australian Under 20s honours. Jones was the first forward in Australian rugby history to sign a Super Rugby contract on professional terms as a schoolboy and spent one year at the Force in 2012 before heading east. REBELS TOM KINGSTON Wing 190cm/89kg Date of Birth: 19 June 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2011 vs Blues, Auckland Former Australian U20 representative Tom Kingston has joined the club for the next two years. Still just 22 at the start of the season, Kingston arrives with 29 Super Rugby caps to his name gained at the Waratahs from and experience beyond his years. Capable of playing on the wing or at outside centre, Kingston has scored six Super Rugby tries and has gained a reputation for consistently breaking tackles at extreme pace. Kingston attended St Aloysius College in North Sydney, but moved to Hong Kong as a teenager, where he spent five years playing for the Stanley Fort Rugby Club. Mentioned as a potential Wallaby when only 20 years old, Kingston will join forces with plenty of connections from his time at Sydney University, including Nic Stirzaker, Tom English and Angus Roberts. He made 10 appearances for the Waratahs last season, scoring two tries and ranking sixth at the club with an average gain of 5.78 metres. 67

72 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS MAX Prop 185cm/117kg Date of Birth: 9 December 1989 Place of Birth: London, ENG Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Max Lahiff joins the club ahead of the new season from London Irish where he played from The big loosehead qualifies for Australian selection through his father, and holds aspirations of forcing his way into the Wallaby squad. Lahiff will be looking to fill the gap left by former Wallaby Nic Henderson who retired at the end of the 2013 season. He brings no shortage of experience down under despite still being just 24 years of age. Lahiff started 20 games for London Irish in the Guinness Premiership this season and has played four times in the Heineken Cup amongst a total of 63 first team appearances for the Wild Geese. Lahiff teamed up with ex-rebel Ged Robinson for Hawke s Bay in the ITM Cup before moving to Melbourne in late LACHLAN Centre 178cm/91kg Date of Birth: 30 September 1987 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 45 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Waratahs, Melbourne Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell s 45 appearances make him the most capped of all the current Rebels. Mitchell played 13 matches for the Rebels in the 2013 season, scoring a pair of tries in the process and the durable centre has missed just two games in his time in Melbourne due to injury. Possessing a vast skill set and some of the safest hands in the business, Mitchell will look to add leadership to his repertoire in 2014 as he steps up to help fill the void left by the departure of other foundation Rebels. Equally adept at inside centre or on the wing, Mitchell joined the club in 2011 from English Premiership side London Wasps, where he had been since Prior to that, Mitchell spent time with the Waratahs Academy following impressive performances for Sydney University in the Shute Shield. 68

73 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CADEYRN Lock 202cm/119kg Date of Birth: 9 November 1988 Place of Birth: Manly, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2012 vs Bulls, Melbourne Cadeyrn Neville s meteoric rise over the past two seasons has seen him firmly positioned as a key player in the Rebels squad. Neville committed to the club until at least the end of the 2015 season and is touted as a future Wallaby by many. The 25-year-old played all games from Round 8 onwards in 2012 and won both the Rookie of the Year and Matt Cockbain Rebel Rising Medal. He was then rewarded with a call-up to Wallabies extended training squad during the mid-season Test fixtures against Scotland and Wales, which continued into The Rugby Championship and end of season Spring Tour. Having now represented the Rebels on 25 occasions, Neville s strengths are in his strong set piece skills and outstanding athletic potential; key areas the team is sure to utilise. He is also former representative rower at the Australian Institute of Sport. REBELS HUGH Lock 201cm/116kg Date of Birth: 21 September 1988 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 43 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2011 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Foundation Rebel Hugh Pyle s third season at the club was no less consistent than the two prior as the giant lock continued to cement his status as one of the first picked every week. Pyle missed just two games through injury as he moved close to 50 Super Rugby appearances; all at the Rebels. Widely regarded as one of Australia s most elusive and dynamic lock forwards, Hugh managed to score five tries in the 2013 season, more than double his previous best output. Pyle also holds the responsibility of calling the Rebels lineout, and that coupled with his ability to carry into traffic make the giant lock a huge asset for the club. The 25-year-old has been involved in Wallaby training squads already and holds steadfast aspirations to play for his country. An unassuming character, his calm temperament off the field is a major contrast to his formidable presence on it. 69

74 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS JORDY REID Flanker 183cm/107kg Date of Birth: 3 October 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Waratahs, Sydney Jordy Reid hails from Sydney s northern beaches and was one of the Rebels biggest finds of the 2013 season. He joined the club s Extended Playing Squad from the Manly Marlins but managed to feature for the club on nine occasions. Gaining his maiden start against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, flair and aggression at the breakdown has seen Reid compared to recent great Wallaby flankers George Smith and Phil Waugh. After a season of dominating the Sydney Colts competition, the transition was a swift one for Reid. He was noticed by Rebels and ARU scouts and given the opportunity to prove himself in Melbourne. Reid has re-committed to the Rebels until at least the end of the 2015 season and will continue to work hard with the Rebels coaching staff as he looks to cement a starting spot amongst a very strong back row in ANGUS ROBERTS Flyhalf 186cm/92kg Date of Birth: 17 December 1990 Place of Birth: Gunnedah, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Reds, Melbourne The Rebels were able to fend off opposition from rival Super Rugby clubs to sign promising young flyhalf Angus Roberts on a two-year deal ahead of the 2013 season. Roberts first season of professional rugby was an overwhelming success with the youngster featuring for the Rebels on seven occasions in Super Rugby and scoring his first try against the Kings in Round 9. Roberts also featured for the Combined NSW & QLD Country side against the British & Irish Lions in Newcastle which was a tremendous honour for the young gun. Roberts is highly regarded amongst his Melbourne peers with many of the coaches claiming he is one of the most natural footballers they have ever seen at the club. Gussy is currently studying a Management degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Technology in Sydney. 70

75 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ALEX Fullback 183cm/87kg Date of Birth: 6 October 1989 Place of Birth: Adelaide, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 2 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Brumbies, Melbourne Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 9 November 2013 vs Portugal, Lisbon Alex Rokobaro returned to Australia and the Super Rugby system after a successful stint in French rugby in In his first season as a full-time Rebel, Rokobaro featured twice for the Rebels at AAMI Park. Rokobaro began playing rugby in his home town of Adelaide where he quickly became one of the state s brightest young stars and is subsequently the first South Australian to play Super Rugby. His burgeoning rugby journey took him to Brisbane where he represented both Australian and Queensland Schools. Rokobaro is of Fijian heritage and has represented his country at U20 level and made his debut for the national side against Portugal in The classy and versatile left footer can play anywhere in the backline. REBELS TOM Hooker 178cm/104kg Date of Birth: 10 December 1989 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Melbourne born hooker Tom Sexton brings his Irish brogue down under following five years with Leinster in Ireland s RaboDirect Pro 12 ( ). Sexton, who moved to Ireland at four years of age, has benefitted by playing alongside international stars such as Jamie Heaslip, Brian O Driscoll and Isa Nacewa during his time at Leinster. The Irish club won the Heineken cup three times during his spell there. Sexton captained the Irish schoolboys and Irish U20 sides, playing with many current internationals. He was expected to compete with Pat Leafa and Shota Horie for the hooker spot left vacant by Ged Robinson, but a pre-season ACL injury ended his 2014 campaign before it even had a chance to begin. Sexton s scrummaging ability is sure to come in handy, as is his ability to play cold and wet conditions when the Rebels hit the road. 71

76 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS TOBY SMITH Prop 190cm/112kg Date of Birth: 10 October 1988 Place of Birth: Kirwan, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 37 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2010 vs Reds, Hamilton Toby Smith is the latest player to move to Melbourne and join the club from New Zealand, signing from the Chiefs to join for the 2014 season. Smith spent four years in Hamilton and was part of the squad that won the 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby championships. His Rebels teammates and fans will be hoping Smith can help build a winning culture in Melbourne and add to his trophy cabinet during his time in Victoria. Smith played for the New Zealand U20 side that won the 2008 World Championship, but having been born in far north Queensland, the big loosehead prop moves as an Australian player eligible to represent the Wallabies. Smith s scrummaging ability will be greatly appreciated in Melbourne. Not only is he a mobile and confident unit with the ball in hand, but he is also a ferocious tackler. NIC Scrumhalf 179cm/81kg Date of Birth: 8 March 1991 Place of Birth: London, ENG Super Rugby Caps: 15 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2012 vs Highlanders, Invercargill Talented young scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker continued to make leaps and bounds in a stellar 2013 season that saw him earn his first Super Rugby start. After claiming the Rebel Rising Best Player award following his 2012 debut season, Stirzaker played 11 Super Rugby matches for the club in 2013, including starting in the win over the Stormers at AAMI Park. Stirzaker is lightning quick off the mark and his fearlessness in the tackle belies his slight frame He is the quickest player over 20 and 40 metres in the Rebels squad, boasting a personal best of 2.71 seconds in the former. Born in England to South African parents, Stirzaker was raised in Australia from the age of two, where he developed his love of rugby at Knox Grammar in Sydney. 72

77 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHRIS Lock 205cm/120kg Date of Birth: 10 July 1985 Place of Birth: Canberra, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Chris Thomson returned to Australia on a two-year deal in 2013 after a stint with Narbonne Racing Club in France. Having played rugby since the age of seven, Thomson spent a year abroad after high school before returning to play in the now-defunct ARC competition. Thomson then signed his first Super Rugby contract with the Waratahs, earning nine caps during the seasons. At an imposing 205cm, Thomson is regarded as an outstanding lineout technician and is also a prominent ball carrier. His opportunities in were limited to playing for the Rebel Rising in 2013 where his experience and ability made him a standout, which has him in contention to build on his Super Rugby experience in REBELS LOPETI No cm/116kg Date of Birth: 28 September 1990 Place of Birth: Navutoka, TON Super Rugby Caps: 19 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Reds, Sydney Lopeti Timani younger brother of Australian representative Sitaleki joins the club for the 2014 season following two years with the Waratahs. The powerful No. 8 made five appearances for the Waratahs in 2013 following 14 caps in his breakout debut year in 2012 and joins a young and exciting back row unit that many believe will be a mainstay of the Rebels for years to come. Timani grew up in Tonga but holds aspirations of joining his brother as an Australian representative. Originally moving to Australia to play rugby league, Timani played two seasons of Toyota Cup with the Canterbury Bulldogs. However his rugby background and sheer physicality around the park saw him convinced to move to the Waratahs, keen to follow in the footsteps of Sitaleki and older brother Sione who has played international rugby for Tonga. 73

78 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS TELUSA Wing 180cm/85kg Date of Birth: 26 December 1990 Place of Birth: Kawakawa, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2011 vs Bulls, Pretoria Lightning-quick winger Telusa Veainu joins the club for 2014 as a developing foreign player from competition heavyweights the Crusaders on a two-year deal. Veainu switched allegiances to represent Hawke s Bay in the ITM Cup after scoring 21 tries over 34 games during three provincial seasons at Canterbury. Veainu has eight Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders ( ) and Crusaders (2013), scoring a memorable length-of-the-field try in Dunedin for the Cantabrians in He also scored a hat trick as New Zealand U20 defeated Australia in the Final of the 2010 World Junior Championship in Argentina. Veainu will be looking to secure a starting spot on the wing and help to strengthen the international rugby program that the club is building. LAURIE Prop 180cm/115kg Date of Birth: 5 April 1986 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 61 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Bulls, Pretoria Foundation Rebel Laurie Weeks bounced back from a 2012 ruined by injury to feature in every game of the 2013 season, mirroring his effort from the club s inaugural 2011 campaign. The hugely popular Weeks was tipped for Wallaby honours by many midway through 2012 before having to endure the setback of a full shoulder reconstruction. Weeks will enter the 2014 season with 61 Super Rugby caps to his name. He played 23 times for the Reds ( ) before moving south as a foundation Rebel. One of the most outgoing and personable members of the squad, Weeks is a similarly effervescent presence on the pitch. Technically solid and a powerful scrummager, he is also extremely mobile, having an uncanny knack to always pop up in the right place at the right time. 74

79 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JASON Fullback 188cm/97kg Date of Birth: 17 May 1990 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 56 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2013 vs Sharks, Durban Kiwi Jason Woodward was arguably one of the finds of the 2013 season, scoring three tries and kicking some crucial conversions and penalty goals in victories over the Force, Waratahs, Stormers and Highlanders. Woodward moved to Melbourne following a breakthrough 2012 ITM Cup campaign for the Wellington Lions, disappointing many New Zealanders including All Blacks coach Steve Hansen in the process. A former New Zealand U20 representative winning the 2010 Junior World Championship Woodward s confidence with ball in hand has been on display for all to see in his debut season. His greatest assets are his speed, skill and versatility and while predominantly being played at fullback, Woodward has also been utilised on the wing and is capable of playing at flyhalf as well. He will again be seen as a player to watch in his second season at the club in REBELS 75

80 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REBELS 76

81 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 REDS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Albert Anae Hooker 185cm 112kg Curtis Browning Loose Forward 190cm 108kg Quade Cooper Flyhalf 186cm 92kg Ben Daley Prop 184cm 112kg Rod Davies Wing 180cm 90kg Anthony Fainga a Centre 182cm 92kg Saia Fainga a Hooker 187cm 108kg Chris Feauai-Sautia Wing 181cm 92kg Nick Frisby Scrumhalf 184cm 84kg Will Genia Scrumhalf 174cm 82kg Liam Gill Flanker 184cm 96kg James Hanson Hooker 183cm 104kg Mike Harris Centre 186cm 96kg Greg Holmes Prop 187cm 114kg James Horwill C Lock 200cm 116kg Ben Lucas Scrumhalf 178cm 84kg David McDuling Lock 196cm 115kg Ed O Donoghue Lock 198cm 119kg Jono Owen Prop 186cm 119kg Eddie Quirk Flanker 191cm 108kg Beau Robinson Flanker 180cm 97kg Jake Schatz No cm 109kg Dom Shipperley Wing 186cm 94kg Rob Simmons Lock 200cm 115kg James Slipper Prop 186cm 117kg Ben Tapuai Centre 180cm 95kg Jamie-Jerry Taulagi Fullback 180cm 90kg Aidan Toua Wing 183cm 92kg Lachie Turner Wing 189cm 94kg

82 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Tom Kennedy Communications Specialist Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Rod McCall President: Tony Shaw Chief Executive Officer: Jim Carmichael Head Coach: Richard Graham Forwards Coach: Nick Stiles Attack Coach: Steve Meehan Assistant Coach: Peter Wilkins Head Performance Coach: Ollie Richardson Performance Rehabilitation Coach: Tom Van Kalken Assistant Performance Coach: Matthew Lieschke General Manager of Rugby Operations: Sam Cordingley Logistics Manager: Michael Atkinson Team Doctor: Dr Abhi Varshney Head Physiotherapist: Nathan Carloss Physiotherapist: Nigel Smith Soft Tissue Therapist: Heather Arthy Analyst: Michael Todd ADDRESS St. George Ballymore Rugby House 231 Butterfield Street Herston, QLD 4006 Australia PO Box 205 Kelvin Grove DC Brisbane QLD 4059 Australia Phone: Fax: rugby@qru.com.au WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: redsrugby YouTube: HOME GROUND Suncorp Stadium Castlemaine Street Milton, Brisbane Capacity: 52,500 78

83 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Red jersey, red shorts red socks. CLASH STRIP: White with red piping, white shorts and white socks. REDS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Ed O Donoghue (London Wasps), Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (University of Queensland), Lachie Turner (Waratahs) PLAYERS OUT: Jarrad Butler (Brumbies), Kevin Davis (Released), Joel Faulkner (Released), Digby Ioane (Stade Français), Jono Lance (Waratahs), Luke Morahan (Force), Radike Samo (Kintetsu Liners), Ulupano Seuteni (Released), Adam Wallace-Harrison (Released) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Saturday 22 February Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 3 Saturday 1 March Waratahs ANZ Stadium 19:40 4 Friday 7 March Cheetahs Suncorp Stadium 18:40 5 Saturday 15 March Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 6 Saturday 22 March Lions Ellis Park 17:05 7 Saturday 29 March Stormers Suncorp Stadium 18:40 8 Saturday 5 April Force Suncorp Stadium 18:40 9 Friday 11 April Brumbies Suncorp Stadium 19:40 10 BYE 11 Saturday 26 April Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 12 Friday 2 May Blues Eden Park 19:35 13 Sunday 11 May Crusaders Suncorp Stadium 16:05 14 Saturday 17 May Rebels Suncorp Stadium 19:40 15 BYE 16 Friday 30 May Highlanders Suncorp Stadium 19:40 17 Friday 27 June Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 18 Saturday 5 July Force nib Stadium 17:40 19 Saturday 12 July Waratahs Suncorp Stadium 19:40 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Jake Schatz (1), Rod Davies (6), Liam Gill (9), James Slipper (10), Dom Shipperley (15) 50 Points: Saia Fainga a (10), Ben Tapuai (15) 100 Caps: Saia Fainga a (6), Quade Cooper (12), James Horwill (13), Will Genia (14) 100 Points: Will Genia (15), Rod Davies (25) 150 Points: Lachie Turner (25) 630 Points: Quade Cooper (22) to overtake Elton Flatley as all time leading scorer Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

84 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS RICHARD GRAHAM Head Coach Born: 5 August 1972, Charleville AUS Coaching History: Bath Skills, Backs & Defence Coach ( ) Saracens Head Coach (2009) Head Coach (2009) Australia Skills Coach ( ) Force Backs Coach (2010) Force Head Coach ( ) Reds Head Coach (2013-) Richard Graham joined the Reds in 2013 as Head Coach and brought a wealth of knowledge gained as both a player and coach at the elite level. Graham played for the Reds between 1998 and 2002, along with the Australian Sevens and Australia A. He commenced his professional coaching career in 2002 as an assistant with Bath RFC. During his four seasons at Bath, the side became English Premiership finalists in ; Powergen Cup finalists in ; and Heineken Cup Semi-Finalists in Graham moved to Saracens in 2006, subsequently overseeing the English Premiership Semi-Finalists in ; Heineken Cup Semi-Finalists in ; and Challenge Cup Semi-Finalists in In his third and final year at the club, Graham finished the season as Head Coach. After seven years in England, the Queenslander returned home in 2009 as the Skills Coach of the Wallabies. He was also an assistant at the Force before taking over as Head Coach in September He joined the Reds prior to the 2013 season. NICK STILES Forwards Coach Born: 17 October 1973, Melbourne AUS Coaching History: St. Joseph s College Gregory Terrace Technical Director (2005) University of Queensland Head Coach ( ) Kubota Spears Scrum & Lineout Consultant ( ) Kubota Spears Forwards Coach ( ) Force Forwards Coach ( ) Reds Forwards Coach (2014-) Nick Stiles is back in Queensland colours almost a decade after finishing his playing career as a 96-cap prop with the Reds. Stiles retired in 2005 and immediately took up a role with St. Joseph s College Gregory Terrace, where he worked as Technical Director of coaching until He was also Head Coach of University of Queensland s Premier Grade side during the same period, before moving to Japan to take on the role of Forwards Coach with the Kubota Spears. He joined Richard Graham at the Force ahead of the 2011 season. Stiles also earned 12 caps with the Wallabies from 2001 to 2002 and has returned to Queensland ahead of the 2014 season. 80

85 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 STEVE MEEHAN Attack Coach Born: 1 December 1966, Brisbane AUS Coaching History: GPS First Grade Coach ( ) Stade Français Backs/Skills Coach ( ) Bath Head Coach ( ) Force Assistant Coach (2013) Reds Attack Coach (2014-) REDS Former Jeeps first grade coach Steve Meehan returns to Queensland as the Reds attack coach in Steve s coaching career began at GPS, where he coached first grade from 1999 to 2002, guiding the side from second last to minor premiers over the course of three seasons. He then travelled to France, where he took on the role of Backs and Skills Coach with Stade Français from 2002 to 2006, during which time the side won the Top 14 Championship twice. In 2006 he moved to Bath, where he took over the role of Head Coach. Two years into his five-year stint with Bath, Meehan won his first European Challenge Cup. Following the 2011 season, he returned to Australia and took a year off coaching to allow time to re-settle in his native land, before taking up an opportunity with the Force in 2013, where he coached alongside the Reds new forwards coach, Nick Stiles. ALBERT Hooker 185cm/112kg Date of Birth: 21 June 1989 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Now in his second year as part of the main playing group, Albert Anae is a utility front row player that can cover both prop and hooker. The 2013 Super Rugby season saw Anae feature in 11 of the Reds 17 games, as well as a run from the bench against the British & Irish Lions in June. He returns in 2014 with added experience, having spent time in the Wallabies set up, after being called into The Rugby Championship squad. Anae earned his first Super Rugby start in 2012 when he was called into the number two jersey as injury cover against the Force at Suncorp Stadium, the Reds prevailing The Wellington-born hooker made his debut for the Reds during their historic 2011 campaign, earning his maiden Super Rugby appearance against the Hurricanes in his city of birth. 81

86 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS CURTIS Loose Forward 190cm/108kg Date of Birth: 30 October 1993 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2013 vs Bulls, Brisbane A two-time winner of the Australian U20 Player of the Year award and captain of the national age-grade side in 2013, Curtis Browning joins the club as a full time squad member in Browning had a busy 2013, competing as a member of the Reds College XV in the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, the Australian Under 20s at the Junior World Championship and playing for the Reds in Super Rugby trials and one regular season match. The youngster played for the Reds in a trial match against the Chiefs before making his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Bulls of Pretoria in Round 6. He also captained the Queensland Reds College XV against Tonga A in the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup in early Browning was also recognised by his club side, University of Queensland, with a Blues Award one of the highest accolades an athlete at the school can receive. QUADE Flyhalf 186cm/92kg Date of Birth: 5 April 1988 Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 88 Super Rugby Points: 608 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2007 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Test Caps: 50 Test Points: 124 Test Debut 8 November 2008 vs Italy, Padova Talented playmaker Quade Cooper was back to his very best in 2013, playing every Super Rugby game and captaining his side against the British & Irish Lions. Cooper now sits just 12 appearances shy of joining an elite group of players to have 100 Super Rugby caps for the Reds, while he also achieved the impressive milestone of 50 Tests for the Wallabies during He was again the guiding attacking force for the Reds in 2013, adding a further 172 points to his whopping career tally of 608, behind only Dan Carter (1547) and Peter Grant (819) on current Super Rugby rosters. With the current record for all-time Reds Super Rugby points held by Elton Flatley (629), Cooper appears certain to set a new benchmark in the early stages of the 2014 season. 82

87 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BEN Prop 184cm/112kg Date of Birth: 27 June 1988 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 57 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2008 vs Crusaders, Brisbane Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs England, Perth Ben Daley s 2013 season was ruined by injury, limiting him to just seven Super Rugby appearances which was disappointing considering the prop established himself as a regular starter in When he was on the field however, Daley was one of the club s most efficient tacklers, making 31 without a miss a figure bettered only by Liam Coltman (54/0) and Brok Harris (52/0). Since his Super Rugby debut in 2008, Daley has been a constant fixture within the Reds highly-competitive front-row, his durability and aggression a huge asset for the team. After a glittering 2011 season that included a Super Rugby title, the Gold Coast prop was selected alongside 15 of his Reds teammates for the initial 40-man Wallabies squad in a Rugby World Cup year to compete in the Tri Nations. REDS ROD DAVIES Wing 180cm/90kg Date of Birth: 18 May 1989 Place of Birth: Rockhampton, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 44 Super Rugby Points: 75 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2009 vs Chiefs, Brisbane Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 17 July 2011 vs Samoa, Sydney Rod Davies will make a belated return to Super Rugby in 2014 with a knee injury at the back end of last season forcing a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Davies had returned to form in 2013 after struggling through an injury-hit 2012 campaign, but was again struck down when he damaged knee ligaments against the Waratahs in Round 20, ruling him out of the Super Rugby Finals Series. The lightning-quick winger started nine games for the Reds, plus their clash against the British & Irish Lions, but was forced to undergo a knee reconstruction and won t return to full health until the 2014 season is well underway. Davies scored five tries in 2013, including what was named the Australian Super Rugby Try of the Year for his finish to a 100-metre effort against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium. 83

88 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS ANTHONY FAINGA Centre 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 2 February 1987 Place of Birth: Queanbeyan, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2007 vs Bulls, Canberra Test Caps: 23 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 31 July 2010 vs New Zealand, Melbourne Despite suffering a shoulder complaint for much of the 2013 season, defensive stalwart Anthony Fainga a played through the pain and fronted at both inside and outside centre throughout the year. He added a further 11 Super Rugby caps to his tally and took on the British & Irish Lions, but was ruled out of the Reds final two matches of the year with a hamstring concern. His Super Rugby form saw Fainga a named to the Australian squad for The Rugby Championship, but he was forced to withdraw due to injury. His contributions both on and off the field saw Fainga a take home the Spirit of the Reds Award for demonstrating the hallmark attributes of the Red s team culture. His twin brother Saia also plays for the Reds while younger brother Colby moves to the Rebels in 2014 after four years in Canberra. SAIA FAINGA Hooker 187cm/108kg Date of Birth: 2 February 1987 Place of Birth: Queanbeyan, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 94 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2006 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 29 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Fiji, Canberra Despite being just 27 years old at the start of this season, Saia Fainga a is the second-most experienced member of the club, as he sits just six games shy of 100 Super Rugby caps. With 67 of these appearances in Reds colours and the others served in a Brumbies jersey during Fainga a is only trumped in experience by prop Greg Holmes, who has played 104 Super Rugby games all for the Reds. While partially disrupted by injury, the hooker had another consistent year for the Reds in 2013, adding a further 14 games to his career total and scoring one try. His 89 percent lineout success (112/14) was ranked No. 2 behind Chiliboy Ralepelle for players with over 100 throws. He also added a further 11 Tests to his growing tally in 2013, including a single outing against the British & Irish Lions. He then featured for Australia in The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour. 84

89 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHRIS FEAUAI-SAUTIA Wing 181cm/92kg Date of Birth: 17 November 1993 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2012 vs Lions, Brisbane Test Caps: 2 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 28 September 2013 vs South Africa, Cape Town Young Reds sensation Chris Feauai-Sautia continues to live up to his reputation as the next big thing. The 20-year-old added a further 13 Super Rugby appearances to his tally in 2013, despite missing several games due to recurrent hamstring issues. The much talked about winger added to his demand late in the year when called upon by the Wallabies, earning two caps and scoring a try in each. Such was the buzz surrounding the Kiwi-born winger that he was signed by the Reds on a full-time contract while he was still completing his schooling at Brisbane State High School at just 17 years of age. But rather than succumb to the pressure, Feauai-Sautia flourished with each opportunity and enjoyed a remarkable debut, coming on after 45 minutes to score a try in a win over the Lions at Suncorp Stadium. REDS NICK FRISBY Scrumhalf 184cm/84kg Date of Birth: 29 October 1992 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 vs Sharks, Durban The 2013 season was Nick Frisby s first as a full-time member of the club and saw him add a further nine Super Rugby appearances to his name. Frisby was outstanding as a member of the Reds Extended Playing Squad in 2012 and was named Rookie of the Year, earning him a full contract for the 2013 season. While a scrumhalf by nature, his versatility means Frisby feels just as comfortable on the wing. Along with his Super Rugby accomplishments, Frisby was also the first-choice scrumhalf with the 2012 Australian U20 team that competed at the Junior World Championships in South Africa. He formerly gained experience as a member of the 2011 QAS Reds Academy, a position he earned following a standout 2010 season at club level, where he claimed the Colt of the Year award. In a watershed year, Frisby also captained the GPS Colts to the premiership. 85

90 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS WILL GENIA Scrumhalf 174cm/82kg Date of Birth: 17 January 1988 Place of Birth: Port Moresby, PNG Super Rugby Caps: 86 Super Rugby Points: 85 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Hurricanes, Brisbane Test Caps: 55 Test Points: 40 Test Debut 18 July 2009 vs New Zealand, Auckland While rehabilitation to a knee injury ruled him out for the start of the season, Will Genia strung together 12 games for the Reds during 2013, captaining his state against the Force and Sharks. The Port Moresby-born scrumhalf brought his tally of Super Rugby caps to 85, with a strong and uninterrupted 2014 sure to see him earn his 100th appearance at the elite level. Will was also an integral part of the Wallabies side that took on the British & Irish, setting up Israel Folau s first Test try in sensational fashion. Genia was a mainstay in the national setup for The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour, adding a combined 15 Tests to his total for the year. Despite only featuring in 12 Super Rugby games last season, Genia ranked sixth overall in total passes (847) and second behind only Brendan McKibbin (70.75) in passes per game (70.58), showing his value as an elite ball distributor. LIAM 86 Flanker 184cm/96kg Date of Birth: 8 June 1992 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2011 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 15 Test Debut 25 August 2012 vs New Zealand, Auckland Liam Gill continues to go from strength-to-strength as one of the rising stars within Queensland and Australian rugby as a whole. Gill s game continued to progress rapidly in 2013 as he showed his capabilities as one of Super Rugby s most damaging openside flankers, building a dynamic back row combination with good mates Jake Schatz and Eddie Quirk. At the national level, Gill was part of the Australian side that faced the British & Irish Lions. The second Test in Melbourne saw him replace Wycliff Palu in the 60th minute and create his own piece of history, stealing a late Lions throw deep in the Wallabies half to help his country square the series. He was again selected in the Wallabies squads for The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour. His 24 turnovers won ranked equalsecond in Super Rugby last season.

91 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JAMES Hooker 183cm/104kg Date of Birth: 15 September 1988 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 50 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2010 vs Crusaders, Brisbane Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 20 October 2012 vs New Zealand, Brisbane The 2013 season was another bumper one for Reds hooker James Hanson, who earned his 50th cap in his fourth season of Super Rugby. Hanson featured in 15 of the Reds Super Rugby encounters in 2013, including five starts, but a neck injury ruled him out of selection toward the back end of the season, forcing him to miss the last two games. Such is the hooker s consistency that he s missed just three games in the last three seasons for the Reds. Hanson s efforts in 2012 were initially recognised by selection in the Wallabies June training squad while he also travelled to South Africa as injury cover ahead of the Australia s clash against the Springboks in The Rugby Championship. He went on to make his Test debut for Australia in the third Bledisloe of 2012; a stunning match that finished in an 18-all draw at Suncorp Stadium. REDS MIKE Centre 186cm/96kg Date of Birth: 8 July, 1988 Place of Birth: North Harbour, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 31 Super Rugby Points: 201 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Waratahs, Sydney Test Caps: 10 Test Points: 55 Test Debut 5 June 2012 vs Scotland, Newcastle A sniper with the boot, Reds utility Mike Harris will be looking to reestablish himself as his team s first choice inside centre in Harris played just eight Super Rugby games in 2013, along with a run from the bench against the British & Irish Lions, but backed up his season with selection in the Australian Spring Tour squad. The 2012 season was a record-breaking Super Rugby campaign for Harris with his accurate kicking first drawing headlines in the early stages of the year after he broke Morné Steyn s goal-kicking streak of 21. Harris also kicked nine goals at Suncorp Stadium against the Force to equal the mark set by Queensland great John Eales in Despite having already played for New Zealand at a junior level, Harris is eligible for Australian selection by way of an Australianborn grandmother and has 10 Test caps to his name. 87

92 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS GREG HOLMES Prop 187cm/114kg Date of Birth: 11 June 1983 Place of Birth: Warwick, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 104 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2005 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 13 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 5 November 2005 vs France, Marseille The 2013 season saw Greg Holmes earn his 100th cap for Queensland in his ninth season of Super Rugby. Holmes reached the milestone against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium, becoming only the third prop to ever reach 100 games for Queensland, behind Dan Crowley (124) and Stan Pilecki (122). The burly prop featured in every one of the Reds games in 2013, starting in all but one of their matches, including the clash against the British & Irish Lions. Holmes has been a staple in the club s front-row since making his debut in 2005 and is now arguably in career-best form after featuring in every one of his side s matches in the last two Super Rugby seasons. He has been a major asset for the Reds with his ability to feature on either side of the scrum invaluable to the team s success. JAMES 88 Lock 200cm/116kg Date of Birth: 29 May 1985 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 87 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Waratahs, Brisbane Test Caps: 48 Test Points: 30 Test Debut 9 June 2007 vs Fiji, Perth Talismanic lock James Horwill had a slow start to the 2013 season as he battled to return from a hamstring injury that plagued him at the tail end of The skipper returned against the Bulls in Round 6 and helped the Reds secure a crucial win over the eventual winners of the South African Conference. Horwill went on to play a further nine games for the Reds during the season, leading them to their third consecutive Super Rugby Finals Series appearance. The veteran added another milestone to his career in 2013, leading Australia against the British & Irish Lions and is just two caps shy of reaching his half century. While the Wallabies didn t win the series, the opportunity to face the Lions is one that eludes many of the game s greatest and the spirit and passion shown by Horwill during that three-test series is testament to his character and love of the game.

93 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BEN Scrumhalf 178cm/84kg Date of Birth: 30 December 1987 Place of Birth: Ipswich, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 61 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2008 vs Brumbies, Canberra Ben Lucas again proved his utility status in 2013, playing at scrumhalf, fullback and wing throughout the season. Starting as the Reds run-on scrumhalf, Lucas shifted to the role of utility replacement following Will Genia s return from a knee injury. He finished the season as the side s starting fullback, including their match against the British & Irish Lions, scoring three tries. Lucas added a further 10 Super Rugby caps to his record in 2013 following an impressive 2012 season in which he excelled as the team s chief playmaker for large portions of the campaign. He earned his 50th cap during the Reds 2012 Australian Conference winning efforts. His time at flyhalf in 2012 included the Reds first-ever victory at Eden Park, arguably their most impressive win of the season. In that match, Lucas ignited a come-from-behind victory with a brilliant individual try. REDS DAVID Lock 196cm/115kg Date of Birth: 7 April 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: David McDuling is yet to make his Super Rugby debut, after an injury in 2012 proved a significant setback to the promising utility forward. McDuling entered 2012 as one of the team s most interesting prospects but was cruelly struck down by a season-ending knee injury only days before the Reds opening pre-season game. The setback carried into 2013, with the lock unable to get his hands on a jersey in the Reds competitive back row. McDuling was an impressive performer before joining the Reds and represented Australia at both U20 (2009) and Schoolboys (2007) level and was an integral part of the Sydney University 2010 premiership-winning Shute Shield team. In search of further opportunities, McDuling made the move north from Sydney in 2012 to join the QAS Reds Academy, which is a proven pathway for players to develop and take their games to the next level. 89

94 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS ED O DONOGHUE Lock 198cm/119kg Date of Birth: 24 June 1982 Place of Birth: Wimbledon, ENG Super Rugby Caps: 32 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Hurricanes, Brisbane Ed O Donoghue returned to Brisbane as a member of the Reds College XV in 2013 after last donning the jersey in In what was supposed to be a casual return for the burgeoning lock, O Donoghue went on to play all but two of the Reds games in 2013, including the clash against the British & Irish Lions. After making his debut for the Reds in 2007 and playing two seasons under former coach Eddie Jones, O Donoghue travelled to Europe to take advantage of his British passport, playing for Ulster ( ), Leinster ( ) and London Wasps ( ). He also represented Agen ( ), Northampton ( ) and Worcester ( ) prior to joining the Reds. His initial reason for returning home was to establish his business, FroPro Protein Ice Cream, but O Donoghue s undeniable passion for rugby saw him resume training with his old side and before long, was called upon to fill the boots of Reds skipper James Horwill. JONO 90 Prop 186cm/119kg Date of Birth: 1 November 1986 Place of Birth: Hong Kong, HKG Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Jono Owen joined the Reds as the sole new recruit for season 2013 after experiencing stints with the Brumbies ( ) and Rebels (2013). He played just two games last year, including a bench role against the British & Irish Lions, and will be looking to add to his 18 Super Rugby caps in Owen debuted for the Brumbies in 2011 and earned eight caps in his inaugural Super Rugby season. Before that, he made 13 provincial appearances for Counties- Manukau in New Zealand in a team that boasted All Blacks great Tana Umaga as a player and coach. In his debut game for Counties, Lance got the opportunity to scrummage against All Black Kees Meeuws, who was playing for Otago. He also represented Counties-Manukau in two Ranfurly Shield matches in 2010 against Southland and Canterbury while he played for Sydney University in Australia between 2007 and 2009 and for Randwick in 2010.

95 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EDDIE QUIRK Flanker 191cm/108kg Date of Birth: 28 August 1991 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2010 vs Highlanders, Brisbane Eddie Quirk continued his strong form in 2013, starting all but one of his side s Super Rugby matches. The red-haired blindside proved a handful for defenders in his fourth season in Queensland with his bullish running one of the more attractive elements of his game. The 2013 season also saw Quirk achieve a career milestone, starting against the British & Irish Lions as the Reds faced the tourists at Suncorp Stadium. Quirk s 2013 efforts came off the back of a solid 2012 campaign that saw him grow as regular performer within the match-day squad, before a shoulder reconstruction ended what was otherwise a promising year for the youngster. On his way to the Reds, Quick has compiled an impressive representative resume which included Queensland U16s (2007); Queensland Schoolboys (2008); Australia A (2008), Australian Schoolboys (2008); QAS Reds Academy ( ); Australian Sevens ( ) and Australian U20s ( ). REDS BEAU Flanker 180cm/97kg Date of Birth: 15 August 1986 Place of Birth: Alice Springs, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 58 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2007 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 17 July 2011 vs Samoa, Sydney Beau Robinson is looking to re-establish himself as an unstoppable force in Super Rugby after his 2013 season was disrupted by injury. After looking certain to fully recover after an ankle injury plagued his 2012 run, an accident sidelined the flanker prior to the first round of competition. Robinson returned to the field 11 games into the 2013 season and played seven Super Rugby matches for the Reds, taking his career tally to 58 after representing the Waratahs between Showing his mettle in the 2012 Super Rugby campaign, Robinson battled his ankle injury on a weekly basis while still managing to play a significant role in 15 of the club s 17 matches. He was rewarded by playing his 50th career Super Rugby game and hopes to add to that with an uninterrupted 2014 season. 91

96 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS JAKE SCHATZ No cm/109kg Date of Birth: 25 July 1990 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 49 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2010 vs Crusaders, Brisbane The 2013 season was a remarkable one for Jake Schatz, with the young forward achieving a litany of career milestones. At just 23 years of age, Schatz is on the cusp of 50 Super Rugby caps after making his debut in He started in every one of the Reds games in 2013, including their clash against the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium. He was awarded the inaugural Frank Ivory Medal for his man-ofthe-match performance against the Rebels in the Reds Indigenous Round and capped his sensational season at the Reds Gala ball, winning the Most Improved Player award as well as Queensland Rugby s greatest honour, the Pilecki Medal. Schatz was also selected in the Australian squad for The Rugby Championship, but an untimely knee injury ruled him out on the eve of what would have been his Test debut at Suncorp Stadium. DOM SHIPPERLEY Wing 186cm/94kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1991 Place of Birth: Redcliffe, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 55 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 8 September 2012 vs South Africa, Perth Dom Shipperley is one of several flyers in the club s stable, with the 23-year-old scoring 11 tries so far in his brief career. Now entering his third season with the Reds, Shipperley will be looking to cement his role as a starting winger after adding a further 11 Super Rugby caps to his tally last year. Shipperley featured as a starting winger in eight matches in 2013 and added a further appearance for the Reds as a replacement in their clash against the British & Irish Lions. Unfortunately, he spent much of his pre-season undergoing rehabilitation following shoulder surgery as a result of an injury suffered in August while playing Premier Grade Rugby with Brothers. Shipperley enjoyed a ground-breaking 2012 season, capped with Wallaby honours, the Most Improved Player for the Year Award for the Reds, and Australia s Super Rugby s Try of the Year accolade. 92

97 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ROB SIMMONS Lock 200cm/115kg Date of Birth: 19 April 1989 Place of Birth: Theodore, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 65 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Bulls, Pretoria Test Caps: 37 Test Debut 24 July 2010 vs South Africa, Brisbane Rob Simmons continued to develop as one of the country s most consistent locks in 2013, playing every Super Rugby game and starting in all but one. Simmons earned his 50th Queensland Cap during the Reds Heritage Round clash against the Waratahs in the second match of the season at Suncorp Stadium. He went on earn selection in the Australian squad that took on the British & Irish Lions and was again selected by Ewen McKenzie for The Rugby Championships and Spring Tour. While in Europe, Simmons showed his versatility. After missing the first Test against England due to injury, he returned to the starting line-up at blindside flanker. Simmons hails from Theodore, a small country town in central Queensland with a population of just 450. REDS JAMES Prop 186cm/117kg Date of Birth: 6 June 1989 Place of Birth: Gold Coast, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 51 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Waratahs, Brisbane Test Caps: 49 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs England, Perth James Slipper had yet another successful year in 2013, achieving a number of personal and team milestones. The reliable prop played every Super Rugby match, starting at tighthead in all but one and logging 1214 minutes, which was second only to Quade Cooper (1360) among the Reds. He captained the team on five occasions, including the opening four rounds of the competition with James Horwill sidelined by injury. In the final game of the regular season against the Waratahs, Slipper earned his 50th Cap for Queensland in the team s win, which includes the tour match against the British & Irish Lions. Slipper was also selected in the Australian side that played the Lions before being selected in Ewen McKenzie s national squads for The Rugby Championship and Spring Tour where he was a regular starter at loosehead prop. 93

98 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS BEN Centre 180cm/95kg Date of Birth: 19 January 1989 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 40 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2009 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Test Caps: 7 Test Debut 3 December 2011 vs Wales, Cardiff Centre Ben Tapuai continued to be one of the side s most reliable centres in 2013, setting the stage to earn his 50th Super Rugby cap. Tapuai featured in all but one of the Reds Super Rugby games last season and also took on the British & Irish Lions. He started the season at inside centre where he played for the first 11 games of the season before shifting to outside centre for the remainder. He scored three tries, including a memorable double against the Waratahs in a standout Round 2 performance. Tapuai commenced the 2012 Super Rugby season as the Reds most consistent performer, but a colossal hit delivered by Juan de Jongh in Round 9 sidelined the centre with a fractured collarbone. Following his rehabilitation, Tapuai continued his form in the later stages of the Super Rugby season to earn selection in Australia s squad for The Rugby Championship. JAMIE-JERRY Fullback 180cm/90kg Date of Birth: 18 June 1993 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, or Jay-Jay as he is commonly known, has joined the club on a two-year contract that will take him through until at least the end of Taulagi has experienced a rapid rise into the Reds squad after his family moved from New Zealand to Australia in June 2012 when he was 19 years of age. He began playing Colts rugby at the University of Queensland before making his Premier Grade debut and later featuring in the 2012 Queensland Premier Rugby Grand Final where University beat Sunnybank Jay-Jay turned heads in 2013 with his electric pace and fast feet, scoring 13 tries from 13 games to help the University Red Heavies progress to the 2013 Preliminary Final. 94

99 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 AIDAN Wing 183cm/92kg Date of Birth: 19 January 1991 Place of Birth: Port Moresby, PNG Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Force, Brisbane One of the more dangerous attacking players in the squad, Aidan Toua s Super Rugby aspirations have been hampered by injury in recent years. He was again active for Easts Tigers in Premier Grade and was named Player of the Year, despite missing the Final with a fractured eye socket. Signed to the full time squad in 2012, Toua was struck down with a hamstring injury in the club s opening trial game and was sidelined until his Round 7 return at Suncorp Stadium. A stellar 56-minute performance marked a successful return for the flying winger but despite showing exciting promise, his other hamstring proved his undoing and forcing an end to his 2012 campaign. Aidan is set to return to a full bill of health in 2014 and will hope to build upon his five Super Rugby caps. REDS LACHIE TURNER Wing 189cm/94kg Date of Birth: 11 May 1987 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 71 Super Rugby Points: 125 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2007 vs Stormers, Sydney Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 5 July 2008 vs France, Brisbane Lachie Turner is one of the club s newest recruits after moving north from his native New South Wales for the 2014 Super Rugby season. Turner signed with the Reds for two years in late 2013 and hopes to ignite the field with his blistering pace after two injury-marred seasons at the Waratahs. A whippy and experienced winger, Turner has been a proven finisher since making his provincial debut for New South Wales in 2006, his first year out of high school. He is a threat at both wing and fullback and has 25 tries in 71 Super Rugby games as proof of his attacking potency. He also has four Test tries to his name in 15 caps for the Wallabies. Turner s move to Queensland marks the end of a frustrating chapter of injury troubles following a severe hamstring tear in a 2012 preseason trial and a broken leg sustained playing club rugby last year. 95

100 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REDS 96

101 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WARATAHS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Alofa Alofa Wing 185cm 94kg Adam Ashley-Cooper Centre 182cm 98kg Kurtley Beale Fullback 184cm 90kg Peter Betham Wing 192cm 98kg Matt Carraro Centre 185cm 93kg Mitchell Chapman Flanker 197cm 110kg Cam Crawford Wing 193cm 100kg Dave Dennis C Flanker 192cm 110kg Kane Douglas Lock 202cm 119kg Israel Folau Fullback 193cm 103kg Bernard Foley Flyhalf 182cm 89kg Tala Gray No cm 114kg Michael Hodge Centre 183cm 91kg Jed Holloway Lock 195cm 109kg Michael Hooper Flanker 182cm 101kg Rob Horne Centre 186cm 92kg David Horwitz Flyhalf 182cm 92kg Sekope Kepu Prop 188cm 118kg Jonno Lance Centre 183cm 92kg Tolo Latu Hooker 178cm 110kg Matt Lucas Scrumhalf 174cm 78kg Pat McCutcheon Flanker 187cm 106kg Brendan McKibbin Scrumhalf 175cm 85kg Wycliff Palu No cm 116kg Greg Peterson Lock 204cm 118kg Nick Phipps Scrumhalf 180cm 87kg Tatafu Polota Nau Hooker 181cm 115kg Jacques Potgieter Lock 194cm 115kg Benn Robinson Prop 183cm 112kg Paddy Ryan Prop 189cm 117kg Will Skelton Lock 203cm 135kg Jeremy Tilse Prop 190cm 118kg Ben Volavola Flyhalf 191cm 89kg

102 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Russell Fairfax Media & Special Projects Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) rfairfax@waratahsrugby.com.au TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Roger Davis Chief Executive Officer: Jason Allen Head Coach: Michael Cheika Assistant Coach: Daryl Gibson Assistant Coach: Nathan Grey Team Logistics Manager: Sam Cashman High Performance Analyst: Anthony Wakeling Strength & Conditioning: Haydn Masters Strength & Conditioning: Tom Tombleson Team Doctor: Dr Sharron Flahive Physiotherapist: Keiran Cleary Physiotherapist: Alex Hill Operations Coordinator: Jasmin Murphy ADDRESS IBM Centre Sydney Football Stadium Driver Avenue Moore Park, NSW 2021 Australia Locked Bag 1222 Paddington, NSW 2021 Australia Phone: Fax: enquiries@waratahsrugby.com.au WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: nswwaratahs YouTube: HOME GROUNDS Allianz Stadium Driver Avenue Moore Park, NSW Capacity: 44,000 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Avenue Sydney Olympic Park, NSW Capacity: 83,500 98

103 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Sky blue jersey with navy blue trim, navy blue shorts. CLASH STRIP: White jersey with navy blue sleeves, navy blue shorts. TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Alofa Alofa (West Harbour), Kurtley Beale (Rebels), Matt Carraro (Montpellier), Tala Gray (Biarritz), David Horwitz (Randwick), Jonno Lance (Reds), Tolu Latu (Sydney University), Nick Phipps (Rebels), Jacques Potgieter (Bulls/Fukuoka Sanix Blues) PLAYERS OUT: Ollie Atkins (Edinburgh), Berrick Barnes (Panasonic Wild Knights), Tom Carter (Retired), Damien Fitzpatrick (Lyon), Grayson Hart (Edinburgh), Tom Kingston (Rebels), Drew Mitchell (Toulon), Lopeti Timani (Rebels), Sitaleki Timani (Montpellier), Lachie Turner (Reds), John Ulugia (Clermont) WARATAHS FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Sunday 23 February Force Allianz Stadium 16:05 3 Saturday 1 March Reds ANZ Stadium 19:40 4 BYE 5 Saturday 15 March Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 6 Friday 21 March Rebels Allianz Stadium 19:40 7 Saturday 29 March Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 8 Saturday 5 April Stormers DHL Newlands 19:10 9 Saturday 12 April Force nib Stadium 19:35 10 Saturday 19 April Bulls Allianz Stadium 19:40 11 Friday 25 April Blues Eden Park 17:35 12 Saturday 3 May Hurricanes Allianz Stadium 19:40 13 BYE 14 Sunday 18 May Lions Allianz Stadium 16:05 15 Friday 23 May Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 16 Saturday 31 May Chiefs Yarrow Stadium 16:35 17 Saturday 28 June Brumbies ANZ Stadium 19:40 18 Sunday 6 July Highlanders Allianz Stadium 16:05 19 Saturday 12 July Reds Suncorp Stadium 19:40 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Nick Phipps (3), Brendan McKibbin (4), Michael Hooper (5) 50 Points: Cam Crawford (10), Israel Folau (10), Michael Hooper (10), Dave Dennis (15) 100 Caps: Wycliff Palu (10), Kurtley Beale (18), Mitchell Chapman (18) 100 Points: Adam Ashley-Cooper (7) 250 Points: Brendan McKibbin (7) 500 Points: Kurtley Beale (83) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

104 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS MICHAEL CHEIKA Head Coach Born: 4 March 1967, Sydney AUS Coaching History: Petrarca Padova Head Coach (2000) Randwick First Grade Coach ( ) Leinster Head Coach ( ) Stade Français Director of Rugby ( ) Waratahs Head Coach (2013-) Michael Cheika s first year in charge of the Waratahs saw him ring the changes and set an ambitious target for a top-two finish. As a player, Cheika was selected for the Australian U21 side and was a New South Wales representative himself. He made 212 first grade appearances for Randwick as a No. 8, winning seven Premiership titles in his 14-year playing career before adding another as coach in In 2005, Cheika replaced Declan Kidney as Head Coach of Leinster with his five-year tenure producing the province s first ever Heineken Cup victory. After a stint in France, he returned home in 2013 and took the reins at the Waratahs on a three-year contract. Under Cheika s initiative of ball in hand rugby, the Waratahs came home in ninth position but finished fourth on the try scorers list. They made the most line breaks, the second most metres, had the fewest kicks and doubled their season wins to eight. Backed up by a hard work ethic and clear team identity, Cheika will again look to play the running game in DARYL GIBSON Assistant Coach Born: 2 March 1975, Lumsden NZL Coaching History: Glasgow Warriors Backs Coach ( ) Crusaders Assistant Coach ( ) Maori All Blacks Assistant Coach ( ) Waratahs Assistant Coach (2013-) This is former All Black centre Daryl Gibson s second season with the Waratahs. He brings a wealth of international coaching and playing experience. His expertise is attack and continuity around the ruck, which complements the club s vision for As an inside centre, Gibson played 19 Tests for New Zealand between 1999 and 2002, including the 1999 Rugby World Cup. He also represented Canterbury and the Crusaders, accumulating 77 caps between 1996 and He is the father of triplets Oscar, Finn and Indy who will turn seven this year. 100

105 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 NATHAN GREY Assistant Coach Born: 31 March 1975, Gosford AUS Coaching History: Kyuden Voltex Player/Coach ( ) Rebels Assistant Coach ( ) WARATAHS One of the state s most-capped players of all time, former Wallabies and Waratahs centre Nathan Grey returns home to join the coaching team for the 2014 Super Rugby season. He is a specialist in defence and is coming off a five-year stint with Japanese side Kyuden and three seasons with the Rebels. Grey debuted as a player for the Waratahs in 1997 and went on to earn 94 state caps and score 21 tries in nine seasons. He still remains the state s most-capped centre (92 of his caps were earned at centre) and ranks 16th amongst the Waratahs all-time try scorers. He made his Test debut for Australia against Scotland in 1998, subsequently earning 35 test caps and was a member of the Wallabies 1999 World Cup winning team. ALOFA ALOFA Wing 185cm/94kg Date of Birth: 12 March 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Invited to tour Argentina with the New South Wales Barbarians last August, Alofa Alofa s broken-field running and knack of turning defence into attack along with his ability to cover wing, centre and fullback secured him a contract with the Waratahs for Born in Auckland, Alofa arrived in Australia as a four-year-old. The youngest of four siblings, he was given the occasional Sunday off by his parents, both Christian Ministers, to pursue his passion for sport. After a short stint in league, Alofa returned to rugby with West Harbour and stormed over for 13 tries in a dynamic debut season. Nicknamed bread, the emerging winger is a fan of soul music and he s a pretty handy musician, playing guitar, bass and drums. 101

106 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS ADAM Centre 182cm/98kg Date of Birth: 27 March 1984 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 108 Super Rugby Points: 93 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Crusaders, Canberra Test Caps: 91 Test Points: 130 Test Debut 20 August 2005 vs South Africa, Perth Adam Ashley-Cooper, a descendant of the Earl of Shaftesbury, took up rugby as a 15-year-old while living on the New South Wales Central Coast. At the age of 19, Ashley-Cooper moved to Canberra to take up his first professional contract in 2005 but after eight seasons with the Brumbies, returned to Sydney. He played every match in his debut season for the Waratahs and 14 in 2013, scoring three tries. Labelled one of the most versatile players in the game, the international veteran can play centre, wing, or fullback. He holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in Rugby World Cup history, crossing for three tries in eight minutes in the 67-5 victory over the United States in He is also the only player to feature in every minute of a full seven-match Rugby World Cup campaign. KURTLEY Fullback 184cm/90kg Date of Birth: 6 January 1989 Place of Birth: Blacktown, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 82 Super Rugby Points: 417 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 39 Test Points: 86 Test Debut 28 November 2009 vs Wales, Cardiff Kurtley Beale signed with the Waratahs as a 16-year-old at St Joseph s College and made his first Super Rugby start against the Sharks in The former Australian Schoolboys captain became the Waratahs first choice flyhalf at the start of 2008 and went on to make 68 appearances for the Sydney-based club. Beale has 39 Test caps, his first coming at the end of the 2009 Spring Tour, when he appeared on the wing as a substitute against Wales. He moved to fullback for the 2010 season and won the prestigious John Eales Medal as Australia s best player throughout Beale returns to the Waratahs in 2014 after two seasons with the Rebels. 102

107 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PETER Wing 192cm/98kg Date of Birth: 6 January 1989 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2011 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 19 October 2013 vs New Zealand, Dunedin Two call-ups to the Wallabies highlighted a memorable 2013 for Peter Betham. The 25-year-old made his Waratahs debut against the Crusaders in 2012 and has also represented Australia at U20 level. A long time Coogee Wombat league player, Betham was brought up in Sydney s inner west. He went to school at St Joseph s College, playing his schoolboy rugby at wing or fullback alongside fellow Joeys teammate Kurtley Beale and was a member of the premiership-winning sides of 2005 and He was part of the setup at the Brumbies in and spent 2011 at the Rebels in between his time with the Waratahs. Outside of rugby, Betham enjoys spending time with his family and listening to music, in particular New Zealand rock band Six60. WARATAHS MATT CARRARO Centre 185cm/93kg Date of Birth: 4 August 1984 Place of Birth: Gosford, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Matt Carraro had two seasons in the Waratahs sky blue back in before joining English premiership side Bath ( ). The hard-running outside back then signed on for French club Montpellier for the seasons. Invited to join the Waratahs on their end of season tour to South America, Carraro impressed Head Coach Michael Cheika and was rewarded with a contract. The 29-year-old lists Waratahs legend and Assistant Coach Nathan Grey, along with Stephen Larkham, as his favourite players. Larkham is the current Head Coach of the Brumbies where Carraro started his Super Rugby career in Born in Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast, Carraro loves being back in Sydney. He is studying Human Movement at Sydney University and when he s not playing rugby, enjoys BBQs, the beach, bodyboarding and longboarding. 103

108 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS MITCHELL CHAPMAN Flanker 197cm/110kg Date of Birth: 15 March 1983 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 82 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2005 vs Crusaders, Christchurch An experienced blindside flanker, Mitchell Chapman is in his second season with the Waratahs after two years with Japan Top League club NTT Docomo. A tourist with the Wallabies in 2006 and 2009, as well as representing the Barbarians and Australia A, the former Australian Schoolboys skipper has played for three of Australia s five Super Rugby franchises. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Reds in 2005 before moving to the Brumbies in He was a talented junior cricketer representing Queensland at U17 and U19 age levels and later completed a Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Finance at the University of Southern Queensland. He will again captain the side this year. CAM Wing 193cm/100kg Date of Birth: 14 November 1988 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2012 vs Force, Perth Sydney-born Cam Crawford played seven games last season for a return of eight tries, netting him the best tries-to-games ratio in Super Rugby. Crawford s haul included a try on debut against the Chiefs and a hat-trick against the Kings in a romp in Port Elizabeth. He started his career with the Brumbies in 2012 but played just two games before injury and lack of opportunity proved pivotal in the young winger s decision to return home to Sydney. Multi-talented, Crawford is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts degree, has a passion for music, and is a real crowd pleaser on the guitar. He also captained the GPS first XI cricket team and was a prolific run-scorer in his final year of schooling at Sydney Grammar. 104

109 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DAVE Flanker 192cm/110kg Date of Birth: 10 January 1986 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2007 vs Crusaders, Sydney Test Caps: 18 Test Debut 15 September 2012 vs Argentina, Gold Coast Dave Dennis has been a mainstay for the Waratahs over the last three years, playing in 45 of the team s 47 Super Rugby matches. He made his debut in 2007 as a 21-year-old but a succession of injuries saw him enter the 2010 season with just a solitary cap to his name. Introduced to rugby in year seven at Richmond High School by his teacher at the time, Mr (Kev) Radley, Dave was honoured to earn his fourth international cap in front of Mr Radley and his wife Julie, who were among the 82,000-strong Allianz Stadium crowd for Australia s third and final Test against Wales in Studying for a Graduate Diploma of Commerce at Sydney University, Dennis collected the prestigious Waratahs Players Player of the Year award in WARATAHS KANE Lock 202cm/119kg Date of Birth: 1 June 1989 Place of Birth: Maclean, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 58 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 14 Test Debut 15 September 2012 vs Argentina, Gold Coast Kane Douglas joined the New South Wales Academy in 2008, forcing his way into the 2010 Super Rugby squad and debuting against the Reds in Round 1 of that season. A Wallaby regular for the last two seasons, the 202-centimetre second-rower hails from Yamba on the Far North Coast of New South Wales. He began his rugby career at 15 when he joined the Yamba Buccaneers U15 to U17 Academy. Douglas quickly developed a dominant physical presence, representing his state at U17 level and playing for the Australian Under 20s team in Japan during The 23-year-old lives in the southern Sydney suburb of Cronulla and has a Diploma of Business Management from The Australian Vocational Training Academy and a Certificate III in Fitness from the Australian Institute of Fitness. 105

110 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS ISRAEL Fullback 193cm/103kg Date of Birth: 3 April 1989 Place of Birth: Minto, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 50 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs British & Irish Lions, Brisbane Israel Folau has been a revelation in his first year of Super Rugby, with the most carries and equal most tries for the Waratahs in his debut season. In Australia s final Test of the year against Wales, Folau equaled the record for most tries (10) in his debut Test season. Rugby is the third major football code for Izzy, who has also achieved club, state and international level honours in rugby league and was a member of the AFL s Greater Western Sydney Giants. Brought up in Minto, Folau was first introduced to rugby at age 12 and played a number of games at outside centre for Westfield Sports High School. After just 14 games in Super Rugby, Israel made his international debut against the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium, scoring the opening try. BERNARD Flyhalf 182cm/89kg Date of Birth: 8 September 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 30 Super Rugby Points: 63 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2011 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 4 Test Points: 9 Test Debut 5 October 2013 vs Argentina, Rosario Bernard Foley spent more time on the pitch in Super Rugby 2013 than any other Waratah. One of only two players at the club to play all 16 games, Foley is at home at both fullback and flyhalf. After just 11 appearances for his state, Foley s rare talent saw him rewarded with a call-up to the 39-man Wallabies squad for the 2012 Test series against Scotland and Wales. He was a silver medalist with the Australian Sevens team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and went on to captain the national squad on the 2010/11 IRB Sevens circuit. Foley grew up in Dural in Sydney s northwest and attended Redfield College before relocating to study at St Aloysius College. He has a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University, whom he also represents in the Shute Shield competition. 106

111 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TALA No cm/114kg Date of Birth: 28 February 1990 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: WARATAHS A former member of both the Waratahs and Brumbies academies, Tala Gray played two seasons of Shute Shield rugby for Easts before heading to France to join Top 14 side Biarritz in While in the southwest of France, Gray earned 28 caps and won the Amlin Challenge Cup with a triumph over Toulon in The big powerful back-rower caught the eye of Waratahs Head Coach Michael Cheika who signed him for the 2014 Super Rugby Season. Gray is a former member of the Australian U20 team and also represented the Australian Sevens squad. For life after football, Gray is studying Business Management. MICHAEL HODGE Centre 183cm/91kg Date of Birth: 27 May 1989 Place of Birth: Canberra, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Born in Canberra, Michael Hodge joined the Waratahs in 2013 and is working hard to earn his Super Rugby debut. A former Australian Sevens player, Hodge took rugby up in the U8s for ACT junior side South Tuggernong and represented his Canberra school Marist College before earning a place in the Australian Rugby Union s National Training Squad at the age of 15. After outstanding pre-season trial matches against Samoa, and Tonga, Hodge earned a Waratahs contract at the start of the 2013 season. Outside rugby, Hodge has a Bachelor of Education degree, is a passionate cricket supporter and enjoys a round of golf whenever he gets a chance. 107

112 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS JED Lock 195cm/109kg Date of Birth: 2 November 1992 Place of Birth: Wollongong, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2013 vs Force, Sydney A decade after first picking up a rugby ball at the Woonona Shamrocks club where his dad was a coach, Jed Holloway secured his first professional rugby contract to join the Waratahs at the start of The 21-year-old lock made his debut against the Force in 2013 and goes into the new season with four Super Rugby caps to his name. A strong, ball-carrying type with the ability to play on the blindside, Holloway was born in Wollongong but moved to the Far North Coast at the age of nine and went on to play for the same Yamba Buccaneers junior club as his Southern Districts and Waratahs team mate, Kane Douglas. In 2010, Holloway was selected in the Australian Schoolboys side and voted Shute Shield Rookie of the Year in A keen surfer, Holloway is part way through a Bachelor of Health and Movement at the Australian College of Physical Education. MICHAEL HOOPER Flanker 182cm/101kg Date of Birth: 29 October 1991 Place of Birth: Collaroy, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 45 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2010 vs Chiefs, Canberra Test Caps: 28 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 5 June 2012 vs Scotland, Newcastle Michael Hooper is coming off a career year in which he won the prestigious John Eales Medal and earned the title of Australia s Super Rugby Player of the Year. In his first year at the club, Hooper also claimed the 2013 Matt Burke Cup for Waratahs Players Player of the Year. A product of the Manly Marlins, Hooper made his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies in 2010, replacing Wallabies legend George Smith. His Test debut came in 2012 against Scotland in Newcastle and he s since become a mainstay in the squad, earning a reputation as a dogged and tenacious ball-winner. A former pupil at Chatswood s St Pius X College, Hooper grew up in the Northern Beaches suburb of Collaroy and is looking for a career in marketing at the conclusion of his playing career, which is hopefully some time away. 108

113 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ROB HORNE Centre 186cm/92kg Date of Birth: 15 August 1989 Place of Birth: Greenacre, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 59 Super Rugby Points: 55 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2008 vs Brumbies, Sydney Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Fiji, Canberra Rob Horne is now in his sixth season with the Waratahs after making his debut against the Brumbies at just 18 years of age in his first year out of school. That was 2008 and the Waratahs went on to reach the Super Rugby Final losing to the Crusaders while Horne also represented Australia in both Sevens and at the U20 World Cup later that same year. After being picked to travel on his first Australian tour of Japan and Europe, Horne was forced home after tearing his hamstring in Tokyo but would go on to earn his Test debut against Fiji the following year. He also played in the Wallabies 2011 Rugby World Cup Bronze Medal final against Wales, won by the Wallabies. Born in the Bankstown suburb of Greenacre and schooled at George s River College, Horne is currently studying for a Graduate Certificate in Commerce at Sydney University, having completed both his Certificate III in Fitness at the Australian Institute of Fitness and a Diploma of Business from the Australian Vocational Training Academy. WARATAHS DAVID HORWITZ Flyhalf 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 30 September 1994 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: A new signing for 2014, David Horwitz is in his first season of Super Rugby, but the 19-year-old has certainly done his apprenticeship, having represented Australian Schools in 2011 and Horwitz has proven himself to be equally adept at either flyhalf or inside centre, where his organisational skills and strong all-round game provide great stability. Born in Sydney to South African parents, Horwitz developed his game at Easts Wallaroos and Scots College and is hoping to be Australia s first Jewish Super Rugby player. His off-field interests include skiing, cricket, the beach and music. He is currently studying for a degree in Commerce. 109

114 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS SEKOPE Prop 188cm/118kg Date of Birth: 5 February 1986 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 61 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2008 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Test Caps: 38 Test Debut 8 November 2008 vs Italy, Padova Born in Sydney, Sekope Kepu was raised in Auckland, and attended Wesley College; the same school as All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu. Kepu began his rugby career as a rampaging No. 8 and a member of the New Zealand U17, U19 and U21 sides. He switched from back row to prop and was part of the Chiefs wider training group, as well as playing provincially for Counties Manukau between 2005 and After returning to Sydney in 2008, Kepu was selected in the Waratahs squad that made the Super Rugby Final and capped off a hugely successful season by being named in the Australian squad for the end of season tour, making his Test debut against Italy in a victory. Sekope lives in Prestons in Sydney s southwest with his wife Anna, daughter Faith-Rose and son Israel. He takes an active interest in volleyball and his unusual middle name of Miami was a product of his family s love of the American TV show Miami Vice. JONNO Centre 183cm/92kg Date of Birth: 27 June 1990 Place of Birth: Canberra, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 8 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2011 vs Force, Perth Jonno Lance joins the Waratahs after spending in Queensland as part of the Reds Senior Squad. He has the talent and ability to play at 10, 12, 13 and 15 and is an extremely talented goalkicker. A former Australian U20 and Australian Sevens player, Lance debuted for the Reds in 2011 and earned 21 Super Rugby caps with the Brisbane-based club. He is the only member of the Waratahs 2014 playing squad to have won a Super Rugby title. Lance was born in Canberra and is the son of former Canberra Raiders rugby league captain Dean Lance. He is a graduate of The Southport School and is studying architecture at university. 110

115 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TOLO Hooker 178cm/110kg Date of Birth: 23 February 1993 Place of Birth: Tofoa, TON Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: WARATAHS Born in Tonga and raised by a single parent, Tolu Latu moved to Australia at age two and started his education at Botany Bay Primary School before attending South Sydney High. Latu learnt his craft at Canterbury before making the 2012 Australian Under 20s squad. For inspiration, he looks to cousin Lotu Taukeiaho, a former Waratahs Extended Playing Squad member who is now playing professionally in the Top 14 in France. While focusing on earning a Super Rugby contract, Latu was working a second job driving forklifts at Flemington Markets to help support his family. He loves his music and his taste varies from R&B to reggae and one day hopes to represent the Wallabies. MATT Scrumhalf 174cm/78kg Date of Birth: 29 January 1992 Place of Birth: Gold Coast, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 4 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Reds, Brisbane Now in his second year with the Waratahs, Matt Lucas is a former member of the Australian Schoolboys, the National Academy and the Australian Sevens team. One of three scrumhalves in the Waratahs squad, Lucas first laced up a boot at six years of age for the Sunnybank club. The younger brother of the Reds Ben Lucas, the two played together for 14 years before coming face to face on the rugby field for the first time in Matt s Super Rugby debut against the Reds last season. That season also saw younger brother Tom follow his two older siblings and make his Australian Sevens debut. Outside of rugby, Lucas is studying for a Bachelor of Primary Education at Curtin University in Perth via Open Universities Australia. He likes fishing, surfing and has a golf handicap of

116 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS PAT Flanker 187cm/106kg Date of Birth: 24 June 1989 Place of Birth: Narromine, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2010 vs Highlanders, Invercargill A member of the club s development pathway since 2006, Pat McCutcheon was named captain of the Australian Sevens team for the season before being required for Super Rugby duty. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 and went on to represent the Australian Barbarians against England before captaining Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and earning selection for the Wallabies Spring Tour of Hong Kong and Europe. Names as the Waratahs off-field captain in 2013, McCutcheon first led the sky blues on the field in the second of the NSW Barbarians two-match tour of Argentina in August last year. McCutcheon grew up on a farm in the country town of Narromine, 40 kilometres west of Dubbo but now resides in Glebe. The self-professed country boy still enjoys riding motorcycles and takes particular pride in his Harley Davidson, affectionately nicknamed Betty. He is also the proud owner of a corgi called Wally. BRENDAN 112 Scrumhalf 175cm/85kg Date of Birth: 19 September 1985 Place of Birth: Irvine, SCO Super Rugby Caps: 46 Super Rugby Points: 243 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2009 vs Chiefs, Brisbane Brendan McKibbin was born in Scotland and spent his early life in Kilmarnock before moving to Australia with his family when he was three years old. Growing up in Brisbane, McKibbin first played rugby at John Eales old school, Marist Brothers Ashgrove and spent a year with the Reds in An openside flanker at schoolboy level and U19, McKibbin only switched to scrumhalf to play senior rugby and he served as the Waratahs first choice throughout the 2013 Super Rugby season. After moving to Sydney, McKibbin was made to wait until 2011 for his chance with the Waratahs and even then, he notched just 18 minutes of game time. But it was a different story the following year as he established himself as a mainstay within the side, which is where he has remained. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Education.

117 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WYCLIFF PALU No cm/116kg Date of Birth: 27 July 1982 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 90 Super Rugby Points: 60 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Chiefs, Sydney Test Caps: 49 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 17 June 2006 vs England, Melbourne Wycliff Palu will return to action in 2014 after knee surgery prematurely ended his 2013 campaign. Palu made his New South Wales provincial debut against Samoa in Sydney in 2003 and followed this with his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs in Round 1 of He is the 15th most-capped Waratah of all time and such is his influence was the first player to win consecutive Matt Burke Cups, claiming the club s Player s Player of the Year in 2008 and A regular fixture in Wallaby gold since 2006 including two Rugby World Cup campaigns Palu s Test cap tally would be considerably higher not for a series of injuries that have taken their toll on game time. A former pupil at Balgowlah Boys High School on the Northern Beaches, Wycliff was brought up in Manly and played all his rugby for the local club. WARATAHS GREG PETERSON Lock 204cm/118kg Date of Birth: 26 March 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Rebels, Sydney As a powerful young forward, Greg Peterson started his rugby career when his father signed him up for the Norths Pirates Junior Rugby Club at just five years of age. A physically gifted athlete, he went on to play his schoolboy rugby for The Scots College in Bellevue Hill. Following a standout season at this level, Peterson joined the Waratahs Academy in In 2010, he made his Shute Shield debut for the Manly Marlins, making his mark by winning the 2010 Shute Shield Rookie of the Year award in his first year out of school. The following year he represented Australia U20 at the 2011 Junior World Championship in Italy, finishing third. He is studying for a Bachelor of Human Movement at the University of Technology, Sydney. 113

118 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS NICK Scrumhalf 180cm/87kg Date of Birth: 9 January 1989 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Waratahs, Melbourne Test Caps: 14 Test Debut 17 July 2011 vs Samoa, Sydney After three years with the Rebels ( ), Nick Phipps returns to the Waratahs in 2014 as one of the best young scrumhalves in Australia. A standout at Sevens level, Phipps represented Australia in the 2009 IRB Sevens World Series and won a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Selected in Australia s 2011 Rugby World Cup squad, Phipps made his Test debut in a lead-up loss to Samoa when he became the third Wallaby in his family. His grandfather and great uncle (both named Jim) have also represented Australia. TATAFU POLOTA Hooker 181cm/115kg Date of Birth: 26 July 1985 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 102 Super Rugby Points: 60 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 46 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 12 November 2005 vs England, London The 2013 season saw abrasive hooker Tatafu Polota Nau win nine Super Rugby caps, taking his tally past the century to 102 appearances since his debut back in 2006 against the Reds. The accolade is no surprise, given that he holds the state s record as the youngest player in New South Wales history to register 50 caps. One of Australia s first choice hookers, Polota Nau spent his childhood dreaming of a league career before a teacher convinced him to take up rugby union. Two years later he captained the Australian Schools side. In 2005 Polota Nau was voted the IRB U21s Player of the Year and went on to make his Test debut against England at Twickenham during the Wallabies end of season tour. The face of the game in Sydney s west, Polota Nau was schooled at Granville South High School, plays club rugby for Parramatta (where he is also a Board member) and speaks fluent Tongan. 114

119 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JACQUES Lock 194cm/115kg Date of Birth: 24 April 1986 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Sharks, Pretoria Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 23 June 2012 vs England, Port Elizabeth A marquee signing for the 2014 season, Jacques Potgieter joins the Waratahs after having two seasons with the Bulls ( ). A three-cap Springbok, Potgieter made his international debut against England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2012 and the uncompromising lock is expected to add some toughness to the Waratahs pack. After playing his last game for the Bulls in their Super Rugby Semi Final loss to the Brumbies, Potgieter completed his club season in the Japanese Top League with Fukuoka Sanix Blues before joining his new teammates in Sydney for the start of the 2014 Super Rugby season. WARATAHS BENN Prop 183cm/112kg Date of Birth: 19 July 1984 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 109 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 66 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 9 September 2006 vs South Africa, Johannesburg Benn Robinson made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs against the Reds in Impressive form in his debut season saw him fast-tracked to the national squad and he has since been a mainstay of the Wallabies setup. Robinson grew up in the New South Wales town of Dural on the northwestern outskirts of Sydney. He attended Glenorie Public School and played his junior football for the local Dural Rugby Club. Educated at the Kings School, Robinson is a former Australian Schoolboy and Australian U21 player. In 2012, Robinson brought up a century of New South Wales appearances and became the 163rd player to captain his state. Answering to the nickname Cat, he is studying for a Bachelor of Sport Business from Australian College of Physical Education and has a passion for breeding rare pigs. 115

120 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE WARATAHS PADDY Prop 189cm/117kg Date of Birth: 9 August 1988 Place of Birth: Tamworth, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 28 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2011 vs Chiefs, Sydney Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 10 November 2012 vs France, Paris Paddy Ryan made his debut for the Waratahs in 2011 and after just 13 appearances in Super Rugby, the prop made his international debut in the first match of the Wallabies 2012 Spring Tour. In doing so, he became the 866th Australian representative. Ryan grew up in Tamworth, playing his junior rugby for the Tamworth Pirates. He was schooled at St Joseph s College and was a member of the Australian Schools squad in His rugby career was put on ice for his first year out of school when he spent time in Ireland, but upon his return, was fast-tracked into the Junior Waratahs development system. He is studying for a Bachelor of Business from University of Technology, Sydney. WILL Lock 203cm/135kg Date of Birth: 3 May 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2013 vs Stormers, Sydney Will Skelton made his Super Rugby debut against the Stormers in May and represented the club against the British & Irish Lions in front of a capacity crowd at Allianz Stadium the following month. Born in New Zealand to parents of Samoan descent, Skelton is the cousin of former All Black lock Brad Mika. He moved to Sydney aged 10 and attended the Hills Sports High School in Seven Hills. After missing most of 2012 with a fractured foot sustained at the Australian Rugby Union s National Academy, the towering youngster was given a chance with a spot in the 2013 Extended Playing Squad. He quickly impressed and signed a full-time contract for the 2014 season. Skelton wears size 18 boots and is currently studying for a Commerce degree at the Australian Catholic University. He was presented with the Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award at the club s 2013 end of season function. 116

121 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JEREMY Prop 190cm/118kg Date of Birth: 2 June 1986 Place of Birth: Newcastle, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2007 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Having grown up in Maitland, 166km north of Sydney, Jeremy Tilse was a talented rower at the prestigious St Joseph s College, before his size and ability quickly saw him drafted into the school s first XV rugby team. He went on to represent Australia at Schoolboys and U19 level. A fellow rugby player, Tilse s father represented New South Wales Country whilst his mother was a member of the state rowing team. A sports fanatic, Tilse is currently studying for a Bachelor of Construction Management at the University of Newcastle and has recently become a qualified builder after completing his Certificate IV in Building. WARATAHS BEN VOLAVOLA Flyhalf 191cm/89kg Date of Birth: 13 January 1991 Place of Birth: Sydney, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Reds, Brisbane The last draftee into the 2013 Extended Playing Squad, Ben Volavola was a standout in the early games of last season and went on to play eight Super Rugby matches and score two tries in his debut season. The son of a Fijian mother and Fijian/Indian father, Volavola was born in Sydney but spent his early childhood in the Fijian town of Suva where he developed his passion for rugby, playing barefoot, with his friends using flat balls on a field covered in potholes. A product of Endeavour Sports High and Newington College, his pre-match ritual is to read a chapter from the Bible and say a prayer before taking to the field. 117

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123 NEW ZEALAND BLUES CHIEFS CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS HURRICANES NEW ZEALAND

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125 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BLUES NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Pita Ahki Centre 189cm 94kg Kane Barrett Flanker 194cm 111kg Luke Braid C Flanker 185cm 101kg Tom Donnelly Lock 200cm 114kg Charlie Faumuina Prop 186cm 130kg Jamison Gibson-Park Scrumhalf 176cm 84kg Frank Halai Wing 195cm 111kg Bryn Hall Scrumhalf 183cm 94kg Jerome Kaino No cm 109kg Baden Kerr Flyhalf 190cm 92kg Steven Luatua Flanker 194cm 115kg Benji Marshall Flyhalf 182cm 91kg Tom McCartney Hooker 185cm 107kg Keven Mealamu Hooker 181cm 109kg George Moala Wing 188cm 98kg Liaki Moli Lock 197cm 114kg Chris Noakes Flyhalf 181cm 86kg Ma a Nonu Centre 182cm 105kg Brendon O Connor Flanker 186cm 102kg James Parsons Hooker 185cm 105kg Charles Piutau Fullback 186cm 95kg Sam Prattley Prop 196cm 116kg Francis Saili Centre 180cm 94kg Peter Saili Loose Forward 199cm 111kg Angus Ta avao Prop 194cm 125kg Hayden Triggs Lock 201cm 108kg Patrick Tuipulotu Lock 198cm 120kg Ofa Tu ungafasi Prop 195cm 120kg Lolagi Visinia Fullback 192cm 101kg Piri Weepu Scrumhalf 178cm 96kg Jackson Willison Centre 183cm 89kg Tony Woodcock Prop 184cm 119kg

126 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES TEAM MEDIA CONTACTS James Rigby Digital Media & Communications Manager Phone: Richard Fry Manager of Rugby Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Tony Carter Chief Executive Officer: Michael Redman Head Coach: Sir John Kirwan Assistant Coach: Grant Doorey Assistant Coach: Sir Graham Henry Assistant Coach: Mick Byrne Assistant Coach: Nick White Manager of Rugby: Richard Fry Mental Skills: Isa Nacewa Strength & Conditioning: Wally Rifle Team Doctor: Stephen Kara Physiotherapist: Mark Plummer Technical Analyst: Troy Webber Personal Development Manager: Jo Moore ADDRESS Building 23, Gate 3 UNITEC Mt Albert Campus Carrington Rd Mount Albert, Auckland 1025 New Zealand PO Box Mount Albert, Auckland 1350 New Zealand Phone: info@theblues.co.nz WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: bluesrugbyteam Pinterest: YouTube: Google Plus: LinkedIn: HOME GROUNDS Eden Park Walters Road Mt Eden, Auckland Capacity: 50,000 North Harbour Stadium Stadium Drive Albany, Auckland Capacity: 25,

127 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Navy jersey with a powder blue emblem that reflects the Pacific and the Blues region, including the sea, frangipani, spears, nets and Rangitoto. Navy shorts with powder blue stripes and navy socks. CLASH STRIP: White jersey with a grey emblem and maroon collar. White shorts with powder blue stripes and white socks. BLUES TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Tom Donnelly (Crusaders), Jerome Kaino (Toyota Verblitz), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers), Ma a Nonu (Highlanders), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (Highlanders) PLAYERS OUT: Anthony Boric (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), Quentin MacDonald (Released), Marty McKenzie (Rugby Sevens), Waisake Naholo (Rugby Sevens), Tim Perry (Crusaders), Ronald Raaymakers (Released), Rene Ranger (Montpellier), Ali Williams (Toulon) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Saturday 22 February Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 3 Friday 28 February Crusaders Eden Park 19:35 4 Saturday 8 March Bulls Loftus Versfeld 17:05 5 Saturday 15 March Lions Ellis Park 15:00 6 Saturday 22 March Cheetahs Eden Park 19:35 7 Saturday 29 March Highlanders Eden Park 19:35 8 Friday 4 April Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 9 BYE 10 Friday 18 April Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 11 Friday 25 April Waratahs Eden Park 17:35 12 Friday 2 May Reds Eden Park 19:35 13 Friday 9 May Chiefs Yarrow Stadium 19:35 14 BYE 15 Friday 23 May Sharks North Harbour Stadium 19:35 16 Saturday 31 May Hurricanes Eden Park 19:35 17 Saturday 28 June Force nib Stadium 19:45 18 Saturday 5 July Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 19 Friday 11 July Chiefs Eden Park 19:35 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Charlie Faumuina (5) 50 Points: Tony Woodcock (5), Jackson Willison (15), Luke Braid (20), Charles Piutau (20) 100 Caps: Jerome Kaino (15), Tom Donnelly (16) 100 Points: 250 Points: Ma a Nonu (20) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

128 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES SIR JOHN KIRWAN Head Coach Born: 16 December 1964, Auckland NZL Coaching History: NEC Green Rockets Head Coach ( ) Blues Assistant Coach (2001) Italy Assistant Coach ( ) Italy Head Coach ( ) Japan Head Coach ( ) UK Barbarians Head Coach (2012) Blues Head Coach (2013-) Sir John Kirwan heads into his second season as Head Coach of the Blues in After a distinguished playing career for Auckland ( ) and the All Blacks ( ), Kirwan began his coaching career in Japan at NEC in Since then he has coached both the Italian and Japanese national rugby teams. In the 2012 Queen s Birthday honour list, Kirwan was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to mental health awareness. Kirwan speaks Italian and Japanese, largely as a result of his time spent overseas. MICK BYRNE Assistant Coach Born: 2 December 1958, Sydney AUS Coaching History: Sydney Swans Assistant Coach ( ) Manly Sea Eagles Coaching Consultant ( ) Wallabies Coaching Consultant ( ) Brumbies Coaching Consultant ( ) Saracens Skills Coach ( ) Japan Assistant Coach ( ) All Blacks Skills Coach (2005-) Blues Assistant Coach (2013-) Mick Byrne, a former AFL player, has previously coached alongside Sir John Kirwan in Japan and held several specialist skills coaching roles with the All Blacks, Brumbies, Wallabies and Scotland. Byrne s coaching will focus on individual skills, lineout attack and the ruck. 122

129 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 GRANT DOOREY Assistant Coach Born: 3 February 1968, Sydney AUS Coaching History: CSBJ Bourgoin Defence & Skills Coach ( , ) Italy Assistant Coach ( ) Japan Assistant Coach ( ) Blues Assistant Coach (2013-) BLUES A former rugby league player in Australia and France, Grant Doorey worked alongside Sir John Kirwan as an assistant coach for both Italy and Japan. He will be in charge of the backline and defence with the Blues in SIR GRAHAM HENRY Assistant Coach Born: 8 June 1946, Christchurch NZL Coaching History: Auckland Provincial Coach ( ) Blues Head Coach ( ) Wales Head Coach ( ) British & Irish Lions Coach (2001) Blues Technical Advisor (2003) New Zealand Head Coach Argentina Assistant Coach ( ) Blues Assistant Coach (2013-) Sir Graham Henry has a long and illustrious coaching career. Henry was the first ever coach of the Blues in 1996 and since then has gone on to oversee Wales, the British & Irish Lions and the Rugby World Cup 2011 winning All Blacks, as well as consulting to Argentina in Henry was named IRB International Coach of the Year in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011 and will be in charge of defensive strategy and leadership for the Auckland-based franchise in

130 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES NICK WHITE Assistant Coach Born: 1 May 1974, Whangarei NZL Coaching History: Blues Skills Coach (2009) Auckland Scrum Coach ( ) New Zealand U20 Resource Coach (2010-) Blues Development Team Coach ( ) Auckland ITM Cup Assistant Coach (2012-) Blues Scrum Coach (2013-) Nick White played provincial rugby for Northland and Auckland before making his Blues debut in Following stints with the Crusaders in 2002 and the Highlanders from , White returned to the Blues where he played until a hip injury put an end to his career in Still contracted to the Blues, White began his coaching career by helping Liam Barry as Skills Coach for the franchise in 2009 and joined the team as Scrum Coach in PITA Centre 189cm/94kg Date of Birth: 24 September 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Pita Ahki graduates from the Wider Training Group to join the main Blues squad in 2014 following strong performances for North Harbour in the ITM Cup where he was named Player of the Year. The former New Zealand U20 midfielder (2012) made his debut for the All Black Sevens team in 2013 and went on to win the Rugby World Cup Sevens with them in Moscow. He has brilliant footwork and evasive skills and is a great one-onone defender who is beginning to deliver on his exciting promise. 124

131 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KANE BARRETT Flanker 194cm/111kg Date of Birth: 16 April 1990 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Bulls, Pretoria Kane Barrett will be looking for more game time as he settles into his second Super Rugby season in Barrett captained Taranaki during the 2013 ITM Cup and is vying for the highly competitive openside flanker position with Luke Braid and Brendon O Connor, but he also has the ability to cover six and lock. The older brother of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden, Kane is a fantastic team player with a strong work ethic. BLUES LUKE BRAID Flanker 185cm/101kg Date of Birth: 5 October 1988 Place of Birth: Tauranga, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 57 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2010 vs Lions, Johannesburg Luke Braid had his first experience with the Maori All Blacks in 2013 and really stood out as a player that has the potential to go to the next level. At just 25 years of age, Braid has been identified as a long-term leader of the Blues and was selected as captain for He has great on-field tactical nous and his technical ability over the ball is what makes him stand out. Braid was named Blues Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013 and was also a member of the New Zealand U20 team that won the Junior World Championship in 2008, with the flanker being named IRB Junior Player of the Year. He represented the Chiefs in , earning his first Super Rugby cap against the Lions in Johannesburg. Last season he forced 20 turnovers; ranked equal-fourth in Super Rugby alongside Matt Todd and Rene Ranger. 125

132 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES TOM DONNELLY Lock 200cm/114kg Date of Birth: 1 October 1981 Place of Birth: Rotorua, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 84 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2004 vs Chiefs, Dunedin Test Caps: 15 Test Debut 19 September 2009 vs Australia, Wellington A renowned lineout forward and astute scholar of the game, former All Black Tom Donnelly will add plenty of experience to the Blues in the absence of senior locks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric. Donnelly made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders in 2004 and earned the first of his 15 Test caps against Australia in After eight years with the Highlanders, Donnelly joined the Crusaders in 2012 and headed overseas to join the Mitsubishi Club in Japan later that year, before returning for the Crusaders 2013 Super Rugby campaign. CHARLIE Prop 186cm/125kg Date of Birth: 24 December 1986 Place of Birth: South Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 45 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2009 vs Sharks, Auckland Test Caps: 17 Test Debut 8 September 2012 vs Argentina, Wellington Charlie Faumuina has established himself as a cornerstone of the front row and earned plenty of experience since making his Super Rugby debut for the team in Faumuina plays most of his rugby at tighthead but has the ability to cover loosehead, with his deft footwork, impressive ball skills and physicality making him a standout. He had a breakthrough year with the Blues in 2012, being named Player of the Year, and was rewarded with an All Blacks call-up. Faumuina s 2013 Blues campaign was cut short after he suffered a season-ending calf injury against the Waratahs, however he bounced back in great shape and had a fantastic season with the All Blacks. The Blues are excited about getting Faumuina back in action in 2014 and seeing him take on more of a leadership role within the group. 126

133 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JAMISON Scrumhalf 176cm/84kg Date of Birth: 23 February 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Bulls, Auckland Jamison Gibson-Park took a lot of learnings on board from his debut season in 2013 and will be looking to challenge Piri Weepu and Bryn Hall for the starting number nine jersey in Gibson-Park had a difficult ITM Cup season with Taranaki and did not get a lot of exposure to game time, but when he did, the young scrumhalf worked hard on his core role execution, which continues to improve. In his second tour with the Maori All Blacks in 2013, Gibson-Park blossomed against Canada and the United States and really showed everyone what he is capable of. He is very quick and elusive around the ruck and his dynamism and gifted running game should really suit the new scrum laws. BLUES FRANK HALAI Wing 195cm/111kg Date of Birth: 6 March 1988 Place of Birth: Pangai, TON Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 50 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Test Caps: 1 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 2 November 2013 vs Japan, Tokyo A devastating runner with an eye for the gap, Frank Halai burst onto the scene in his inaugural year with the Blues in 2013 and was the leading Super Rugby try scorer, finding the line on 10 occasions. He was also named Blues Back of the Year and his fine form for the franchise saw him rewarded with selection in the All Blacks for the end of year tour where he debuted against Japan. Halai made a name for himself in the All Blacks Sevens team. A prolific try scorer, great one-on-one attacker and excellent player under the high ball, Halai will be looking to take his game to the next level in 2014 by increasing his work rate and getting his hands on the ball even more. 127

134 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES BRYN Scrumhalf 183cm/94kg Date of Birth: 3 March 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Crusaders, Auckland Bryn Hall s debut season was heavily disrupted by injury where a broken jaw followed by glandular fever saw the scrumhalf play just one game. He returned to feature prominently for North Harbour in the ITM Cup and seized the opportunity, with both his passing and running games developing significantly. Hall s confidence in contact will be boosted as he has added size during the off-season and he will certainly be striving for plenty of game time in The Auckland-born scrumhalf was the co-captain of the 2012 New Zealand U20 team. JEROME No cm/109kg Date of Birth: 6 April 1993 Place of Birth: Tutuila, ASM Super Rugby Caps: 85 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2004 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 48 Test Points: 40 Test Debut 10 June 2006 vs Ireland, Hamilton One of the most devastating loose forwards in world rugby, Jerome Kaino returns to the Blues in 2014 following a season in Japan with Toyota Verblitz. In his first year with the team in 2004, Kaino was acknowledged internationally by winning the IRB U21 Player of the Year award. He finished the 2007 Super Rugby season as the only New Zealand forward to play every minute and in 2011, played in every match of the Rugby World Cup as part of the All Blacks team that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup. He was also shortlisted for the 2011 IRB International Player of the Year, which was won by Thierry Dusautoir. Kaino brings a real physicality to his game. He is aggressive, durable, uncompromising, abrasive and will figure predominantly as a No

135 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BADEN Flyhalf 190cm/92kg Date of Birth: 9 June 1989 Place of Birth: Papakura, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 52 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Crusaders, Auckland Baden Kerr made the most of his opportunities in his first year of Super Rugby and will be seeking more game time in His kicking attributes are world-class and he is growing in confidence around how he drives the team around the field, as well as how he imposes himself physically on the game. Kerr guided Counties Manukau to their 2012 ITM Cup Championship title and had another strong season with the Steelers in The young flyhalf featured in 12 Super Rugby games for the Blues last year, playing 422 minutes and scoring 52 points that included 11 conversions and 10 penalties, missing just three of his 24 place kick attempts. BLUES STEVEN Flanker 194cm/115kg Date of Birth: 29 April 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 20 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2012 vs Lions, Auckland Test Caps: 11 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs France, New Plymouth The 2013 season proved to be an incredible year for Steven Luatua as the powerful young loose forward capped off a fine campaign for the Blues with selection in the All Blacks. He took his opportunities and went on to play 11 Tests, also representing the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham. The Blues will be looking for Luatua to bring that same form and confidence back into the environment in 2014 and really be a standout leader with consistent performances. A former New Zealand Schools representative, Luatua made his provincial debut for Auckland in 2010 and was part of the Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand U20 side in He played 14 Super Rugby matches for the Blues last season, logging 1051 minutes and scoring three tries. His 128 tackles ranked fourth at the Blues. 129

136 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES BENJI Flyhalf 182cm/93kg Date of Birth: 25 February 1985 Place of Birth: Whakatane, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Rugby league star Benji Marshall has made the high-profile switch to rugby union to join the Blues for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Born in Whakatane in the eastern Bay of Plenty, Marshall moved to Australia at the age of 15 to take up a rugby league scholarship at Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. He made his first class debut for Wests Tigers in 2003 and went on to play 201 games for the club. He has also played 27 rugby league Tests for New Zealand, captaining the side from While Marshall last played rugby as an U16 New Zealand schoolboy, 13 years later he is relishing the challenge of a code change. The Blues are excited about having a world-class player with his leadership skills and professionalism in the environment. TOM MCCARTNEY Hooker 185cm/107kg Date of Birth: 6 September 1985 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 58 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Chiefs, Auckland Tom McCartney has been a consistent performer for the Blues since making his debut for the franchise in McCartney sacrificed himself for the squad last season and shifted to loosehead prop in the absence of Tony Woodcock, however he has transitioned back to hooker in He is relishing the opportunity of returning to his favoured position and making life tough for Keven Mealamu and James Parsons. He is a staunch Blues man and is great for the culture and environment of the team. Affectionately nicknamed Freak for his impressive strength and work ethic in the gym, McCartney s core skills of throwing, tackling and carrying are as good as anyone s. 130

137 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KEVEN Hooker 181cm/109kg Date of Birth: 20 March 1979 Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 152 Super Rugby Points: 50 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2000 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 110 Test Points: 60 Test Debut 23 November 2002 vs Wales, Cardiff The most-capped New Zealand Super Rugby player of all time, Keven Mealamu is entering a remarkable 14th campaign with the Blues. Last season was a frustrating one for Mealamu as injury hampered his return from an extended break, only playing 366 minutes across nine appearances. For the Blues to be successful in 2014, the veteran will have to have a great year, as he is an experienced player in a key position. Renowned as one of the world s best hookers, Mealamu has great footwork into contact, is a strong defender and performs the core roles of lineout throwing and scrummaging with aplomb. He was a standout performer in the 2011 Rugby World Cup as the All Blacks hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup. In 2010, Mealamu became the first ever player to earn 100 caps for the Blues and two years later, became just the third All Black to reach 100 Test appearances. He spent one year at the Chiefs in 2002 before returning to Auckland. BLUES GEORGE MOALA Wing 188cm/98kg Date of Birth: 5 November 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2012 vs Sharks, Auckland As strong and powerful as the Blues props and as quick as their fastest wingers, George Moala has all the athletic attributes to be an incredibly dangerous outside back and will be looking to realise his huge potential in He joins the Blues for his third Super Rugby campaign on the back of an impressive season for Auckland in the ITM Cup and will be striving to increase his contribution by upping his work rate and getting his hands on the ball more often among a potent backline. He featured on 10 occasions for the Blues last season, scoring two tries. 131

138 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES LIAKI MOLI Lock 197cm/114kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2012 vs Hurricanes, Auckland Liaki Moli has represented New Zealand at U17, Secondary School and U20 age grades and in 2010, was New Zealand Rugby s Age Grade Player of the Year. A string of injuries delayed his Super Rugby debut until 2012 however. Similarly, 2013 was a frustrating season for Moli due to limited game time (four appearances, 99 minutes), but the Auckland-born lock is looking forward to returning to full fitness and contributing on a consistent basis. He possesses great physicality, an aggressive streak in defence and will be working on his individual accuracy to challenge for a starting lock position. CHRIS Flyhalf 181cm/86kg Date of Birth: 21 July 1985 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 164 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Chris Noakes surprised many people last year with his strong performances and brilliant ability to drive the team around the park in just his first season with the Blues. He has a highly astute rugby brain and is a great contributor both on and off the field, having a heavy involvement in the technical and tactical aspects of how the team plays. The arrival of Benji Marshall, a maturing Baden Kerr and a developing Simon Hickey should bring out the competitive best in Noakes this season. He had neck surgery at the end of 2013 and missed Bay of Plenty s ITM Cup campaign. He has previously played Super Rugby for the Highlanders, making his debut in the opening round of the 2012 season. 132

139 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MA A Centre 182cm/105kg Date of Birth: 21 May 1982 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 133 Super Rugby Points: 230 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2003 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Test Caps: 88 Test Points: 125 Test Debut 14 June 2003 vs England, Wellington Ma a Nonu returns to the Blues in 2014 after a season with the Highlanders. A highly respected and experienced member of the All Blacks, Nonu is renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world. Since debuting for the Hurricanes in 2003, Nonu has amassed more than 100 Super Rugby games and has played 88 Tests for the All Blacks. Nonu will bring increased physicality to the backline with his strong and direct running game, but he is also highly underrated in terms of his skill set as he has one of the best passing and short kicking games in the current All Blacks squad. BLUES BRENDON O Flanker 186cm/102kg Date of Birth: 11 September 1989 Place of Birth: Gisborne, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2012 vs Cheetahs, Christchurch Brendon O Connor is a quality openside flanker who will be pushing Blues captain Luke Braid all the way for the number seven jersey in After joining the franchise from the Crusaders Wider Training Group in 2013, O Connor had an impressive debut season for the Blues, featuring in 15 Super Rugby matches. The Gisborne-born flanker is a very intelligent player, a deep thinker of the game and sets very high standards for himself and those around him. O Connor won the 2009 Junior World Championship in Tokyo as the New Zealand U20 side defeated England in the Final. 133

140 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES JAMES Hooker 185cm/105kg Date of Birth: 27 November 1986 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 20 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2012 vs Highlanders, Dunedin James Parsons had an excellent season in his first full year with the Blues in 2013 after graduating from the Wider Training Group. What stands Parsons apart from the pack are his speed and dynamism. A natural leader and captain of North Harbour, Parsons brings plenty of intensity whenever he steps over the white line both at training and in matches, making him a real asset to his team. The hooker played 13 Super Rugby matches last season, scoring two tries and making 104 tackles. CHARLES Fullback 186cm/95kg Date of Birth: 31 October 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2012 vs Force, Auckland Test Caps: 10 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs France, New Plymouth Charles Piutau has developed into a world-class performer in an incredibly short space of time. Brought into the squad to cover injuries at the tail end of the 2012 season, Piutau shone in his first full Super Rugby season in 2013, regularly troubling attacking sides with his robust defence and burning off defenders who tried to stop him on attack. A fleet-footed fullback and one of the fastest men in New Zealand rugby, Piutau s strong form for the Blues was rewarded with a call up to the All Blacks in 2013 and he took his game to another level, earning 10 Test caps. Piutau was the top try scorer for the New Zealand U20 team in the 2011 Junior World Championship-winning campaign. He also starred for the All Blacks Sevens team that won the World Series in His 1280 minutes across 16 matches last season ranked No. 1 at the Blues and nobody else in the competition beat 60 defenders like he managed to do. 134

141 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SAM PRATTLEY Prop 196cm/116kg Date of Birth: 16 January 1990 Place of Birth: Blenheim, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2013 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Sam Prattley was called into the squad last year as an injury replacement for Charlie Faumuina and performed admirably after having previously been involved in both the Crusaders and Highlanders Wider Training Groups. Prattley is a quiet achiever who sets high standards for himself and has worked very hard in the off-season to add some weight. He is an uncompromising prop with a huge work rate who has previously played for New Zealand U20 side. The Prop played four matches in his debut Super Rugby season, debuting in Christchurch against one of his former sides. BLUES FRANCIS Centre 180cm/94kg Date of Birth: 16 February 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 7 September 2013 vs Argentina, Hamilton An exciting young talent, Francis Saili has a huge amount of potential and will be looking to deliver in 2014 after an impressive season with the Blues. A former New Zealand U20 representative, Saili made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2013 but will be disappointed he was overtaken by Ryan Crotty on the end of year tour and will be keen to regain his place. He is very physical, a consistent line breaker and has a strong passing game off both hands. He is the younger brother of Blues No. 8, Peter Saili and played 1097 minutes across 16 Super Rugby appearances last season. 135

142 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES PETER SAILI Loose Forward 199cm/111kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1988 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 60 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2009 vs Force, Auckland A former New Zealand U19 and U20 representative, Peter Saili is the older brother of teammate Francis. A strong, agile player, Saili has established himself as a regular feature in the match-day 22, playing 1072 minutes throughout 15 Super Rugby matches in the last campaign. The 2014 season shapes as a crucial year for Saili in terms of how he responds to the pressure from Jerome Kaino s arrival to challenge him for the No. 8 jersey. His defensive skills are robust, making 134 tackles and missing just nine (93.70 per cent), ranking him second at the Blues for players with 100 or more tackles last season. ANGUS TA Prop 194cm/125kg Date of Birth: 22 March 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 22 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 15, 2012 vs Chiefs, North Harbour Angus Ta avao came of age in 2013, stepping up remarkably to fill the void left by the injured Charlie Faumuina and played every game of the season. He displays all of the athleticism and courage needed to make it at this level of rugby and has a huge work rate. He led the Blues in tackles last season (154), missing just 10 for an elite completion percentage of At such a young age, Ta avao is still in his infancy as far as props go and is working hard on nailing his core roles. He was captain of the New Zealand U20 team in 2010 and part of the Blues Wider Training Group in

143 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HAYDEN TRIGGS Lock 201cm/108kg Date of Birth: 22 February 1982 Place of Birth: Lower Hutt, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 40 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2007 vs Stormers, Palmerston North Hayden Triggs earned a call-up to the Blues squad in early February as an injury replacement for Culum Retallick who will miss the Super Rugby season due to a ruptured ACL. The 31-year-old has previously represented the Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs, as well as Japan s Honda Heat where he was playing before answering the call to return home to New Zealand. Triggs has 40 Super Rugby caps to his name since debuting for the Hurricanes against the Stormers in He also has experience at international level having represented the Maori All Blacks, including starting in their victories over England and Ireland in BLUES OFA TU Prop 195cm/120kg Date of Birth: 19 April 1992 Place of Birth: Nukualofa, TON Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2013 vs Hurricanes, Auckland At 120kg and 195cm, Ofa Tu ungafasi has an impressive profile for a prop. He represented New Zealand at U17, schoolboy and U20 grades and at just 21 years of age, already has ITM Cup and Super Rugby campaigns under his belt. He has had limited exposure to competition at this level playing just five games in his debut season last year and will be looking to make the most of any opportunities he is given in His three younger brothers all represent Auckland in various grade teams, while another brother currently plays for Waikato. Tu ungafasi has slimmed down in the off-season, shedding nine kilograms from his 2013 playing weight. 137

144 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES PATRICK Lock 198cm/120kg Date of Birth: 23 January 1993 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: A product of St Peter s College, Patrick Tuipulotu is a player with an exciting future after being named in the Blues squad for the first time in Tuipulotu has a string of representative honours to his name, most recently with the New Zealand U20 team where he appeared five times for one try. He was also a standout in his debut season for Auckland in 2013, playing seven ITM Cup matches before suffering a broken jaw. His work rate and his physicality are two standout features of Tuipulotu s game, as well as his ability to carry and offload in contact. LOLAGI VISINIA Fullback 192cm/101kg Date of Birth: 17 January 1993 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 20, 2013 vs Chiefs, Auckland Lolagi Visinia is an exciting young talent. Having represented Auckland throughout the age-grades, Visinia made his ITM Cup debut in 2012 his first year out of Kelston Boys High School. Visinia was a member of the New Zealand Schools team in 2011, the All Blacks Sevens in 2012 and the New Zealand U20 team in With electrifying pace and a mature kicking game, Visinia is a name to look out for and is equally adept at both wing and fullback. 138

145 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PIRI Scrumhalf 178cm/96kg Date of Birth: 7 September 1983 Place of Birth: Lower Hutt, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 114 Super Rugby Points: 303 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2004 vs Bulls, Pretoria Test Caps: 71 Test Points: 103 Test Debut 20 November 2004 vs Wales, Cardiff Super Rugby centurion Piri Weepu is a key figure within the Blues squad. He played for New Zealand U21 in 2004, the same year he earned a call-up to the All Blacks. He has played 71 Tests for New Zealand since 2004 and was a prominent figure in the side s 2011 Rugby World Cup success. A proud man, Weepu is bouncing back from the disappointment of being dropped from the All Blacks and still has visions to regain that spot, so he will be looking for another outstanding campaign at the Blues in His work and contribution to leading the younger players on and off the field are outstanding. Weepu started his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes in 2004 and spent eight years in the New Zealand capital. He made 15 Super Rugby appearances last season, his 808 passes far and away the most at the Blues (from Chris Noakes, 282), which ranked eighth overall. BLUES JACKSON WILLISON Centre 183cm/89kg Date of Birth: 5 September 1988 Place of Birth: Hamilton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 52 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Waratahs, Sydney Jackson Willison is an experienced midfielder with a reputation for solid defence. He joined the Blues in 2013 with five seasons of Super Rugby under his belt and a championship with the Chiefs in He constantly sets high standards, is a hard worker and a great team man. Willison is a key part of the Maori All Blacks setup having played his third campaign with the team in He has also pulled on the silver fern for New Zealand Schools, U19 and U

146 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BLUES TONY WOODCOCK Prop 184cm/119kg Date of Birth: 27 January 1981 Place of Birth: Helensville, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 125 Super Rugby Points: 45 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2002 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Test Caps: 107 Test Points: 45 Test Debut 23 November 2002 vs Wales, Cardiff Tony Woodcock returns to the Blues after a season with the Highlanders. The most-capped All Blacks prop and a Super Rugby centurion, Woodcock s experience, rugged scrummaging and professionalism are the gold standard for international front rowers. He has been a feature in national teams including New Zealand U16, U19 and U21 as well as the New Zealand Barbarians. Together with Keven Mealamu and Charlie Faumuina, the Blues boast one of the most dominant front rows in the competition. Woodcock made 12 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders last season, making 113 tackles. 140

147 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHIEFS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Ben Afeaki Prop 193cm 123kg Bundee Aki Centre 182cm 92kg Gareth Anscombe Flyhalf 184cm 90kg Sam Cane Flanker 186cm 103kg Nick Crosswell Flanker 195cm 110kg Aaron Cruden C Flyhalf 178cm 82kg Hikawera Elliot Hooker 186cm 115kg Ross Filipo Lock 198cm 114kg Mike Fitzgerald Lock 197cm 114kg Robbie Fruean Centre 190cm 104kg Josh Hohneck Prop 190cm 118kg Andrew Horrell Utility Back 182cm 93kg Tawera Kerr-Barlow Scrumhalf 187cm 89kg Tanerau Latimer Flanker 187cm 101kg James Lowe Wing 187cm 101kg Jamie Mackintosh Prop 193cm 130kg Pauliasi Manu Prop 184cm 115kg Rhys Marshall Hooker 184cm 104kg Tom Marshall Utility Back 183cm 91kg Liam Messam C Flanker 190cm 105kg Mils Muliaina Fullback 183cm 93kg Tim Nanai-Williams Utility Back 181cm 87kg Charlie Ngatai Centre 186cm 100kg Augustine Pulu Scrumhalf 180cm 89kg Brodie Retallick Lock 204cm 119kg Robbie Robinson Fullback 181cm 89kg Mahonri Schwalger Hooker 180cm 106kg Liam Squire Loose Forward 196cm 113kg Matthew Symons Lock 200cm 117kg Ben Tameifuna Prop 184cm 137kg Kane Thompson Lock 196cm 112kg Asaeli Tikoirotuma Wing 188cm 92kg

148 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Kylie Sousa Media Manager Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: TBA Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Flexman Head Coach: Dave Rennie Assistant Coach: Tom Coventry Assistant Coach: Wayne Smith Assistant Coach: Andrew Strawbridge High Performance Manager: Chris Tindall Team Manager: Stu Williams Strength & Conditioning: Phil Healey Team Doctor: Kevin Bell Physiotherapist: Paul Cameron Sports Dietician: Dane Baker Masseur: Dale McClunie Kit Manager: Don Shergold Analyst: Regan Hall ADDRESS Ruakura Research Centre Bisley Road Hamilton New Zealand PO Box 4292 Hamilton East 3247 New Zealand Phone: Fax: admin@chiefs.co.nz WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: ChiefsRugby Pinterest: YouTube: HOME GROUNDS Waikato Stadium Seddon Road Hamilton Capacity: 25,

149 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Black jersey with yellow stripes on the sleeve and shoulder blades. It features flowing yellow kowhaiwhai patterns and Ara Poutama design. The embossed defining design is the Kotiate (Black hand held club). The shorts are black with yellow stripes and the black socks have red tops with yellow stripes. CLASH STRIP: White jersey with yellow stripes on the sleeve and shoulder blades. The side of the jersey features a reverse pattern of the home strip in red, yellow and white with the Kotiate embossed in white. The shorts are white with yellow stripes and the white socks have red tops with yellow stripes. CHIEFS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Robbie Fruean (Crusaders), James Lowe (Tasman), Jamie Mackintosh (Highlanders), Tom Marshall (Crusaders), Mils Muliaina (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes), Liam Squire (Tasman), Matt Symons (Canterbury), Kane Thompson (Canon Eagles) PLAYERS OUT: Craig Clarke (Connacht), Romana Graham (Exeter Chiefs), Fritz Lee (Clermont Auvergne), Brendon Leonard (Zebre), Richard Kahui (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Lelia Masaga (Honda Heat), Patrick Osborne (Highlanders), Solomona Sakalia (Released), Toby Smith (Rebels) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Friday 21 February Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 3 Saturday 1 March Highlanders Waikato Stadium 19:35 4 BYE 5 Friday 14 March Stormers Waikato Stadium 19:35 6 Saturday 22 March Force nib Stadium 19:00 7 Saturday 29 March Bulls Loftus Versfeld 15:00 8 Saturday 5 April Cheetahs Free State Stadium 15:00 9 Saturday 12 April Rebels Waikato Stadium 19:35 10 Saturday 19 April Crusaders Waikato Stadium 19:35 11 Friday 25 April Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 17:40 12 Saturday 3 May Lions Waikato Stadium 19:35 13 Friday 9 May Blues Yarrow Stadium 19:35 14 BYE 15 Saturday 24 May Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 16 Saturday 31 May Waratahs Yarrow Stadium 16:35 17 Friday 27 June Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 18 Friday 4 July Hurricanes Waikato Stadium 19:35 19 Friday 11 July Blues Eden Park 19:35 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Sam Cane (10), Nick Crosswell (12), Ben Afeaki (15), Brodie Retallick (15) 50 Points: Tanerau Latimer (10), Ross Filipo (15), Ben Tameifuna (15), Bundee Aki (20), Tom Marshall (20) 100 Caps: Tanerau Latimer (2) 100 Chiefs Caps: Tanerau Latimer (7) 100 Points: Tim Nanai-Williams (12), Robbie Fruean (25), Robbie Robinson (31) 150 Points: Mils Muliaina (3), Liam Messam (30) 300 Points: Gareth Anscombe (32) 500 Points: Aaron Cruden (1) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

150 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS DAVE RENNIE Head Coach Born: 22 November 1963, Upper Hutt NZL Coaching History: Wellington Assistant Coach (1999) Wellington Head Coach ( ) Hurricanes U23 Head Coach (2001) Hurricanes Assistant Coach (2002) IRANZ Head Coach ( ) Manawatu Head Coach ( ) New Zealand U20 Head Coach ( ) Chiefs Head Coach (2011-) Since taking over the Head Coach role at the Chiefs, Dave Rennie has led his side to back-to-back New Zealand Conference and Super Rugby titles. Rennie was the Head Coach of Manawatu from 2006 and took the team to the final of the ITM Cup Championship in He coached the New Zealand U20 side to three consecutive world titles from Rennie was also the Head Coach of the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand from and made his Super Rugby debut in 2002 as the Assistant Coach of the Hurricanes. In his first year as Wellington Head Coach, his side won the 2000 National Provincial Championship. Rennie played 59 games as a midfield back for the Wellington Lions from 1986, also representing Cook Islands in TOM COVENTRY Assistant Coach Born: 24 November 1965, Hamilton NZL Coaching History: Chiefs Development Head Coach ( ) New Zealand Schools Head Coach ( ) Hawke s Bay Co-Coach ( ) New Zealand U20 Resource Coach ( ) Manu Samoa Assistant Coach ( ) Chiefs Assistant Coach (2011-) Tom Coventry was instrumental part of turning the Chiefs around to win back-to-back Super Rugby titles. The forward specialist previously coached Samoa from and it was during this time they had their historic victory over the Wallabies prior to Rugby World Cup Coventry also coached Hawke s Bay from 2007, winning the ITM Cup Championship in As a player, the Hamilton-born Coventry captained the New Zealand University team. He represented Otago and also played 52 games for Waikato as a loose forward, winning the Ranfurly shield in 1993 and the 1992 NPC title. 144

151 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WAYNE SMITH Assistant Coach Born: 19 April 1957, Putaruru NZL Coaching History: Crusaders Head Coach ( ) New Zealand Technical Advisor ( ) New Zealand Head Coach ( ) Northampton Saints Head Coach ( ) New Zealand Assistant Coach ( ) Chiefs Assistant Coach (2011-) CHIEFS Wayne Smith has four Super Rugby titles to his name, including the last two with the Chiefs. Smith was honoured by the Queen for his services to rugby when he was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in The 2011 Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks Assistant Coach and Attack Coach was previously Technical Advisor to the national team in 1998 and 1999 before taking over the top job for the following two seasons. Smith coached the Crusaders from and led them to consecutive titles in 1998 with Peter Sloane and again in 1999 with Steve Hansen. He spent three seasons with English club Northampton from Smith played 35 games (17 Tests) at flyhalf for the All Blacks between 1980 and Unusually, all six of his Test points were scored by dropped goal. ANDREW STRAWBRIDGE Assistant Coach Born: 5 August 1964, Christchurch NZL Coaching History: Chiefs Skills Coach ( ) Chiefs Development Coach ( ) New Zealand Resource Coach ( ) North Harbour Assistant Coach ( ) New Zealand U20 Skills Coach ( ) Auckland Assistant Coach ( ) Blues Development Coach ( ) Chiefs Assistant Coach (2012-) Andrew Strawbridge has been part of the dynamic Chiefs coaching team for the past few years and helped the team to win consecutive Super Rugby titles. Strawbridge played his rugby in the Waikato from and retired with 131 games and 53 tries to his name, plus triumphs in the 1992 National Provincial Championship and Ranfurly Shield in The former All Black trialist played rugby in Scotland and retired from the game after changing codes to play soccer. Strawbridge was involved with the Chiefs in 2001 as a Kicking Coach until he became an Assistant Coach at North Harbour in He assisted with the World Championship-winning New Zealand U20 teams in 2008 and 2009 and was the Auckland ITM Cup Assistant Coach and Blues Development Coach prior to re-joining the Chiefs. Strawbridge was also a New Zealand Resource Coach for eight years. 145

152 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS BEN AFEAKI Prop 193cm/123kg Date of Birth: 12 January 1988 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs France, Auckland Ben Afeaki enters his fourth year with the Chiefs. The highly-mobile prop made his All Blacks debut against France in 2013 and has been part of Maori All Blacks tours for the past two seasons, due to his solid scrummaging and physical presence. Afeaki s huge work ethic and leadership skills have seen him captain North Harbour in the ITM Cup for the last few years. The former New Zealand water polo representative was part of the World Champion New Zealand U19 and U20 sides, as well as being a key component of the Chiefs back-to-back championship squads. Last season, Afeaki featured in 12 Super Rugby games, making 107 tackles and scoring one try. BUNDEE AKI Centre 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 7 April 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Bundee Aki was presented the Chiefs Rookie of the Year award on the back of an impressive debut Super Rugby season for the Chiefs. He played every ITM Cup game and helped his provincial side, Counties Manukau, lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the Union s 58 year history under Tana Umaga. A very quick, aggressive and evasive ball carrier, Aki is a competitive character that is destructive defensively. In 2012 he was named the Counties Manukau Player of the Year, was awarded Player s Player of the Year by his teammates and has proven to be one of the most exciting players to watch during the ITM Cup. Aki was involved with the Chiefs Wider Training Group in 2012 and played 14 matches in his debut Super Rugby season last year, scoring six tries en route to a championship. 146

153 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 GARETH Flyhalf 184cm/90kg Date of Birth: 10 May 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 268 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Gareth Anscombe was a stand-out performer for the Chiefs last season in the unfamiliar position of fullback and was rewarded with his first Super Rugby title after switching from the Blues after his first season in He was the competition s leading point scorer until he injured his foot in the latter half of the season (finishing with 166 points in his 15 appearances five tries, 30 conversions, 27 penalty goals). Anscombe displayed his impressive kicking skills and has the ability to be a constant threat to opposing defences. He missed the recent ITM Cup competition due to a double shoulder operation but was an impressive player in the 2012 competition for Auckland. He was the top point scorer in the 2012 ITM Cup and the Junior World Championship in CHIEFS SAM Flanker 186cm/103kg Date of Birth: 13 January 1992 Place of Birth: Reporoa, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 40 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2011 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 14 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 16 June 2012 vs Ireland, Christchurch Sam Cane has had an impressive few years, picking up his second Super Rugby title and proving that he is one of the standout All Blacks in the brutal Tests against the South Africans during The Rugby Championship in Cane is a very talented and highly diligent loose forward. He is an aggressive, accurate defender and outstanding link player with the ability to score tries. Entering his fourth season with the Chiefs, the young All Black made his first start in the black jersey on his Hamilton home ground in 2012 after previously debuting in Christchurch. The New Zealand U20 Junior World Championship gold medal winner claimed the New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year Award (2011), the Bay of Plenty Junior Sportsman of the Year (2012) and was a finalist for the IRB Junior Player of the Year Award in He featured in 17 Super Rugby matches last season, making 208 tackles which was only eclipsed by Liam Messam (213) for the team. 147

154 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS NICK CROSSWELL Flanker 195cm/110kg Date of Birth: 3 April 1986 Place of Birth: Feilding, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 38 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Blues, North Harbour Nick Crosswell is a natural leader who is versatile and highly competitive at loose forward or lock. The former Maori All Black enters his second season with the Chiefs after stints with the Hurricanes (2010) and Highlanders ( ). He captained Manawatu to the ITM Cup Championship Final in 2011 under Dave Rennie and the experienced flanker will be looking to secure a starting role this Super Rugby season. AARON Flyhalf 178cm/82kg Date of Birth: 8 January 1989 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 61 Super Rugby Points: 499 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Blues, North Harbour Test Caps: 29 Test Points: 187 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs Ireland, New Plymouth Aaron Cruden is a tough, world-class director of the game with an attacking mindset. A crowd favourite, Cruden was voted Chiefs Player of the Year by the coaching staff and for the second consecutive year, won the same title as voted by fans. The All Black has shown he is a constant threat and a creator of tries with a strong tactical boot. In addition to winning two Super Rugby titles, Cruden was part of New Zealand s triumphant 2011 Rugby World Cup team, won the ITM Cup Player of the Year in 2011 after taking Manawatu to the Championship Final and captained the 2009 New Zealand U20 side to a Junior World Championship. Cruden was awarded the Junior IRB Player of the Year in 2009 and started his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes where he played from Last season, only Peter Kimlin (1489) and Ben Mowen (1440) played more Super Rugby minutes than Cruden s This year, Cruden is set to take on more leadership responsibility having been appointed co-captain of the Chiefs alongside Liam Messam. 148

155 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HIKAWERA Hooker 186cm/115kg Date of Birth: 22 January 1986 Place of Birth: Hastings, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 85 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Waratahs, Sydney Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 14 November 2010 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Hikawera Elliot is a highly mobile and experienced hooker, who is powerful and agile with the ball in hand. Elliot is a current and long-standing Maori All Black but his recent end of year tour to Canada was cut short due to a neck injury which will unfortunately see him miss most of the Super Rugby season. On the back of two Super Rugby titles, Elliot helped his new provincial Union, Counties Manukau, win the Ranfurly Shield over his former side Hawke s Bay. A former Hawke s Bay ITM Cup Player of the Year, Elliot is a martial arts black belt who captained New Zealand Schools in 2004 and represented New Zealand in age group basketball. He started his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes in 2008, making his debut in Sydney against the Waratahs. CHIEFS ROSS FILIPO Lock 198cm/114kg Date of Birth: 14 April 1979 Place of Birth: Lower Hutt, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2004 vs Bulls, Pretoria Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 16 June 2007 vs Canada, Hamilton Ross Filipo is a former All Black, Maori All Black, Junior All Black, and New Zealand Schools winner as well as a four-time Super Rugby champion. The physical and competitive lock enters his second season with the Chiefs and was the leading try scorer for Wellington in the 2013 ITM Cup, scoring five times in three games until a broken finger prematurely ended his season. Filipo has played for Bayonne in France ( ) and Wasps in England ( ) as well as the Crusaders ( ) and will be highly valued for his leadership and experience this season. 149

156 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS MIKE FITZGERALD Lock 197cm/114kg Date of Birth: 3 February 1987 Place of Birth: Otahuhu, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 27 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2012 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Mike Fitzgerald is a strong set piece exponent and competitive second rower who is in his third year with the franchise. He was selected from the Heartland Championship by Dave Rennie to play ITM Cup and ended up becoming a two-time Super Rugby champion. He represented the Heartland XV on a tour of the United States in 2009 and plays his ITM Cup for Manawatu where he has had three solid campaigns under his belt. Fitzgerald featured on 15 occasions last season, playing 555 minutes. ROBBIE Centre 190cm/104kg Date of Birth: 13 July 1988 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 75 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2009 vs Blues, Wellington Robbie Fruean makes his debut for the Chiefs this season, having already proven he is a handful for Super Rugby defences over the past four seasons with the Crusaders. A big, powerful and fast midfielder, the former IRB World U19 Player of the Year took the last ITM Cup off to recover from his second round of open-heart surgery. He is a former joint leading try scorer of the ITM Cup and Player of the Year. Fruean has also played Super Rugby for the Hurricanes (2009) and represented Canterbury and Wellington in the ITM Cup. His return to rugby will be sure to excite rugby fans and he could prove a damaging weapon for the Chiefs as they seek a third straight title. Fruean played 12 matches for the Crusaders last season, scoring a pair of tries before being struck by rheumatic fever. 150

157 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JOSH HOHNECK Prop 190cm/118kg Date of Birth: 6 January 1986 Place of Birth: Pukekohe, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 v Brumbies, Mt Maunganui CHIEFS Josh Hohneck is a mobile and versatile prop with a high work rate, abrasive attitude and well-rounded skill set. He is looking forward to showing his full potential in 2014 after recovering from injuries suffered during the past year. The Bay of Plenty ITM Cup representative can play on both sides of the scrum and enters his first full season with the Chiefs hoping to build on five Super Rugby caps. ANDREW Utility Back 182cm/93kg Date of Birth: 18 July 1988 Place of Birth: Lincoln, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 12 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Blues, Hamilton Andrew Horrell is a highly consistent and versatile player. The two-time Super Rugby champion has been a strong performer across the last three years during the ITM Cup for his provincial side Hawke s Bay, with his calm and confident style helping his team make the Finals of the ITM Cup Championship in An intelligent player with an excellent skill set, Horrell is highly adaptable and has played four positions for the Chiefs over the past two seasons, making him a tremendous asset for the coaching staff. The utility back made 11 appearance last season, seeing 391 minutes of action and scoring one try for the Chiefs. 151

158 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS TAWERA KERR-BARLOW Scrumhalf 187cm/89kg Date of Birth: 15 August 1990 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 14 Test Debut 12 November 2012 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Tawera Kerr-Barlow is an aggressive and competitive scrumhalf with a strong distribution game. He made his All Blacks debut in 2012 against Scotland on the end of year tour and was part of the history-making 2013 All Blacks who went through the season unbeaten. He s had two very strong consecutive Super Rugby seasons, earning back-to-back titles with the Chiefs. The Waikato player made his ITM Cup debut straight out of school in 2010 and helped his side win the Ranfurly Shield in Kerr-Barlow was part of the New Zealand U20 side that won Junior World Championship in 2010 and he has also represented New Zealand Schools. He is the son of a former Women s Australian rugby international and was born in Melbourne. TANERAU LATIMER Flanker 187cm/101kg Date of Birth: 6 May 1986 Place of Birth: Te Puke, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 98 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2006 vs Force, Perth Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 13 June 2009 vs France, Dunedin Tanerau Latimer is one of the hardest and most experienced flankers in the game. The highly professional player is a respected leader, consistent performer and big contributor in all areas. He was nominated for Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year at the 2013 Steinlager Awards after an outstanding Super Rugby season. Latimer made his All Blacks debut in 2009 and has been a Maori All Blacks mainstay and captain since earning selection in 2010, only missing last year s tour due to injury. Latimer also won gold with the All Blacks Sevens at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. 152

159 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JAMES LOWE Wing 187cm/101kg Date of Birth: 8 July 1992 Place of Birth: Nelson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby CHIEFS James Lowe will play his first Super Rugby season having earned selection on the back of a strong 2013 ITM Cup campaign where he displayed his power and dynamic try scoring ability for Championship winners Tasman. Lowe offers versatility with the capacity to play wing or fullback. He represented New Zealand Schools in 2010 and will be an exciting player to watch at this level as he seeks to break into a highly competitive team. JAMIE Prop 193cm/130kg Date of Birth: 20 February 1985 Place of Birth: Invercargill, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 67 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Force, Perth Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 8 November 2008 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Jamie Mackintosh is a highly competitive and experienced prop who is a proven leader as captain and centurion of his ITM Cup side, Southland. Mackintosh is also a former Highlanders captain who is known for his impressive work ethic. He has represented every national age grade side and is a major contributor both on and off the field. The one-test All Black has lifted the Ranfurly Shield in 2009 and 2011 and enters the new season with 67 Super Rugby caps to his name after seven years at the Highlanders. 153

160 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS PAULIASI MANU Prop 184cm/115kg Date of Birth: 23 December 1987 Place of Birth: Neiafu, TON Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2011 vs Waratahs, Auckland Pauliasi Manu earned his first Super Rugby title after making his debut for the Chiefs in 2013, playing 12 matches. The loosehead prop had a solid season and proved to be a strong ball carrier with explosive qualities. Manu is a sound set piece operator. He has played ITM Cup for Auckland and is now with Counties Manukau. He represented the Blues in 2011 and RHYS MARSHALL Hooker 184cm/104kg Date of Birth: 12 October 1992 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Rhys Marshall enters his second year with the Chiefs. The young hooker enjoyed a strong Super Rugby season that saw nine caps, including his Round 2 debut against the Highlanders. Marshall is an energetic and enthusiastic young player with a great capacity for hard work. He represented the New Zealand U20 side at the 2012 Junior World Championship in South Africa. Marshall played his first ITM Cup season for Taranaki in 2013 and will be seeking more opportunities this season. 154

161 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TOM MARSHALL Utility Back 183cm/91kg Date of Birth: 7 May 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 42 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2011 vs Waratahs, Nelson Tom Marshall makes his debut for the Chiefs this year after moving from the Crusaders where he spent three seasons from His form was some of best and most consistent during the 2013 Super Rugby and ITM Cup seasons and the talented Auckland born player was instrumental in Tasman winning the ITM Cup Championship. Marshall was also part of the 2010 Junior World Championshipwinning New Zealand U20 side, coached by Dave Rennie. The utility back played more minutes than any other Crusaders player last season and his tally of 1360 ranked eighth overall in Super Rugby. He also holds the unique distinction of being the only active Super Rugby player to make his debut in Nelson. CHIEFS LIAM Flanker 190cm/105kg Date of Birth: 25 March 1984 Place of Birth: Blenheim, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 113 Super Rugby Points: 120 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 29 Test Points: 25 Test Debut 8 November 2008 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Liam Messam is the first Chiefs centurion and it was a fitting achievement for the club s inspirational co-captain. He is a player with an uncompromising attitude who leads by example with his enormous work ethic and polished skill set. Messam was recognised for his stellar season for the Chiefs and his best year for the All Blacks by being nominated for the Kelvin R Tremain Player of the Year, Super Rugby Player of the Year and the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year which he won for the second consecutive year. He was also voted into the IRPA Ultimate Rugby Team of the Year and claimed the inaugural SANZAR Medal for being voted Man of the Match in the 2013 Super Rugby Final. The former Maori All Blacks captain is a two-time Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist and in 2012, was a finalist for Maori Sportsperson of the Year and Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards. 155

162 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS MILS MULIAINA Fullback 183cm/93kg Date of Birth: 31 July 1980 Place of Birth: Salesi, SAM Super Rugby Caps: 104 Super Rugby Points: 147 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2001 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Test Caps: 100 Test Points: 170 Test Debut 14 June 2003 vs England, Wellington Mils Muliaina is an All Black great who has achieved everything in New Zealand rugby. The highly-rated former Chiefs captain returns to the franchise and will be invaluable both on and off the field. He has 104 Super Rugby games under his belt between his time at the Blues ( ) and the Chiefs ( ). He played his 100th Test for the All Blacks during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and is one of an elite group of just five players to have achieved this milestone. Muliaina returns to the Chiefs after two seasons at the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan. He won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the All Blacks Sevens team in Manchester, a Super Rugby title with the Blues in 2003 and has played provincial rugby for Waikato and Auckland. TIM Utility Back 181cm/87kg Date of Birth: 12 June 1989 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 51 Super Rugby Points: 88 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Sharks, Durban Tim Nanai-Williams is an exciting and dynamic player with the skillset to play multiple positions within the backline. Entering his fifth season with the Chiefs, Nanai-Williams is evasive and possesses tremendous strength both aerially and post-tackle. He kicks confidently off both feet and has the ability to change the game with speed and footwork. The versatile former All Blacks Sevens player is highly threatening with the ball in hand and earned a nomination in the 2012 Steinlager Awards for ITM Cup Player of the Year after being a key playmaker in Counties Manukau s 2012 ITM Cup Championship win. Nanai-Williams scored six tries in 12 Super Rugby matches in 2013 but missed last season s ITM Cup due to groin surgery. 156

163 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHARLIE NGATAI Centre 186cm/100kg Date of Birth: 17 August 1990 Place of Birth: Gisborne, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2011 vs Chiefs, Wellington Charlie Ngatai is a current Maori All Black who had a strong provincial season, helping take his former side Wellington to the ITM Cup Premiership Final. Ngatai enters his second season with the Chiefs and has proven to be a powerful runner with the skill set to play a variety of positions. A former national age grade sprint champion, Ngatai has represented New Zealand as a sprinter in the Colgate Games and is a former New Zealand U20 and New Zealand Schools representative. He played for Poverty Bay while still at Gisborne Boys High School and started his Super Rugby career at the Hurricanes ( ), making his debut against the Chiefs. The powerful centre made 14 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring three tries. CHIEFS AUGUSTINE PULU Scrumhalf 180cm/89kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1990 Place of Birth: Otahuhu, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Blues, Hamilton Augustine Pulu is a powerful and energetic player who is a constant threat with the ability to challenge consistently and create space for others. Pulu was instrumental in helping Counties Manukau lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the Union s history in 2013 and was awarded their Player of the Year. His form in last year s Super Rugby competition made him a valuable injection of energy to his side s performances and he is commencing his third season with the team. The former Wesley College student has played through the age grades of Counties Manukau and was also a key part in helping them win the ITM Cup Championship in

164 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS BRODIE Lock 204cm/119kg Date of Birth: 31 May 1991 Place of Birth: Rangiora, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Highlanders, Hamilton Test Caps: 24 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs Ireland, Auckland Brodie Retallick has cemented his place as a world-class lock after an impressive year for the Chiefs and the All Blacks. He possesses a high work rate and displays a uncompromising attitude to his rugby. The back-to-back Super Rugby champion was also a nominee for the 2013 Ultimate Rugby IRPA Awards. Entering his third season with the franchise, the former Chiefs Rookie of the Year, has also won a Junior World Championship in 2011 and is a key component of the forward pack. Retallick featured in all of the Chiefs 18 matches last season, playing 1315 minutes, behind only Aaron Cruden (1414) and Liam Messam (1360). ROBBIE Fullback 181cm/89kg Date of Birth: 22 August 1989 Place of Birth: Westport, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 69 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2010 vs Blues, Dunedin Robbie Robinson had an impressive Maori All Blacks end of year tour and is one of the quickest players in Super Rugby. Robinson enters his third season with the Chiefs and is an outstanding broken field runner, courageous in the air and an excellent kicker off both feet. Robinson plays his ITM Cup for Southland and slotted a memorable kick to win the Ranfurly Shield in He was part of the 2009 New Zealand U20 Junior World Championship winning side and captained New Zealand Schools in He started his Super Rugby career with the Highlanders where he played from and featured in 10 matches for the Chiefs last season. Although he scored just one try, it was an incredibly timely one off the bench that helped clinch the Super Rugby Final against the Brumbies. 158

165 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MAHONRI SCHWALGER Hooker 180cm/106kg Date of Birth: 15 September 1978 Place of Birth: Apia, SAM Super Rugby Caps: 55 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2005 vs Stormers, Dunedin Test Caps: 42 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 11 November 2000 vs Wales, Cardiff Mahonri Schwalger is one of the most experienced hookers in Super Rugby with a career spanning 10 years, five clubs and 42 Test caps. A strong scrummager and inspirational leader, Schwalger is highly experienced in pressure situations. The double Super Rugby champion is a former Samoa captain who has played in three Rugby World Cups and led his Samoan side to their historic victory over Australia in Schwalger missed last year s ITM Cup recovering from a knee injury but was involved in a coaching capacity with his Counties Manukau side, with whom he won the ITM Cup Championship in Schwalger has played for the Highlanders (2005, 2011), Hurricanes (2007), Llanelli Scarlets ( ) and Sale Sharks ( ), as well as Taranaki in the ITM Cup. CHIEFS LIAM Loose Forward 196cm/113kg Date of Birth: 20 March 1991 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Liam Squire joins the Chiefs for his first Super Rugby season in The tall, athletic loose forward was selected on the back of outstanding ITM Cup form for Tasman. He was named Defender of the Year by his coaches and represented the Maori All Blacks on their North American Tour of Canada and the United States. Squire is a strong lineout exponent with physicality and power being prominent features of his game. He offers the Chiefs another lineout option and will be an exciting player to watch this season as he strives for a Super Rugby debut. 159

166 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS MATTHEW Lock 200cm/117kg Date of Birth: 4 August 1989 Place of Birth: Harlow, ENG Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Matt Symons joins the frachise for his first Super Rugby campaign in During his impressive ITM Cup season with Canterbury for which he won the ITM Cup First Year Player Award Symons proved to be a physical and agile lock with great aerial skills. After following his brother (Andrew, Tasman midfielder) to New Zealand, Symons captained the Crusaders development side before being selected by the Chiefs. He left junior rugby to pursue a rowing career where he represented Great Britain, but a forearm injury led him to return to rugby. Symons played for Esher throughout before making the journey south to continue his unconventional yet rapid rugby development. BEN Prop 184cm/137kg Date of Birth: 30 August 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 33 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Blues, Hamilton A crowd favourite, Ben Tameifuna is a powerfully built tighthead who is explosive and destructive with an excellent skill set. Tameifuna made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and the young player quickly established himself as a strong scrummager. The former scrumhalf was part of the New Zealand U20 Junior World Championship winning team in 2011 and has proven he is a not only a big defender who is strong with the ball in hand, but has the ability and nous to find the try line, with six last season the most for any prop in the competition. Tameifuna, who plays his ITM Cup rugby for Waikato, has played for Hawke s Bay and also represented New Zealand Schools in

167 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KANE THOMPSON Lock 196cm/112kg Date of Birth: 9 January 1982 Place of Birth: Paraparaumu, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 27 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2006 vs Force, Dunedin Test Caps: 26 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 19 May 2007 vs Fiji, Apia Kane Thompson is an analytical and skilful lineout leader who has the ability to proficiently cover both No. 8 and lock. The Super Rugby champ with international experience returns to New Zealand this year after playing for the Canon Eagles in Japan throughout Thompson has represented Samoa in two Rugby World Cups, as well as playing for New Zealand Colts in His club experience includes the Highlanders ( ) and Dax ( ) prior to returning home and playing ITM Cup for Southland and Hawke s Bay in CHIEFS ASAELI TIKOIROTUMA Wing 188cm/92kg Date of Birth: 24 June 1986 Place of Birth: Suva, FJI Super Rugby Caps: 33 Super Rugby Points: 55 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Highlanders, Hamilton Test Caps: 3 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 9 November 2013 vs Portugal, Lisbon Asaeli Tikoirotuma is a back-to-back Super Rugby champion who made his debut for Fiji on their end of year 2013 European Tour. Tikoirotuma is aerially strong while his speed, work rate and ability to roam on both sides of the field mean he is a potent weapon for the Chiefs. In his third season with the team, the effective communicator plays his ITM Cup rugby for Manawatu, but injury limited his game time in the last campaign. He helped the Turbos to the final of the ITM Cup Championship in 2011 and won the Heartland Player of the Year in 2009 with Wanganui in his fifth season with the provincial side. 161

168 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHIEFS 162

169 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CRUSADERS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Dominic Bird Lock 206cm 112kg Tyler Bleyendaal Flyhalf 185cm 96kg Daniel Carter Flyhalf 178cm 94kg Wyatt Crockett Prop 193cm 116kg Ryan Crotty Centre 181cm 96kg Israel Dagg Fullback 186cm 96kg Mitchell Drummond Scrumhalf 180cm 84kg Andy Ellis Scrumhalf 182cm 89kg Corey Flynn Hooker 184cm 108kg Owen Franks Prop 185cm 118kg Ben Funnell Hooker 180cm 105kg Zac Guildford Wing 182cm 94kg Willi Heinz Scrumhalf 179cm 92kg Nepo Laulala Prop 184cm 116kg Reynold Lee-Lo Centre 181cm 96kg Richie McCaw Flanker 187cm 108kg Johnny McNicholl Fullback 185cm 96kg Joe Moody Prop 188cm 112kg Nemani Nadolo Wing 196cm 125kg Tim Perry Prop 188cm 116kg Kieran Read C No cm 110kg Luke Romano Lock 199cm 115kg Colin Slade Flyhalf 183cm 90kg Jordan Taufua No cm 100kg Codie Taylor Hooker 183cm 106kg Tom Taylor Flyhalf 183cm 90kg Matt Todd Flanker 185cm 103kg Jimmy Tupou Flanker 196cm 109kg Adam Whitelock Centre 185cm 95kg George Whitelock Loose Forward 190cm 108kg Luke Whitelock Loose Forward 190cm 104kg Sam Whitelock Lock 202cm 116kg

170 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Juliet Calder Communications Manager Phone: Angus Gardiner Team Manager Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Murray Ellis Chief Executive Officer: Hamish Riach Head Coach: Todd Blackadder Assistant Coach: Dave Hewett Assisant Coach: Tabai Matson Assistant Coach: Aaron Mauger High Performance Leader: Richard Smith Team Manager: Angus Gardiner Strength & Conditioning: Mark Drury Team Doctor: Deborah Robinson Physiotherapist: John Roche Sports Dietician: Johnny Rae Kit Manager: John Miles Analyst: Jamie Hamilton ADDRESS Rugby Park Malvern Street St Albans, Christchurch New Zealand PO Box 755 Sydenham, Christchurch New Zealand Phone: Fax: info@crfu.co.nz WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: crusadersrugbyteam YouTube: HOME GROUND AMI Stadium (Addington) 95 Jack Hinton Drive Addington, Christchurch Capacity: 17,

171 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Red jersey with chain mail armour pattern on front and black collar. Black shorts with three white stripes. Red socks with black top and three white stripes. CLASH STRIP: Black jersey with chain mail armour pattern on front and black collar. Red shorts with three white stripes. Red socks with black top and three white stripes. CRUSADERS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Mitchell Drummond (Canterbury), Reynold Lee-Lo (Hurricanes), Nemani Nadolo (NEC Green Rockets), Tim Perry (Blues), Colin Slade (Highlanders) PLAYERS OUT: Shane Christie (Highlanders), Robbie Fruean (Chiefs), Tom Marshall (Chiefs), Jeremy Su a (Worcester Warriors), Telusa Veainu (Rebels) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Friday 21 February Chiefs AMI Stadium 19:35 3 Friday 28 February Blues Eden Park 19:35 4 Saturday 8 March Stormers AMI Stadium 19:35 5 Friday 14 March Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 6 BYE 7 Friday 28 March Hurricanes AMI Stadium 19:35 8 Saturday 5 April Lions Ellis Park 17:05 9 Saturday 12 April Cheetahs Free State Stadium 17:05 10 Saturday 19 April Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 11 BYE 12 Saturday 3 May Brumbies AMI Stadium 16:35 13 Sunday 11 May Reds Suncorp Stadium 16:05 14 Saturday 17 May Sharks AMI Stadium 19:35 15 Saturday 24 May Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 17:35 16 Friday 30 May Force AMI Stadium 19:35 17 Saturday 28 June Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 18 Saturday 5 July Blues AMI Stadium 19:35 19 Saturday 12 July Highlanders AMI Stadium 19:35 MILESTONES Add the following milestones: 50 Caps: Colin Slade (3), Luke Romano (4), Willi Heinz (9) 50 Points: Wyatt Crockett (10), Matt Todd (10), George Whitelock (10), Adam Whitelock (15) 100 Caps: Kieran Read (4) 100 Points: Corey Flynn (10), Kieran Read (20) 150 Caps: Corey Flynn (16) 150 Points: Richie McCaw (20) 250 Points: Colin Slade (20), Israel Dagg (37) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

172 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS TODD BLACKADDER Head Coach Born: 20 September 1973, Rangiora, NZL Coaching History: Edinburgh Forwards Coach ( ) Scotland Assistant Coach ( ) Edinburgh Head Coach (2006) Crusaders Technical Assistant (2007) Tasman Director of Rugby (2007) Tasman Head Coach (2008) Crusaders Head Coach (2009-) Former All Blacks skipper Todd Blackadder returns for his sixth year as Head Coach of the team he also led successfully as a player. Blackadder took on the Crusaders role after coaching in Scotland, then taking Tasman to the Quarter Finals of New Zealand s national provincial competition in He had previously enjoyed an illustrious playing career consisting of 25 All Blacks matches (including 14 as captain) and three Super Rugby titles as captain of the Crusaders the only man to achieve this feat. He also served as captain of the Canterbury provincial team and is one of the region s greats. DAVE HEWETT Assistant Coach Born: 14 July 1971, Christchurch NZL Coaching History: Sydenham Forwards Coach ( ) Crusaders Scrum Coach ( ) Crusaders Forwards Technical Advisor (2010) Crusaders Assistant Coach (2011-) Former All Blacks prop Dave Hewett joined the Crusaders coaching team as a Scrum Coach in 2009 and served as a Technical Advisor to the forwards in He has been an Assistant Coach for the last three seasons and his expert guidance with the forwards has helped the Crusaders earn the reputation of having one of the most efficient scrums in the competition and he will focus on set piece play this season. Hewett played 22 Tests for the All Blacks after making his first appearance at age 30. He scored a try on his Test debut against Ireland in Dublin during 2001 and played the last of his internationals at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He played 71 matches for the Crusaders, 55 for the Canterbury provincial team and eight for South Canterbury. He also represented Edinburgh on 35 occasions over two seasons under the stewardship of fellow coach Todd Blackadder. 166

173 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TABAI MATSON Assistant Coach Born: 14 May 1973, Nausori FJI Coaching History: Yamaha Head Coach ( ) University of Queensland Assistant Coach (2007) Gold Coast Breakers Head Coach (2008) Gold Coast Eagles Head Coach (2009) Canterbury Assistant Coach ( ) Canterbury Head Coach (2012) Crusaders Assistant Coach (2013-) CRUSADERS Tabai Matson joined the Crusaders coaching team in 2013 fresh from a season as Head Coach of Canterbury. He led the team to its fifth successive national provincial title, setting try scoring and defensive records for Canterbury and the ITM Cup along the way. Matson is also a former All Black, Canterbury and Crusaders centre and a Fijian international. Having lived in France, England, Japan and Australia for more than a decade, Matson brings a wealth of overseas playing and coaching experience. He would be one of a very few New Zealand coaches to have the Australian Rugby Union s top coaching qualification and his predominant focus in 2014 will be defence. AARON MAUGER Assistant Coach Born: 29 November 1980, Christchurch NZL Coaching History: High School Old Boys Coach ( ) Canterbury Attack Coach (2012) Crusaders Assistant Coach (2013-) Aaron Mauger was picked up by the Crusaders in 2013 after impressing with the work he did on skills and attack with the Canterbury provincial team. He is another former Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks player who made his mark with his ability to find gaps, run outstanding lines, stand solidly in defence, pass intelligently and kick like a flyhalf all skills he ll be aiming to impart on the backline in Throughout his career with the Crusaders, Mauger managed to rack up 154 points by way of 22 tries, 10 conversions, two penalties and six drop goals. He played for the All Blacks at inside centre from 2001 to 2007 and was forced to retire in 2010 due to a back injury. 167

174 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS DOMINIC BIRD Lock 206cm/112kg Date of Birth: 9 April 1991 Place of Birth: Waipukurau, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 2 November 2013 vs Japan, Tokyo Dominic Bird, the tallest player in Super Rugby, grew up in the farming community of Waipukurau in Hawke s Bay but moved to Christchurch at the end of 2009 to attend Lincoln University and further his rugby career. After two seasons in the Crusaders Wider Training Group and only a single provincial cap prior to the 2012 season, patience and hard work paid off for Bird in the 2012 ITM Cup competition. He appeared in every match for Canterbury and shone as one of the best lineout technicians in the competition. He then made his Super Rugby debut in 2013 and earned Man of the Match honours in his first game. Injury robbed Bird of much of last year s campaign, but the limited game time he had was enough to convince All Blacks selectors to include him in the 2013 end of year tour where he made his Test debut in Tokyo. TYLER BLEYENDAAL 168 Flyhalf 185cm/96kg Date of Birth: 31 May 1990 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 107 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Blues, Auckland Tyler Bleyendaal was born and raised in Christchurch, playing soccer as a youngster before switching to rugby. It was a wise move as Bleyendaal captained the New Zealand U20 side which lifted the Junior World Championship title in Argentina in 2010 and was selected in both the Crusaders and Canterbury ITM Cup squads for Bleyendaal s Crusaders debut came in 2012 against the Blues which saw him continue the remarkable record of Christchurch Boys High School old boys such as Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Aaron Mauger, Andrew Mehrtens and Daniel Carter, who have started at number 10 for the team. The 2013 season saw Bleyendaal go from strength to strength and he is starting to exert more influence on matches thanks to his intelligent understanding of the game, ability to make good decisions and consistent execution of his key roles.

175 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DANIEL Flyhalf 178cm/94kg Date of Birth: 5 March 1982 Place of Birth: Leeston, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 123 Super Rugby Points: 1547 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2003 vs Hurricanes, Christchurch Test Caps: 100 Test Points: 1442 Test Debut 21 June 2003 vs Wales, Hamilton Daniel Carter holds the individual record for most points scored, most conversions and most penalties in Super Rugby history. He is regarded as one of the world s best flyhalves and is believed by many to be one of rugby s greatest ever in that position. Carter made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2002 and joined the Crusaders the following season. He also made his All Blacks debut in 2003 and impressed enough to make the Rugby World Cup squad that year. He went on to play in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, although a groin injury cruelly robbed him of the latter stages of New Zealand s triumph in Carter earned his 100th Super Rugby cap for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in 2012 and in 2013, became the first Super Rugby player to exceed 1500 points. He also marked his 100th game for the All Blacks in CRUSADERS WYATT CROCKETT Prop 193cm/116kg Date of Birth: 24 January 1983 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 122 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Highlanders, Christchurch Test Caps: 24 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 27 June 2009 vs Italy, Christchurch Wyatt Crockett grew up in Golden Bay, attending Collingwood Area School at the same time as coach Todd Blackadder was playing club rugby in Collingwood. He joined the Canterbury side and the Crusaders Wider Training Group in 2005 and was named a member of the Crusaders squad the following year. Crockett has become a pivotal component of the team and earned his 100th Crusaders cap in 2012 the second prop to have done so (Greg Somerville, 115). He has also represented New Zealand at all levels including the 2002 U19 World Cup and 2004 U21 World Cup championship sides before making his All Blacks Test debut in Crockett is a skilled scrummager but also plays much like a loose forward, so displays an excellent work rate around the field. He demands excellence from himself and puts in the hard work to achieve it. 169

176 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS RYAN CROTTY Centre 181cm/96kg Date of Birth: 23 September 1988 Place of Birth: Nelson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 63 Super Rugby Points: 50 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2009 vs Hurricanes, Christchurch Test Caps: 5 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 17 August 2013 vs Australia, Sydney An intelligent midfielder and natural leader, Ryan Crotty really started to hit his straps for the Crusaders last season, playing all 18 matches with his 1340 minutes second only to Tom Marshall s 1360 at the franchise. He earned his first start for the Crusaders in 2009 against the Force and scored his first Super Rugby try early in that match. Crotty was selected for the Junior All Blacks in He was also a member of the successful New Zealand U20 team at the Junior World Championship in Wales in 2011 and captained the team against Ireland. He made his All Blacks debut last year in the win against Australia in Sydney and was called up again for the All Blacks 2013 end of year tour. Crotty s father, Steve, played rugby for Nelson Bays and his mother Robyn is a former New Zealand water polo representative. ISRAEL 170 Fullback 186cm/96kg Date of Birth: 6 June 1988 Place of Birth: Marton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 68 Super Rugby Points: 213 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Brumbies, Dunedin Test Caps: 38 Test Points: 65 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs Ireland, New Plymouth Talented fullback Israel Dagg is embarking upon his fourth season with the Crusaders after making the move from the Highlanders in Dagg s natural abilities on the rugby field were spotted at an early age. While still in high school, Dagg represented Hawke s Bay at U16 and U19 level and in 2006, became the first secondary school player to be selected for Hawke s Bay since Danny Lee in His 2010 debut season with the All Blacks saw him make an immediate impact at Test level with match-winning tries against the Springboks in both Wellington and Soweto. He was a key player in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries during the successful tournament for the All Blacks. Dagg has also represented New Zealand in Sevens during 2007 and 2008, New Zealand U19 in 2007 and New Zealand Schools in He played 16 matches last Super Rugby season, scoring four tries.

177 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MITCHELL DRUMMOND Scrumhalf 180cm/84kg Date of Birth: 15 February 1994 Place of Birth: Nelson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: CRUSADERS The youngest member of the 2014 squad will turn 20 on opening weekend of the Super Rugby season. A former Nelson College First XV captain, Mitchell Drummond was a member of the New Zealand Barbarians Schools rugby team in 2012, was selected in the New Zealand U19 touch team and was one of six students chosen to train with the All Black Sevens team at a training camp. Drummond moved south at the beginning of 2013 to further his rugby career at the Canterbury Rugby Academy. He earned a spot in the 2013 Canterbury ITM Cup squad and his potential has seen him called into the Crusaders squad for ANDY ELLIS Scrumhalf 182cm/89kg Date of Birth: 21 February 1984 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 107 Super Rugby Points: 109 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2006 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 26 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 5 November 2006 vs England, London Andy Ellis is one of the most experienced Crusaders, debuting in 2006 and celebrating his 100th game last season. He has scored 109 Super Rugby points to date and remains one of the standout players of this competition with his fast, aggressive, efficient and intelligent playing style. A member of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks side, Ellis was unlucky to miss selection in He made his Test debut against England at Twickenham in 2006 and was also a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup side. As well as excelling on the rugby field, Ellis is a former Canterbury age group cricketer and a talented landscape gardener who has won numerous awards at the prestigious Ellerslie Flower Show and a gold award at the Singapore Garden Festival. He played all 18 Super Rugby matches last year, scoring four tries and leading his team with 866 passes. 171

178 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS COREY FLYNN Hooker 184cm/108kg Date of Birth: 5 January 1981 Place of Birth: Invercargill, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 134 Super Rugby Points: 90 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2002 vs Blues, Christchurch Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 17 October 2003 vs Canada, Melbourne The most capped Crusader ever, veteran hooker Corey Flynn has been an important member of the squad since moving from Southland in He brings physicality and toughness to the front row, as well as valuable experience. Flynn celebrated 100 Super Rugby caps in the 2011 Super Rugby Semi Final against the Stormers in Cape Town and went on to surpass Reuben Thorne s record for most Crusaders caps in Flynn made his international debut for the All Blacks against Canada at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and was included in the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad. He s also previously represented the Maori All Blacks and Junior All Blacks. Flynn follows in the footsteps of his father who played for Southland; his uncle, Robbie Flynn, who played Tests for the United States and nephew Aaron Flynn who played for the Crusaders from OWEN Prop 185cm/118kg Date of Birth: 23 December 1987 Place of Birth: Motueka, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 75 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2009 vs Force, Christchurch Test Caps: 54 Test Debut 27 June 2009 vs Italy, Christchurch Tighthead prop Owen Franks has become a key part of the Crusaders front row since he debuted in His impressive strength and scrummaging technique should help the Crusaders to maintain a formidable scrum this season. Although one of the more experienced members of the squad, Franks is still young at just 26 years of age and has plenty of games left in him yet, which is a real positive for a determined player who is constantly seeking personal improvement. Franks has represented New Zealand at Schools, U21 and All Blacks level, making his first All Blacks Test against Italy on his home turf in Christchurch during He logged 1068 minutes for the team through 15 Super Rugby appearances last season. 172

179 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BEN FUNNELL Hooker 180cm/105kg Date of Birth: 6 June 1990 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2012 vs Waratahs, Sydney Ben Funnell has shown marked improvement in his two seasons with the Crusaders and three seasons with the Canterbury provincial side, developing into a very promising young hooker. He clearly benefitted from more regular game time during the 2013 season and from having the experience and expertise of former All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn to draw upon. Funnell was a former captain of Palmerston North Boys High School rugby team and was a member of the 2008 New Zealand Schools squad. He also captained the Crusader Knights development team in He is a cousin of the Whitelock brothers, George, Adam, Sam and Luke who join him in the Crusaders squad. CRUSADERS ZAC Wing 182cm/94kg Date of Birth: 8 February 1989 Place of Birth: Greytown, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 79 Super Rugby Points: 150 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2008 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 10 Test Points: 30 Terrific speed, an impressive work rate and a knack for finding the gap make winger, Guildford, an important asset to the Crusaders. Like fellow Crusaders back Israel Dagg, Guildford hails from the Hawke s Bay and has played most of his provincial rugby there. His Super Rugby debut was for the Hurricanes in 2008 before moving to the Crusaders in Guildford has had an extensive representative career, being involved in the New Zealand Secondary schools, U19 and U20 squads, as well as winning a pair of Junior World Championships in 2008 and Guildford was first selected for the All Blacks in 2009 and was the youngest player in the squad. He was a member of the Maori All Blacks squad in 2013 and represented New Zealand in Sevens, competing in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and winning the gold medal against Australia. 173

180 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS WILLI HEINZ Scrumhalf 179cm/92kg Date of Birth: 24 November 1986 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2010 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Willi Heinz made his debut for the Crusaders in 2010 in their victory over the Chiefs and after featuring in all 18 games last season, earning the nine caps required to pass the half century is a distinct possibility in A former Linwood club player, Heinz made his provincial rugby debut for Canterbury in 2009 and has been involved in the last five Premiership-winning Canterbury squads. He was also promoted to Assistant Captain for Canterbury in 2013 a responsibility he shared with fellow scrumhalf Andy Ellis. He is a strong player with a good pass and astute decision making judgment. Heinz shone for the Crusaders in 2013 and will no doubt show the same class this year if he is presented with more opportunities to impress. NEPO LAULALA Prop 184cm/116kg Date of Birth: 6 November 1991 Place of Birth: Fagaalu, ASM Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 15, 2013 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala made his Crusaders debut last season, earning the call-up after a pair of impressive provincial seasons for Canterbury. As the younger brother of former All Black Casey Laulala, it is already clear that there is plenty of natural talent for this tighthead prop, but it is his attitude and commitment that have most impressed at the Crusaders. He was thrown in the deep end in his debut season but showed he was more than up to the task. Laulala is a player who gets better with every game he plays, so he will be looking to get as much game time as possible this year to continue his already rapid development. 174

181 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 REYNOLD LEE-LO Centre 181cm/96kg Date of Birth: 1 March 1986 Place of Birth: Apia, SAM Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Blues, Wellington Samoan born centre Reynold Lee-Lo is one of the Crusaders new recruits for He is not new to Super Rugby though, playing his debut season with the Hurricanes in 2013, a year after being part of the Chiefs development squad. He is a physical and powerful back who caught the Crusaders attention with some impressive statistics playing for both Counties Manukau and the Hurricanes. He creates opportunities for players around him, both with the ball in hand and his offload ability, and will add some firepower to the midfield. Lee-Lo played 12 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes last season, scoring one try and beating 20 defenders. CRUSADERS RICHIE MCCAW Flanker 187cm/108kg Date of Birth: 31 December 1980 Place of Birth: Oamaru, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 122 Super Rugby Points: 130 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2001 vs Hurricanes, Christchurch Test Caps: 124 Test Points: 105 Test Debut 17 November 2001 vs Ireland, Dublin Richie McCaw returns to the Crusaders after missing most of the 2013 Super Rugby competition while on extended leave. As a master of the breakdown and one of the coolest heads in the game, McCaw is considered by many as the greatest openside flanker of all time. He debuted for the Crusaders in 2001 and was also selected for the All Blacks end of year tour that year despite having only played a total of eight minutes of Super Rugby. He quickly became the first choice openside flanker and was first named All Blacks captain in 2004 at just 23 years of age. In 2012 he became the first player to achieve 100 Test victories. McCaw captained Canterbury to the national provincial title in 2004 and then led the Crusaders to consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2005 and 2006, then again in

182 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS JOHNNY Fullback 185cm/96kg Date of Birth: 24 September 1990 Place of Birth: Nelson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Johnny McNicholl made his debut for the Crusaders last year following an outstanding season with the championship-winning Canterbury ITM Cup team in 2012 when he became the competition s top try scorer. He was part of the Crusaders Wider Training Group in 2012 and will be keen to show what he has to offer this year after injury de railed most of his debut campaign, playing just 262 minutes across four matches. McNicholl has excelled at both wing and fullback and if his 2012 Canterbury season is anything to go by, the youngster certainly has the potential to add some tries to the Crusaders tally. He can sniff an opportunity, has a remarkable ability to break through tackles and is a superb finisher. JOE MOODY Prop 188cm/112kg Date of Birth: 18 September 1988 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Blues, Auckland Joe Moody was a member of the Wider Training Group in 2012 before being elevated to a full member of the squad last year. He quickly made his mark in the loosehead prop position, impressing so much during his debut Super Rugby season that he earned a call up to the All Blacks 2013 end of year tour. He still awaits his debut cap however after an injury sustained while taking Canterbury to a sixth straight provincial title dashed his Test hopes. As a former rugby league junior and New Zealand wrestling representative who won a junior Commonwealth Games bronze medal and competed at the world junior championships, Moody will be no pushover in the scrum. 176

183 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 NEMANI Wing 196cm/125kg Date of Birth: 31 January 1988 Place of Birth: Sigatoka, FJI Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Test Caps: 11 Test Points: 38 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Australia, Canberra Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo joins the franchise in 2014 and will hope to make an immediate impact in the Crusaders potent backline. Most recently playing for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japan Top League ( ), Nadolo has also captained the Fijian Warriors team, has eight Test caps for Fiji, and spent one Super Rugby season with the Waratahs in 2009, plus stints in France with Bourgoin ( ) and England with Exeter (2011). Nadolo has the potential to add some excitement and flair to the 2014 Super Rugby competition and at 196 centimetres and 125 kilograms, this winger/centre is physically imposing and fast. CRUSADERS TIM PERRY Prop 188cm/116kg Date of Birth: 1 August 1988 Place of Birth: Ashburton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Bulls, Auckland Tim Perry returns to his roots in joining the Crusaders squad for Born in Ashburton, schooled at St Andrews College in Christchurch and playing for Tasman in the ITM Cup, Perry hails from Crusaderscountry, however it was at the Blues that he made his Super Rugby debut last season. He is a talented loosehead prop who will add some useful experience to the Crusaders squad. Perry has represented New Zealand at Secondary School, U19 and Heartland XV levels. 177

184 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS KIERAN READ No cm/110kg Date of Birth: 26 October 1985 Place of Birth: Papakura, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 96 Super Rugby Points: 80 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 61 Test Points: 75 Test Debut 8 November 2008 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Kieran Read began his senior representative career as a blindside flanker but has now evolved as the starting No. 8 for both the Crusaders and All Blacks and was named the IRB Player of the Year in 2013 after an outstanding season. Read represented New Zealand at Schools, U19, U21 and Junior All Blacks Level and played his first provincial game for Canterbury in 2006, just two years out of school. He went on to earn selection for the Crusaders in 2007, then the All Blacks in Read is a natural leader who leads by example and inspires his teammates to perform. He has already captained both the Canterbury and Crusaders sides at various times and was All Blacks skipper in 2013 during Richie McCaw s six-month break from rugby. He will captain the Crusaders again this season and will hope to build even further upon a breathtaking 2013 campaign. LUKE ROMANO Lock 199cm/115kg Date of Birth: 16 February 1986 Place of Birth: Nelson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 46 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2011 vs Bulls, Christchurch Test Caps: 16 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 23 June 2012 vs Ireland, Hamilton This will be Luke Romano s fourth season with the Crusaders. The 28-year-old lock broke through in 2012, impressing for the Crusaders and earning his debut for the All Blacks but stepped up again last year and seems to be going from strength to strength as he gains experience and confidence. Romano is a strong ball carrier and a robust, hard, powerful player. Despite his tall frame and size 17 feet, he is relatively quick for a lock. A builder by trade, Romano was a promising cricketer until he was hampered by injury and made the switch to rugby. His professional rugby career started with the Canterbury provincial team in 2009 and he made 15 appearances at Super Rugby level last season. 178

185 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 COLIN SLADE Flyhalf 183cm/90kg Date of Birth: 10 October 1987 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 230 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Chiefs, Christchurch Test Caps: 11 Test Points: 60 Test Debut 11 September 2010 vs Australia, Sydney Colin Slade returns to the Crusaders this season having previously represented the franchise at wing and fullback throughout In 2011, Slade transferred to the Highlanders to gain more playing time at his preferred position of flyhalf, making 20 appearances and scoring 182 points despite suffering a broken jaw on two occasions and a leg fracture. Slade has played for Canterbury since 2008 and has also had an impressive international career, representing the New Zealand U19 and U21 sides, the Junior All Blacks, and then the All Blacks in 2010, 2011 and He has scored nearly 600 points in first class rugby over his career. The experience and talent that Slade adds to the Crusaders is immense. He is a crucial member of the team especially while Dan Carter is on extended leave but he has the added advantage of being able to play virtually anywhere in the backline. CRUSADERS JORDAN No cm/100kg Date of Birth: 29 January 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2013 vs Stormers, Cape Town Jordan Taufua made his debut for the Crusaders last season and showed that he could become one of the leading impact players in Super Rugby. He is an aggressive defender and dangerous attacker. Taufua s professional debut occurred durng the 2012 ITM Cup where he had an outstanding season for Tasman and proceeded to make a significant impact when joining the Canterbury squad for the Semi Final and Final. Taufua was also part of the New Zealand U20 team which competed in the 2012 Junior World Championship in South Africa as the New Zealanders fell to the hosts in the Final. 179

186 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS CODIE TAYLOR Hooker 183cm/106kg Date of Birth: 31 March 1991 Place of Birth: Levin, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2013 vs Kings, Christchurch An impressive young player with surprising speed for a hooker, Codie Taylor made his Super Rugby last season after being a member of the Crusaders Wider Training Group in That year also marked Taylor s first season for the Canterbury provincial team, where he really showed his worth and gained further experience packing down between the likes of All Black props Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett. Injuries held him back in 2013, but he is one of the fittest athletes in the squad and has the skills to play at inside centre or wing, despite specialising at hooker. Taylor was part of the New Zealand U20 team that won the 2011 Junior World Championship in Italy, beating England in the Final. TOM TAYLOR Flyhalf 183cm/90kg Date of Birth: 11 March 1989 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 201 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Chiefs, Napier Test Caps: 3 Test Points: 14 Test Debut 24 August 2013 vs Australia, Wellington Tom Taylor joined the Crusaders in 2012 after being involved with the Wider Training Group the year prior. He had an outstanding debut season taking goalkicking duties while Dan Carter recovered and established himself an incredibly accurate boot, converting 14 penalties and missing just one. Taylor s impressive form earned him a call up to the All Blacks, making his debut against Australia in mid-2013 and retaining his spot for the end of year tour. He was also involved in the 2009 New Zealand U20 Junior World Championship-winning side. Taylor is the son of All Black Warwick Taylor who played for the national side from Warwick also played for Canterbury from and Tom s uncle, Murray Taylor, was also an All Black. He is one of two active Super Rugby players to make his debut in Napier the other being Crusaders teammate Luke Whitelock who debuted in the same match. 180

187 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MATT TODD Flanker 185cm/103kg Date of Birth: 24 March 1988 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 51 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 22 June 2013 vs France, New Plymouth Matt Todd took the opportunity to make his mark with the absence of Richie McCaw during last season s campaign. His intelligence on the field was highly valued by the team, as was his outstanding defensive abilities and skills at the breakdown. Hard work paid off as Todd was called up to the All Blacks squad during 2013, although an unfortunately-timed injury cut his season short and he will be ready to prove himself as one of New Zealand s best flankers in Todd first joined the Crusaders in 2011 after a year in the Wider Training Squad. He also completed an impressive ITM Cup campaign for Canterbury, which resulted in him being awarded the Canterbury Player of the Year in 2010 and again in His 241 tackles (only 14 missed) ranked second overall in the 2013 Super Rugby season and his 20 turnovers forced ranked equalfourth alongside Luke Braid and Rene Ranger. CRUSADERS JIMMY TUPOU Flanker 196cm/109kg Date of Birth: 8 August 1992 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 2 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2013 vs Waratahs, Christchurch Jimmy Tupou made his debut for the Crusaders last season and was part of the Ranfurly Shield-winning Counties Manukau side during the 2013 ITM Cup. He was a rugby league player until his final year at Pukekohe High School, when his school principal suggested that he give rugby union a shot. It was a wise move, with Tupou soon making it into the Counties Manukau U18 side, followed by the New Zealand U20 and Counties Manukau ITM Cup teams in Tupou has the ability to play at lock, six or eight and will continue to benefit from training and playing alongside some experienced and highly-revered players in each of those positions throughout the Crusaders squad. 181

188 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS ADAM WHITELOCK Centre 185cm/95kg Date of Birth: 17 April 1987 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 53 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Brumbies, Canberra Adam Whitelock debuted for the Crusaders in 2009 against the Brumbies after moving from the Manawatu to study accountancy at the University of Canterbury three years earlier. Prior to his Crusaders selection, Whitelock played for Canterbury U19, Canterbury Colts and then made his debut for the Canterbury provincial team in A versatile back able to play in the midfield or on the wing Whitelock has so far scored seven tries for the franchise at Super Rugby level. Injury curtailed his 2011 season and prevented him from playing in that year s ITM Cup, but his return in 2012 saw him hit his straps and he has only continued to improve since that point. GEORGE WHITELOCK Loose Forward 190cm/108kg Date of Birth: 27 March 1986 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 78 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2008 vs Lions, Christchurch Test Caps: 1 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 27 June 2009 vs Italy, Christchurch The captain of the victorious Canterbury team for the last five campaigns, George Whitelock is a talented loose forward with strong leadership qualities. He also previously captained the 2005 New Zealand U19 side and the New Zealand U21 side against Canada in He is a player who truly leads by example and is known for his incredible workrate. Whitelock is the eldest of four brothers in the squad and was the first to be selected by the Crusaders in He made his All Blacks debut against Italy in 2009 where he scored a try in front of his home crowd at the old AMI Stadium. The loose forward featured in all 18 of the Crusaders matches last season, his 1327 minutes third to Tom Marshall (1360) and Ryan Crotty (1340). 182

189 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LUKE WHITELOCK Loose Forward 190cm/104kg Date of Birth: 29 January 1991 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 28 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Chiefs, Napier Test Caps: 1 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 2 November 2013 vs Japan, Tokyo The newest of the brotherly recruits to the Crusaders, Luke Whitelock joined the squad in 2012 after being involved in the Wider Training Group. Like elder brother George, he is a loose forward but specialises at No. 8. Following an impressive 2013, Whitelock was called up for the All Blacks end of year tour and made his Test debut against Japan. He is a dynamic and physical player with a great work ethic and knowledge of the game. Whitelock also demonstrates great leadership potential, having already captained the New Zealand U20 side in the victorious 2011 Junior World Championship. He is one of two active Super Rugby players to make his debut in Napier the other being Crusaders teammate Tom Taylor who debuted in the same match. CRUSADERS SAM WHITELOCK Lock 202cm/116kg Date of Birth: 12 October 1988 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 59 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Highlanders, Christchurch Test Caps: 51 Test Points: 50 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs Ireland, New Plymouth Sam Whitelock has been an integral part of the Crusaders since his debut in He drives the lineout and also leads on defence, being described by Head Coach Todd Blackadder as the backbone of the forward pack. Whitelock impressed All Black selectors enough in his debut Super Rugby season to also make the national side that year, scoring two tries in his first match against Ireland in New Plymouth. In 2011 he was selected for the All Blacks Rugby World Cup Squad and started every game aside from the first pool match against Tonga. It was his second world championship having previously been a member of the New Zealand U20 side that prevailed in the 2008 Junior World Championship. Whitelock played 17 matches for the Crusaders last season, leading the team with 44 lineout wins and 15 steals which was ranked No. 1 in Super Rugby. 183

190 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS 184

191 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HIGHLANDERS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Kurt Baker Fullback 183cm 94kg Josh Bekhuis Lock 200cm 111kg Phil Burleigh Centre 182cm 92kg Shane Christie Loose Forward 184cm 107kg Liam Coltman Hooker 185cm 109kg Matías Díaz Prop 185cm 115kg Elliot Dixon No cm 110kg Jason Emery Centre 174cm 92kg Gareth Evans Flanker 190cm 105kg Malakai Fekitoa Centre 187cm 99kg Ma afu Fia Prop 180cm 114kg Tom Franklin Lock 199cm 110kg Kane Hames Prop 178cm 113kg John Hardie Flanker 183cm 103kg Jarrad Hoeata Back Row 198cm 115kg TJ Ioane Loose Forward 182cm 104kg Chris King Prop 186cm 120kg Nasi Manu C No cm 112kg Brayden Mitchell Hooker 183cm 104kg Patrick Osborne Wing 189cm 105kg Hayden Parker Flyhalf 175cm 80kg Willie Ripia Flyhalf 178cm 88kg Aaron Smith Scrumhalf 171cm 83kg Ben Smith C Fullback 186cm 93kg Lima Sopoaga Flyhalf 175cm 91kg Winston Stanley Centre 184cm 95kg Fumiaki Tanaka Scrumhalf 163cm 75kg Brad Thorn Lock 195cm 112kg Shaun Treeby Centre 175cm 85kg Joe Wheeler Lock 200cm 111kg Frae Wilson Scrumhalf 177cm 92kg

192 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Amanda Gould Marketing Manager Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Ross Laidlaw General Manager: Roger Clark Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coach: Tony Brown Assistant Coach: Scott McLeod Skills Coach: Jon Preston High Performance Manager: Greg O Brien Team Manager: Graham Purvis Strength & Conditioning: Andrew Beardmore Team Doctor: Dr Greg Macleod Physiotherapist: Adam Letts Sports Dietician: Dr Kirsty Fairbairn Kit Manager: Neville Ives Analyst: Andy Watts ADDRESS Level 1, HPSNZ Building 130 Anzac Avenue Dunedin 9016 New Zealand PO Box 6070 Dunedin 9059 New Zealand Phone: contactus@highlanders.net.nz WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: highlandersteam YouTube: HOME GROUND Forsyth Barr Stadium Anzac Avenue Dunedin Capacity: 29,000 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Blue jersey with black celtic knot bands and gold and maroon trim and blue and gold shorts. CLASH STRIP: Green jersey with black celtic knot bands and a blue and white trim and blue and green shorts. 186

193 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Kurt Baker (Crusaders), Shane Christie (Crusaders), Matías Díaz (Teqüe), Gareth Evans (Otago), Malakai Fekitoa (Blues), Tom Franklin (Otago), Kane Hames (Bay Of Plenty), Patrick Osborne (Chiefs), Willie Ripia (Bay Of Plenty), Winston Stanley (Force) PLAYERS OUT: Hugh Blake (Released), Tim Boys (Released), Tamati Ellison (Rebels), Tony Ensor (Released), Hosea Gear (Toulouse), Andrew Hore (Retired), Jamie Mackintosh (Chiefs), Bronson Murray (Released), Ma a Nonu (Blues), Jake Paringatai (Released), Kade Poki (Kubota Spears), Colin Slade (Crusaders), Doug Tietjens (Released), Tony Woodcock (Blues), Mose Tuiali I (Released) HIGHLANDERS FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Saturday 22 February Blues Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 3 Saturday 1 March Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 4 BYE 5 Saturday 15 March Force Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 6 Friday 21 March Hurricanes Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 7 Saturday 29 March Blues Eden Park 19:35 8 Friday 4 April Rebels Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 9 Friday 11 April Bulls Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 10 BYE 11 Friday 25 April Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 12 Saturday 3 May Stormers DHL Newlands 15:00 13 Saturday 10 May Lions Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 14 Friday 16 May Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 19:35 15 Saturday 24 May Crusaders Forsyth Barr Stadium 17:35 16 Friday 30 May Reds Suncorp Stadium 19:40 17 Friday 27 June Chiefs Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 18 Sunday 6 July Waratahs Allianz Stadium 16:05 19 Saturday 12 July Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Nasi Manu (1), Jarrad Hoeata (5), Aaron Smith (6), John Hardie (12), Willie Ripia (13) 50 Points: Chris King (15), Aaron Smith (15), Hayden Parker (18) 100 Caps: Lima Sopoaga (16), Ben Smith (20) 100 Points: 200 Points: Willie Ripia (33) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

194 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS JAMIE JOSEPH Head Coach Born: 21 November 1969, Blenheim NZL Coaching History: Wellington Assistant Coach ( ) Wellington Head Coach ( ) Maori All Blacks Head Coach ( ) Highlanders Head Coach (2011-) Jamie Joseph joined the Highlanders in 2011 as Head Coach following success with the Maori All Blacks team and the Wellington Lions. After a distinguished playing career that included 20 Tests for the All Blacks, Joseph took up an assistant coaching role with the Wellington Lions in In 2007, he was elevated to Wellington Head Coach and guided the team to consecutive domestic finals in 2008 and 2009 both against Canterbury. In 2010, Joseph was appointed as Maori All Blacks Coach and took them to a clean sweep against the NZ Barbarians, Ireland and a famous victory over England. SCOTT MCLEOD Assistant Coach Born: 28 February 1973, Brisbane AUS Coaching History: Waikato Skills Coach (2008) Waikato Assistant Coach (2009) Chiefs Skills Coach ( ) Highlanders Assistant Coach (2013-) Scott McLeod enters his second season with the Highlanders after joining the team from Hamilton where he coached the Waikato ITM Cup for two seasons. McLeod was also involved with the Chiefs from in various capacities. During his playing career, McLeod featured in 113 first class games, including 10 Tests for the All Blacks between 1995 and He won the Ranfurly Shield with Waikato against Taranaki (1996) and Auckland (1997) and took up a playing contract in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2002 until he retired in

195 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TONY BROWN Assistant Coach Born: 17 January 1975, Blenheim NZL Coaching History: Sanyo Wild Knights Player/Coach ( ) Sanyo Wild Knights Head Coach ( ) Otago Head Coach ( ) Highlanders Assistant Coach (2014-) HIGHLANDERS Tony Brown joins the Highlanders after two successful seasons as Head Coach of the Otago ITM Cup team, taking the squad to the playoffs in both 2012 and He also famously won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years. Brown also coached in the Top League in Japan from following a successful playing career in the land of the rising sun. He is a favourite son in Dunedin after representing the Highlanders between , earning 83 caps and scoring 817 points. He also had brief playing stints with the Sharks (2006), Stormers (2008) and returned to the Highlanders for a further eight Super Rugby caps in JON PRESTON Skills Coach Born: 15 November 1967, Dunedin NZL Coaching History: Wellington Skills Coach ( ) Highlanders Skills Coach (2013-) Former All Black Jon Preston is in his second season coaching the Highlanders. Preston played 10 Tests for the All Blacks between 1991 and He has been involved with the Wellington Lions as a specialist skills coach over the past few seasons and will be fulfilling this same role for the Highlanders in

196 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS KURT BAKER Fullback 183cm/94kg Date of Birth: 7 October 1988 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Waratahs, Dunedin Kurt Baker returns to the Highlanders in 2014 after originally debuting in He was part of the Crusaders Wider Training group last year. Playing in the ITM Cup for Taranaki, Baker has shown himself to be an experienced outside back who has good pace and skills out wide and is equally at home at either fullback or wing. The versatile 25-year-old has also played for the All Blacks Sevens, including winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi in 2010 and was New Zealand Rugby s Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year in JOSH Lock 200cm/111kg Date of Birth: 26 April 1986 Place of Birth: Invercargill, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 71 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Brumbies, Dunedin Josh Bekhuis is now one of the most senior players in the Highlanders tight five. With 71 Super Rugby caps to his name, Bekhuis will be looking to build on the consistent form that has made him the first choice locking option in the club s engine room. A specialist lineout option, Bekhuis is also developing his running game which will keep opposition defences on their toes during the 2014 season. He played 14 games and made 134 tackles last season, behind only Brad Thorn (150) and Josh Hardie (147) in the team. 190

197 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PHIL BURLEIGH Centre 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 22 October 1986 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2010 vs Waratahs, Hamilton Phil Burleigh made his debut for the Highlanders in 2012 after selection from the Chiefs Wider Training Group at the beginning of the season. He made a sensational start to his Super Rugby season against the Crusaders in Dunedin by scoring a crucial try at a sold-out Forsyth Barr Stadium which resulted in a Highlanders win. Burleigh has been a consistent performer over the past two seasons and 2014 promises to be another big year for the Christchurch-born centre. HIGHLANDERS SHANE CHRISTIE Loose Forward 184cm/107kg Date of Birth: 23 September 1985 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2013 vs Force, Perth An openside flanker with a high work rate and a devastating tackle, Shane Christie joins the Highlanders in 2014 following excellent showings in his past four seasons with the Tasman Makos in the ITM Cup. Having debuted for the Crusaders in 2013, Christie will be looking to build upon his experience and cement himself as a starting member of the 2014 Highlanders. Christie toured the United Kingdom with the Maori All Blacks at the end of 2012 and is also a former All Blacks Sevens representative. 191

198 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS LIAM COLTMAN Hooker 185cm/109kg Date of Birth: 25 January 1990 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 13 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Chiefs, Dunedin Liam Coltman played his fourth season for Otago in 2013 and was impressive, whether playing at prop or his preferred position of hooker. The 24-year-old was a member of the New Zealand U20 team that retained the world title in 2010 and will play his third Super Rugby campaign in After being elevated from the Wider Training Group in 2013, Coltman has shown himself to be a powerful and abrasive hooker with great commitment and work ethic. He made 13 appearances for the Highlanders last season, winning 28 lineouts which was second only to Andrew Hore s 63. MATÍAS 185cm/115kg Date of Birth: 16 February 1993 Place of Birth: Mendoza, ARG Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Test Caps: 6 Test Debut 27 April 2013 vs Uruguay, Montevideo With half a dozen international caps under his belt playing for Argentina, Matías Díaz has already proven he is a capable and talented top-level player. Making his debut in Argentina s U20 side in the 2012 Junior World Championship, Diaz impressed to retain his position the following year and was promoted to senior ranks. Joining the Highlanders as a tighthead prop in 2014, Díaz will look to further develop his understanding of the game and experience a new style of play in the Super Rugby competition. He moves to Dunedin from Teqüe Rugby Club, based in Mendoza. 192

199 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ELLIOT No cm/110kg Date of Birth: 4 September 1989 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 15 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2012 vs Brumbies, Canberra Elliot Dixon was unlucky to sustain an elbow injury at the start of the 2011 Highlanders campaign and did not make his debut for the southern franchise until the early weeks of the following season. In 2011, the No. 8 played every ITM Cup match for Southland including the Ranfurly Shield triumph against Canterbury. Dixon continued an impressive career at the back of the Southland scrum in the 2013 ITM Cup and he will bring this outstanding form into the 2014 Highlanders pack. He saw 485 minutes of action across 13 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring a pair of tries. HIGHLANDERS JASON Centre 174cm/92kg Date of Birth: 21 September 1993 Place of Birth: Tauranga, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2013 vs Hurricanes, Dunedin Jason Emery debuted for the Highlanders as a 19-year-old in 2013 which came off the back of a blistering Junior World Championship campaign in 2012, earning New Zealand Rugby s Age Grade Player of the Year Award. He has been impressive in the Turbos midfield since making his provincial debut against Wellington in 2012 and will continue with the Highlanders for his second season of Super Rugby in Emery played 544 minutes in 11 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring one try and beating 16 defenders. 193

200 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS GARETH Flanker 190cm/105kg Date of Birth: 5 August 1991 Place of Birth: Hastings, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Gareth Evans completed his third ITM Cup campaign for Otago in 2013, taking the opportunity to fill the gap left by All Blacks and Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson. Evans, the younger brother of two-test All Black Bryn, has been a consistent performer for Otago since making his debut in 2011 at age 19 and has forced his way into the 2014 Highlanders squad. MALAKAI Centre 187cm/99kg Date of Birth: 10 May 1992 Place of Birth: Ha apai, TON Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Malakai Fekitoa burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old at the National Sevens in 2011 where he was selected as Player of the Tournament by Gordon Teitjens. In 2012, Fekitoa debuted for Auckland and played every match of the provincial campaign, scoring three tries. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year proving himself as a ruthless defender as well as a strong runner with the ability to create space for himself and others. He was part of the Blues setup in 2013 but is yet to earn his first Super Rugby cap. 194

201 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MA AFU FIA Prop 180cm/114kg Date of Birth: 22 November 1989 Place of Birth: Tafoa, TON Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Test Debut: Ma afu Fia was new to the Highlanders squad in 2012, when he joined the vastly experienced front row club. Fia plays his provincial rugby for Manawatu and has 49 matches to his name since making his debut in A robust prop forward, Fia is good with ball in hand and adds real impact to the running forward game of the Highlanders. He made 15 appearances at Super Rugby level last season, taking his career tally to 24 since debuting against the Hurricanes in HIGHLANDERS TOM FRANKLIN Lock 199cm/110kg Date of Birth: 11 August 1990 Place of Birth: Opotiki, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: A promising lock, who is only growing further with experience, Tom Franklin has spent three seasons with Otago. His ITM Cup form for the province has been rewarded with his first Super Rugby selection and he looks to build on the level experience he gained as a member of the champion 2010 New Zealand U20 side. 195

202 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS KANE HAMES Prop 178cm/113kg Date of Birth: 28 August 1988 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Kane Hames has been selected off the back of an outstanding 2013 season with the Bay of Plenty ITM Cup team, as well as the Maori All Blacks. After making his debut for the Steamers in 2013, Hames has shown himself to be a powerful, physical and confrontational loosehead prop who loves scrums and is sure to be a real asset to the Highlanders front row. JOHN Flanker 183cm/103kg Date of Birth: 27 July 1988 Place of Birth: Lumsden, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 38 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Crusaders, Christchurch John Hardie made his Highlanders debut in 2010 against the Crusaders and played 11 of the 13 games in his first season. Injury restricted his appearances to four games for the franchise in 2012 which he extended to 13 in the 2013 season after re-gaining his fitness. Hardie was one of just five Highlanders to play over 1000 minutes last season (1002) and will be looking to build on his form to secure the number one loose forward spot in

203 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JARRAD Loose Forward 198cm/115kg Date of Birth: 12 December 1982 Place of Birth: Porirua, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 45 Super Rugby Points: 5 Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 22 July 2011 vs Fiji, Dunedin HIGHLANDERS Jarrad Hoeata was called up by the All Blacks during 2011 as their only debutant for that year on the back of a brilliant season with the Highlanders. A physical tight forward who has the ability to play on the blindside flank, Hoeata will continue to add steel to the Highlanders pack in 2014 after returning from the Maori All Blacks tour of North America. He has previously represented the Chiefs at Super Rugby level, making his debut against the Lions in 2010 and featured on 13 occasions for the Highlanders last season. TJ IOANE Loose Forward 182cm/104kg Date of Birth: 9 May 1989 Place of Birth: Motootua, SAM Super Rugby Caps: 13 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2013 vs Hurricanes, Dunedin TJ Ioane made the move from Wellington to Dunedin in 2011, originally to play club rugby with the hopes of making the Otago side. From there, Ioane has gone from strength to strength and after being called up as injury cover by the Highlanders in 2013, he became a valuable member of the team. Ioane followed his Highlanders debut season with a strong ITM Cup campaign for Otago and was rewarded with a contract for Ioane will be aiming for a strong year to help him secure a starting place in the team and build upon his 13 caps at this level. 197

204 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS CHRIS KING Prop 186cm/120kg Date of Birth: 30 April 1981 Place of Birth: Ashburton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 107 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2003 vs Hurricanes, Christchurch A Highlander stalwart, Chis King reached the impressive milestone of 100 Super Rugby caps when lining up against the Chiefs in King made his debut in 2003 for the Crusaders, however a shift to the south in 2005 saw him starting for the Highlanders on a regular basis where he has stayed loyal. King will be looking to re-discover his consistent form after an injury forced him out of the latter half of the 2013 season and despite playing just 10 games, the Ashburton-born prop made 75 tackles, missing just five. NASI No cm/112kg Date of Birth: 15 August 1988 Place of Birth: Lincoln, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 49 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2008 vs Bulls, Pretoria Nasi Manu played first-class rugby before he had even played club rugby a rare distinction. A nephew of former Australian Test loose forward Daniel Manu, he played for New Zealand Schools in 2005 and 2006, as well as for the New Zealand U19 and U20 teams. Manu made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2008 where he played for two seasons and was first selected for the Highlanders in The Lincoln-born No.8 is a strong running type who brings explosive power to the back three of the Highlanders. After a disappointing 2013 season that was cut short by injury in the first game, Manu will be looking for a big 2014 where he will be leading from the front as co-captain alongside Ben Smith. 198

205 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BRAYDEN Hooker 183cm/104kg Date of Birth: 24 January 1989 Place of Birth: Gore, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington A product of Southland Rugby, Brayden Mitchell is a young hooker with an exciting future at Super Rugby level. He made his provincial debut for the Southland Stags in 2009 against Wellington and played 10 first class games as understudy to Jason Rutledge. Mitchell earned five Super Rugby appearances in 2011 after making his debut against the Hurricanes; one in 2012 when brought into the team from the Wider Training Group; and two in The 25-year-old hooker will be looking to add to this tally in HIGHLANDERS PATRICK Wing 189cm/105kg Date of Birth: 14 June 1987 Place of Birth: Suva, FJI Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Patrick Osborne made his ITM Cup debut for Canterbury in A broken collarbone limited the Fijian winger s 2012 season, but he returned to Canterbury after gaining valuable Super Rugby experience with the Chiefs in 2013 which included a debut against his current team. Osborne s showing as a big, strong and elusive winger for Canterbury in the 2013 ITM Cup has led to his selection for the 2014 Highlanders where he will be hoping to make an immediate impact. 199

206 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS HAYDEN Flyhalf 175cm/80kg Date of Birth: 19 November 1990 Place of Birth: Oamaru, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 32 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Chiefs, Dunedin The Kurow Kid is entering his second season for the Highlanders in After two very successful ITM Cup campaigns with Otago, Hayden Parker gets another opportunity to play Super Rugby. A skillful flyhalf, Parker is adept from the kicking tee, displaying a high kicking percentage in both of his ITM Cup seasons. The 23-year-old will continue to add some real punch to the backline and he has a running game that will keep opposition defences guessing all season long. He made 10 appearances for the Highlanders last season, scoring 32 points (eight penalties, four conversions). WILLIE Flyhalf 178cm/88kg Date of Birth: 20 August 1985 Place of Birth: Murupara, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 37 Super Rugby Points: 167 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2006 vs Force, Dunedin Willie Ripia re-joins the Highlanders after making his Super Rugby debut in 2006 as an injury replacement against the Force. A calm and balanced flyhalf with a studious boot from the hand or the tee, Ripia reads the game well. He is coming of the back of a strong ITM Cup campaign with the Bay of Plenty Steamers and brings large amounts of experience to the squad having played for the Maori All Blacks, Hurricanes ( ) and Force (2011). Should he play 13 games over the course of the season, Ripia will bring up a half-century of Super Rugby caps. 200

207 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 AARON Scrumhalf 171cm/83kg Date of Birth: 21 November 1988 Place of Birth: Feilding, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 44 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2011 vs Bulls, Pretoria Test Caps: 26 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs Ireland, Auckland Aaron Smith joins the Highlanders for his fourth Super Rugby season after being signed in 2011 as backup to All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan. Smith s form led him to becoming the first-choice halfback in 2012 and he was also selected for the All Blacks that same year. A skilful distributor and reader of the play, Smith has solidified himself as an integral part of both the Highlanders and All Blacks and will be looking to maintain his form from the end of year tour into the 2014 Super Rugby campaign. HIGHLANDERS BEN Fullback 186cm/93kg Date of Birth: 1 June 1986 Place of Birth: Dunedin, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 72 Super Rugby Points: 80 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Brumbies, Dunedin Test Caps: 26 Test Points: 65 Test Debut 14 November 2009 vs Italy, Milan Ben Smith made his Highlanders debut in 2009 and has been a regular selection in the run-on side ever since. Smith had an outstanding 2013 season, playing all 16 regular season Super Rugby games, scoring four tries and was again selected for the All Blacks, where he was a revelation on the wing and proved a solid choice at centre. Smith s exceptional year saw him nominated for five national and international awards including the IRB Player of the Year and he will stand alongside Nasi Manu as Highlanders co-captain in The Dunedin-born fullback scored eight tries in six matches of The Rugby Championship, setting a new benchmark in the history of the competition (including Tri-Nations). 201

208 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS LIMA Flyhalf 175cm/91kg Date of Birth: 3 February 1991 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 84 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Lima Sopoaga is a young, skillful flyhalf who burst on to the scene in 2010 while playing for the Wellington Lions where he became the regular starter at number 10. Sopoaga made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders in the 2011 season and played six games, collecting 51 points. The 23-year-old will be looking to re-establish himself in the Super Rugby team after his 2012 and 2013 seasons were blighted by injury. He managed 173 minutes across seven appearances for the Dunedin-based franchise last year. WINSTON STANLEY Centre 184cm/95kg Date of Birth: 11 February 1989 Place of Birth: Brisbane, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Bulls, Pretoria Winston Stanley was a member of the Junior World Championshipwinning New Zealand U20 team in 2009 and followed his appearance with a contract as part of the Blues Wider Training Group. He remained with the Auckland-based franchise from and then played a couple of seasons for the Force in Australia between Stanley arrives at the Highlanders this season and will be looking to make a big impact in the midfield and cement his place in the starting line-up. He was nominated for IRB Junior Player of the Year in 2009, ultimately losing out to Aaron Cruden. 202

209 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FUMIAKI TANAKA Scrumhalf 163cm/75kg Date of Birth: 3 January 1985 Place of Birth: Kyoto, JPN Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Chiefs, Dunedin Test Caps: 41 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 3 May 2008 vs Arabian Gulf, Osaka Fumiaki Tanaka joined the Otago ITM Cup team for the 2012 season having represented Japan at a national level. Tanaka had a great season for Otago and quickly became the province s first choice scrumhalf. He has a sharp pass and provides outstanding service for both forwards and backs. Upon making his debut off the bench in early 2013, Tanaka became the first ever Japanese player to compete in the Super Rugby competition. Tanaka is the shortest and lightest player throughout the competition and is warmly welcomed back for his second season with the Highlanders. He previously represented the Panasonic Wild Knights ( ) in his homeland. HIGHLANDERS BRAD THORN Lock 195cm/112kg Date of Birth: 3 February 1975 Place of Birth: Mosgiel, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 107 Super Rugby Points: 60 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2001 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 59 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 21 June 2003 vs Wales, Hamilton Brad Thorn was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks and had been playing for Fukuoka Sanix Blues in Japan s Top League before joining the Highlanders in The veteran has a highly-decorated professional sporting career which includes success in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos ( and ), Super Rugby with the Crusaders ( ) and more recently with Irish-based club Leicester (2012) who lifted the Heineken Cup in the European League. The Mosgiel-born stalwart reached 100 Super Rugby games in 2013 and doesn t show any signs of easing up. Thorn s 150 tackles were the most for the Highlanders last season and he was one of just five players in the team to log more than 1000 minutes (1199, 15 appearances). 203

210 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS SHAUN Centre 175cm/85kg Date of Birth: 26 January 1989 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 26 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Shaun Treeby is a strong, ball-running midfielder who made his provincial debut for the Wellington Lions in 2009 after coming through the Wellington Rugby Academy. Following his debut against Wairarapa Bush, the 25-year-old has been a regular starter in the Wellington side. Treeby joined the Highlanders for the 2011 campaign and played 12 games. Injury limited his 2012 season to just six appearances, which he increased to eight with a pair of tries in The New Plymouth-born centre will be hoping to establish himself as a regular fixture within the backline and add to his 26 career Super Rugby caps this season. JOE WHEELER Lock 200cm/111kg Date of Birth: 20 October 1987 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2010 vs Sharks, Christchurch Joe Wheeler will play his second season with the Highlanders after being selected from the Tasman ITM Cup team where he s been an integral part of the Makos forward pack. Wheeler can play both lock and loose forward which gives Highlanders coaches additional options for team selection. A key jumper who will line up at five or six at lineout time, Wheeler is a safe target option for any hooker and also loves to run with ball in hand. He was part of the Crusaders setup from and made 10 appearances for the Highlanders last season. 204

211 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FRAE WILSON Scrumhalf 177cm/92kg Date of Birth: 9 February 1989 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2012 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Frae Wilson steps up to the 2014 Highlanders main squad after graduating from the Wider Training Group. He made his ITM Cup debut for the Wellington Lions in 2011 and was called up by the Hurricanes as injury cover during Following his successful 2012 season, the Christchurch-born scrumhalf was selected in the Maori All Blacks that toured the United Kingdom in HIGHLANDERS 205

212 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CRUSADERS HIGHLANDERS 206

213 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HURRICANES NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Mark Abbott Lock 197cm 112kg Marty Banks Fullback 192cm 91kg Beauden Barrett Flyhalf 187cm 92kg Tim Bateman Centre 183cm 91kg James Broadhurst Lock 201cm 120kg Dane Coles Hooker 184cm 108kg Ash Dixon Hooker 182cm 102kg Chris Eves Prop 187cm 117kg Ben Franks Prop 184cm 118kg Reggie Goodes Prop 184cm 112kg Cory Jane Wing 183cm 89kg Jack Lam Back Row 188cm 103kg Alapati Leiua Wing 180cm 92kg Faifili Levave Flanker 192cm 110kg James Marshall Flyhalf 183cm 90kg Motu Matu u Hooker 184cm 108kg Hadleigh Parkes Centre 187cm 101kg TJ Perenara Scrumhalf 184cm 94kg Matt Proctor Wing 180cm 90kg Mark Reddish Lock 196cm 112kg Ardie Savea Back Row 188cm 99kg Julian Savea Wing 192cm 105kg John Schwalger Prop 187cm 122kg Brad Shields Flanker 193cm 111kg Conrad Smith C Centre 186cm 95kg Chris Smylie Scrumhalf 180cm 91kg Andre Taylor Fullback 180cm 93kg Blade Thomson Lock 198cm 106kg Jeremy Thrush Lock 198cm 112kg Jeffery Toomaga-Allen Prop 192cm 125kg Cardiff Vaega Centre 180cm 100kg Victor Vito Back Row 192cm 109kg

214 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Hannah Fleming Communications Executive Phone: (DDI) (M) hannah.fleming@wrfu.co.nz TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Brian Roche Chief Executive: James Te Puni Head Coach: Mark Hammett Assistant Coach: Alama Ieremia Scrum Coach/Technical Analyst: Daniel Cron Technical Advisor: Richard Watt Skills Coach: Clark Laidlaw Team Manager: Tony Ward Doctor: Dr Theo Dorfling Physiotherapist: Cam Shaw Assistant Physiotherapist: LeeVan Santos Head Strength & Conditioning Coach: David Gray Strength & Conditioning Coach: Paul Downes Baggage Man/Masseur: Paul Minehan High Performance Manager: Chris Stirling Professional Development Manager: Steve Symonds ADDRESS Level 1, 113 Adelaide Road Newtown Wellington 6021 New Zealand PO Box 7201 Wellington South New Zealand Phone: Fax: mail@wrfu.co.nz WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: hurricanesrugby HOME GROUNDS Westpac Stadium Waterloo Quay Wellington Capacity: 34,500 McLean Park Latham Street Napier Capacity: 22,

215 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Sunshine yellow jersey with black collar, black shorts and black socks. CLASH STRIP: Black jersey with yellow collar, black shorts and yellow socks. TEAM CHANGES HURRICANES PLAYERS IN: Mark Abbott (Hawke s Bay), Marty Banks (Tasman), Chris Eves (Manawatu), Hadleigh Parkes (Kings), Cardiff Vaega (Southland) PLAYERS OUT: Jason Eaton (NTT Shining Arcs), Samisoni Fisilau (Released), Reynold Lee-Lo (Crusaders), Karl Lowe (Released), Ben May (Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Tusi Pisi (Released), Richard Buckman (Released), Mike Coman (Edinburgh), Ope Peleseuma (Released) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE ONLY 2 Saturday 22 February Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 3 Friday 28 February Stormers DHL Newlands 19:10 4 Friday 7 March Brumbies Westpac Stadium 19:35 5 Saturday 15 March Cheetahs Westpac Stadium 16:35 6 Friday 21 March Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 7 Friday 28 March Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 8 Saturday 5 April Bulls McLean Park 19:35 9 BYE 10 Friday 18 April Blues Westpac Stadium 19:35 11 Saturday 26 April Reds Westpac Stadium 19:35 12 Saturday 3 May Waratahs Allianz Stadium 19:40 13 Friday 9 May Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 14 Friday 16 May Highlanders Westpac Stadium 19:35 15 Saturday 24 May Chiefs Westpac Stadium 19:35 16 Saturday 31 May Blues Eden Park 19:35 17 Saturday 28 June Crusaders Westpac Stadium 19:35 18 Friday 4 July Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 19 BYE MILESTONES 50 Caps: Andre Taylor (5), James Broadhurst (9), Julian Savea (10), Jack Lam (13), Beauden Barrett (14), Alapati Leiua (15) 50 Points: Jeremy Thrush (10), Victor Vito (10), Tim Bateman (20), Alapati Leiua (20), Faifili Levave (20) 100 Caps: Ben Franks (2), Conrad Smith (4) 100 Points: Conrad Smith (10), Cory Jane (15), Julian Savea (15), TJ Perenara (30) 400 Points: Beauden Barrett (15) 500 Points: Beauden Barrett (115) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

216 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES MARK HAMMETT Head Coach Born: 13 July 1972, Christchurch NZL Coaching History: Canterbury Assistant Coach (2006) Crusaders Assistant Coach ( ) Hurricanes Head Coach (2011-) This will be Mark Hammett s fourth year as Hurricanes Head Coach. He has a significant input into the club s set piece play and his rugby knowledge is unparalleled. The former All Blacks hooker made 29 appearances for New Zealand including the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups. Hammett has a strong provincial background and made his mark in 81 appearances for the Crusaders between 1996 and 2003, as well as featuring in 76 provincial appearances for Canterbury over the same time. He was a member of the 1996 Crusaders side that competed in the inaugural Super Rugby competition and won four titles during his career. ALAMA IEREMIA Assistant Coach Born: 27 October 1970, Apia SAM Coaching History: Wellington Assistant Coach ( ) Wellington U21 Head Coach (2008) Hurricanes Technical Advisor ( ) Hurricanes Assistant Coach (2011-) Alama Ieremia became the first former Hurricanes player to return as part of the management when he took the reins as an Assistant/ Technical Advisor under Colin Cooper in His coaching career has continued to grow since he stopped playing professionally in Ieremia first started with the Wellington Lions as an assistant before entering Super Rugby. The former All Black has the distinction of scoring the first ever try in Super Rugby against the Blues in the inaugural match in Palmerston North on March 1,

217 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 RICHARD WATT Technical Advisor Born: 3 April 1965, Wellington NZL Coaching History: Wellington Assistant Coach (2010-) Hurricanes Technical Advisor (2011-) HURRICANES Richard Watt has been a Technical Advisor with the Hurricanes since The former Wellington representative is also the current Assistant Coach of the Wellington Lions a role he has held since he stepped in to support Andre Bell in In his playing days, Watt made 18 appearances for the province and has had a long association with Poneke and Wellington rugby. MARK ABBOTT Lock 197cm/112kg Date of Birth: 20 February 1991 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: One of the new faces in the Hurricanes squad for 2014, Mark Abbott made a real name for himself during the 2013 ITM Cup competition, making 11 starts for the Magpies. The 23-year-old arrived in Hawke s Bay for the 2013 season having only played representative rugby for the Canterbury Colts team. It was his work ethic, athletic ability and enthusiasm that caught the eye of Mark Hammett and landed him a Super Rugby contract for the forthcoming season. 211

218 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES MARTY Flyhalf 192cm/91kg Date of Birth: 19 September 1989 Place of Birth: Reefton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Marty Banks is another fresh face in the Hurricanes squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season. The Tasman flyhalf was pivotal in helping the Makos win the ITM Cup Championship in Banks started his provincial rugby with the Canterbury Colts before heading to Russia in 2011 to play for Siberian club Krasny Yar. He then returned to New Zealand to play for Buller in the Heartland Championship before becoming a regular starter for Tasman in the ITM Cup. With the ability to also play at fullback, Banks is known for his incredible kicking game, which the Hurricanes hope will be an asset throughout the 2014 Super Rugby season. BEAUDEN Flyhalf 187cm/92kg Date of Birth: 27 May 1991 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 36 Super Rugby Points: 385 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 16 Test Points: 57 Test Debut 23 June 2012 vs Ireland, Hamilton The 2013 season proved to be another huge year in the rapidlydeveloping career of Beauden Barrett. He has become a regular member of the All Blacks squad, adding another 10 international caps to his name throughout the past season. Before becoming a fully-fledged All Black, Barrett was a member of the Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand U20 team in 2011 and also played in the All Blacks Sevens team. His father, Kevin, was a lock/flanker for the Hurricanes in 1997 and older brother Kane will play his second season for the Blues in Barrett s 1252 minutes and 186 points across 16 Super Rugby matches were the most among the Hurricanes last season. 212

219 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TIM Centre 183cm/91kg Date of Birth: 3 June 1987 Place of Birth: Greymouth, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2007 vs Lions, Johannesburg Tim Bateman returned to New Zealand rugby in 2012 after playing in Japan for the Coca-Cola West Red Sparks in the Top League since Bateman was one of the senior Hurricanes players in 2012, earning his 50th Super Rugby cap in the final match of the season; a triumph over the eventual championship-winning Chiefs. Last season also proved to be a productive year for the centre with Bateman playing a leading role in the Lions ITM Cup campaign, where they finished runners-up to Canterbury. Bateman was also named captain of the Maori All Blacks for their 2013 North American Tour and offers experience and great attacking knowledge as a chief playmaker. He previously represented the Crusaders from HURRICANES JAMES BROADHURST Lock 201cm/120kg Date of Birth: 1 December 1987 Place of Birth: Kaitaia, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Force, Wellington Hard-working Taranaki lock James Broadhurst provides the Hurricanes engine room with power and ball-winning ability. He adds to the hotly-contested locking positions within the team and has provided a multitude of strong performances throughout the past two seasons. The Kaitaia-born forward joined the Hurricanes in 2010 after previously playing for Canterbury and was a member of the Crusaders Wider Training Group. Broadhurst attended secondary school in Gisborne and went on to represent New Zealand at U19 and U21 levels. 213

220 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES DANE COLES Hooker 184cm/108kg Date of Birth: 10 December 1986 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 53 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Waratahs, Wellington Test Caps: 15 Test Debut 12 November 2012 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Livewire Dane Coles received his first call-up to the All Blacks on the European Tour during It was due recognition for the Hurricanes number one hooker who had worked hard on his core roles behind the scenes throughout the year. During 2013, Coles staked his claim for an All Blacks berth, subsequently gaining a number of starts at hooker. He is perfectly suited to the faster, more mobile nature of modern rugby and has a high work rate around the park. Coles is never far from the action in any match and has quickly gained a reputation as an exciting, natural ball runner with speed to burn. He first burst on to the scene in 2007 when making his provincial debut for Wellington and the New Zealand U21 side. ASH DIXON Hooker 182cm/102kg Date of Birth: 1 September 1988 Place of Birth: Christchurch, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2013 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Ash Dixon was a member of the Hurricanes Wider Training Group in 2013 and was called into the squad a brief way into the season. The Hawke s Bay hooker ended up appearing in nine matches in his debut Super Rugby season. A strong and consistent player, Dixon was also named in the Maori All Blacks side for their 2013 tour to Canada and the United States. He was part of the Blues setup in Auckland during 2011, although didn t make his Super Rugby debut until Round 5, 2013 as a member of the Hurricanes. 214

221 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHRIS EVES PROP Prop 187cm/117kg Date of Birth: 11 December 1987 Place of Birth: Henderson, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: HURRICANES Chris Eves will play his debut season for the Hurricanes in The Manawatu prop was called into the squad late last year to cover for injury, however, is yet to play a Super Rugby game. Eves started his career with Manawatu ahead of its 2013 ITM Cup season and was named in the Maori All Blacks team to tour North America in BEN FRANKS Prop 184cm/118kg Date of Birth: 27 March 1984 Place of Birth: Melbourne, AUS Super Rugby Caps: 98 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2006 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Test Caps: 31 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs Ireland, New Plymouth Playing his first year for the Hurricanes in 2013, Ben Franks was a valuable addition to the squad, possessing the ability to play on both sides of the scrum. As the older of the two Franks brothers in New Zealand rugby, the Melbourne-born prop made his All Blacks debut in 2008 and has since pulled on the black jersey on 31 occasions. Franks had previously represented New Zealand in the U19 side (2003), U21 (2005) and made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2006 where he played until the end of the 2012 season. He is coming off another solid season in which he played 1124 minutes in 15 appearances for the team. 215

222 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES REGGIE Prop 184cm/112kg Date of Birth: 4 April 1992 Place of Birth: Witbank, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 20 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2012 vs Chiefs, Hamilton South African born Reggie Goodes has been one of the young forwards to really impress during the 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby seasons. After stepping up from ITM Cup and the Hurricanes Wider Training Group in 2011, Goodes has 20 Super Rugby caps to his name and is noted for his intense work rate around the field while his scrummaging ability is of a high level. CORY Wing 183cm/89kg Date of Birth: 8 February 1983 Place of Birth: Lower Hutt, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 69 Super Rugby Points: 85 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 45 Test Points: 80 Test Debut 1 November 2008 vs Australia, Hong Kong Cory Jane returns to Super Rugby in 2014 after suffering a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines last year. Hard work and determination saw Jane return to provincial rugby in the latter half of the 2013 ITM Cup which prompted a call-up to the All Blacks end of year European Tour. His reliability under the high ball and strong attacking play has seen the Upper Hutt winger go from strength to strength. He has also represented the Maori All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens sides, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal in

223 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JACK LAM Back Row 188cm/103kg Date of Birth: 18 November 1987 Place of Birth: Hamilton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 37 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Highlanders, Wellington Test Caps: 5 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs Scotland, Durban Named Hurricanes Rookie of the Year in his debut season in 2011, Jack Lam will continue to fiercely contest the loose forward positions in The Hamilton-born back rower possesses a high work rate and is always on the hunt for turnover ball at the breakdown. Although born in New Zealand, he was selected as a centre for the 2004 Australian Secondary Schools team and as a loose forward the following year. He returned to New Zealand to continue his rugby career in 2008 and was also selected to play for Samoa in HURRICANES ALAPATI Wing 180cm/92kg Date of Birth: 21 September 1988 Place of Birth: Malie, SAM Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2010 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 5 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs Scotland, Durban Named Wellington Player of the Year in 2011, exciting midfielder Alapati Leiua has continued to develop since bursting onto the scene in That year, Leiua was named most promising player for Wellington and has quickly accumulated provincial caps and points since. The Samoan-born winger made a return from injury late in the 2013 ITM Cup season, immediately having an impact for the Lions. Leiua has the ability to play both centre and on the wing, and has pace to burn. This will be his fourth season as a full squad member of the Hurricanes. He made eight appearances at Super Rugby level in

224 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES FAIFILI LEVAVE Flanker 192cm/110kg Date of Birth: 15 January 1986 Place of Birth: Porirua, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 66 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2008 vs Waratahs, Hamilton Test Caps: 2 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 9 November 2013 vs Ireland, Dublin Faifili Levave made his first-class debut when he was 19 years old. Since moving to Wellington from the Chiefs after his debut season in 2008, the flanker has remained loyal to the Hurricanes, accumulating 66 Super Rugby caps in total. The 28-year-old also spent six months in Japan during 2012 playing for the Honda Heat. In 2013, he gained selection for Samoa, touring Europe in November. Levave s older brother, George, played American Football for Idaho State University. JAMES Flyhalf 183cm/90kg Date of Birth: 7 December 1988 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Crusaders, Wellington James Marshall returns to the Hurricanes in 2014 having made his debut for the side last season. The 25-year-old missed the 2013 provincial season after undergoing hip surgery, so will no doubt be keen to hit the ground running when Super Rugby kicks off. Marshall started his provincial rugby career with Tasman before shifting north to Taranaki in He has international experience as well, including a season with Aironi in Italy during , plus the All Blacks Sevens team. His younger brother, Tom, is a member of the Chiefs squad in 2014 having previously played for the Crusaders. 218

225 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MOTU MATU Hooker 184cm/108kg Date of Birth: 30 April 1987 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 22 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town Wellington hooker Motu Matu u has come a long way since his Super Rugby debut in The bruising hooker is known for his bone-crunching defence and ability to create an immediate impact off the bench. As well as his muscle and strong defensive play, Matu u also brings a strong work ethic to the side and lifts those around him, leading by example. A mainstay for the Wellington Lions and eight Super Rugby caps last year, Matu u looks set to fire in the 2014 Super Rugby season. HURRICANES HADLEIGH PARKES Centre 187cm/101kg Date of Birth: 5 October 1987 Place of Birth: Hunterville, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Bulls, Pretoria Hadleigh Parkes is one of the fresh faces at the Hurricanes for the 2014 season and brings experience from his time at the Blues (2012) and Kings (2013). Although playing his provincial rugby in Auckland, Parkes is originally from Hurricanes territory and is excited to be fronting for the Super Rugby team he grew up supporting. The 26-year-old will deliver experience and leadership skills, which are sure to be an asset to the side in

226 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES TJ Scrumhalf 184cm/94kg Date of Birth: 23 January 1992 Place of Birth: Porirua, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 70 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town TJ Perenara had a year to remember in 2013, which included selection in the All Blacks squad. The 22-year-old was named the Hurricanes Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the attacking scrumhalf is quick to spot the gaps, making him a lively addition to any team he plays in. Perenara was still at Mana College when he made his provincial debut for Wellington in He captained and starred for the New Zealand Schools team in 2010, kicking 15 points in the victory over Australia. He also won the Junior World Championship with New Zealand U20 the following year. The 24-year-old made 16 Super Rugby appearances last year, scoring seven tries and assisting a further six topping both categories at the Hurricanes. MATT PROCTOR Wing 180cm/90kg Date of Birth: 26 October 1992 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2013 vs Stormers, Palmerston North Young outside back Matt Proctor lines up for his second Super Rugby season in The young winger has shown he has pace and flair on attack during his time playing club rugby for Oriental-Rongotai, along with solid performances for Wellington in the ITM Cup. With his confidence sure to grow throughout the coming season, we can expect to see a lot more from the youngster in games to come as he seeks to add to his four Super Rugby caps. 220

227 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MARK Lock 196cm/112kg Date of Birth: 3 March 1985 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Highlanders, Wellington Determined lock/loose forward Mark Reddish will play his fourth year with the Hurricanes in He earned his first contract with the team in 2011 after many years of hard work in Wellington club rugby that included many stellar performances for the Lions at provincial level. He is a quiet achiever on the field and always eager for the ball. His versatility and reliability as a lineout jumper offers a number of options to the Hurricanes set piece. HURRICANES ARDIE Back Row 188cm/99kg Date of Birth: 14 October 1993 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2013 vs Waratahs, Wellington Ardie Savea joins older brother Julian at in the Hurricanes for the second year running. After making his Super Rugby debut in 2013, Savea went on to play a starring role in the Wellington Lions 2013 ITM Cup campaign. His form throughout the year led to him being named an apprentice All Black, touring with the squad to Europe at the end of The former Rongotai College head boy has also starred on the international Sevens circuit with New Zealand and has shown that he can adapt his exceptional speed and vision to the 15-a-side game. Savea captained the New Zealand Schools team in Although Savea made just three appearances last season, he landed 31 tackles and showed how damaging he can be with more game time and another year of development behind him. 221

228 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES JULIAN Wing 192cm/105kg Date of Birth: 7 August 1990 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 40 Super Rugby Points: 85 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Highlanders, Wellington Test Caps: 20 Test Points: 95 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs Ireland, Auckland Julian Savea has been a member of the Hurricanes since 2011, making himself an invaluable member of the team. Since making his Test debut for the All Blacks in 2012, Savea has become a permanent starter for the national side with his pace and strength marking him as a potent attacking player. Named Hurricanes Player of the Year in 2012, the Wellington local has worked hard on and off the field which has seen him mature as a player. Savea has represented New Zealand Schools and the All Blacks Sevens as well as New Zealand U20s and earned the honour of being named IRB Junior Player of the Year in He featured on 15 occasions for the Hurricanes last season, logging 1200 minutes and scoring seven tries the most for the franchise alongside TJ Perenara. JOHN SCHWALGER Prop 187cm/122kg Date of Birth: 28 September 1983 Place of Birth: Apia, ASM Super Rugby Caps: 78 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2006 vs Force, New Plymouth Test Caps: 2 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 16 June 2007 vs Canada, Hamilton John Schwalger returns to the Hurricanes as a full squad member for 2014 following his first season back with the Wellington Lions in Prior to that, the loosehead prop had two seasons with French Top 14 club, Agen ( ). Schwalger s outstanding performances for the Hurricanes back in 2006 and 2007 earned him an All Blacks call-up against Canada, where he scored a try on debut in a romp over Canada. Schwalger played two games for the Hurricanes in 2013 after returning from France,and his experience is sure to be an asset to the franchise in He holds the quirky distinction of being the only active Super Rugby player to make his debut in New Plymouth. 222

229 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BRAD Flanker 193cm/111kg Date of Birth: 2 April 1991 Place of Birth: Masterton, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town Brad Shields will certainly be a player to keep an eye on during the 2014 Super Rugby season. He was a leading light for the Wellington Lions last year, displaying a relentless work rate that has impressed many. Shields shot into the limelight after a superb 2011 season with New Zealand U20 and the Wellington provincial side, where he was named Most Promising Player in the capital. The loose forward brings strength and physicality to the Hurricanes pack. Dangerous with ball in hand, national selectors have already identified Shields as one for the future by including him in their Wider Training Squad back in He was one of just four Hurricanes to feature in all 16 Super Rugby matches last season, accumulating 998 minutes on the pitch, three tries and a team-leading 127 tackles. HURRICANES CONRAD SMITH Centre 186cm/95kg Date of Birth: 12 October 1981 Place of Birth: Hawera, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 96 Super Rugby Points: 90 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2004 vs Cats, Wellington Test Caps: 75 Test Points: 120 Test Debut 13 November 2004 vs Italy, Rome The Hurricanes inspirational captain, Conrad Smith, leads by example in his work rate on the field and attitude off it. The 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning centre remains one of the most consistent elite rugby players in the world, combining accurate defence with vision and the ability to run great lines on attack. Smith was first selected for the All Blacks squad in 2004 and scored a try with his first touch of the ball against Italy. The Haweraborn centre graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Victoria University in 2003 and is a former New Zealand Universities representative. He played 14 matches last season, scoring a pair of tries and winning a team-leading 10 turnovers. 223

230 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES CHRIS SMYLIE Scrumhalf 180cm/91kg Date of Birth: 22 March 1982 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 58 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Chris Smylie returned to the Hurricanes in 2012, five years after first playing for the team. He is an experienced provincial player with 98 caps to his name from his time at North Harbour and more recently, Taranaki. The scrumhalf was called into the Maori All Blacks in 2013, joining them on their tour of North America. Smylie brings a high level of energy to the field, and has a crisp pass to go with it. He has also been a part of the Highlanders squad in 2006 and Blues from ANDRE Fullback 180cm/93kg Date of Birth: 11 January 1988 Place of Birth: Palmerston North, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 45 Super Rugby Points: 72 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Force, Wellington Andre Taylor s speed and ability to slip through defensive lines makes him a threat from all over the park. While primarily a fullback for the Hurricanes, Taylor is a versatile player with the ability to also play wing and centre. He toured the United Kingdom with the Maori All Blacks at the end of 2012 and was a member of the team once again for its North American visit last year. Taylor first played ITM Cup rugby on the wing for Manawatu in 2006 while he was still attending Palmerston North Boys High. He featured on 14 occasions for the Hurricanes last season. 224

231 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BLADE THOMSON Lock 198cm/106kg Date of Birth: 4 December 1990 Place of Birth: Gisborne, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 20, 2013 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Versatile forward Blade Thomson had an outstanding season for Taranaki in the 2013 ITM Cup. He displayed a high work rate around the park and added some nice touches with the ball that saw him shine as a loose forward. The 2010 Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand U20 player can play lock, blindside flanker or No. 8 and at 198 centimetres, the versatile Thomson offers another exceptional lineout choice for the Hurricanes. The Gisborne-born athlete was also a member of the 2013 Maori All Blacks. HURRICANES JEREMY THRUSH Lock 198cm/112kg Date of Birth: 19 April 1985 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 80 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Waratahs, Sydney Test Caps: 5 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 15 June 2013 vs France, Christchurch Wellington provincial captain Jeremy Thrush is an experienced forward who continually displays an unwavering work ethic. The 2004 World Under 19 Player of the Year made his debut for the All Blacks in 2013 against France. He is an aggressive, committed ball-winner in the air and is a highly mobile and skilful lock with a nose for the try line. Thrush s father played on the wing for Bush prior to their amalgamation with Wairarapa. He accumulated 1058 minutes for the Hurricanes last season across 14 appearances and while unable to achieve the Super Rugby century this year, Thrush could make a significant dent in the 20 caps required to achieve the milestone. 225

232 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES JEFFERY Prop 192cm/125kg Date of Birth: 19 November 1990 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 25 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 2 November 2013 vs Japan, Tokyo Jeffery Toomaga-Allen played Super Rugby in 2012 before he had even made his provincial debut. The 2013 provincial season was a big one for the young prop, who earned himself a spot in the All Blacks team for their end of year European tour, debuting in Tokyo. He is a quality scrummager, strong with ball in hand, and possesses a huge work rate on defence. Toomaga-Allen was also a member of the Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand U20 side in 2010 and featured nine times for the Hurricanes during the 2013 Super Rugby season. CARDIFF VAEGA Centre 180cm/100kg Date of Birth: 23 September 1991 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Cardiff Vaega is one of the new faces in the 2014 Hurricanes squad after having a strong ITM Cup season with the Southland Stags, scoring a try on debut. A former Kelston Boys High School student, Vaega s strong running ability and solid play on defence was what caught the eye of Hurricanes selectors. He represented New Zealand at U17 level and studied a Bachelor of Sport & Recreation at the Southern Institute of Technology while pursuing his burgeoning rugby career. He is the son of former Samoan international, To o Vaega, who made 61 appearances over a 15-year career. 226

233 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 VICTOR Back Row 192cm/109kg Date of Birth: 27 March 1987 Place of Birth: Wellington, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 60 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Highlanders, Wellington Test Caps: 22 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs Ireland, New Plymouth Victor Vito is one of the top loose forwards in the country and was a strong leader for the Wellington Lions during their 2013 ITM Cup campaign, guiding the side to a home final. He was named Wellington Player of the Year in 2013 and was also nominated for ITM Cup Player of the Year. A member of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks team, the loose forward brought up his 50th Hurricanes cap last season just four years after making his debut. The hard-working Scots College product captained the New Zealand U19 team in 2006 and played a starring role in the New Zealand International Sevens in 2008, scoring two tries in the final against Samoa, including the match winner. Vito made 13 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring a pair of tries. HURRICANES 227

234 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE HURRICANES 228

235 SOUTH AFRICA BULLS CHEETAHS LIONS SHARKS STORMERS SOUTH AFRICA

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237 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BULLS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Bjorn Basson Wing 185cm 87kg Ulrich Beyers Centre 189cm 87kg Clayton Blommetjies Fullback 185cm 87kg David Bulbring Lock 199cm 113kg Jacques du Plessis Lock 201cm 119kg Jacques Engelbrecht Loose Forward 194cm 112kg JJ Engelbrecht Wing 190cm 95kg Louis Fouchè Flyhalf 189cm 98kg Dean Greyling Prop 186cm 120kg Grant Hattingh Loose Forward 201cm 107kg Francois Hougaard Scrumhalf 180cm 92kg Travis Ismaiel Wing 191cm 96kg Frik Kirsten Prop 192cm 120kg Jesse Kriel Fullback 186cm 95kg Werner Kruger Prop 189cm 117kg Wiaan Liebenberg Flanker 189cm 92kg Bandise Maku Hooker 186cm 106kg Sampie Mastriet Wing 180cm 85kg Bongi Mbonambi Hooker 176cm 99kg Victor Matfield Lock 200cm 110kg Morné Mellett Prop 185cm 115kg Waylon Murray Centre 190cm 101kg Akona Ndungane Wing 183cm 93kg Ryan Nell Utility Back 192cm 97kg Rudy Paige Scrumhalf 169cm 77kg Handrè Pollard Flyhalf 189cm 96kg Jacques-Louis Potgieter Utility Back 178cm 90kg Jono Ross Loose Forward 190cm 98kg Jan Serfontein Centre 187cm 97kg William Small-Smith Centre 185cm 90kg Pierre Spies C No cm 107kg Deon Stegmann Flanker 180cm 100kg Flip van der Merwe Lock 198cm 117kg Marcel van der Merwe Prop 189cm 112kg Piet van Zyl Scrumhalf 174cm 84kg Callie Visagie Hooker 188cm 108kg Jurgen Visser Flyhalf 191cm 92kg Paul Willemse Lock 200cm 127kg

238 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Richard Papo Marketing Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: John Newbury President: Louis Nel Chief Executive Officer: Barend van Graan Head Coach: Frans Ludeke Assistant Coach (Defence): Pine Pienaar Assistant Coach (Backline): Pieter Rossouw Assistant Coach (Scrum): Wessel Roux Kicking Coach: Vlok Cilliers High Performance Manager: Xander Janse van Rensburg Team Manager: Tim Dlulane Strength & Conditioning: André Volsteedt Rehabilitation Specialist: Stephen Plummer Team Doctor: Org Strauss Physiotherapist: Roneé Eksteen, Karabo Morokane Sports Dietician: PVM Masseuse: Elzanne van Coller Kit Manager: Andries Kabinde Analyst: John-William Meyer Mental Life Coach: Dr Jannie Botha ADDRESS Loftus Versfeld Kirkness Street Pretoria 0002 South Africa PO Box Sunnyside, Pretoria 0132 South Africa Phone: Fax: WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: HOME GROUND Loftus Versfeld Kirkness Street Pretoria Capacity: 50,000 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Sky blue camouflage design on the front with navy piping on the side. Sleeves are blue with navy piping on edge of sleeves. Back of jersey is one colour Bulls blue. CLASH STRIP: Green/black/brown camouflage design on the front with black piping on the side. Sleeves are green with black piping. Back of jersey is one colour green. 230

239 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Ulrich Beyers (Blue Bulls), Clayton Blommetjies (Blue Bulls), David Bulbring (Kings), Jacques Engelbrecht (Kings), Bandise Maku (Kings), Victor Matfield (Out of Retirement), Waylon Murray (Kings), Ryan Nell (Western Province), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Dax), Piet van Zyl (Cheetahs) PLAYERS OUT: Zane Kirchner (Leinster), Juandrè Kruger (Racing Metro), Lionel Mapoe (Lions), Wynand Olivier (Montpellier), Dewald Potgieter (Yamaha Jubilo), Jacques Potgieter (Fukuoka Sanix Blues/ Waratahs), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Toulouse), Ruan Snyman (Racing Metro), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Force), Mornè Steyn (Stade Français), Francois Venter (Cheetahs), Jano Vermaak (Toulouse), Willie Wepener (Lions) BULLS FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 Saturday 15 February Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 2 Friday 21 February Cheetahs Free State Stadium 19:10 3 Saturday 1 March Lions Loftus Versfeld 17:05 4 Saturday 8 March Blues Loftus Versfeld 17:05 5 BYE 6 Saturday 22 March Sharks Loftus Versfeld 19:10 7 Saturday 29 March Chiefs Loftus Versfeld 15:00 8 Saturday 5 April Hurricanes McLean Park 19:35 9 Friday 11 April Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 10 Saturday 19 April Waratahs Allianz Stadium 19:40 11 Saturday 26 April Force nib Stadium 17:40 12 Saturday 3 May Cheetahs Loftus Versfeld 17:05 13 Saturday 10 May Stormers Loftus Versfeld 19:10 14 BYE 15 Saturday 24 May Brumbies Loftus Versfeld 19:10 16 Saturday 31 May Lions Ellis Park 17:05 17 AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCES ONLY 18 Saturday 5 July Stormers DHL Newlands 17:05 19 Friday 11 July Rebels Loftus Versfeld 19:10 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Bandise Maku (1), Frik Kirsten (9), Dean Greyling (12), JJ Engelbrecht (17), Piet van Zyl (18) 50 Points: Werner Kruger (10), Victor Matfield (10), Waylon Murray (10), JJ Engelbrecht (15), Louis Fouché (15) 100 Caps: Akona Ndungane (4), Werner Kruger (8) 100 Points: Francois Hougaard (5) 150 Points: Bjorn Basson (20), Pierre Spies (25) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

240 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS FRANS LUDEKE Head Coach Born: 24 April 1968, Pietersburg RSA Coaching History: SWD Eagles Head Coach ( ) South Africa Assistant Coach (2000) Golden Lions Head Coach ( ) Cats Head Coach (2002, 2006) Bulls Head Coach (2008-) Frans Ludeke is the only South African coach to win the Super Rugby competition twice and in succession when he coached the side to a double in The hard-working former provincial loose forward came through the coaching ranks at SWD and the Golden Lions before being appointed Cats Head Coach in Super Rugby. Following the resignation of Heyneke Meyer after the 2007 season, Ludeke was drafted from across the Jukskei River to coach the Pretoria outfit. He also coached the Blue Bulls to Currie Cup glory. An honest coach, with strong Christian beliefs, Ludeke is right up there with his professional approach, attention to detail and technical ability. PIETER ROSSOUW Backline Coach Born: 3 December 1971, Swellendam RSA Coaching History: Western Province U19 Head Coach ( ) Western Province Vodacom Cup Head Coach (2007) Bulls Backline Coach (2008-) Former Springbok winger Pieter Rossouw once scored four tries against France in a Test and was synonymous with attacking via his unpredictable and sometimes unstructured play. His coaching philosophy was somewhat different though and moulded into the well-structured patterns of the team. The backline, on Rossouw s watch, remained one of the most potent in the business and it is no coincidence that the likes of Bryan Habana, Akona Ndungane, Bjorn Basson, Wynand Olivier and JJ Engelbrect all finished near the top of the try-scoring logs at the end of many Super Rugby seasons with Rossouw in charge. With Rossouw now well established in the coaching structures, expect the backline to again be well organised and keen to convert try-scoring opportunities with deadly efficiency. 232

241 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WESSEL ROUX Scrum Coach Born: 18 October 1976, Bothaville RSA Coaching History: Blue Bulls Junior Teams Forward Coach ( ) Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup & Currie Cup Scrum Coach ( ) Bulls Scrum Coach (2013-) BULLS Wessel Roux was a cornerstone in the powerhouse packs of the 2000s when the team was a regular Super Rugby playoff participant and Currie Cup title winner. A sortie in France further developed the former Springbok prop s knowledge and technique of all things scrum. Upon his retirement and subsequent return to South Africa, the franchise was quick to snap up the services of Roux as Scrum Consultant and it soon developed into a full-time role with the Union s junior teams. His success at that level was clear for all to see and his promotion into the senior squad was straightforward, especially after the team lost Forwards Coach Johann van Graan to the Springboks. BJORN BASSON Wing 185cm/87kg Date of Birth: 11 February 1987 Place of Birth: King William s Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 55 Super Rugby Points: 130 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 11 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Wales, Cardiff Already his team s top try-scorer in a season (10 in 2012), Bjorn Basson will be looking for a proper run in the 2014 campaign after injury intervened last year. He did however add four caps and three tries to his Springbok tally in 2013 and will be keen to continue pressing for national honours with the 2015 Rugby World Cup rapidly approaching. Few in the game match Basson s finishing prowess and exceptional skills under the high ball and one can expect the team to get its try scoring ace into action as often as possible. Basson started his Super Rugby career with the Cheetahs ( ) before transferring to the Bulls ahead of the 2011 season. The 27-year-old played 13 matches last season, scoring one try. 233

242 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS ULRICH Centre 189cm/87kg Date of Birth: 22 January 1991 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Ulrich Beyers ability to play fullback, wing, in the midfield and even flyhalf makes him a player that any coach would want in his squad. Add an accurate boot that can kick long-range penalties and it becomes clear that Beyers will be someone Frans Ludeke will use to add depth to the squad. Beyers played with great success in the midfield and at fullback in the 2013 Currie Cup. Expect him to use his hard running and abrasive style of defence to good effect when called upon. CLAYTON BLOMMETJIES Fullback 185cm/87kg Date of Birth: 30 August 1990 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: A bright future awaits former Springbok Sevens representative Clayton Blommetjies who possesses a lightning step and fearless play in the air. A natural fullback that has enough pace to also play on the wing, the former schoolboy star has progressed through the Blue Bulls ranks and is now ready to show his value at Super Rugby level. A trophy winner with the Blue Bulls U19 and U21 teams and instrumental in UP-Tuks winning the Varsity Cup, Blommetjies brings unpredictability on attack and solid defence at the back. 234

243 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DAVID Lock 199cm/113kg Date of Birth: 9 September 1992 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2010 vs Cheetahs, Welkom The upward curve in David Bulbring s career should continue in 2014 as a core member of the squad. Bulbring received a taste of Super Rugby while still a junior at the Lions and with the Johannesburg-based franchise dropping out in 2012, he was an obvious candidate for the Kings to headhunt for their 2013 debut. He did not disappoint with the Eastern Cape franchise, accepting responsibility to call the lineouts and providing leadership throughout the pack. The Bulls moved swiftly when the Kings were demoted and contracted the former Junior Springboks lock, who performed well during the Currie Cup. Bulbring is the only active Super Rugby player to make his debut at Welkom, Free State, and made 16 appearances last term. BULLS JACQUES DU Lock 201cm/119cm Date of Birth: 12 August 1993 Place of Birth: Pongola, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 20, 2013 vs Stormers, Cape Town Not even in his wildest dreams could the former Junior Olympic javelin champion have expected his 2013 season to unfold as it did. Jacques du Plessis started with UP-Tuks in the domestic Varsity Cup competition and, after a couple of dominating performances for the eventual champions, the lock/loose forward was a shoe-in for the Junior Springboks who finished third at the Junior World Championships in France. An injury crisis after the inbound tests in June resulted in a Super Rugby debut at lock against the Stormers and he subsequently became a regular starter at flank at Currie Cup level. Big, strong and powerful, much is expected of the emerging Du Plessis in

244 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS JACQUES Loose Forward 194cm/112kg Date of Birth: 6 October 1985 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2013 vs Rebels, Melbourne Jacques Engelbrecht s arrival in Pretoria after a strong Super Rugby season with the Kings was welcomed by all. Not only did the powerful athlete fit the profile of a Pretoria loose forward, but he also performed admirably to demonstrate his credentials at Currie Cup level. Engelbrecht s true worth seems to lie in his ability as an impact player and with the franchise well-stocked in the loose forward department, one can expect the former Springbok Sevens player to excel as a ball-carrier off the bench. Engelbrecht loves the physical stuff and will be a prominent fixture in defence as well. He made 15 appearances for the Kings last season, scoring one try and carrying the ball more times (118) than any other player at the franchise (Cornell du Preez 102 and Schalk Ferreira 85). JJ ENGELBRECHT Wing 190cm/95kg Date of Birth: 22 February 1989 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 33 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Sharks, Pretoria Test Caps: 12 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 18 August 2012 vs Argentina, Cape Town A Springbok call-up in 2012 indicated the impact that JJ Engelbrecht made in his first season of Super Rugby. Seven consecutive Test starts and four tries in 2013 indicated an even stronger showing in his follow-up year. The elusive Engelbrecht runs great lines on attack, is always a threat with ball in hand and managed to add consistency to his game as well especially in defence, making 113 tackles last season. He will be a senior team member this year and if his progress in the first two season at Super Rugby level is anything to go by, the Eastern Cape-born player can be one of the real stars of

245 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LOUIS FOUCHÈ Flyhalf 189cm/98kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1990 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Sharks, Pretoria A knee injury sustained in the latter part of last year s competition robbed Louis Fouchè of valuable game time in the Currie Cup, where he was top scorer in As understudy to Mornè Steyn, the easy going 24-year-old took his limited chances well in 2013 and much is still expected from the strappy flyhalf, particularly with Steyn s departure from the franchise. Time away from the field during the off-season has done wonders for his conditioning and many hours were also spent over the kicking tee. A strong defender with a massive boot, Fouchè will be keen to improve his attacking play during the competition and seek more opportunities at Super Rugby level. He made 11 appearances last season, scoring a pair of tries and missing just one of the 10 goal attempts that he was charged with taking. BULLS DEAN GREYLING Prop 186cm/120kg Date of Birth: 1 January 1986 Place of Birth: Mokopane, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 38 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2008 vs Lions, Pretoria Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 23 July 2011 vs Australia, Sydney It is fair to say that 2014 will be a make or break year for Dean Greyling. Injury played havoc with his 2013 season and although the hardrunning prop did start regularly in the latter part of the competition, he was often overlooked during the Currie Cup. The new scrum sequence will be a challenge for all props to adjust to and if Greyling can adapt quickly, we might just see the return to the form that made him a Springbok in A solid unit in the scrum and blessed with wonderful hands and a strong burst when carrying the ball, Greyling has all to play for this season after just eight appearances at Super Rugby level in

246 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS GRANT Lock 201cm/107kg Date of Birth: 3 October 1990 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2012 vs Brumbies, Johannesburg Grant Hattingh justified his move north from the Lions by delivering a number of telling performances during the 2013 Super Rugby season. The lock was used off the bench as an impact player on a regular basis, but finished the season as the starting number five and took responsibility for calling the lineouts. A very mobile athlete who can easily play in the loose forwards, Hattingh will be looking at this tournament to start pressing for higher honours. His strong lineout play brings comfort to any coach and a deceiving burst of speed makes Hattingh a threat with ball in hand, especially in open play. FRANCOIS Scrumhalf 180cm/92kg Date of Birth: 6 April 1988 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 56 Super Rugby Points: 95 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2008 vs Highlanders, Pretoria Test Caps: 27 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 21 November 2009 vs Italy, Udine It is a given that if Francois Hougaard fires, the Bulls also fire. The nuggety and very strong scrumhalf will be looking for a rejuvenating 2014 campaign following ankle surgery that kept him off the field for the second part of last season. Hougaard s 2013 form was down on his usual lofty standards and the versatile player, who scored a try in the 2010 Super Rugby Final and played out wide for the Springboks, will be keen to up the ante. A popular player with celebrity status off the field, Hougaard will be keen to live up to the hype and remind fans of his prodigious talents. He scored twice last season and led the Bulls with eight try-assists, which was good enough to rank him equal-fourth in Super Rugby, alongside James O Connor, despite featuring in just 11 matches. 238

247 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TRAVIS Wing 191cm/96kg Date of Birth: 2 June 1993 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: BULLS The Bulls continue to invest heavily in junior structures and Travis Ismaiel is a fine example of the products that flow from this youthful production line. A former gold medal winner with the Junior Springboks and one of a number of Currie Cup debutants in 2013, the young winger will be keen for playing opportunities to show off his impressive skill set. Ismaiel is quick, comfortable in the air, kicks well and most importantly has the ability to finish try-scoring opportunities. The former track sprinter will be keeping the established wingers in the side on their toes all season long as he seeks a Super Rugby debut. FRIK KIRSTEN Prop 192cm/120kg Date of Birth: 18 August 1998 Place of Birth: Sandton, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 31 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Blues, Pretoria Frik Kirsten has grown into a serious rugby player and his call-up to the Springboks touring squad in November as injury back-up was a fair reflection of his progression in A former Junior Springbok player who has improved steadily every season, the University of Pretoria graduate is now right there amongst the best props in the competition. He is mobile for an anchor man, has good skills with ball in hand and will always be near the top when tackle count is under discussion. An honest player with a high work rate, Kirsten will be keen to impress in

248 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS JESSE Fullback 186cm/95kg Date of Birth: 15 February 1994 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: The big challenge to any schoolboy star coming into senior rugby is to continue progressing as a player, but to also deliver those performances that made him a standout in the first place. A former South African Schools player, Jesse Kriel played for the Junior Springboks and the Blue Bulls U21 as an 18-year-old in 2013 and showed good form. His debut season at Super Rugby level will be one of learning the ropes, but with physical ability to match his skills and pace, Kriel will be keen to showcase his talent to a wider audience. WERNER Prop 189cm/117kg Date of Birth: 23 January 1985 Place of Birth: Kempton Park, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 92 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 23 July 2011 vs Australia, Sydney It is hard to imagine a Bulls pack without Werner Kruger, who has earned his reputation as one of the hardest working props in the competition. The former Springbok will hit rucks all day, cleaning out opponents and when needed, will take the ball into contact in order to create space for faster teammates. Kruger will be in a battle with Frik Kirsten for a starting berth, but such is the attitude and versatility of the player that he will be contributing efficiently and effectively whether he starts or plays off the bench. The resilient prop was one of three Bulls players to feature in all 17 of the team s matches last season, playing 922 minutes and scoring a pair of tries. 240

249 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WIAAN LIEBENBERG Flanker 189cm/92kg Date of Birth: 31 August 1992 Place of Birth: Brackenfell, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: BULLS The expectation in Pretoria of what Wiaan Liebenberg can contribute in coming years is huge and not based on hope alone. The former gold medal-winning Junior Springbok captain has already received trophies on numerous platforms and after a solid Currie Cup season as a 20-year-old, the hard-tackling flanker will have to step up another level for his expected progress in senior ranks to be justified. A great reader of the play and with a natural feel for game management, Liebenberg s first challenge will earning be a starting berth amongst a number of internationals in the loose forwards at Loftus Versfeld. BANDISE Hooker 186cm/106kg Date of Birth: 24 July 1986 Place of Birth: King William s Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 49 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2008 vs Chiefs, Rotorua It is full circle for Bandise Maku who gained Springbok colours and won the Super Rugby title as a Bulls player before leaving for what was supposed to be greener pastures. A stint in Johannesburg did produce a Currie Cup title, but both Super Rugby contributions for the Lions ( ) and Kings (2013) ultimately ended in relegation. Now a senior player with much to prove to his team, Maku will be keen to get back to the form that earned him national colours in His leadership and experience could be telling factors in determining the success of the pack in Maku is the only active Super Rugby player to make his debut in Rotorua and will run out for his 50th cap at this level when he plays his first match in

250 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS SAMPIE MASTRIET Wing 180cm/85kg Date of Birth: 3 August 1990 Place of Birth: Mariasdal, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Force, Pretoria Sampie Mastriet has been making a name for himself as a South African Sevens player, forming part of the squad that won the World Series title in Port Elizabeth and could play an important role in the 2014 Super Rugby campaign. Mastriet now runs with a purposeful confidence and is doing what he is noted for scoring tries. Despite limited opportunities in 2013, Mastriet celebrated his Bulls debut with a try, as he did in his provincial debut the year before. Expect the dynamic winger to deliver when called upon. VICTOR Lock 200cm/110kg Date of Birth: 11 May 1977 Place of Birth: Polokwane, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 124 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 1999 vs Brumbies, Johannesburg Test Caps: 110 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 30 July 2001 vs Italy, Port Elizabeth Victor Matfield s return to the rugby field after a three year absence took many by surprise as there was general agreement that he took well to the coaching role he had with the franchise in The veteran lock s return to rugby in February after retiring in 2011 resulted in a media frenzy in South Africa with mixed feelings about the wisdom of this decision by Springbok rugby s most experienced player. The player himself insisted that his body will be up to the rigours of playing in the toughest competition in the world. There is little doubt that Matfield vast experience and proven leadership abilities will add tremendously to a youngish Bulls pack. The player will have a target on his back though, especially in the early part of the season, and will have to prove all his doubters wrong. Already with one of the best lineouts in the competition, the Bulls will feel even more comfortable with Matfield, generally rated as the best lineout exponent in the world, back in the line-up. 242

251 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BONGI Hooker 176cm/99kg Date of Birth: 7 January 1991 Place of Birth: Bethlehem, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 2 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2013 vs Crusaders, Pretoria Feisty ball-carrying hooker Bongi Mbonambi will be very keen to establish himself as a front-line option for coach Frans Ludeke after a frustrating 2013 season. Mbonambi debuted in 2012 but failed to make the squad in 2013, which stirred the competitive 23-year-old into action, who responded with stellar performances at Currie Cup level. Strong in the carry and with an uncanny knack of making try-saving tackles, the 2014 season could be a breakthrough one for the developing hooker. A great lineout thrower, Mbonambi will strive for regular game time in a highly competitive Pretoria environment. BULLS MORNÉ Prop 185cm/115kg Date of Birth: 2 October 1989 Place of Birth: Boksburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Stormers, Pretoria There has been steady improvement in the form and stature of Morné Mellett. This strongly built prop has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the wider squad in recent years and in 2013, became a regular starter with 12 appearances to his name. Presenting himself as one of the most solid scrummagers in the competition, Mellett will be looking to add more arrows to his bow in 2014 with a bigger contribution in ball-carrying the main challenge. Ideally built for his position and with an impeccable technique, Mellett will also enjoy the new scrum sequence, much to the detriment of his opponents. 243

252 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS WAYLON Centre 190cm/101kg Date of Birth: 27 April 1986 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 62 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2006 vs Crusaders, Timaru Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 9 June 2007 vs Samoa, Johannesburg Waylon Murray joins the squad for the first time and will be expected to hit the ground running after plenty of Super Rugby experience with the Sharks ( ), Lions ( ) and Kings (2013). His running lines and eye for a gap has made Murray a menace on attack, but he will have to use his opportunity well if he wants to start on a regular basis among a competitive midfield. Experienced and skilled, Murray has much to offer to his fourth Super Rugby franchise and is the only current player who made his debut at Timaru. Having undergone knee surgery prior to the 2013 campaign, Murray featured in just seven matches for the Kings last season and will be keen to see more action this year. RYAN Utility Back 192cm/97kg Date of Birth: 4 September 1990 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Lanky outside back Ryan Nell shot to prominence with a number of very promising performances for the University of Stellenbosch during the 2012 Varsity Cup and it was no surprise when Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu called him into his squad a couple of weeks later. Returning to fifteens last season, Nell again impressed with strong play for Western Province and was drafted by the Blue Bulls to continue his rugby in Gauteng. Strong running, speed and the awareness to take good running lines will help Nell in his bid to break into the match day squad. 244

253 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 AKONA Wing 183cm/93kg Date of Birth: 20 February 1981 Place of Birth: Umtata, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 96 Super Rugby Points: 160 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Cats, Johannesburg Test Caps: 11 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 15 July 2006 vs Australia, Brisbane In a Super Rugby career spanning almost a decade, Akona Ndungane has not lost his uncanny ability to compete, contest balls in the air or finish off breaks. The veteran winger s chasing from kick-offs has become legendary and the franchise will again receive 100 percent commitment and ability from this true professional. Adding to his three championships in the competition will be a personal as well as a team objective, but for that to happen, another special season from Ndungane will be paramount. He also requires just four caps to become a Super Rugby centurion. Ndungane s twin brother Odwa is a winger who represents the Sharks at Super Rugby level. BULLS RUDY Scrumhalf 169cm/77kg Date of Birth: 2 August 1989 Place of Birth: Riversdal, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2013 vs Cheetahs, Pretoria You will often hear references about Super Rugby being a marathon, not a sprint and that a strong squad is more important than a couple of talismanic playmakers. This is where Rudy Paige has proven to be a valuable team member and contributor. His four appearances in 2013 all came off the bench, but there is a comfort in knowing this sound ball distributor and calm rugby head is around to contribute when called upon. Paige brings a solid skill-set, strong leadership, a massive work ethic and the ability to add spark to any game. He will be pushing Francois Hougaard all the way for a starting spot at scrumhalf. In 2007, Paige was appointed captain of the South African Schools team and has also represented the U20 national team at the 2009 Junior World Championship in Japan. 245

254 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS HANDRÈ Flyhalf 189cm/96kg Date of Birth: 9 March 1994 Place of Birth: Somerset West, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: There is no hiding from scrutiny and expectation for anyone who dons the number 10 jersey in Pretoria and young upstart Handrè Pollard will be no exception. Massive expectation comes with the young playmaker s elevation to the top echelon, but early indications point to a natural ability to adapt to the biggest of challenges. The decorated Junior Springbok flyhalf demonstrated the necessary temperament in the Currie Cup during 2013 and his brilliant hand speed coupled with tactical reading of the game could allow his hard running outside backs to prosper. Pollard is a no-nonsense defender and once his kicking game matches his other skills, a Super Rugby debut and higher honours are a given. JACQUES-LOUIS POTGIETER Utility Back 178cm/90kg Date of Birth: 2 September 1984 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 42 Super Rugby Points: 127 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2007 vs Cheetahs, Pretoria The well-travelled Jacques-Louis Potgieter returns to his Loftus Versfeld roots from France, where he had a successful two year stint with Bayonne. He was due to join Dax in 2014, but answered the call to return to Pretoria, where he last played Super Rugby in He also had stints with the Cheetahs ( ) and Sharks (2011) before his French adventure. Potgieter s versatility will make him a valuable squad member, as he can cover most backline positions and possesses a very accurate and strong boot. 246

255 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JONO Ross Loose Forward 190cm/98kg Date of Birth: 27 October 1990 Place of Birth: Sandton, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 4 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2013 vs Kings, Pretoria After being appointed captain of the Currie Cup side in his first regular season at that level, one could expect Jono Ross to be in contention for a starting berth at the Bulls. The presence of three internationals in the loose trio with one of them captain Pierre Spies could however see Ross as a fringe player, so the honest toiling flanker will be keen to seize every opportunity that comes his way. A solid leader with a high work rate and fearless attitude, Ross will certainly be hoping to add further Super Rugby experience to his CV in He travelled to London for a stint at Saracens in and has previously represented UP-Tuks in the Varsity Cup competition from BULLS JAN Centre 187cm/97kg Date of Birth: 15 April 1993 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Force, Pretoria Test Caps: 9 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs Italy, Durban With the hype around him seemingly justified after his first season at this level, Jan Serfontein will now be looked to as a senior contributor towards the franchise, despite starting the 2014 campaign at just 20 years of age. A strong debut season resulted in an international call-up and impressive performances for the Springboks. The same type of showing will be expected from this hard-running midfielder, who seems to be at total ease when carrying with the ball and breaking tackles. With international experience now under his belt, Serfontein has the ability to become one of the most dominant midfielders of the tournament and will hope to build on his 12 appearances from his debut campaign. 247

256 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS WILLIAM Centre 185cm/90kg Date of Birth: 31 March 1992 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Success seems to follow William Small-Smith wherever he goes with the talented midfielder receiving gold medals as part of the Springboks Sevens team, the Junior Springboks and the Blue Bulls U21 team since finishing school only three years ago. Fast and with a proven ability to finish, Small-Smith s real strength lies in his on-field organisational and leadership traits. A leader of men with a natural feel for the game, the developing centre will become even more influential in years to come. Small-Smith will be keen to use every playing opportunity to confirm his talent and provided they come his way, could stake a serious claim later in the tournament. He was a solid contributor for UP-Tuks in the 2013 Varsity Cup before injury ended his campaign prior to the final against Maties. PIERRE No cm/107kg Date of Birth: 8 June 1985 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 102 Super Rugby Points: 125 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2005 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Test Caps: 53 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 15 July 2006 vs Australia, Brisbane Despite being one of the most decorated players in Super Rugby, the jury may well be out on franchise captain Pierre Spies who is returning after six months out due to a torn bicep. His status as the country s premier No. 8 is under threat from a number of contenders and the athletic and versatile Spies will have to show that he still has the appetite and grunt to dispel all contenders to his throne. The veteran s real focus with the Bulls will be to provide inspiration and leadership; both core attributes of this phenomenal player who has represented the Pretoria-based franchise since Spies is also a seasoned Springbok campaigner with 53 caps to his name since debuting in

257 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DEON STEGMANN Flanker 180cm/100kg Date of Birth: 23 March 1986 Place of Birth: Cradock, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 75 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 6 Test Debut 6 November 2010 vs Ireland, Dublin There is a thin line between hero and zero for openside flankers in Super Rugby, but Deon Stegmann has been consistently getting it right over a number of seasons at this level. A six-month break from the game due to injury will see the hardworking flanker not only fit and ready for 2014, but also fresh and keen to deliver. Stegmann will have legitimate claims to get himself back into national contention and adding to his Test tally, but it will be his teamwork and appreciation of the referee s applications of the law that could make him an incredible asset. BULLS FLIP VAN DER MERWE Lock 198cm/117kg Date of Birth: 6 June 1985 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 63 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2007 vs Chiefs, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 34 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs France, Cape Town Flip Van der Merwe was close to being the most influential player in the 2013 campaign and could easily take that mantle this time around. Having reached maturity as a player, the abrasive lock has grown into the number five role for the Springboks after excelling in the number four jersey at Super Rugby level and it will be interesting to see where he will be used most in His ability to lead, bruise, carry the ball and call lineouts makes van der Merwe one of the most valuable players in his squad. The Potchefstroom-born international started his Super Rugby career at the Cheetahs where he played from His father Flippie earned six caps for the Springboks between

258 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS MARCEL VAN DER MERWE Prop 189cm/112kg Date of Birth: 24 October 1980 Place of Birth: Welkom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 3 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2012 vs Stormers, Bloemfontein Recovery from a knee operation prevented Marcel van der Merwe from contributing to the 2013 campaign, but his Currie Cup efforts later in the season helped make up for lost time. The former Cheetahs prop ( ) has great ball-carrying ability and is a regular try scorer. His real value however will be in setpieces, with his ability to pack both sides of the scrum and provide strong support play in the drive. Competition for a starting berth amongst the props will keep all players on their toes and his all-round game might just give van der Merwe the edge over his colleagues. PIET VAN Scrumhalf 174cm/84kg Date of Birth: 14 September 1989 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 32 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 15 June 2013 vs Scotland, Nelspruit A stellar season with the Cheetahs saw Piet van Zyl make his Springbok debut and the Bulls will be keen to see similar form from their new signing. The scrumhalf s kicking game and opportunism could complement the power of his new pack and with van Zyl s sniping ability around the fringes, his brand of rugby could prove a nightmare to opponents. Ability to adapt to his new team and patterns will be van Zyl s biggest challenge, but as the game seems to come naturally to the talented scrumhalf, a telling contribution could be expected from the start of the season. One of 10 Cheetahs to feature in all 17 of the franchise s matches last season, van Zyl scored three tries and provided an additional three assists. 250

259 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CALLIE Hooker 188cm/108kg Date of Birth: 9 July 1988 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2013 vs Cheetahs, Johannesburg Callie Visagie s performances colours while being on loan from the Lions in 2013 prompted Head Coach Frans Ludeke to make the relationship a more secure one and signed the hooker at the completion of the Super Rugby season. An ankle injury curtailed his Currie Cup participation, but has given him ample time to refine his lineout throwing. Visagie s all-round game is pretty solid, with his ball carrying, scrummaging and turnover abilities particular highlights. The hooker featured on seven occasions for the Bulls last year, winning 22 lineout throws which was third behind Chiliboy Ralepelle (150) and Willie Wepener (45) at the franchise. BULLS JURGEN Flyhalf 191cm/92kg Date of Birth: 13 September 1989 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2013 vs Blues, Auckland The ability of the former flyhalf to play anywhere in the outside backs will see him getting regular action off the bench, but Jurgen Visser will be keen to establish himself as first choice fullback in Having seen action on the wing, fullback and a cameo appearance at 10 in his breakthrough year, Visser will again contribute in numerous ways. He loves attacking from deep and also has a sound kicking game to complement his overall play. The versatile back is strong defensively and if he can manage to produce on a consistent level, the Bulls will benefit hugely. He played in 11 matches for the Bulls during the 2013 Super Rugby season, scoring one try. 251

260 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE BULLS PAUL Lock 200cm/127kg Date of Birth: 13 September 1992 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2012 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Few doubt the claims that Paul Willemse will go all the way to become yet another from the Bulls lock factory to play Test match rugby. For that to happen though, the youngster will have to show discipline with his fitness regime and physicality to make sure those bone crushing tackles and ruck clean-outs remain within the laws of the game. Although that being said, the 200 centimetre, 127 kilogram giant missed just one of 26 tackle attempts last season and conceded only one penalty in his five appearances. A good 2013 season confirmed the ability and credentials of the former Junior Springbok lock and positive progress in his role as an enforcer and ball-carrier will fit in nicely with the Bulls abrasive game plan and brutal defence. 252

261 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CHEETAHS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Ryno Barnes Hooker 183cm 110kg Rayno Benjamin Wing 187cm 94kg Heinrich Brüssow Flanker 181cm 103kg Jean Cook Flanker 193cm 107kg Hennie Daniller Fullback 194cm 100kg Lodewyk de Jager Lock 205cm 124kg Andries Ferreira Lock 197cm 122kg Johan Goosen Flyhalf 185cm 89kg Cornal Hendricks Wing 189cm 90kg Lappies Labuschagne Flanker 189cm 107kg Ligtoring Landman Lock 196cm 120kg Willie le Roux Fullback 186cm 90kg Hercú Liebenberg Hooker 178cm 109kg Hilton Lobberts Lock 196cm 104kg Kevin Luiters Scrumhalf 174cm 82kg Howard Mnisi Centre 185cm 98kg Teboho Mohoje Flanker 193cm 107kg Trevor Nyakane Prop 178cm 120kg Caylib Oosthuizen Prop 185cm 116kg Coenie Oosthuizen Prop 187cm 129kg Sarel Pretorius Scrumhalf 174cm 84kg Boom Prinsloo Loose Forward 184cm 101kg Raymond Rhule Wing 180cm 90kg Johann Sadie Centre 188cm 96kg Nick Schonert Prop 189cm 119kg Riaan Smit Utility Back 178cm 85kg Adriaan Strauss C Hooker 185cm 113kg Francois Uys Lock 195cm 112kg Philip van der Walt Loose Forward 194cm 110kg Max van Dyk Prop 186cm 118kg Torsten van Jaarsveld Hooker 176cm 106kg Francois Venter Centre 185cm 93kg Shaun Venter Scrumhalf 184cm 86kg Elgar Watts Flyhalf 182cm 89kg

262 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS TEAM MEDIA CONTACTS Ronel Pienaar Media & Communications Manager Phone: Eugene van Wyk Team Manager Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Randall September Chief Executive Officer: Harold Verster Head Coach: Naka Drotské Backline Coach: Hawies Fourie Forwards Coach: Os du Randt Team Manager: Eugene van Wyk Strength & Conditioning: Niel du Plessis Team Doctor: Ferdi Wesso Physiotherapist: JP du Toit Kit Manager: Sakkie Wessels Analyst: Charl Strydom ADDRESS Free State Stadium Att Horak Avenue Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa PO Box 15 Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa Phone: Fax: WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: HOME GROUND Free State Stadium Att Horak Avenue Bloemfontein Capacity: 46,

263 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: White jersey with chevron speed detail across the chest. Biscay bay inserted side panels with purple contrast at the end of the sleeves and an orange collar. White shorts and Biscay bay socks. CLASH STRIP: Russet Orange jersey with chevron speed detail across the chest. Biscay bay inserted side panels with purple contrast at the end of the sleeves and an orange collar. Russet orange shorts and Russet orange socks. CHEETAHS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Jean Cook (Bulls), Cornal Hendricks (SA Sevens), Howard Mnisi (Griquas), Nick Schonert (Griquas), Francois Venter (Bulls), Shaun Venter (Kings) PLAYERS OUT: Lourens Adriaanse (Sharks), Robert Ebersohn (Montpellier), Burton Francis (Agen), Piet van Zyl (Bulls), Frans Viljoen (Lyon) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 Saturday 15 February Lions Free State Stadium 17:05 2 Friday 21 February Bulls Free State Stadium 19:10 3 Friday 28 February Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 4 Friday 7 March Reds Suncorp Stadium 18:40 5 Saturday 15 March Hurricanes Westpac Stadium 16:35 6 Saturday 22 March Blues Eden Park 19:35 7 BYE 8 Saturday 5 April Chiefs Free State Stadium 15:00 9 Saturday 12 April Crusaders Free State Stadium 17:05 10 Saturday 19 April Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 15:00 11 Saturday 26 April Stormers Free State Stadium 17:05 12 Saturday 3 May Bulls Loftus Versfeld 17:05 13 Saturday 10 May Force Free State Stadium 17:05 14 Saturday 17 May Brumbies Free State Stadium 19:10 15 Saturday 24 May Stormers DHL Newlands 17:05 16 BYE 17 AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCES ONLY 18 Saturday 5 July Sharks Free State Stadium 19:10 19 Saturday 12 July Lions Ellis Park 17:05 MILESTONES 50 Caps as Captain: Adriaan Strauss (6) 50 Caps: Francois Uys (9), Johann Sadie (16), Willie le Roux (17) 50 Points: Coenie Oosthuizen (10), Adriaan Strauss (10), Elgar Watts (12), Hennie Daniller (15), Johann Sadie (15), Heinrich Brüssow (20), Raymond Rhule (25) 100 Caps: Adriaan Strauss (11), Hennie Danillier (17) 200 Points: Johan Goosen (12) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

264 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS NAKA DROTSKÉ Head Coach Born: 15 March 1971, Senekal RSA Coaching History: Cheetahs Currie Cup Forwards Coach (2006) Cheetahs Forwards Coach ( ) Cheetahs Currie Cup Head Coach ( ) Cheetahs Head Coach (2008-) Naka Drotské is the first South African Rugby personality to win the Currie Cup as a Captain (2005), Manager (2006) and Coach (2007). Highly respected by the players, Drotské has a way of rapidly developing a player s natural ability. His experience both as player (26 Tests for South Africa including two World Cups and 128 matches for the Cheetahs) and Head Coach will be vital in bringing the best out in the squad. Drotské coached the Free State Cheetahs in two Currie Cup finals (2007 and 2009) and six Semi-Finals ( and 2013). He played his first Test for the Springboks against Argentina in 1993, winning HAWIES FOURIE Assistant Coach (Backline) Born: 5 August 1968, Belfast RSA Coaching History: Ceres Rugby Club Head Coach ( ) Boland Cavaliers Head Coach ( ) Stormers Assistant Coach (2006) Cheetahs Currie Cup Assistant Coach ( ) Cheetah Backline Coach (2008-) Griquas Currie Cup Head Coach (2014-) Hawies Fourie joined the franchise from Boland in June 2007 as an Assistant Coach. He filled the specialist backline coaching role and made a huge contribution to the team s Currie Cup victory at the end of As head coach of Boland ( ), Hawies guided the team to claiming the Currie Cup First Division Final in 2006 and the Vodacom Shield in

265 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 OS DU RANDT Assistant Coach (Forwards) Born: 8 September 1972, Elliot RSA Coaching History: Cheetahs Forwards Coach (2009-) South Africa Forwards Coach (2010) CHEETAHS Os du Randt was rated as one of the best loosehead props in the world and is one of only six players ever to have won two Rugby World Cups (1995 and 2007 the other players being John Eales, Dan Crowley, Phil Kearns, Jason Little and Tim Horan). He s also one of a very few players to win the World Cup, Tri Nations (2004), Currie Cup (2005) and South African Player of the Year (1997). Du Randt s vast experience was put to good use by former Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, who drafted the retired player into the Springbok management as a scrum consultant. Drotskè followed suit by offering the prop a full-time position at the Cheetahs. This turned out to be a great recruiting tool as well, as numerous young props now look at Bloemfontein and Du Randt s coaching as a pathway to success. It was no wonder that two test debutants in 2013 (Trevor Nyakane and Lourens Adriaanse) came from the Cheetahs scrum. RYNO Hooker 183cm/110kg Date of Birth: 5 November 1981 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 30 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2010 vs Hurricanes, Bloemfontein Ryno Barnes has impressed ever since the 2009 season in the Griquas front row as a hooker and also throughout the last two seasons as skipper. Barnes is powerful at scrum time and his lineout throwing is right on the spot. He also likes running with the ball and has previously spent time with Western Province (2006), Falcons ( ) and Griquas (2009) prior to joining the Cheetahs Super Rugby team in

266 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS RAYNO Wing 187cm/94kg Date of Birth: 3 August 1983 Place of Birth: St Helena Bay, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 51 Super Rugby Points: 55 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Cats, Johannesburg Rayno Benjamin played Super Rugby for the Stormers (2006) and the Lions (2008) before moving to the Bloemfontein in He s also a former Springbok Sevens player and is a significant asset to the backline play of the franchise. The lanky and speedy winger made his provincial debut for Boland in He is an entertaining player with over 50 Super Rugby caps to his name and a pleasure to watch on the field. Benjamin made 15 appearances last Super Rugby season most from the bench logging 209 minutes and scoring a pair of tries. HEINRICH BRÜSSOW Flanker 181cm/103kg Date of Birth: 21 July 1986 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 70 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2007 vs Blues, Auckland Test Caps: 20 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 22 November 2008 vs England, London Heinrich Brüssow was one of South Africa s stars at 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The imposing flanker is strong on the ground, blessed with a good pair of hands, a fair turn of speed and is strong in the tackle. Brüssow left South Africa after the 2013 Super Rugby season to further his career with the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan, which means his dreams of adding to his 20 Test caps is on hold for now. He can however continue playing Super Rugby for the Cheetahs as the Japanese season does not run concurrently with the Southern Hemisphere tournament. Brüssow won 19 turnovers last Super Rugby season, which ranked second at the franchise behind Robert Ebersohn (32), who now plies his trade in France. Brussow will miss the opening month of the season after suffering a torn ligament in his toe. 258

267 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JEAN Flanker 193cm/107kg Date of Birth: 14 August 1991 Place of Birth: Pietermaritzburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2013 vs Force, Pretoria Jean Cook made his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls against the Force in 2013, scoring a try in the process and to this point, represents his only match in the competition. In 2009, Cook represented the South African Schools and South African U18 teams. Two years later he travelled with the South African team to the Junior World Championship in Italy, playing all five matches as the Springboks finished fifth. After his only match for the Free State Cheetahs in the Vodacom Cup, the strongly built loose forward moved to Pretoria but returned to Bloemfontein after the 2013 Currie Cup. CHEETAHS HENNIE Fullback 194cm/100kg Date of Birth: 5 April 1984 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 83 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2004 vs Sharks, Pretoria Hennie Daniller has been one of the team s most consistent performers over recent seasons. His height is a tremendous asset when competing for the high ball and he relishes counter-attacking from deep when space allows, using his dangerous boot to good effect. He also has a sound defensive game, making 55 of his 61 tackle attempts last season. Daniller, a former South African U19, U21 and South African Schools player, made his Super Rugby debut back in 2004 as a 19-year-old with the Bulls where he played for one season. He made 16 appearances for the Cheetahs in 2013, scoring one try. 259

268 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS LODEWYK DE Lock 205cm/124kg Date of Birth: 17 December 1992 Place of Birth: Alberton, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Sharks, Bloemfontein Lodewyk de Jager played for the NWU PUK Young Guns in the Varsity Cup competition in This big forward was a newcomer to senior first class rugby in 2013 and is a big prospect for the future. He played 17 Super Rugby matches in his debut season before running on to the field in a first class provincial game. De Jager had an exceptional season for both the Super Rugby and Currie Cup teams, using his height, size and athleticism to devastating effect. He is a powerful ball carrier and possesses solid handling and anticipatory skills. He is the youngest member of the squad and second tallest in Super Rugby (behind Dominic Bird, 206cm). His 43 lineout wins led the franchise last year alongside Lappies Labuschagne. ANDRIES FERREIRA Lock 197cm/122kg Date of Birth: 29 March 1990 Place of Birth: Despatch, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Lions, Johannesburg An injury obtained during the 2012 Currie Cup season sidelined Andried Ferreira for the entire 2013 campaign. His strong set-piece skills and outstanding athletic potential are key strengths that the Cheetahs will look to utilise in Ferreira represented South Africa Schools in 2008 and has spent time on loan at the Griffons. 260

269 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JOHAN Flyhalf 185cm/89kg Date of Birth: 27 July 1992 Place of Birth: Burgersdorp, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 13 Super Rugby Points: 188 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 4 Test Points: 8 Test Debut 8 September 2012 vs Australia, Perth Johan Goosen is one of most promising young rugby players and flyhalves in South Africa. He is a strong runner with ball in hand and possesses sound defence skills and tactical kicking. He is an excellent goal-kicker, comfortable around the 55-metre range. After being sidelined by a shoulder injury for nearly four months in 2012, Goosen was called up for national service despite playing just 50 minutes in his only Currie Cup match of the campaign. He made his debut as a flyhalf replacement for Morné Steyn against Australia in Perth in He played in the number 10 jersey in Pretoria, also against Australia, but was unfortunately sidelined by a knee injury and was unavailable to face the All Blacks. Because of injuries, Goosen missed the whole of 2013 Currie Cup competition. He has represented South Africa at Schools, U18 and U20 level. CHEETAHS CORNAL HENDRICKS Wing 189cm/90kg Date of Birth: 18 April 1988 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Conral Hendriks joined the franchise after 18 tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series and a Sevens World Cup appearance in Moscow. The combination of pace, acceleration, anticipation and quick feet makes Hendricks one of the most threatening ball runners in South African rugby. He is also a fine defensive wing and should prove a big asset to the squad in 2014, also possessing the flexibility to step into the centres if called upon. 261

270 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS LAPPIES LABUSCHAGNE Flanker 189cm/107kg Date of Birth: 11 January 1989 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2012 vs Bulls, Pretoria Pieter Lappies Labuschagne was one of the finds of 2011 and was rewarded with a call-up to the team for the 2012 season. He excelled at Currie Cup level, playing all 15 games in the competition and scoring six tries. A hard-working loose-forward, Labuschagne provides a reliable option at the back of the lineout, carries the ball with purpose and is very strong on defence leading Super Rugby with 248 (and only 11 missed) in the 2013 season. His tackles per game also led the competition from Matt Todd (14.18) and Wimpie van der Walt (13.93) He was called up by the Springboks in 2013 but did not feature and is still awaiting his Test debut. He s previously captained UFS Shimlas at Varsity Cup level. LIGTORING Lock 196cm/120kg Date of Birth: 24 July 1986 Place of Birth: East London, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 15 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2009 vs Cheetahs, Johannesburg Rynard Ligtoring Landman usually plays as a lock and occasionally as a flanker. He played his youth rugby with the Leopards which is where he also began his senior rugby career. Landman played 41 games for the Potchefstroom-based side before joining the Boland Cavaliers in He spent just one season in Wellington before moving to Kimberley in Strong performances in the local Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup competitions coupled with injuries to Martin Muller and Andries Ferreira saw him become an important member of the team that reached the Super Rugby Qualifier in 2013, ultimately losing to the Brumbies in Canberra. 262

271 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WILLIE LE Fullback 186cm/90kg Date of Birth: 18 August 1989 Place of Birth: Stellenbosch, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 33 Super Rugby Points: 65 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 12 Test Points: 20 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs Italy, Durban The inspirational Willie le Roux seemed to be at the heart of all of the Cheetahs best moments in His natural attacking instincts were superb and he was the fulcrum around which the team operated. Hailing from the Boland Cavaliers and moving to Kimberley at the end of the 2011 season, le Roux is a strong runner with ball in hand and a prolific try-scorer. He scored on seven occasions in 16 Super Rugby matches, plus 4 tries in 12 Tests for the Springboks during He is also an excellent kicker and can easily fit into jerseys 15, 14 or 11. His 1332 minutes last season were the most for the Cheetahs and ranked 11th throughout Super Rugby. Spiders, as some sports writers like to call him because he runs through defenses like he s covered in them was one of the nation s elite players in CHEETAHS HERCÚ LIEBENBERG Hooker 178cm/109kg Date of Birth: 16 May 1986 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2012 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Hercú Liebenberg is the younger brother of Springbok Tiaan Liebenberg who plays at hooker for the Stormers and Western Province. As understudy to Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss, Liebenberg is a strong scrummager and excelled for the Cheetahs in Strauss absence on national duty. He previously enjoyed a stint at French club Aurillac in before moving to the Cheetahs for the 2012 Super Rugby season. 263

272 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS HILTON LOBBERTS Lock 196cm/104kg Date of Birth: 11 June 1986 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Sharks, Durban Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 18 November 2006 vs England, Twickenham Hilton Lobberts was a tender 20-year old when he made his international debut for South Africa in Having played for the Bulls ( ) and Stormers ( ) previously, the uncompromising loose forward is no stranger to Super Rugby. His bulk and athleticism will be a valuable asset to the squad in He has previously played for South Africa U19, U21, the Emerging Springboks and San Donà in Italy from KEVIN Scrumhalf 174cm/82kg Date of Birth: 2 July 1992 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: In 2010, Kevin Luiters came into the spotlight for the South African U18 High Performance squad and SA Sevens which subsequently led to opportunities at Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and Springbok Sevens level. Strongly built and with a bullet pass, Luiters first wore the Cheetahs jersey in 2011 but seniors such as Piet van Zyl, Sarel Pretorius and Tewis de Bruyn kept him out of contention for Super Rugby. But with the departure of Van Zyl and De Bruyn, Luiters could very well get his big breakthrough at Super Rugby level in

273 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HOWARD Centre 185cm/98kg Date of Birth: 13 July 1989 Place of Birth: Elukwatini, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2013 vs Stormers, Cape Town Howard Mnisi represented the Pumas at the 2006 and 2007 U18 Craven Week tournaments, which earned him a place in the Sharks Academy. He subsequently played for their U19 team in 2008 and their U21 team in In 2011, Mnisi was included in the Vodacom Cup squad and made his debut against the Welwitschias. After failing to break into the Currie Cup team however, Mnisi joined Varsity Cup side NMMU Madibaz. He was included in the South African Students team in and was voted the Back That Rocks for the 2013 Varsity Cup tournament. Mnisi had a trial with the Cheetahs in 2013, but joined Griquas instead. He will be hoping to build upon his solitary Super Rugby cap in CHEETAHS TEBOHO Flanker 193cm/107kg Date of Birth: 3 August 1990 Place of Birth: QuaQua, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Teboho Mohoje played for the Free State Cheetahs at the 2007 U18 Academy Week, as well as the 2008 U18 Craven Week. He then progressed to the U21 side, playing for them in 2010 and The flanker made his first class debut when he had a loan spell at neighbors Griffons in the 2012 Currie Cup First Division game against Border Bulldogs. Mohoje returned to Bloemfontein and made 16 appearances for the Vodacom and Currie Cup teams. He also played for the UFS Shimlas in the Varsity Cup competitions from and in 2013, was voted the Player That Rocks for the competition. He will be among the young Cheetahs hoping to break through for a Super Rugby debut in

274 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS TREVOR Prop 178cm/120kg Date of Birth: 4 May 1989 Place of Birth: Bushbuckridge, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 27 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 3 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 8 June 2013 vs Italy, Durban Trevor Nyakane got his big chance in 2011 Currie Cup competition as an impact player and impressed with his ball skills and his powerful scrumming. After playing 11 Super Rugby matches for the Cheetahs during 2012 and three Currie Cup matches, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a broken thumb. Nyakane can pack down on either side of the scrum, which was an asset that played a part in him making his Test debut against in 2013 after an outstanding Super Rugby season for his franchise. He featured on 16 occasions for the Cheetahs last season, scoring two tries. CAYLIB Prop 185cm/116kg Date of Birth: 1 September 1989 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Sharks, Durban Caylib Oosthuizen is a very promising young forward who transferred from the Lions in 2013 as the other top-class props in Johannesburg somewhat limited his opportunities for game time. Oosthuizen regularly plays as a loosehead prop and looks forward to continuing developing under the watchful eye of Forwards Coach and Springbok champion Os du Randt. He previously represented the University of Johannesburg in the 2011 Varsity Cup where he started all eight of his sides matches. He also represented South Africa U20 at the 2009 Junior World Championship in Japan. 266

275 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 COENIE Prop 187cm/129kg Date of Birth: 22 March 1989 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 57 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 14 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs England, Durban Coenie Oosthuizen is a big and strong young prop who is an extremely efficient ball carrier. He made his Super Rugby debut in the Cheetahs first match of the 2010 campaign against the Bulls and scored a hat trick during a Currie Cup match against the Griquas the same year. Oosthuizen has been called up to the South African squad every year since 2010 and made his Test debut two years later. He moved to the tighthead side with great success and played 12 Tests in He has played 14 Tests in all, 13 as a replacement prop for either Tendai Mtawarira or Jannie du Plessis. Oosthuizen played all 17 of the Cheetahs matches last season, logging 1022 minutes, scoring a pair of tries and sticking 103 of 113 tackle attempts. He also ranked among the team leaders with 116 carries, ranked fourth at the franchise. CHEETAHS SAREL Scrumhalf 174cm/84kg Date of Birth: 18 April 1984 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 67 Super Rugby Points: 105 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2009 vs Force, Perth A nippy little scrumhalf who is deceivingly quick off the mark, Sarel Pretorius is a former member of the South African Sevens squad. He represented the Emerging Springbok team in Romania in 2008 and proved to be one of the Cheetahs main attacking threats in the Currie Cup. He scored a franchise-record nine tries in 2011 and was the joint leading try scorer in the tournament (alongside Bjorn Basson and Sean Maitland). He also earned selection in the Springbok 50-man pre-world Cup squad and was voted South Africa s Super Rugby Player of the Year in what was a breakout year for the scrumhalf. Pretorius try-scoring ability has not been confined to Super Rugby however as he s crossed 48 time in 117 provincial matches. He played 14 matches for the Waratahs during the 2012 season and returned to Bloemfontein for the Currie Cup that same year. 267

276 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS BOOM Loose Forward 184cm/101kg Date of Birth: 12 March 1989 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 13 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2012 vs Sharks, Durban Boom Prinsloo played 12 of his 13 career Super Rugby matches in 2013, plus 11 Currie Cup clashes where he served as captain for nine. This comes after a disappointing 2012 where a shoulder injury sidelined the lively loose forward for most of the season. Prinsloo s natural skills are an asset to any team and he has previously played for the UFS Shimlas in the 2010 Varsity Cup where he notched an impressive seven tries in eight appearances and won the Player That Rocks award. The Bloemfontein-born loose forward made 12 appearances last Super Rugby season, scoring one try. He also captained the South African Sevens side. RAYMOND Wing 180cm/90kg Date of Birth: 6 November 1992 Place of Birth: Accra, GHA Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Sharks, Bloemfontein Raymond Rhule grabbed his first opportunity to step up when he gained selection in the Junior Springboks team during 2012, scoring two brilliant tries in the Junior World Cup Semi Final against Argentina and won a gold medal with the team a week later. In his maiden Currie Cup match, Rhule scored a brace against the Lions and ended up being the leading try scorer of the tournament. Within 237 days of making his debut as a 19-year-old club player for Shimlas, Rhule was selected for South Africa s end of the year tour in 2012 but remains uncapped at Test level. He is an explosive young winger and will be looking to take his game to another level in Rhule played all 17 matches for his team last season and his five tries were second only to Willie le Roux s half dozen. 268

277 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JOHANN Centre 188cm/96kg Date of Birth: 23 January 1989 Place of Birth: Malmesbury, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 34 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2011 vs Reds, Cape Town Johann Sadie started his senior career at Western Province, however stiff competition from Springboks Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie and Juan de Jongh in his chosen position meant that he moved north to join the Bulls for the 2012 Super Rugby season. Sadie s time in Pretoria was not a happy one and he only managed 10 Super Rugby appearances and three at Currie Cup level. He joined the Cheetahs after the 2012 Currie Cup and made an instant impact in Bloemfontein, scoring five tries during the 2013 Super Rugby season and playing all 28 matches (17 Super Rugby, 11 Currie Cup) as centre partner to Robert Ebersohn. He also previously represented South Africa U20 at the 2009 Junior World Championship in Japan and was one of 10 Cheetahs to play every match last Super Rugby season. CHEETAHS NICK Prop 189cm/119kg Date of Birth: 20 September 1991 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Nick Schonert previously played his youth rugby with the Natal Sharks and made five appearances for them during the 2012 Vodacom Cup. He then joined Griquas for the following season, making six appearances and playing eight games in the Currie Cup. He was a member of the South African U20 team that played in the 2011 Junior World Championship and was also named in the South African Barbarians team to face Saracens. 269

278 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS RIAAN SMIT Utility Back 178cm/85kg Date of Birth: 28 April 1984 Place of Birth: Springs, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 24 Super Rugby Points: 106 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2011 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Riaan Smit is a speedy utility back who is strong ball runner, a gifted kicker and solid defender. He moved to Bloemfontein in 2010 after having something of a nomadic existence prior to that, representing the Leopards, Pumas, Valke and the Griffons. He can operate in several positions in the backline but usually plays as a flyhalf or fullback. He featured on eight occasions for the Cheetahs last season, scoring 54 points including a try, five conversions and 13 penalty goals. ADRIAAN STRAUSS Hooker 185cm/113kg Date of Birth: 18 November 1985 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 89 Super Rugby Points: 40 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2006 vs Hurricanes, Pretoria Test Caps: 33 Test Points: 25 Test Debut 19 July 2008 vs Australia, Perth As captain, Adriaan Strauss has led the Currie Cup team to many successful seasons including 2009 (Final), 2010 (Semi-Final), 2011 (Semi-Final) and 2013 (Semi-Final). Strauss is a strong scrummager and is one of the Cheetahs best ball carriers, boasting both power and pace. His excellent 2009 campaign gained him a spot in the Springbok squad for the end of year tour of Europe. After a great Currie Cup, Strauss was again selected by the Springboks to tour Britain and Ireland in 2010 and he was appointed vice-captain in 2012 and in His 160 lineout throws won last season ranked second overall in Super Rugby, just two behind Australian hooker Stephen Moore. He was one of 10 Cheetahs to feature in all 17 of the club s matches (1312 total minutes). 270

279 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FRANCOIS UYS Lock 195cm/112kg Date of Birth: 12 March 1983 Place of Birth: Springs, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 33 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2009 vs Blues, North Harbour Francois Uys started his career in Johannesburg with the Golden Lions but finding first team opportunities hard to come by, he moved to Bloemfontein in Initially he played mainly in Vodacom and Currie Cup competitions and even had a loan spell at the Griffons in Uys made sporadic appearances for the senior Cheetahs team in Super Rugby after his debut in 2009 before finally nailing down a regular starting berth during the 2013 season. He was a member of the South African side that competed in the 2005 U19 World Championship and has 33 Super Rugby caps to his name, including 14 earned last season. CHEETAHS PHILIP VAN DER WALT Loose Forward 194cm/110kg Date of Birth: 14 July 1989 Place of Birth: Adelaide, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 41 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2010 vs Crusaders, Christchurch Phillip van der Walt has evolved into a very versatile loose forward ans is an asset for both the Super Rugby and Currie Cup teams. He played all 17 Super Rugby matches last season and it was only a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing the full Currie Cup campaign. The Eastern Cape-born loose forward began his senior representative career as a flanker but is now considered a specialist No. 8. Last year, Van Der Walt excelled demonstrated his fiery brand of play, using his pace and brute force to good effect when carrying the ball. His height also adds value as a lineout option for his team and the former Springbok Sevens player is already displaying strong leadership traits. 271

280 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS MAX VAN Prop 186cm/114kg Date of Birth: 21 January 1992 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Max van Dyk started his senior provincial career in Durban with the Sharks. He previously played youth rugby with Western Province at U18 Craven Week level and then joined the Sharks Academy during the 2012 Absa U19 competition. The young prop then went on to represent the South African U20 team at the Junior World Championships on home soil, playing in four of the team s five matches, including the triumphant Final against New Zealand in which they prevailed TORSTEN VAN JAARSVELD Hooker 176cm/106kg Date of Birth: 30 June 1987 Place of Birth: Windhoek, NAM Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Torsten van Jaarsveld represented the Blue Bulls U18 Academy team in 2005 and was then contracted by the Valke where he played at U19 and U21 levels. The hooker then signed for the Pumas where he quickly became a stalwart. He was selected for the 2012 Northern Barbarians side for the June internationals against the touring England squad and has been contracted by the Cheetahs from the end of He comes with a reputation as being a tough and hardworking hooker who will likely earn his first Super Rugby cap at some time this season and may also be utilised as a flanker in an emergency. 272

281 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FRANCOIS Centre 185cm/93kg Date of Birth: 19 April 1991 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Sharks, Pretoria With original expectations justified, Francois Venter should progress into a regular starter at Super Rugby level in Compact in execution with a very low error rate and an uncanny ability to take the right option, Venter s speed of the mark, running angles and uncompromising defense will make him one of the toughest opponents in the competition. The hard-running inside centre previously played for the Bulls and was a member of the South African U20 team that competed in the 2010 and 2011 Junior World Championships. He featured in three matches for the Bulls last season. CHEETAHS SHAUN Scrumhalf 184cm/86kg Date of Birth: 16 March 1987 Place of Birth: Witbank, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Force, Port Elizabeth Shaun Venter joins the Cheetahs after the Kings were relegated from Super Rugby after the 2013 season. The talented scrumhalf has progressed through the ranks at the Pumas, representing them at U19, U21, Vodacom and Currie Cup level. In 2009, Venter also represented South Africa at the IRB Sevens Series in George and played for the South African Barbarians North during England s tour of He has 105 provincial games to his credit for the Pumas and 16 Super Rugby caps after featuring in every match last season. 273

282 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE CHEETAHS ELGAR Flyhalf 182cm/89kg Date of Birth: 24 September 1985 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 38 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2013 vs Kings, Bloemfontein Elgar Watts represented Boland Cavaliers at several youth levels before making his first team debut against the Valke in the 2008 Vodacom Cup. After two seasons at Boland, Watts joined the Pumas for one season before returning to the Cavaliers. He was included in the 2011 Stormers Super Rugby squad but didn t make his debut until joining the Cheetahs for the 2013 season. He finished top scorer in the Cavaliers victorious 2011 Currie Cup First Division season and was named Player of the Year for the First Division Currie Cup. Watts scored 38 points in six appearances for the Cheetahs last season including seven conversions (from 10 attempts) and eight penalty goals without a miss. 274

283 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LIONS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Michael Bondesio Scrumhalf 177cm 86kg Marnitz Boshoff Utility Back 179cm 86kg Chrysander Botha Fullback 186cm 89kg Willie Britz Loose Forward 193cm 108kg Andries Coetzee Utility Back 182cm 92kg Robbie Coetzee Hooker 187cm 108kg Ruan Combrinck Fullback 183cm 96kg Ruan Dreyer Prop 185cm 115kg Alwyn Hollenbach Centre 189cm 105kg Elton Jantjies Flyhalf 176cm 90kg JW Jonker Centre 178cm 90kg Jaco Kriel Flanker 184cm 100kg Lionel Mapoe Utility Back 184cm 101kg Malcolm Marx Hooker 188cm 113kg Rudi Mathee Lock 195cm 115kg Derick Minnie Flanker 186cm 111kg Franco Mostert Lock 197cm 115kg Martin Muller Lock 198cm 112kg Julian Redelinghuys Prop 178cm 114kg Courtnall Skosan Utility Back 183cm 90kg Warwick Tecklenburg Flanker 189cm 106kg Franco van der Merwe Lock 198cm 115kg Deon van Rensburg Utility Back 178cm 96kg Jacques van Rooyen Prop 188cm 129kg Anthony Volmink Wing 182cm 93kg Stefan Watermeyer Centre 185cm 95kg Willie Wepener Hooker 179cm 112kg Warren Whiteley C No cm 105kg

284 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Tarryn Steenekamp Media & Public Relations Manager Phone: (x158) TEAM ADMINISTRATION President: Kevin de Klerk Chief Executive Officer: Manie Booysen GM Commercial & Professional Rugby: Rudolf Straeuli Head Coach: Johan Ackermann Assistant Coach: Swys de Bruin Team Manager: Mustapha Boomgaard Assistant Team Manager: Johane Singwane Team Doctor: Dr Rob Collins Physiotherapist: David van Wyk Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ivan van Rooyen Technical/Performance Analyst: JP Ferreira ADDRESS King House Office Block Ellis Park Stadium Cnr Currey & Staib Streets Doornfontein, Johannesburg South Africa Phone: Fax: WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: lionsrugbyunion HOME GROUND Ellis Park Stadium Cnr Currey & Staib Streets Doornfontein, Johannesburg Capacity: 62,

285 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Red jersey with white trim, black shorts and black socks. CLASH STRIP: White jersey with red trim, black shorts and black socks. LIONS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: N/A PLAYERS OUT: N/A FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 Saturday 15 February Cheetahs Free State Stadium 17:05 2 Saturday 22 February Stormers Ellis Park 19:10 3 Saturday 1 March Bulls Loftus Versfeld 17:05 4 Saturday 8 March Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 5 Saturday 15 March Blues Ellis Park 15:00 6 Saturday 22 March Reds Ellis Park 17:05 7 BYE 8 Saturday 5 April Crusaders Ellis Park 17:05 9 Saturday 12 April Sharks Ellis Park 19:10 10 Saturday 19 April Stormers DHL Newlands 17:05 11 BYE 12 Saturday 3 May Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 13 Saturday 10 May Highlanders Forsyth Barr Stadium 19:35 14 Sunday 18 May Waratahs Allianz Stadium 16:05 15 Saturday 24 May Force nib Stadium 17:40 16 Saturday 31 May Bulls Ellis Park 17:05 17 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCES ONLY 18 Friday 4 July Rebels Ellis Park 19:10 19 Saturday 12 July Cheetahs Ellis Park 17:05 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Derick Minnie (3), Deon van Rensburg (8), Elton Jantjies (10), Lionel Mapoe (15) 50 Points: Franco van der Merwe (15), Derick Minnie (25) 100 Caps: Franco van der Merwe (7) 250 Points: Elton Jantjies (11) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

286 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS JOHAN ACKERMANN Head Coach Born: 3 June 1970, Benoni RSA Coaching History: Investec International Rugby Academy Golden Lions Forwards Coach ( ) Lions Forwards Coach ( ) Lions Head Coach (2013-) Johan Ackermann will take the reins as Head Coach for the first time this Super Rugby season having previously served as a Forwards Coach. Ackermann was appointed Head Coach in 2013 and led the Golden Lions side to Vodacom Cup victory. He was also a member of the 2011 management team that coached the Golden Lions to their first Currie Cup triumph in 12 years. Ackermann has an extensive playing history as he represented the Blue Bulls, Griquas, Cats/Lions, Sharks, Northampton Saints and Calvisano for many years. He also played 15 Tests for the Springboks, becoming the oldest ever member of the squad at 37 years of age. SWYS DE BRUIN Assistant Coach Born: 18 February 1960, Ficksburg RSA Coaching History: Sharks U21 Head Coach ( ) Natal Wildebeest Head Coach (1998) Griquas Head Coach ( ) South Africa U21 Head Coach (2001) Sharks Academy Head Coach ( ) Lions Assistant Coach (2013-) Swys De Bruin has settled into his role as Lions Assistant Coach after joining the team at the beginning of Specialising in backline play, De Bruin has brought a great deal of experience to the squad. He previously took control at the renowned Sharks Academy in Durban, was Head Coach at the Griquas for many seasons and also coached the South Africa U21 side. He was also a national selector at junior level. Away from rugby, De Bruin enjoys golf, cycling and spending time with wife Marilize and their three sons. 278

287 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MICHAEL BONDESIO Scrumhalf 177cm/86kg Date of Birth: 10 March 1985 Place of Birth: Middelburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Cheetahs, Johannesburg Michael Bondesio made his debut for the Golden Lions during the squad s successful 2011 Currie Cup tournament, and has since grown from strength to strength. Renowned for his outstanding work ethic, fitness, agility and risktaking on the pitch, Bondesio is a capable leader who previously represented the Leopards ( ). The Middleburg-born scrumhalf made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and there is no doubt he is raring to go after the Lions re admission to the competition. Away from rugby, Bondesio has a degree in teaching. LIONS MARNITZ Utility Back 179cm/86kg Date of Birth: 11 January 1989 Place of Birth: Nelspruit, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Utility back Marnitz Boshoff had a brilliant 2013 season after joining the Golden Lions from Griquas. The 25-year-old made the number 10 jersey his own, while regular flyhalf Elton Jantjies spent several months on loan at the Stormers. He was the highest point-scorer in the 2013 Currie Cup and has earned himself the reputation as one of the most reliable goal kickers in the country. Previously, Boshoff represented the Blue Bulls, making 24 appearances between 2008 and

288 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS CHRYSANDER Fullback 186cm/89kg Date of Birth: 13 July 1988 Place of Birth: Walvis Bay, NAM Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Test Caps: 25 Test Points: 132 Test Debut 2 August 2008 vs Zimbabwe, Windhoek Born in Namibia, Chrysander Botha shone as a player from a young age. He was selected to play for the Namibian Eagles at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, when he was just 21-years-old. The speedster joined the Golden Lions in late 2012 and has gone from strength to strength in the professional environment. Botha played Varsity Cup rugby for the University of Johannesburg before joining the Golden Lions. He is definitely an up-and-coming youngster to watch with interest in this year s Super Rugby competition. WILLIE Loose Forward 193cm/108kg Date of Birth: 31 August 1988 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Solid loose forward Willie Britz is one of many in the Lions squad that will be hoping to make his Super Rugby debut in Somewhat of a journeyman to this point, Britz started his junior career with the Griquas in but also had spells at the Free State Cheetahs, the Griffons and UFS Shimlas. He has been a member of the Golden Lions since the 2012 Currie Cup and is certainly one of the grittiest players in the squad. A sociable, dedicated individual with brilliant communication skills, Britz has become a fan favourite and was named the Golden Lions Rugby Union s 2013 Supporters Player of the Year. 280

289 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ANDRIES Utility Back 182cm/92kg Date of Birth: 1 March 1990 Place of Birth: Bethal, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 12 Super Rugby Points: 3 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Sharks, Durban Utility back Andries Coetzee is champing at the bit ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby tournament after he sustained a severe shoulder injury while on loan at the Sharks which unfortunately curtailed his 2013 season. Having recovered from his injury, Coetzee enjoyed some game time late in the 2013 Currie Cup tournament and is ready to hit the ground running once more. He is solid on attack, making nippy breaks at any opportunity, and is certainly one of the players to watch in this year s competition once more. LIONS ROBBIE Hooker 187cm/108kg Date of Birth: 2 May 1989 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Robbie Coetzee is another Lions player in line to make his Super Rugby debut this season. He will look to cement his place in the starting line-up after a strong showing during his first season with the outfit in A burly hooker, Coetzee started his career in the Free State at U19 level. He also represented the University of Pretoria in the Varsity Cup ( ) before being selected by the Blue Bulls for the 2012 Currie Cup tournament. 281

290 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS RUAN Fullback 183cm/96kg Date of Birth: 10 May 1990 Place of Birth: Vryheid, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 3 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2012 vs Stormers, Johannesburg After a quiet 2013 season due to injury, Ruan Combrinck will be hungry to get back into the swing of things and do the Lions proud in the 2014 Super Rugby competition. The fullback s strengths include his pace and eye for the gap. The youngster made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 at the tender age of 20 and will hope to add a great deal more experience to his rugby résumé. He has previously represented Western Province (2010) and the Golden Lions (2012-) at Vodacom and Currie Cup levels. RUAN DREYER Prop 185cm/115kg Date of Birth: 16 September 1990 Place of Birth: Carltonville, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2012 vs Sharks, Durban Ruan Dreyer joined the Lions in 2010 and made his Super Rugby debut in 2012, scoring a late try in a narrow defeat to the Sharks. The prop is solid on defence and one of the top scrummagers in the squad. Dreyer is also known for his outstanding line breaks and will be looking to step up and make a name for himself in this year s tournament. He attended the University of Johannesburg and was a member of the South African U20 squad that finished third in the 2010 Junior World Championship, played in Argentina. 282

291 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ALWYN Centre 189cm/105kg Date of Birth: 14 June 1985 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2006 vs Lions, Bloemfontein A solid centre with a strong work ethic, Alwyn Hollenbach has a lot to offer as a member of the 2014 Lions Super Rugby squad. A seasoned campaigner, Hollenbach made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 while he was contracted to the Cheetahs for two years. Having missed a large portion of the 2013 season due to injury, Hollenbach is eager to impress and claim a regular berth in the Lions starting XV this year. LIONS ELTON Flyhalf 176cm/90kg Date of Birth: 1 August 1990 Place of Birth: Graaf Reinet, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 40 Super Rugby Points: 239 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Bulls, Johannesburg Test Caps: 2 Test Points: 6 Test Debut 29 September 2012 vs Australia, Pretoria Elton Jantjies returns to the Lions Super Rugby squad after plying his skills at the Stormers while on loan in When on song, the dynamic playmaker is deadly on attack and reliable with the boot. The young flyhalf will be looking to regain a spot in the Springbok squad this season. He has closed out many games for the Lions in the past including the 2011 Currie Cup final against the Sharks and is respected by his peers for his leadership and communication skills on the pitch. He was named the South African Rugby Young Player of the Year and the South Africa U20 Player of the Year in Jantjies featured 13 times for the Stormers last season and led the franchise with four try assists.he is the older brother of flyhalf Tony Jantjies who is currently part of the Blue Bulls system. 283

292 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS JW JONKER Centre 178cm/90kg Date of Birth: 19 March 1987 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 16 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Lions, Bloemfontein JW Jonker is nothing short of hungry ahead of this year s Super Rugby competition having recently overcome what was thought to be a career-ending Achilles injury. The centre has done well to glean international experience with the Springbok Sevens in the past and has shown his capabilities after time spent playing Super Rugby with the Cheetahs ( ). Jonker offers quick feet and an elusive attacking style, making him an asset to the Lions midfield this season. He also has strong leadership skills, after captaining the Pumas for two seasons. JACO Flanker 184cm/100kg Date of Birth: 21 August 1989 Place of Birth: Standerton, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 9 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 16, 2011 vs Hurricanes, Wellington Jaco Kriel is undoubtedly one of the players to watch during the 2014 Super Rugby tournament. An impressive and agile loose forward with brilliant ball-carrying skills, Kriel was certainly one of the top performers for the Golden Lions in Kriel was recently called up to the Springbok Sevens squad and although ultimately forced to withdraw due to injury, it s proof that he is already catching the eye of national selectors. 284

293 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LIONEL Utility Back 184cm/101kg Date of Birth: 13 July 1988 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Having returned to the Lions after a loan stint at the Bulls during the 2013 Super Rugby tournament, Lionel Mapoe has already contributed a sense of composure and focus to the squad. Known for his physicality and gutsy attack, Mapoe brings experience and leadership to the group. His hard running and unpredictability make him a threat to any opponent on the pitch. He was part of the Cheetahs squad in 2010, playing the first of his 35 Super Rugby matches to date against the Bulls in the opening round. The winger featured on 12 occasions while on loan at the Bulls last season, playing 664 minutes and scoring a pair of tries. LIONS MALCOLM MARX Hooker 188cm/113kg Date of Birth: 13 July 1994 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Malcolm Marx has been called up to the Super Rugby squad after an exceptional tenure with the Golden Lions U19 group. A physical hooker with strong ball carrying abilities and good leadership qualities, this youngster certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Marx was named the 2013 Golden Lions Rugby Union s U19 Forward Player of the Year and is the youngest player in the squad, turning 20 towards the end of the current season. He is also the second-youngest player in Super Rugby behind David Horwitz of the Waratahs (born September 30, 1994). 285

294 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS RUDI MATHEE Lock 195cm/115kg Date of Birth: 25 February 1986 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Joining the Lions on loan from provincial neighbours the Pumas, Rudi Mathee will relish the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut in The lock has a great deal of experience in local rugby circles, having played for five different Unions at senior level. Mathee has come full circle, after starting his career at the Golden Lions and now returning to the Johannesburg outfit. He has previously represented the Leopards ( ), Free State Cheetahs (2010), Griffons (2010) and Pumas ( ). DERICK MINNIE Flanker 186cm/111kg Date of Birth: 29 October 1986 Place of Birth: Alberton, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Stormers, Johannesburg Derick Minnie returns to the Lions for the 2014 Super Rugby competition, having played three games while on loan at the Sharks last season. Minnie brings vast experience to the squad and looks set to reach the 50-cap milestone in Should he earn selection from the outset, Minnie will achieve the half century against the Bulls in Pretoria during Round 3. Having captained the Golden Lions in the 2013 Currie Cup tournament, the loose forward fine-tuned his leadership skills and will continue to lead from the front as vice-captain in Super Rugby. His strong ball-carrying skills, physicality and feisty breaks make him one of the players to watch. Minnie was named the 2013 Golden Lions Rugby Union s Forward Player of the Year. 286

295 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FRANCO Lock 197cm/115kg Date of Birth: 27 November 1990 Place of Birth: Welkom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: LIONS Franco Mostert is another youngster in the Lions squad that will be hungry to make his Super Rugby debut in A product of the University of Pretoria and an experienced campaigner at Varsity Cup level, the 23-year-old lock has done well to work his way up the rugby ranks, and seeks an elusive breakthrough at the top level this year. He joined the Golden Lions from the Blue Bulls at the start of 2013 but an injury ruled him out of the majority of his debut season in Johannesburg. MARTIN Lock 198cm/112kg Date of Birth: 23 March 1988 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2009 vs Chiefs, Cape Town Martin Muller joins the Lions after previous Super Rugby stints at the Stormers (2009) and Cheetahs (2011) for 14 career caps to date. The physical forward will no doubt hope to stamp his authority on the lock position and look to secure a regular spot in the starting side this season. His provincial experience also includes time at Western Province, the Griquas and the Free State Cheetahs. 287

296 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS JULIAN REDELINGHUYS Prop 178cm/114kg Date of Birth: 11 September 1989 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Having joined the Lions on loan from Sharks in 2013, the coaching staff were so impressed by Julian Redelinghuys work rate that they offered him a permanent contract. Redelinghuys represented South Africa Schools in and was selected for the South Africa U20 team that competed in the Junior World Championship in Japan in The solid prop is hungry to make his Super Rugby debut after shining at Currie Cup level since arriving in Johannesburg. COURTNALL Utility Back 183cm/90kg Date of Birth: 24 July 1991 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: A new recruit in 2014, Courtnall Skosan joins the Lions from the Blue Bulls. Having excelled at U19 and U21 level with the Pretoria-based Union, Skosan earned a call-up to the South Africa U20 team for the 2011 Junior World Championship played in Italy. He also excelled in the Varsity Cup competition with the Tuks (University of Pretoria) side, and was involved during their victorious campaigns. Skosan earned 12 caps at senior level for the Blue Bulls but is yet to make his Super Rugby debut. He will be eager to take this step up in

297 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 WARWICK Flanker 189cm/106kg Date of Birth: 22 January 1987 Place of Birth: Nelspruit, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: LIONS Warwick Tecklenburg joined the Golden Lions senior ranks in 2013 following stints at the Blue Bulls and the University of Pretoria. The flanker played for Mpumalanga Country Districts at U18 level and the Falcons at U19 before signing with the Blue Bulls. Tecklenburg is revered by his peers for his strong mental approach and never say die attitude. He is a physical loose forward who is keen to add Super Rugby to his rugby résumé. FRANCO VAN DER MERWE Lock 198cm/115kg Date of Birth: 15 March 1983 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 93 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Waratahs, Johannesburg Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 5 October 2013 vs New Zealand, Johannesburg Stalwart Franco van der Merwe is one of the most experienced and mature members of the 2014 Lions Super Rugby squad. The lock, who made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks in 2013, is known for his work rate, strength and ball-carrying brilliance. He spent the 2013 Super Rugby season on loan at the Sharks, where he played every game for the Durban-based franchise his 1184 minutes leading the team. He was named the Golden Lions Rugby Union s Player of the Year in 2013 and also celebrated 100 caps for the Johannesburgbased outfit. All that come into contact with Van der Merwe are quick to praise his leadership skills, positive attitude, work ethic and reliability. Having played 93 Super Rugby games thus far, Van der Merwe looks set to reach the prestigious 100-cap milestone in

298 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS DEON VAN Utility Back 178cm/96kg Date of Birth: 24 January 1982 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 42 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2009 vs Chiefs, Hamilton Experienced campaigner Deon van Rensburg made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions back in 2009 and has almost reached the 50-cap milestone with the franchise. The 32-year-old is a solid and ever-reliable utility back whose decision-making and tactical play set him apart on the field. Previously representing the Leopards ( ), the versatile veteran can be utilised at wing or in the centres. He will be hoping to have a successful and uninterrupted Super Rugby campaign after recently recovering from injury. JACQUES VAN Prop 188cm/129kg Date of Birth: 24 October 1986 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Jacques van Rooyen has seen remarkable improvement in his game since joining the Golden Lions in A solid scrummager with attacking flair, van Rooyen was recently drafted into the professional environment after making a name for himself at club level. The 27-year-old prop also made 25 Varsity Cup appearances for the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT Vikings) from His first class debut in Johannesburg took place during the 2013 Vodacom Cup, when he took to the field as a substitute against the Leopards. He would later go on to play Currie Cup and stamp his credentials for Super Rugby consideration. 290

299 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ANTHONY VOLMINK Wing 182cm/93kg Date of Birth: 10 February 1990 Place of Birth: Bredasdorp, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 15, 2012 vs Sharks, Johannesburg One of the Lions high-flyers, Anthony Volmink looks set to be a name on everybody s lips this Super Rugby season. The 24-year-old had a stellar spell with the Lions in 2013, scoring in almost every game he played. His blinding pace, darting breaks and eye for the gap make him an asset to any team. In 2013, Volmink also etched his name into the history books as he broke a South African first-class rugby record when he scored nine tries in a Vodacom Cup match against the Limpopo Blue Bulls. LIONS STEFAN Centre 185cm/95kg Date of Birth: 3 June 1988 Place of Birth: Nelspruit, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 14, 2010 vs Stormers, Cape Town Stefan Watermeyer joins the Lions on loan from the Pumas for the 2014 Super Rugby tournament. The centre has a respectable rugby pedigree, having represented some of South Africa s most established Unions including the Blue Bulls ( ), the Griquas (2012) and Pumas (2013). He also enjoyed a stint at Welsh club, the Ospreys ( ). He was selected to play for South Africa at U20 level in 2008 and was recently included in the South Africa President s XV squad that won the 2013 IRB Tbilisi Cup. He is known for his outstanding attacking abilities and his physical edge. With just one Super Rugby cap to his name, he will be eager to gain more experience at this top level. 291

300 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE LIONS WILLIE WEPENER Hooker 179cm/112kg Date of Birth: 2 April 1981 Place of Birth: Newcastle, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 63 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2006 vs Blues, Johannesburg Skilful, practiced and ever-reliable, Willie Wepener returns to the Lions after time spent with provincial neighbours, the Bulls. Having accumulated 63 Super Rugby caps playing top-flight rugby for over a decade, the veteran hooker will provide welcome experience in the front row. Known for his mobility and immense work rate, Wepener represented Clermont during a French spell in and has played for numerous domestic clubs including the Leopards, Griquas, Cats, Golden Lions and Blue Bulls. WARREN WHITELEY No cm/105kg Date of Birth: 18 September 1987 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Bulls, Johannesburg Warren Whiteley will look to lead by example as he captains the Lions in The talented No. 8 made his Super Rugby debut in 2011, playing in every game of the tournament. His physicality and strong presence with ball in hand sets him apart from his peers. Whiteley has international experience after representing the South Africa Sevens during the season. He also had stints at the Natal Sharks ( ) and the Mighty Elephants (2009). 292

301 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SHARKS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Lourens Adriaanse Prop 181cm 115kg Willem Alberts Loose Forward 192cm 118kg Jacques Botes Flanker 182cm 98kg Anton Bresler Lock 198cm 113kg Dale Chadwick Prop 183cm 113kg Tonderai Chavhanga Wing 184cm 86kg Marcell Coetzee Flanker 191cm 109kg Kyle Cooper Hooker 178cm 110kg Keegan Daniel Loose Forward 188cm 98kg Jean Deysel Flanker 191cm 110kg Bismarck du Plessis C Hooker 189cm 111kg Jannie du Plessis Prop 188cm 118kg Pieter-Steph du Toit Lock 200cm 117kg Andre Esterhuizen Centre 194cm 106kg Tyler Fisher Fullback 189cm 100kg Hansie Graaff Flyhalf 190cm 97kg Monde Hadebe Hooker 177cm 105kg Wiehahn Herbst Prop 180cm 114kg Paul Jordaan Centre 180cm 92kg Ryan Kankowski No cm 109kg Patrick Lambie Flyhalf 178cm 88kg Stephan Lewies Lock 200cm 114kg Peet Marais Lock 199cm 116kg SP Marais Fullback 185cm 92kg Charl McLeod Scrumhalf 180cm 88kg Tendai Mtawarira Prop 188cm 116kg Tera Mtembu Flanker 187cm 105kg Lwazi Mvovo Wing 185cm 94kg Odwa Ndungane Wing 184cm 93kg Etienne Oosthuizen Lock 198cm 115kg JP Pietersen Wing 190cm 103kg Cobus Reinach Scrumhalf 175cm 86kg Sibusiso Sithole Wing 182cm 93kg François Steyn Centre 191cm 106kg Tim Swiel Flyhalf 180cm 85kg Jaco van Tonder Fullback 183cm 96kg Hanco Venter Scrumhalf 176cm 82kg Heimar Williams Centre 180cm 93kg Fred Zeilinga Flyhalf 175cm 88kg

302 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Novashni Chetty PR Manager Phone: TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Stephan Saad President: Graham Mackenzie Chief Executive Officer: John Smit Director of Rugby/Head Coach: Jake White Forwards Coach: Paul Anthony Backline Coach: Sean Everitt Technical Analyst & Skills Coach: Brad Macleod-Henderson Team Manager: Trevor Barnes Strength & Conditioning: Mark Steele Team Doctor: Dr Alan Kourie Physiotherapist: Dean Macquet Physiotherapist: James Fleming Biokineticist: Jimmy Wright ADDRESS The Sharks (Pty) Ltd Isaiah Ntshangase Road (formerly Walter Gilbert Road) Durban 4000 South Africa PO Box 307 Durban, KZN 4000 South Africa Phone: Fax: WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: sharksrugby YouTube: HOME GROUND Growthpoint KINGS PARK Isaiah Ntshangase Road Durban Capacity: 52,

303 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Black jersey and collar with white beading on the front. Black shorts with white beading and black socks with white trim. CLASH STRIP: White jersey and collar with black beading on the front. White shorts with black beading and black socks with white trim. SHARKS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Lourens Adriaanse (Cheetahs), SP Marais (Kings), Etienne Oosthuizen (Brumbies), Tim Swiel (Western Province) PLAYERS OUT: Meyer Bosman (Stade Français, FRA), Craig Burden (Toulon, FRA), Butch James (Retired), Marius Joubert, Louis Ludik (Agen, FRA), Riaan Viljoen (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, JPN) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 Saturday 15 February Bulls Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 2 Saturday 22 February Hurricanes Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 3 BYE 4 Saturday 8 March Lions Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 5 Saturday 15 March Reds Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 6 Saturday 22 March Bulls Loftus Versfeld 19:10 7 Saturday 29 March Waratahs Growthpoint KINGS PARK 17:05 8 BYE 9 Saturday 12 April Lions Ellis Park 19:10 10 Saturday 19 April Cheetahs Growthpoint KINGS PARK 15:00 11 Friday 25 April Highlanders Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 12 Friday 2 May Rebels AAMI Park 19:40 13 Saturday 10 May Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 14 Saturday 17 May Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 15 Friday 23 May Blues North Harbour Stadium 19:35 16 Saturday 31 May Stormers Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 17 AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCES ONLY 18 Saturday 5 July Cheetahs Free State Stadium 19:10 19 Saturday 12 July Stormers DHL Newlands 19:10 MILESTONES 50 Caps: Willem Alberts (2), Tonderai Chavhanga (2), Marcell Coetzee (11), Anton Bresler (16) 50 Points: Willem Alberts (25), Marcell Coetzee (25), Charl McLeod (25) 100 Caps: JP Pietersen (2), Keegan Daniel (4), Odwa Ndungane (5) Jannie du Plessis (12), Tendai Mtawarira (12), Ryan Kankowski (18) 100 Points: Ryan Kankowski (10), Lwazi Mvovo (15), Tim Swiel (15), Tonderai Chavhanga (20), Keegan Daniel (25) 150 Points: Jacques Botes (15) 200 Points: JP Pietersen (35) 600 Points: Patrick Lambie (85) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

304 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS JAKE Director of Rugby/Head Coach Born: 19 March 1963, Johannesburg RSA Coaching History: Parktown Boys High School Jeppe Boys High School South Africa U21 Head Coach (2002) South Africa Head Coach ( ) Brumbies Head Coach ( ) This highly acclaimed World Cup winning coach brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to his new post. Jake White is a hard-working and committed individual who is a respected and admired figure in world rugby. He has the innate ability to rally his team and get the best out of them. As Springbok coach, White won the Rugby World Cup (2007), Tri Nations (2004), International Coach of the Year (2004 and 2007) and took his nation from sixth to first in the IRB World Rankings (2007). His Super Rugby experience includes two years at the Brumbies, including 2013 in which he took the club all the way to the Final before falling to the Chiefs at the final hurdle. The veteran tactician is excited about his new role and is determined to take the Sharks to greater heights in PAUL ANTHONY Assistant Coach Forwards Born: 16 February 1958, Pretoria RSA Coaching History: Pretoria Boys High School Blue Bulls Craven Week ( ) South Africa Schools ( ) South Africa U20 Assistant Coach (2007) Blue Bulls U19 Head Coach ( ) Born and bred in Pretoria, experienced age-group coach Paul Anthony will play an integral part in the Sharks 2014 campaign. His core focus will be to work with the forwards and his expertise will be a valuable addition to the coaching staff. Anthony was Sharks CEO John Smit s high school coach, spending 25 years at Pretoria Boys High School. 296

305 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SEAN EVERITT Assistant Coach Backs Born: 18 June 1967, Johannesburg RSA Coaching History: Sharks Assistant Coach (2008) Sharks U21 Head Coach ( ) Sharks XV Head Coach ( ) Sharks Currie Cup Coach SHARKS Having coached his way through the age-group levels at the club, Sean Everitt was elevated to be part of the victorious 2013 Currie Cup coaching team. Over the years, he has worked closely with the youngsters in the system and his experience will be invaluable throughout the new campaign. Everitt has a good work ethic and is highly respected by the players. LOURENS Prop 181cm/115kg Date of Birth: 5 February 1988 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 30 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2011 vs Reds, Brisbane Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 23 November 2013 vs France, Paris Born in Cape Town and playing youth rugby for Western Province, Lourens Adriaanse represented Maties in the Varsity Cup before moving to Griquas in Solid form at Currie Cup level saw a rapid elevation to Super Rugby where he represented the Cheetahs ( ), accumulating 30 caps before signing for the Sharks in the latter half of His efforts were rewarded with selection for South Africa s end of year tour where this strong scrummager and active tighthead prop made his Test debut against France, coming on as a 75th minute replacement in the Springbok victory. Adriaanse was one of 10 Cheetahs to feature in all 17 of the team s matches last season, logging 863 minutes throughout the campaign. 297

306 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS WILLEM ALBERTS Loose Forward 192cm/118kg Date of Birth: 11 May 1984 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 48 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Waratahs, Johannesburg Test Caps: 30 Test Points: 35 Test Debut 13 November 2010 vs Wales, Cardiff A bone-crushing tackler and devastating runner with ball in hand, Willem Alberts has proven himself to be a world class, destructive loose forward. The towering veteran has a strong pedigree that makes him a fan favourite at both Super Rugby level for the Sharks, as well as for the Springboks who he has represented on 30 occasions. Alberts spent five years at the Lions ( ), making his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in His 2013 season was interrupted by injury with Alberts featuring on just six occasions for the Durban-based club. JACQUES Flanker 182cm/98kg Date of Birth: 28 November, 1980 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 114 Super Rugby Points: 135 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Stormers, Cape Town A stalwart and faithful servant of Sharks rugby, Jacques Botes became the most capped Currie Cup player in South African history last year and has now amassed 233 Sharks caps over the course of his career, including 114 at Super Rugby level. An outstanding player with a great work ethic, Botes outstanding support play makes him a valuable link-man and a regular try-scorer for the club. The durable flanker made nine appearances for the Sharks last season, scoring one try. 298

307 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ANTON Lock 198cm/113kg Date of Birth: 16 February 1988 Place of Birth: Windhoek, NAM Super Rugby Caps: 34 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Durban A shoulder injury curtailed a promising season for Anton Bresler who enjoyed good form in last year s Super Rugby campaign. The young, athletic lock managed 10 appearances before he was forced to watch the rest of his team s campaign from the sidelines. In 2014, Bresler will look to remain fit and continue the fine form that had him penned in as a first choice second row each week. SHARKS DALE Prop 183cm/113kg Date of Birth: 20 June 1989 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 10 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Bulls, Pretoria Dale Chadwick s development continues unabated and he has become an important feature in the club s front row. His scrumming is ever-improving and his high work rate and good defence mark him as a valuable player for his team. The Durban-born local product will be hoping to add to his 10 Super Rugby caps in the 2014 season, despite not making an appearance last year. 299

308 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS TONDERAI CHAVHANGA Wing 184cm/86kg Date of Birth: 24 December 1983 Place of Birth: Masvingo, ZWE Super Rugby Caps: 48 Super Rugby Points: 80 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2004 vs Brumbies, Cape Town Test Caps: 4 Test Points: 30 Test Debut 11 June, 2005 vs Uruguay, East London Having made his Super Rugby debut in 2004, highly experienced winger Tonderai Chavhanga brings a wealth of experience to the Sharks. Blessed with speed and agility, the veteran will be eager to cement a regular starting spot at his new club. Chavhanga has previously represented the Stormers ( ), Lions ( ) and the Newport Dragons in Wales ( ). He requires just two caps to achieve his Super Rugby half century and holds the South African record for most tries in a match after scoring six against Uruguay in MARCELL Flanker 191cm/109kg Date of Birth: 8 May 1991 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 39 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2011 vs Brumbies, Durban Test Caps: 15 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs England, Durban Marcell Coetzee is a highly energetic loose forward who is capped at international level on 15 occasions. He possesses an incredibly high work rate and often leads the tackle stats with his dedicated defensive prowess. His 179 tackles with just 12 missed led the Sharks last Super Rugby season. A powerful ball carrier, Coetzee s value lies as an all-round contributor to the team, making him an integral member of the side. In addition to his tackling capacity, Coetzee is a highly-durable player and was one of just five Sharks to feature in all 16 matches for the club last season, logging 1106 minutes in the process. 300

309 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KYLE Hooker 178cm/110kg Date of Birth: 10 February 1989 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 17 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2012 vs Blues, Auckland With a low centre of gravity and a dogged determination, Kyle Cooper s ball-carrying skills are exceptional, while his physique makes him a powerful scrummager at set-piece time. The 25-year-old is rapidly developing into a class act hooker and will look to build upon his role with the Sharks this Super Rugby season. Cooper s 87 per cent lineout success in 2013 (110/17) was ranked No. 3 in the competition behind Chiliboy Ralepelle and Saia Fainga a for players with over 100 throws. He also scored one try and was among a group of five Sharks to feature in every match last season. SHARKS KEEGAN Loose Forward 188cm/98kg Date of Birth: 5 March 1985 Place of Birth: East London, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 96 Super Rugby Points: 75 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2006 vs Reds, Durban Test Caps: 5 Test Debut 6 November 2010 vs Ireland, Dublin Expected to join the 100-club at Super Rugby level, Keegan Daniel already has a century of caps in the Currie Cup competition to join an elite group of players who have achieved this feat. He captained the Sharks to their third domestic crown in six years when they defeated Western Province in 2013 and has been an outstanding contributor to over the course of his professional career. Daniel was schooled at Dale College Boys High School and played Craven Week for the Border rugby team in 2003 before being recruited to the Natal Academy. He also represented South Africa at junior levels, claiming the U21 Player of the Year award in Daniel made 13 Super Rugby appearances last season and scored four tries. His 10 turnovers won ranked second at the Sharks, just one behind Meyer Bosman. 301

310 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS JEAN Loose Forward 191cm/110kg Date of Birth: 5 March 1985 Place of Birth: Virginia, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 54 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Force, Durban Test Caps: 4 Test Debut 21 November 2009 vs Italy, Udine A hugely physical loose forward who has tasted rugby at all levels, Jean Deysel s contribution in both attack and defence is invaluable to the team. His powerful runs leave defenders in his wake and his heavy hits on defence translate into big contributions on game day. The highly physical back rower made 11 appearances for the Sharks last year and features in one of the most iconic images of the season when continuing to play despite having his jersey ripped off by Rene Ranger of the Blues. BISMARCK DU Hooker 189cm/111kg Date of Birth: 22 May 1984 Place of Birth: Bethlehem, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 103 Super Rugby Points: 70 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2005 vs Waratahs, Durban Test Caps: 57 Test Points: 45 Test Debut 7 July 2007 vs Australia, Sydney Bismarck du Plessis is a world-class hooker who has shown remarkable toughness to overcome nearly a year on the sidelines due to a knee injury sustained in He returned in late 2013 and made an enormous contribution to the Sharks particularly in the latter stages of the Currie Cup, but he also played three Super Rugby matches. He also returned to international duty earlier in the year and also toured with the Springbok, re-establishing himself as one of the world s pre-eminent hookers and earning selection in the IRPA World XV. The leadership credentials of du Plessis cannot be understated and he was duly appointed captain of the team prior to the 2014 Super Rugby season. The all-round contribution that he provides in every facet of the game makes him one of South Africa s most valuable players for club and country. 302

311 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JANNIE DU Prop 188cm/118kg Date of Birth: 16 November 1982 Place of Birth: Bethlehem, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 88 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 51 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 7 July 2007 vs Australia, Sydney Dr Jannie du Plessis is a vital member of the Sharks and a worldrenowned, powerfully built tighthead prop who is at his most devastating at scrum time. A big man, du Plessis puts in big hits on defence and his calmness and composure, together with his experience at all levels of the game, make him a vital member of the squad. He started his career at the Cheetahs ( ) and is a chance to reach 100 Super Rugby caps this season after eclipsing 51 at international level. The veteran prop studied Medicine at the University of Free State and has subsequently earned his qualifications as a doctor. SHARKS PIETER-STEPH DU Lock 200cm/117kg Date of Birth: 20 August 1992 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 19 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 9, 2012 vs Chiefs, Durban Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 9 November 2013 vs Wales, Cardiff A rising talent, Pieter-Steph du Toit played a starring role in the South African U20 team s success in the 2012 Junior World Championship before featuring strongly for the Sharks in last year s Super Rugby tournament. The towering lock was rewarded for his strong contributions with his first Springbok appearances, against Wales and France on the end of year tour, aged just 21. He made 13 appearances at Super Rugby level last season and will be determined to add to his 19 career caps over the course of the year. 303

312 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS ANDRE Centre 194cm/106kg Date of Birth: 30 March 1994 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Andre Esterhuizen has climbed through the representative ranks and will hope to crack the big time after playing a starring role for the Sharks at U21 and Vodacom Cup levels. A powerfully built strong running centre, Esterhuizen s development throughout all departments of the game has been astonishing over the past year and he will look to make a big impact in the 2014 season as he seeks a Super Rugby debut. TYLER Centre 189cm/100kg Date of Birth: 19 November 1993 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Tyler Fisher starred for the Sharks in the junior age group ranks, having played representative level rugby for his province at U16 and U18 levels before gaining selection for South Africa Schools. He was also included in the training group that toured Argentina ahead of the 2013 Junior World Championship hosted by France. With his speed and agility on attack and sound defensive skills, Fisher can always be relied upon to deliver quality performances in the midfield and is among the young Sharks hoping to make a Super Rugby debut in

313 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 HANSIE Flyhalf 190cm/97kg Date of Birth: 10 September 1989 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: SHARKS Hansie Graaf is an all-rounder who cut his teeth in Varsity Cup rugby before playing at representative level for the Griffons. The flyhalf/fullback was awarded the Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year in 2012 which prompted his selection to the Cheetahs in 2013 before moving to Durban the following year. Due to an injury, Graaf did not feature in any matches during his first year at the franchise and this versatile backline player will be keen to show what he has to offer in MONDE Hooker 177cm/105kg Date of Birth: 9 December 1990 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Mode Hadebe has an outstanding pedigree, rising through the provincial U16, U18, U19, U21 and senior Sharks level, as well as representing his country at the Junior World Championship in The powerful young hooker brings a strong leadership component to his game, a fierce degree of competitiveness and a strong work ethic both on and off the park, which has the 23-year-old on the cusp of a Super Rugby debut. 305

314 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS WIEHAHN Prop 180cm/114kg Date of Birth: 5 July 1988 Place of Birth: Klerksdorp, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 23 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Bulls, Pretoria A short, stocky tighthead prop, Wiehahn Herbst s talent was recognised early and he represented his country at the Junior World Championship in He has been identified as a future Springbok, having been called up to the national training squad as cover in 2013, which provided brilliant experience. With 23 Super Rugby caps, Herbst has been an important member of the Sharks over the last few years and was one of five Sharks to play all 16 of the team s matches last season. PAUL Centre 180cm/92kg Date of Birth: 4 January 1992 Place of Birth: Somerset East, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 18 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2010 vs Bulls, Pretoria Paul Jordaan s 2013 aspirations came to a shuddering halt when he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the training ground in Sydney. Prior to that stage, the barnstorming centre had played every single minute of the Sharks season throughout eight matches. A dynamic player with acceleration, pace and a vicious side-step, Jordaan will look to put the disappointments of last year behind him and play a big role for the Sharks in

315 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 RYAN No cm/109kg Date of Birth: 14 October 1985 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 82 Super Rugby Points: 90 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Bulls, Durban Test Caps: 20 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 24 November 2007 vs Wales, Cardiff Ryan Kankowski spent the latter half of 2013 playing rugby in Japan for the Tokyo Shuttles, as he did in 2012, and will return to another season of Super Rugby with big plans for his own achievements and development. Having represented South Africa at Sevens and Test levels, Kankowski s skill set provides a wide range of offerings, and his devastating pace makes him a dangerous customer for the opposition. The rangy No. 8 made seven Super Rugby appearances for the Sharks last season, scoring two tries and forcing six turnovers. SHARKS PATRICK Flyhalf 178cm/88kg Date of Birth: 17 October 1990 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 50 Super Rugby Points: 515 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2010 vs Highlanders, Dunedin Test Caps: 32 Test Points: 68 Test Debut 6 November 2010 vs Ireland, Dublin A gifted rugby player, Patrick Lambie has represented his country at numerous levels and has become an integral member of the Sharks, despite only turning 23 in the latter stages of An outstanding solo performance that earned him Match of the Match honours in the 2010 Currie Cup Final set the tone for his ascension to fan-favourite status. Lambie was a precocious talent in school, captaining both the rugby and cricket teams in his final year at Michaelhouse in KwaZulu- Natal. He rapidly rose through the underage ranks before making his Super Rugby debut in Dunedin and Springbok debut against Ireland in Dublin. The talented youngster represented the Sharks on 15 occasions last season, scoring 171 total points (43 penalties, 17 conversions, 1 try, 1 drop goal). 307

316 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS STEPHAN LEWIES Lock 200cm/114kg Date of Birth: 27 January 1992 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby A shortage of locks in the 2013 Currie Cup saw an opportunity for Stephan Lewies who was a strong campaigner for the U21 team at the time. Lewies grasped his chance with some exceptional performances during the latter stages of their successful campaign and will look to convert that into a maiden Super Rugby cap in He has come through the junior ranks of the province, representing the U19 side in 2011 and the U21 team throughout PEET Lock 199cm/116kg Date of Birth: 31 October 1990 Place of Birth: Welkom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: After an impressive showing in the 2013 Currie Cup competition, Peet Marais will be seeking to make the most of his opportunities at Super Rugby level. Marais is an athletic and hardworking lock who is defensively solid and will be eyeing a debut at the top level this season. He is the brother of Jandré Marais who formerly played for the Sharks and now plies his trade at Bordeaux Bègles in France. 308

317 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SP Fullback 185cm/92kg Date of Birth: 16 March 1989 Place of Birth: Parow, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 8 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Force, Port Elizabeth SP Marais joined the Sharks from the Kings mid-way through 2013 and it quickly became evident that the versatile fullback with electrifying pace is exciting to watch. He played his youth rugby at the Boland Cavaliers before moving to Potchefstroom to represent NWU-Pukke in the Varsity Cup. Marais 2013 Super Rugby campaign was shortened thanks to a knee injury sustained early in the year, keeping him sidelined for seven weeks. As one of the standout performers for the club in its victorious Currie Cup campaign, Marais is definitely a player to keep an eye on in SHARKS CHARL Scrumhalf 180cm/88kg Date of Birth: 5 August 1983 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 55 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2009 vs Brumbies, Durban Test Caps: 1 Test Debut 30 July 2011 vs New Zealand, Wellington Charl McLeod is an established and integral member of the Sharks. With over 50 Super Rugby caps to his credit, his experience behind the pack will be invaluable in The livewire scrumhalf played 13 matches last season, scoring a pair of tries, and is able to bring pace and an educated boot to the team s endeavors. McLeod combined with Pat Lambie to score every single point in their side s Currie Cup triumph over Western Province last season. 309

318 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS TENDAI MTAWARIRA Prop 188cm/116kg Date of Birth: 1 August 1985 Place of Birth: Harare, ZWE Super Rugby Caps: 88 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2007 vs Waratahs, Durban Test Caps: 53 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 14 June 2008 vs Wales, Pretoria One of the most instantly recognisable rugby players on the planet, Tendai Beast Mtawarira is highly experienced and powerful Springbok. An integral member of the Sharks front row, Mtawarira s strong scrummaging and committed play around the park makes him a formidable force in world rugby. He made 12 Super Rugby appearances last season, scoring two tries and making 76 tackles, ranking him among the leaders at the Sharks. LUBABALO Flanker 187cm/105kg Date of Birth: 9 December 1990 Place of Birth: East London, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 7 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2012 vs Stormers, Cape Town Lubabalo Tera Mtembu is an athletic loose forward who has shown enormous potential when given the opportunity. His explosiveness, speed and work-rate around the park make him an incredibly dangerous player. Mtembu will be looking to grab his opportunities in 2014 to contest for a regular starting spot in a position where the Sharks are fortunate enough to boast extremely strong depth. 310

319 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 LWAZI Wing 185cm/94kg Date of Birth: 3 March 1986 Place of Birth: Mthatha, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 52 Super Rugby Points: 85 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2010 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 7 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 20 November 2010 vs Scotland, Edinburgh Tenacity and pace are Lwazi Mvovo trademarks and the Sharks flyer will again put these attributes to good use during the 2014 season. If you re looking for someone to spark a lethal attack out of nothing, Mvovo is your man. He has become an accomplished member of the squad and shows total commitment to the team. He played 12 Super Rugby matches in 2013 for a pair of tries and the second-best average gain (9.20 metres) behind Riaan Viljoen (9.45 metres). Mvovo attended Maria Louw High School in Queenstown and made his provincial debut against Boland during the 2008 season. SHARKS ODWA Wing 183cm/93kg Date of Birth: 20 February 1981 Place of Birth: Mthatha, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 95 Super Rugby Points: 120 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2004 vs Sharks, Pretoria Test Caps: 9 Test Points: 10 Test Debut 21 June 2008 vs Italy, Cape Town Odwa Ndungane fits the clichéd bill of having matured like a good red wine. Turning 33 years of age in the early stages of the season, Mr Reliable hasn t lost any of his enthusiasm for the game and he even appears to have gained a yard or two over the years. He started his Super Rugby career at the Bulls in 2004 before joining the Sharks the following year where he s been ever-present since. Ndungane s twin brother Akona currently plays for the Bulls after joining the franchise in He requires just five more caps to join the Super Rugby centurion s club and played 13 matches last season, scoring two tries. 311

320 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS ETIENNE Flanker 198cm/115kg Date of Birth: 22 December 1992 Place of Birth: Rustenburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 7, 2012 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Having played for the Brumbies under Jake White during his tenure with the Australian team, Etienne Oosthuizen is an exciting addition to the Sharks. The tall and athletic lock has six Super Rugby caps to his name and will be hoping to add to that tally after returning home to link up with his former coach. The Sharks represent Oosthuizen s third club in three years after he played for the Lions in JP Wing 190cm/103kg Date of Birth: 12 July 1986 Place of Birth: Stellenbosch, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 98 Super Rugby Points: 165 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Chiefs, Durban Test Caps: 51 Test Points: 80 Test Debut 9 September 2006 vs Australia, Johannesburg After returning from a sabbatical with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, JP Pietersen is rejuvenated and raring to go for the 2014 Super Rugby season. A star of the Sharks and Springboks, this experienced winger has two Rugby World Cup campaigns to his name and requires just two more Super Rugby caps to eclipse 100. Should he earn selection from the outset, his century will be brought up at home against the Hurricanes in Round 2. Pietersen is a strong and athletic runner who is also devastating on defense, making him a tremendous asset for the club upon his return to South Africa. 312

321 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 COBUS Scrumhalf 175cm/86kg Date of Birth: 7 February 1990 Place of Birth: Bloemfontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 13 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 17, 2012 vs Bulls, Durban Another youngster with Springbok rugby in his genes, Cobus Reinach is earmarked to make it to the top in the not so distant future. His father Jaco represented the Springboks during the 1980s. Lethal around the fringes and with a handy box kick, Reinach is always looking to put the defense under pressure and is difficult to mark around the park. He featured in 12 matches for the Sharks last season, scoring one try and beating 24 defenders a number only bettered by Lwazi Mvovo (35). SHARKS SIBUSISO Wing 182cm/93kg Date of Birth: 14 June 1990 Place of Birth: Queenstown, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 2 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 10, 2013 vs Chiefs, Durban Sibusiso Sithole is a quick and elusive runner with the potential to be a quality player at Super Rugby level. A former South African Sevens player who was part of the World Cup squad, the winger brings enthusiasm and a fresh dynamic to the squad. Sithole has two Super Rugby caps to his name after debuting against the champions last season and has also represented Natal at Vodacom and Currie Cup levels. 313

322 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS FRANÇOIS Fullback 191cm/106kg Date of Birth: 14 May 1987 Place of Birth: Aliwal North, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 50 Super Rugby Points: 85 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Bulls, Durban Test Caps: 53 Test Points: 132 Test Debut 11 November 2006 vs Ireland, Dublin The 2007 Rugby World Cup star returned to the fray after a long injury spell with acute compartment syndrome in his left lower leg sustained during the 2013 Super Rugby season. François Steyn s technical ability and powerful presence in the midfield can never be underestimated. He has a knowledgeable boot and is fearless in his approach, proving a potent weapon time and time again for the Sharks. The Springbok and Super Rugby veteran travelled to France to represent Racing Metro during and played 10 matches for the Sharks upon his return to South Africa in His international career started at just 19 years of age when selected by Jake White to line up on the wing against Ireland where he scored on debut. The 2014 Super Rugby season will see these great rugby minds re-unite in Durban. TIM Flyhalf 180cm/85kg Date of Birth: 4 June 1993 Place of Birth: Taunton, ENG Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Having joined the Sharks from Western Province ahead of the 2014 pre-season, Tim Swiel emerged as the top point scorer in the U21 domestic competition last year. The English-born flyhalf is a marvel to watch and has a promising future ahead of him. He made his senior debut during the 2013 Vodacom Cup before also being named in Western Province s Currie Cup squad. Swiel was part of the South African Schools team in 2011 and although eligible for the national U20 team, he declined to keep his international options open down the track as he is a British passport holder. 314

323 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JACO VAN Fullback 183cm/96kg Date of Birth: 7 April 1991 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2013 vs Crusaders, Durban Having been part of the Sharks during last year s domestic competition, Jaco van Tonder will look to cement a starting position in The talented and hard-working utility back has great pace coupled with a great rugby brain, which bodes well for the future. Although most comfortable at fullback, van Tonder can slot into flyhalf or on to the wing. He joined the Sharks Academy in 2010 and made 40 appearances at U19 and U21 level between His first class debut came during the 2012 Vodacom Cup and his solitary Super Rugby appearance off the bench last season marked his debut at this level. SHARKS HANCO Scrumhalf 176cm/82kg Date of Birth: 7 January 1993 Place of Birth: Witbank, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Hanco Venter has come through the age group ranks with distinction. Making his first class debut for Natal against Eastern Province in 2012, Venter previously represented Pumas (U13) and Golden Lions (U18) at Craven Week. He was also invited to join the South African U20 squad that toured Argentina ahead of the Junior World Cup of He also represented the Junior Springboks at the World Championships in France in

324 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SHARKS HEIMAR Centre 180cm/93kg Date of Birth: 2 September 1991 Place of Birth: Krugersdorp, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Another of the success stories of the 2013 Currie Cup, Heimar Williams has finally realised the potential shown when he initially joined the Sharks at U19 level in A product of Affies in Pretoria, Williams played in nine of the 12 Currie Cup matches last season, starting in seven. He is an intelligent rugby player who boxes well above his weight and will be seeking a Super Rugby debut opportunity in FRED Flyhalf 175cm/88kg Date of Birth: 11 December 1992 Place of Birth: Ladysmith, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 1 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 20, 2013 vs Kings, Durban At 21 years of age, Fred Zeilinga is one of the youngest members of the Sharks, although this Glenwood old boy performs with maturity way beyond his age. The flyhalf has a bright future ahead of him and will look to capitalise on his good form shown during last year s Currie Cup. He progressed through the Natal Academy, representing the province at a range of age levels between 2005 and His first class debut came in 2011 when he featured in the club s Vodacom Cup win over the Blue Bulls. Zeilinga was presented with the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut in the final game of the 2013 season when he played 13 minutes off the bench, scoring a try in a triumph over the Kings. 316

325 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 STORMERS NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT DOB Gio Aplon Fullback 175cm 80kg Ruan Botha Lock 203cm 113kg Schalk Burger Flanker 194cm 114kg Manuel Carizza Lock 202cm 118kg Nizaam Carr No cm 102kg Demetri Catrakilis Flyhalf 178cm 87kg Patric Cilliers Prop 186cm 113kg Kurt Coleman Flyhalf 177cm 84kg Damian de Allende Centre 189cm 100kg Juan de Jongh Centre 177cm 88kg Jean de Villiers C Centre 191cm 100kg Ryno Eksteen Fullback 182cm 86kg Rynhardt Elstadt Utility Forward 193cm 114kg Eben Etzebeth Lock 204cm 118kg Deon Fourie Flanker 178cm 100kg Peter Grant Flyhalf 186cm 93kg Nic Groom Scrumhalf 173cm 84kg Brok Harris Prop 184cm 117kg Oliver Kebble Prop 190cm 124kg Steven Kitshoff Prop 183cm 120kg Jean Kleyn Lock 202cm 110kg Cheslin Kolbe Wing 170cm 79kg Siya Kolisi Flanker 187cm 102kg Tiaan Liebenberg Hooker 182cm 110kg Frans Malherbe Prop 190cm 122kg Sikhumbuzo Notshe Loose Forward 186cm 100kg Scarra Ntubeni Hooker 174cm 100kg Michael Rhodes Utility Forward 197cm 110kg Louis Schreuder Scrumhalf 185cm 83kg De Kock Steenkamp Lock 197cm 112kg Jaco Taute Fullback 187cm 98kg Gary van Aswegen Flyhalf 178cm 87kg Scott van Breda Fullback 187cm 96kg Michael van der Spuy Centre 181cm 89kg Kobus van Wyk Centre 190cm 94kg Duane Vermeulen No cm 116kg

326 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS TEAM MEDIA CONTACT Howard Kahn Strategic Communications Manager Phone: (DDI) (M) (on tour) TEAM ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Sam Dube President: Thelo Wakefield Chief Executive Officer: Rob Wagner Head Coach: Allister Coetzee Assistant Coach (Backline): Robbie Fleck Assistant Coach (Forwards): Matthew Proudfoot Defence Coach: Jacques Nienaber Kicking Coach: Greg Hechter Team Manager: Chippie Solomon Strength & Conditioning: Stephan du Toit Team Doctor: Dr Arthur Williams Physiotherapist: Wayne Hector Defence Analyst & Physiotherapist: Jacques Nienaber Masseur: Greg Daniels Analyst: Human Kriek ADDRESS Fifth Floor, Newlands Terraces 8 Boundary Road Newlands, 7700 Cape Town South Africa PO Box 55 Newlands, 7725 Cape Town South Africa Phone: Fax: WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA Website: Facebook: Instagram: dhlstormers HOME GROUND DHL Newlands Boundary Road Newlands, Cape Town Capacity: 48,

327 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TEAM COLOURS HOME STRIP: Collegiate royal blue jersey (blue and white stripes on front, red on collar), collegiate royal blue shorts and collegiate royal blue socks. CLASH STRIP: White with lightning bolt across chest, collegiate royal blue shorts and collegiate royal blue socks. STORMERS TEAM CHANGES PLAYERS IN: Manuel Carizza (Racing Metro), Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) PLAYERS OUT: Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs), Andries Bekker (Kobelco Steelers), Martin Bezuidenhout (Released), Deon Carstens (Retired), Dewaldt Duvenage (Perpignan), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Bryan Habana (Toulon), Joe Pietersen (Biarritz) FIXTURES Round Date Opponent Venue Kick-Off (Local) 1 BYE 2 Saturday 22 February Lions Ellis Park 19:10 3 Friday 28 February Hurricanes DHL Newlands 19:10 4 Saturday 8 March Crusaders AMI Stadium 19:35 5 Friday 14 March Chiefs Waikato Stadium 19:35 6 Saturday 22 March Brumbies GIO Stadium Canberra 19:40 7 Saturday 29 March Reds Suncorp Stadium 18:40 8 Saturday 5 April Waratahs DHL Newlands 19:10 9 BYE 10 Saturday 19 April Lions DHL Newlands 17:05 11 Saturday 26 April Cheetahs Free State Stadium 17:05 12 Saturday 3 May Highlanders DHL Newlands 15:00 13 Saturday 10 May Bulls Loftus Versfeld 19:10 14 Saturday 17 May Force DHL Newlands 17:05 15 Saturday 24 May Cheetahs DHL Newlands 17:05 16 Saturday 31 May Sharks Growthpoint KINGS PARK 19:10 17 AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCES ONLY 18 Saturday 5 July Bulls DHL Newlands 17:05 19 Saturday 12 July Sharks DHL Newlands 19:10 MILESTONES 50 Caps: De Kock Steenkamp (3), Patric Cilliers (6), Rynhardt Elstadt (13), Steven Kitshoff (15), Jaco Taute (15), Frans Malherbe (18) 50 Points: Juan de Jongh (5), Schalk Burger (15), Kurt Coleman (19), Gary van Aswegen (20) 100 Caps: Jean de Villiers (4), Peter Grant (10), Schalk Burger (12), Brok Harris (16), Duane Vermeulen (18) 100 Points: 200 Points: Demetri Catrakilis (49) 900 Points: Peter Grant (81) 1000 Points: Peter Grant (181) Number in brackets denotes how many more caps/points required as of Round 1,

328 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS ALLISTER COETZEE Head Coach Born: 23 May 1965, Grahamstown RSA Coaching History: Emerging Springboks Head Coach (1998) Sharks Assistant Coach (2000-) South Africa U23 Head Coach ( ) South Africa Midweek Team Head Coach ( ) Eastern Province Currie Cup Head Coach ( ) South Africa Backline Coach ( ) Cats Backline Coach (2006) Stormers Assistant Coach ( ) Western Province Head Coach (2008-) Stormers Head Coach (2010-) Allister Coetzee and his Western Province team were one match away from making history in the 2013 Currie Cup, but it was not to be. Still, Coetzee won two out of three Currie Cup Coach of the Month Awards in 2013 and will be looking for more success at the helm to go with his two South African Conference titles thus far in this, his fifth year in charge. He was part of the Springbok coaching set-up from 2004 to 2007 including South Africa s Tri-Nations (2004) and World Cup triumphs (2007). ROBBIE FLECK Assistant Coach (Backline) Born: 17 July 1975, Cape Town RSA Coaching History: South Africa Universities Backline Coach (2008) South Africa U20 Backline Coach (2008) University of Cape Town Backline Coach ( ) Western Province Backline Coach (2009-) Stormers Backline Coach (2010-) An attack-minded centre in his Stormers playing days, Robbie Fleck also played 31 Tests for the Springboks, which included the 1999 Rugby World Cup. He ended his playing career at Bath in England where he had his first taste of coaching before returning to South Africa and becoming involved with the Varsity Cup. 320

329 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MATTHEW PROUDFOOT Assistant Coach (Forwards) Born: 30 January 1972, Klerksdorp RSA Coaching History: NW-Pukke Head Coach ( ) South Africa Universities Head Coach (2008) Western Province Forwards Coach (2009-) Stormers Forwards Coach (2010-) STORMERS The ex-blue Bulls and Leopards prop played two Tests for Scotland before injury intervened, at which point he turned his attention to coaching. Proudfoot had a successful stint as NWU-Pukke Head Coach before being lured to the Cape where he has helped mould the set-pieces into feared units throughout Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. GIO Fullback 175cm/80kg Date of Birth: 6 October 1982 Place of Birth: Hawston, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 76 Super Rugby Points: 201 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 17 Test Points: 25 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Wales, Cardiff Gio Aplon ended 2013 as arguably the leading fullback in South Africa, his four tries helping Western Province to a home Currie Cup Final. The fleet-footed wing-cum-fullback toured Europe with the Springboks and will be hungry to advance his international honours in Aplon was the only player to feature in all 16 Stormers matches last season a testament to his resilience and commitment to durability. His four tries in 2013 were second only to Jean de Villiers (5) and only Bryan Habana beat more defenders (33) than Aplon s

330 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS RUAN Lock 203cm/113kg Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Place of Birth: Brakpan, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 5 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2012 vs Chiefs, Pukekohe Ruan Botha ended an injury-hit 2013 debut season in the Cape with a provincial U21 winners medal. The strapping lock will look to push for more senior honours in 2014, knowing that the initial injury to Eben Etzebeth could help his cause. Botha made his Super Rugby debut as a 20-year-old for the Lions against the Chiefs in 2012 and was also part of the Junior World Championship-winning South Africa U20 team later that season. SCHALK BURGER Flanker 194cm/114kg Date of Birth: 13 April 1983 Place of Birth: Port Elizabeth, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 88 Super Rugby Points: 35 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2004 vs Waratahs, Cape Town Test Caps: 68 Test Points: 65 Test Debut 24 October 2003 vs Georgia, Sydney One of the most popular and feared players in world rugby, Schalk Burger made an incredible comeback from injury and illness in the latter stages of The powerful and skilful loose forward has not played Super Rugby since the start of 2012, but his performance for the Barbarians against Fiji in November 2013 reminded the world of his great presence and talent at the highest level. Burger was voted the 2004 IRB Rugby Player of the Year and the South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2004 and His father, also named Schalk, represented the Springboks during the 1980s. 322

331 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MANUEL Lock 184cm/102kg Date of Birth: 23 August 1984 Place of Birth: Rosario, ARG Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Test Caps: 40 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 4 December 2004 vs South Africa, Buenos Aires Manuel Carizza will offer additional grunt and experience to the team s engine room, having made his Test debut in He has become ever-present in Argentina s second row, earning 11 caps in The Rugby Championship in just two years having also represented Biarritz and Racing Metro in France s physical Top 14 competition. Carizza represented Biarritz between 2005 and 2012 and Racing Metro in the 2012/13 season. He started his professional rugby career at Jockey Club de Rosario before moving to Europe. STORMERS NIZAAM No.8 184cm/102kg Date of Birth: 4 April 1991 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2012 vs Blues, Cape Town Nizaam Carr showed little signs of rustiness as he returned to action in 2013 after a long lay-off with a serious knee injury. His increased physicality has become a feature of his game, along with his renowned pace and skill which have always been key components in his make-up. Carr was voted as WP Rugby s Most Promising Senior Forward in 2013 and was part of the South African U20 team that finished fifth at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy. 323

332 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS DEMETRI Flyhalf 178cm/87kg Date of Birth: 6 July 1989 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 151 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Force, Port Elizabeth Western Province s drop-goal king, Demetri Catrakilis, returned to Cape Town for the 2013 Currie Cup season after a fruitful Super Rugby stint with the Kings, which saw him called up to the Springbok training squad. A prodigious kicker at goal and out of hand his brave defence and distribution also mark him out as a man to watch. Catrakilis, who starred for the University of Cape Town in their 2011 Varsity Cup-winning outfit had a stint in France with the Racing Metro U23 team before moving to Cape Town in He scored 142 points in 14 Super Rugby appearances for the Kings in PATRIC Prop 186cm/113kg Date of Birth: 3 March 1987 Place of Birth: Pietermaritzburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 44 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2007 vs Lions, Durban Test Caps: 6 Test Debut 18 August 2012 vs Argentina, Cape Town Pat Cilliers versatility will again be a huge factor after a busy first year in the Cape for the likeable prop forward. An ankle injury limited his involvement in the latter stages of the 2013 Super Rugby season, but he played a key role in the Currie Cup surge later in the year. A strong Super Rugby campaign will not hurt his Springbok chances, after missing out on an end-of-season call-up because of shoulder surgery. Cilliers has previously represented the Sharks ( ) and Lions ( ) and featured on 13 occasions for the Stormers last year, accumulating 434 minutes of action. 324

333 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 KURT Flyhalf 177cm/84kg Date of Birth: 29 January 1990 Place of Birth: Stellenbosch, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 6 Super Rugby Points: 31 Super Rugby Debut: Round 11, 2011 vs Sharks, Cape Town Kurt Coleman can look back on the 2013 Currie Cup with some pride; his 81 points helping the team remain unbeaten as they reached the Final. An exciting player who initially made his Super Rugby debut in 2011, Coleman will fight it out among some quality players for the number 10 jersey in Educated at Grey High School and the University of Stellenbosch, Coleman played Varsity Cup for Maties in 2011 and spent a brief loan spell at SWD Eagles during 2012, returning to Western Province for the Currie Cup campaign. STORMERS DAMIAN DE Centre 189cm/100kg Date of Birth: 25 November 1991 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2013 vs Bulls, Pretoria Damian de Allende enjoyed a fruitful debut Super Rugby season in 2013, making 14 appearances varying between the wing and centre. He seems to have settled at inside centre, where his physicality and booming boot saw him voted WP s Most Promising Senior Back in 2013 but he could feature on the wing in 2014 given his strength and speed out wide. 325

334 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS JUAN DE Centre 177cm/88kg Date of Birth: 15 April 1988 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 57 Super Rugby Points: 45 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 14 Test Points: 15 Test Debut 5 June 2010 vs Wales, Cardiff Injuries dealt Juan de Jongh some cruel blows in 2013, as they did not quite allow him to get into stride. However, he still featured in the Springbok squad during June, before also earning a call-up to the squad for The Rugby Championship. A dangerous stepper with an eye for the gap, Juan will be looking at the 2014 Super Rugby tournament as a way to force his way back into Springbok contention. He featured in 11 matches last season, playing 863 minutes and scoring three tries. His international debut in 2010 was an occasion to remember, scoring a beautiful try after carving through the Welsh midfield in Cardiff. JEAN DE VILLIERS Centre 191cm/100kg Date of Birth: 24 February 1981 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 96 Super Rugby Points: 125 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2005 vs Sharks, Cape Town Test Caps: 96 Test Points: 125 Test Debut 9 November 2002 vs France, Marseille The national captain since 2012, Jean de Villiers can look back at 2013 with some pride. Having captained the team in the absence of Schalk Burger, his leadership at Test level saw the Springboks lose just twice in Comfortable at either inside or outside centre, De Villiers will start 2014 with 96 Stormers caps, hoping to become the second-ever Super Rugby centurion for this proud and successful franchise. He will again lead the team in 2014 with long-time friend and schoolmate Schalk Burger serving as his deputy. 326

335 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 RYNO EKSTEEN Fullback 182cm/86kg Date of Birth: 3 October 1994 Place of Birth: Centurion, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby STORMERS Ryno Eksteen was part of the 2013 Western Province Rugby Institute intake, only for a serious knee injury to limit his appearances for the WP U19 team last year. A prodigious kicker and exciting runner, Eksteen moved to Cape Town from Pretoria and is comfortable at flyhalf or fullback. He was the South Africa Schools flyhalf in RYNHARDT ELSTADT Utility Forward 193cm/114kg Date of Birth: 20 December 1989 Place of Birth: Johannesburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 37 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Lions, Cape Town Few players in the country bring the physical presence that Rynhardt Elstadt does be it at lock or on the side of the scrum. A likeable team man, the Montagu High pupil could find himself in the second row in 2014, where he made his Super Rugby debut in He featured on 10 occasions during the 2013 Super Rugby season and has signed a deal committing him to Cape Town until at least the end of the 2015 season. 327

336 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS EBEN Lock 204cm/118kg Date of Birth: 29 October 1991 Place of Birth: Cape Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 21 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Hurricanes, Cape Town Test Caps: 23 Test Debut 9 June 2012 vs England, Durban What more can be said of a player who has already amassed 23 Test caps and 21 Super Rugby appearances in just two years not to mention a host of plaudits and awards to go with those appearances? The massive second rower will make a delayed start to Super Rugby in 2014, courtesy of a foot injury sustained on Springbok duty at the end of 2013, but his return will no doubt be welcomed by his teammates and feared by opponents. Etzebeth featured for the South Africa team that competed at the 2011 Junior World Championship in Italy alongside Nizaam Carr and Siya Kolisi. He made eight appearances for the Stormers last year, scoring one try, winning a team-high 47 lineouts and effecting eight steals second only to De Kock Steenkamp (13). DEON Flanker 178cm/100kg Date of Birth: 25 September 1986 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 70 Super Rugby Points: 50 Super Rugby Debut: Round 3, 2008 vs Crusaders, Cape Town Deon Fourie is a jack of all trades, yet a master of all. The Western Province Currie Cup captain played at hooker and both sides of the scrum in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament, whilst also leading the team at times. He ended the season as the WP Players Player of the Season, testament to his value within the squad. Fourie, who got married in January 2014, captained Western Province to Currie Cup success in 2012 and represented his country at Sevens in

337 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 PETER Flyhalf 186cm/93kg Date of Birth: 15 August 1984 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 90 Super Rugby Points: 819 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Lions, Johannesburg Test Caps: 5 Test Debut 7 July 2007 vs Australia, Sydney Bash is back for more after another playing in Japan and determined to add his 90 caps after an injury-hit 2013 season limited him to just two appearances. A punishing defender, Peter Grant brings stability to the team and, thereby, a much-needed calm approach for the younger players around him. Grant has five Springbok caps to his name and has also been part of the South African U19 and Emerging Springbok set-ups. STORMERS NIC Scrumhalf 173cm/84kg Date of Birth: 21 February 1990 Place of Birth: King William s Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Nic Groom will compete for the number nine jersey with Springbok tourist Louis Schreuder, but the man who was born in King William s Town loves nothing more than a challenge. Aside from his many impressive Super Rugby and Currie Cup performances in 2013, Groom also graduated from the University of Cape Town last year having been a full-time student since He played nine matches in 2013, accruing 368 minutes, scoring one try and assisting with another. 329

338 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS BROK Prop 184cm/117kg Date of Birth: 22 February 1985 Place of Birth: Roodepoort, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 84 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2007 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein One of the most experienced members of the squad, Brok Harris played his 100th match for Western Province in 2013 also going on to play his 100th Currie Cup match later in the season. He has also played 84 Super Rugby matches, his presence no doubt inspiring the younger front rankers to show the same consistency and durability. He played seven games in 2013 and is inching closer to the prestigious 100-cap Super Rugby landmark. OLIVER Prop 190cm/124kg Date of Birth: 18 June 1992 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Oliver Kebble had a tough 2012 season, as he found himself playing at tighthead prop, but his move back to the number one shirt in 2013 saw him emerge as one of the key men in the victorious Western Province U21 team. His scrummaging and ball-carrying are key features of his game and he will be looking to press for inclusion in the squad now that he is part of the senior ranks in Western Province. Oli the 2013 WP U21 Forward of the Season is the son of former Springbok prop, Guy, who played Test rugby in 1993/

339 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 STEVEN Prop 183cm/120kg Date of Birth: 10 February 1992 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 13, 2011 vs Chiefs, Hamilton A veteran of 35 Super Rugby appearances at the tender age of 21, Steven Kitshoff s sporting idol is none other than double World Cup winning prop Os du Randt. He would no doubt like to emulate his hero by wearing the green gold number one jersey in the not too distant future and is certainly on the right track in terms of his career path thus far. His 1144 minutes throughout 15 matches were the most of any Stormer last season and his 132 tackles (just 10 missed) ranked second to only Siya Kolisi (150 tackles, 23 missed). The 2012 season was a breakout for the young prop who won the Junior World Championship with South Africa, as well as the Currie Cup with Western Province. STORMERS JEAN Lock 202cm/110kg Date of Birth: 26 August 1993 Place of Birth: Klerksdorp, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Strapping second row forward Jean Kleyn has worked hard during the off-season and comes into the selection equation due to the injury suffered by Eben Etzebeth last year. He missed the 2013 Vodacom Cup season with a knee injury, but recovered sufficiently to pick up a winners medal with the Western Province U21 team. He was also a member of the championshipwinning U19 squad of

340 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS CHESLIN Wing 170cm/79kg Date of Birth: 28 October 1993 Place of Birth: Kraaifontein, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Super Rugby rookie Cheslin Kolbe turned 20 two days after the 2013 Currie Cup Final and he ended his debut season of senior rugby with three nominations in the annual SA Rugby Awards. Speedy and strongly built, the South Africa Sevens ace is more than comfortable on the wing or at fullback and will be aiming to make an impact at Super Rugby level despite suffering a freak knee injury during pre-season training. Kolbe has represented WP at numerous youth levels, as well as South Africa at the 2013 Junior World Championship in France. SIYA Flanker 187cm/102kg Date of Birth: 16 June 1991 Place of Birth: Zwide, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 29 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2012 vs Hurricanes, Cape Town Test Caps: 10 Test Debut 15 June 2013 vs Scotland, Nelspruit Siya Kolisi s rugby career has been on an upward curve ever since his Currie Cup debut in 2011 despite still being U20 at the time. He made his Super Rugby debut before his 21st birthday and his Test debut followed just over a year later, culminating in a Man of the Match performance against Scotland in Nelspruit in June Comfortable in any back row position, his rugby hero is Jean de Villiers. Kolisi s 150 tackles during the 2013 Super Rugby season led the team s tackle count, which is an even more impressive feat when considering he played just 13 matches during the campaign. 332

341 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 TIAAN LIEBENBERG Hooker 182cm/110kg Date of Birth: 18 December 1981 Place of Birth: Kimberley, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 80 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2006 vs Bulls, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 5 Test Debut 25 August 2012 vs Argentina, Mendoza Strongly-built Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg had an injurydisrupted 2013 season, but has been working hard to be ready for 2014 as he looks to win back his number two jersey in the Cape not to mention force his way back into Springbok contention. The Kimberley-born front ranker represented the Cheetahs in 2006 before moving to Cape Town later that year and making his Stormers debut in He has five Test caps to his credit, making his debut in Argentina during The Rugby Championship in 2012 after playing his first game in green and gold (against the Barbarians) in STORMERS FRANS Prop 190cm/122kg Date of Birth: 14 March 1991 Place of Birth: Somerset West, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 32 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Lions, Cape Town Test Caps: 2 Test Debut 9 November 2013 vs Wales, Cardiff A serious ankle injury cut short Frans Malherbe s 2013 Super Rugby campaign, but he returned towards the business end of the Currie Cup to force his way back into the Springbok mix. Having trained and toured with the Boks in 2012, Malherbe eventually made his debut against the highly-regarded Wales front row in November 2013 showing just why the coaching staff rate this youngster so highly. Malherbe captained his school s First XV in 2009 before joining the Western Province Rugby Institute in He played for the WP U19 team in 2010 and quickly progressed to senior ranks at both WP and Stormers level. 333

342 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS SIKHUMBUZO Loose Forward 186cm/100kg Date of Birth: 28 May 1993 Place of Birth: King William s Town, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Sikhumbuzo Notshe walked off with Man of the Match honours in the 2013 Provincial U21 Final having played a huge role for the winning Western Province outfit. Comfortable at No. 8 or flank, he was still at school in 2012 but took to senior rugby like a duck to water in He is another of the young Stormers who will be pushing for a first Super Rugby cap in 2014, having enjoyed a strong pre-season with the squad. SCARRA Hooker 174cm/100kg Date of Birth: 18 February 1991 Place of Birth: East London, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 11 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Lions, Cape Town Nominated as one of the three Currie Cup Players of the Year in 2013, Siyabonga Scarra Ntubeni also forced his way into the Springbok touring squad at the end of his second full year of Currie Cup rugby. An accurate lineout thrower, he gets around the park with ease and his low body position makes him an awkward customer to deal with when he has the ball on the run. Ntubeni has made 11 Super Rugby appearances since 2011 and will be looking to add to that tally as a more experienced and confident member of the team. 334

343 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MICHAEL Utility Forward 197cm/110kg Date of Birth: 19 December 1987 Place of Birth: Durban, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 4, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein STORMERS Powerful lock-cum-flank Michael Rhodes slotted seamlessly into the Stormers and Western Province packs in A freak ankle injury halted his momentum during Super Rugby, but he returned to fitness in the 2013 Currie Cup where he made a huge impact at lock including winning two Man of the Match Awards in both the home and away fixtures against the Cheetahs. Rhodes represented the Sharks (2010) and Lions ( ), before making the move to Cape Town in LOUIS Scrumhalf 185cm/83kg Date of Birth: 25 April 1990 Place of Birth: Paarl, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 28 Super Rugby Points: 5 Super Rugby Debut: Round 18, 2011 vs Cheetahs, Bloemfontein Louis Schreuder will fondly remember 2013 as the technically astute halfback was part of the Springbok squad on two occasions. He never got an opportunity to take to the field in green and gold, but his experience of touring with the Springboks will put him in good stead in 2014 as he competes with Nic Groom for the number nine jersey and the right to add to his tally of 28 Super Rugby caps. Schreuder appeared on 10 occasions for the Stormers in 2013, scoring a try and leading the team with 384 passes. 335

344 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS DE KOCK Lock 197cm/112kg Date of Birth: 16 February 1987 Place of Birth: Williston, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 47 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2010 vs Lions, Johannesburg The unsung hero of the pack, De Kock Steenkamp will be looking to bring up his half-century of appearances in 2014 having ended 2013 with 47 caps to his name. Comfortable in the front or middle of the lineout, Steenkamp will no doubt be eyeing his team s home clash against the Force on May 17 with some relish, as his older brother Wilhelm now plays for the Perth-based franchise. Steenkamp s 13 lineout steals last season ranked second in the entire Super Rugby tournament behind Sam Whitelock of the Crusaders (15). JACO Fullback 187cm/98kg Date of Birth: 21 February 1991 Place of Birth: Springs, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 35 Super Rugby Points: 51 Super Rugby Debut: Round 12, 2010 vs Force, Johannesburg Test Caps: 3 Test Debut 29 September 2012 vs Australia, Pretoria Two freak injuries limited Jaco Taute to just four appearances for his new team in 2013, but the powerful centre-cum-fullback has spent the past few months working his way back into shape ahead of his much-anticipated comeback. Tipping the scales at almost 100 kilograms and standing 187 centimetres, his physical presence in the back three will be of utmost importance in Prior to last season, Taute represented the Lions whilst still in his teens and he also turned out for the South Africa U20 team at the 2010 and IRB Junior World Championships. 336

345 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 GARY VAN Flyhalf 178cm/87kg Date of Birth: 18 February 1990 Place of Birth: Pretoria, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 15 Super Rugby Points: 30 Super Rugby Debut: Round 2, 2011 vs Lions, Cape Town Gary van Aswegen s 15-point haul against the Bulls in his team s final match of 2013, was as near to faultless as one would want from a flyhalf. An accurate kicker, with the ability to keep things tight or move the ball to his wings, Van Aswegen will be looking to add to his 15 Super Rugby appearances in 2014 in the face of some stiff competition for the number 10 shirt. He made nine appearances for the team in 2013, scoring 15 points in the process. STORMERS SCOTT VAN BREDA Fullback 187cm/96kg Date of Birth: 12 December 1991 Place of Birth: Centurion, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Scott van Breda was better known for his cricketing abilities as a seam bowler whilst still a scholar at Rondebosch Boys High School in Cape Town. However his rugby talents were recognised in his final year at school and his exploits with the oval ball saw him join the Kings after leaving school in Van Breda, who is comfortable at wing or fullback, joined the extended Stormers squad at the end of 2013 and impressed the coaches with his physicality, pace, kicking abilities and willingness to learn. 337

346 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS MICHAEL VAN DER Centre 181cm/89kg Date of Birth: 20 February 1991 Place of Birth: Ficksburg, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Having made his Currie Cup debut at the age of 20 back in 2011, Michael Van der Spuy had to wait another year to add to his tally and he did not disappoint. Now, with over 20 games for WP at Vodacom and Currie Cup level - Van Der Spuy, who offers great versatility to the backline, will be looking to push for a Super Rugby place too. Van der Spuy was educated at the great schoolboy rugby nursery that is Grey College, but never played in the First XV whilst at school. KOBUS VAN Twitter: Centre 190cm/94kg Date of Birth: 22 January 1992 Place of Birth: Nababeep, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 0 Super Rugby Points: 0 Super Rugby Debut: Kobus van Wyk is yet to make his senior debut at Western Province, despite impressing at youth level since his first year out of school in A member of the victorious South Africa U20 team from 2012, the powerful outside back hails from Paarl Gymnasium and can play at centre or on the wing. 338

347 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 DUANE No cm/116kg Date of Birth: 3 July 1986 Place of Birth: Nelspruit, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 82 Super Rugby Points: 20 Super Rugby Debut: Round 6, 2007 vs Sharks, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 16 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 8 September 2012 vs Australia, Perth Duane Vermeulen ended 2013 as one of five nominees for the coveted SA Rugby Player of the Year Award, having once again delivered at Super Rugby and Test level for the Stormers and Springboks respectively. Deceptively fast, there is no questioning his strength on attack and defence, whilst he has also become a real nuisance for opposition at the breakdown. Vermeulen started his Super Rugby career at the Cheetahs in 2007 where he made his debut against the Sharks. He has since gone on to make 62 appearances for the Stormers between 2009 and STORMERS 339

348 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE STORMERS 340

349 RESULTS RESULTS

350

351 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SUPER RUGBY FINAL RESULTS Chiefs 27 Brumbies Chiefs 37 Sharks Reds 18 Crusaders Bulls 24 Stormers Bulls 61 Chiefs Crusaders 20 Waratahs Bulls 20 Sharks Crusaders 19 Hurricanes Crusaders 35 Waratahs Brumbies 47 Crusaders Blues 21 Crusaders Crusaders 31 Brumbies Brumbies 36 Sharks Brumbies 19 Crusaders Highlanders 19 Crusaders Blues 13 Crusaders Blues 23 Brumbies Blues 45 Natal 21 Note: Home teams listed first SUPER RUGBY WINNERS WINNERS BY TEAM Team Wins Runners-up Crusaders 7 3 Blues 3 1 Bulls 3 0 Brumbies 2 4 Chiefs 2 1 Reds 1 0 Sharks 0 4 Waratahs 0 2 Highlanders 0 1 Hurricanes 0 1 Stormers 0 1 WINNERS BY COUNTRY Country Wins Runners-up New Zealand 12 7 Australia 3 6 South Africa

352 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 1996 SUPER 12 RESULTS 1996 SUPER 12 RESULTS 1 Mar NSW Waratahs 32 Transvaal 11 1 Mar Hurricanes 28 Blues 36 2 Mar Natal 28 Western Province 22 3 Mar Chiefs 27 Crusaders 26 3 Mar Highlanders 57 Queensland Reds 17 5 Mar ACT Brumbies 13 Transvaal 9 9 Mar Highlanders 29 Transvaal 15 9 Mar ACT Brumbies 35 Hurricanes 28 9 Mar Western Province 22 NSW Waratahs 30 9 Mar Northern Transvaal 30 Natal 8 10 Mar Crusaders 18 Blues Mar Queensland Reds 26 Chiefs Mar ACT Brumbies 40 Blues Mar Western Province 25 Highlanders Mar Northern Transvaal 32 NSW Waratahs Mar Queensland Reds 52 Crusaders Mar Natal 63 Chiefs Mar Northern Transvaal 59 Highlanders Mar Crusaders 16 Western Province Mar Transvaal 26 Chiefs Mar Hurricanes 25 Queensland Reds Mar NSW Waratahs 44 ACT Brumbies Mar Blues 48 Western Province Mar ACT Brumbies 44 Natal Mar Crusaders 21 NSW Waratahs Mar Queensland Reds 25 Northern Transvaal Mar Highlanders 15 Hurricanes Mar Chiefs 44 Western Province 17 2 Apr Blues 51 Highlanders 29 2 Apr NSW Waratahs 6 Natal 34 3 Apr Chiefs 26 ACT Brumbies 18 3 Apr Crusaders 18 Northern Transvaal 34 3 Apr Queensland Reds 36 Western Province 26 6 Apr Hurricanes 27 Natal 43 7 Apr Blues 30 Northern Transvaal 26 8 Apr Crusaders 7 ACT Brumbies Apr Highlanders 33 Natal Apr Chiefs 17 Northern Transvaal 9 13 Apr Transvaal 23 Western Province 26 3 Apr Queensland Reds 15 NSW Waratahs Apr Hurricanes 13 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 5 Chiefs Apr Northern Transvaal 25 Transvaal Apr Blues 39 Chiefs Apr ACT Brumbies 21 Queensland Reds Apr NSW Waratahs 29 Highlanders Apr Western Province 35 Hurricanes Apr Transvaal 55 Crusaders Apr Queensland Reds 51 Blues Apr Natal 58 Crusaders Apr Northern Transvaal 38 Hurricanes Apr Chiefs 39 NSW Waratahs Apr Western Province 25 ACT Brumbies

353 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 1 May Blues 56 NSW Waratahs 44 1 May Natal 49 Transvaal 34 4 May Chiefs 15 Hurricanes 23 4 May Northern Transvaal 23 ACT Brumbies 10 5 May Crusaders 27 Highlanders 29 5 May Natal 20 Queensland Reds 21 7 May Transvaal 34 Blues May NSW Waratahs 52 Hurricanes May Western Province 7 Northern Transvaal May Transvaal 16 Queensland Reds May Natal 23 Blues May ACT Brumbies 70 Highlanders 26 FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Queensland Reds Blues Northern Transvaal Natal ACT Brumbies Chiefs NSW Waratahs Highlanders Hurricanes Transvaal Western Province Crusaders (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) 1996 SUPER 12 RESULTS SEMI-FINALS 8 May Queensland Reds 25 Natal 43 9 May Blues 48 Northern Transvaal 11 FINAL 25 May Blues 45 Natal

354 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 1997 SUPER 12 RESULTS 1997 SUPER 12 RESULTS 28 Feb Hurricanes 18 Chiefs 23 1 Mar Queensland Reds 19 ACT Brumbies 24 1 Mar Northern Transvaal 40 Blues 40 2 Mar Free State 20 Gauteng Lions 24 7 Mar Free State 5 Blues 24 7 Mar Crusaders 9 Hurricanes 7 8 Mar NSW Waratahs 26 Chiefs 33 8 Mar Natal 75 Highlanders 43 8 Mar Northern Transvaal 14 Queensland Reds 3 9 Mar Gauteng Lions 44 ACT Brumbies 36 4 Mar NSW Waratahs 25 Crusaders 8 14 Mar Gauteng Lions 47 Highlanders Mar Chiefs 16 Blues Mar Free State 35 Queensland Reds Mar Natal 35 ACT Brumbies Mar Hurricanes 64 Northern Transvaal Mar ACT Brumbies 49 Crusaders Mar Free State 45 Natal Mar Gauteng Lions 36 NSW Waratahs Mar Highlanders 27 Northern Transvaal 7 22 Mar Chiefs 31 Queensland Reds Mar ACT Brumbies 38 Northern Transvaal Mar Gauteng Lions 35 Hurricanes Mar Natal 28 NSW Waratahs Mar Crusaders 24 Chiefs Mar Highlanders 18 Free State Mar Blues 49 Queensland Reds 26 4 Apr ACT Brumbies 50 Free State 23 4 Apr Natal 29 Hurricanes 24 4 Apr Blues 29 Crusaders 28 5 Apr Queensland Reds 37 Highlanders 24 6 Apr NSW Waratahs 43 Northern Transvaal Apr Chiefs 15 Natal Apr Blues 41 ACT Brumbies Apr NSW Waratahs 36 Free State Apr Queensland Reds 29 Hurricanes Apr Gauteng Lions 16 Northern Transvaal Apr Highlanders 37 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 9 ACT Brumbies 5 19 Apr NSW Waratahs 16 Queensland Reds Apr Northern Transvaal 34 Chiefs Apr Crusaders 26 Natal Apr Hurricanes 59 Free State Apr Blues 63 Gauteng Lions Apr Crusaders 23 Gauteng Lions 0 26 Apr ACT Brumbies 56 NSW Waratahs 9 26 Apr Hurricanes 60 Highlanders Apr Free State 27 Chiefs Apr Blues 39 Natal 17 2 May Hurricanes 19 NSW Waratahs 3 3 May Queensland Reds 40 Natal 3 3 May Northern Transvaal 23 Crusaders 22 3 May Chiefs 47 Gauteng Lions 9 344

355 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 3 May Highlanders 28 Blues 45 9 May ACT Brumbies 48 Chiefs 34 9 May Highlanders 16 NSW Waratahs May Queensland Reds 40 Gauteng Lions May Free State 11 Crusaders May Blues 45 Hurricanes May Natal 27 Northern Transvaal May Northern Transvaal 23 Free State May Chiefs 18 Highlanders May NSW Waratahs 20 Blues May Gauteng Lions 42 Natal 8 17 May Crusaders 48 Queensland Reds 3 18 May Hurricanes 29 ACT Brumbies SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Blues ACT Brumbies Hurricanes Natal Gauteng Lions Crusaders Free State Northern Transvaal NSW Waratahs Queensland Reds Chiefs Highlanders (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 24 May Blues 55 Natal May ACT Brumbies 33 Hurricanes 20 FINAL 31 May Blues 23 ACT Brumbies 7 345

356 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 1998 SUPER 12 RESULTS 1998 SUPER 12 RESULTS 27 Feb Highlanders 26 Queensland Reds Feb Stormers 31 Hurricanes Feb Chiefs 25 Crusaders Feb Bulls 32 Cats Feb Sharks 24 Blues 8 1 Mar NSW Waratahs 32 ACT Brumbies 7 6 Mar Crusaders 33 NSW Waratahs 12 6 Mar ACT Brumbies 34 Highlanders 26 6 Mar Bulls 19 Hurricanes 37 7 Mar Queensland Reds 25 Chiefs 28 7 Mar Cats 37 Blues 38 7 Mar Sharks 32 Stormers Mar Chiefs 19 Hurricanes Mar NSW Waratahs 25 Cats Mar Blues 41 Highlanders Mar ACT Brumbies 23 Sharks Mar Queensland Reds 35 Crusaders 9 14 Mar Stormers 35 Bulls Mar Highlanders 41 Sharks Mar Blues 25 Chiefs Mar ACT Brumbies 37 Cats 3 21 Mar Bulls 34 NSW Waratahs Mar Hurricanes 33 Queensland Reds Mar Crusaders 4 Blues Mar Stormers 35 NSW Waratahs Mar Bulls 24 ACT Brumbies 7 28 Mar Highlanders 57 Cats Mar Hurricanes 23 Sharks 39 3 Apr Stormers 34 ACT Brumbies 3 3 Apr Hurricanes 30 Cats 15 4 Apr Queensland Reds 33 Blues 18 4 Apr Highlanders 29 Chiefs 11 5 Apr NSW Waratahs 51 Sharks 18 5 Apr Crusaders 31 Bulls Apr Queensland Reds 19 Stormers Apr Crusaders 38 ACT Brumbies Apr Chiefs 37 Bulls Apr Sharks 30 Cats Apr Blues 47 NSW Waratahs Apr Blues 34 Bulls Apr Queensland Reds 17 NSW Waratahs Apr Crusaders 37 Stormers Apr Cats 35 Chiefs Apr Highlanders 29 Hurricanes 8 24 Apr Crusaders 40 Highlanders Apr ACT Brumbies 29 Hurricanes Apr Queensland Reds 28 Bulls Apr Sharks 52 Chiefs Apr Blues 74 Stormers 28 1 May NSW Waratahs 23 Highlanders 22 1 May Hurricanes 17 Crusaders 39 2 May Chiefs 26 Stormers 7 2 May ACT Brumbies 24 Blues

357 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 2 May Bulls 12 Sharks 8 3 May Cats 16 Queensland Reds 20 8 May Chiefs 35 ACT Brumbies 15 9 May NSW Waratahs 36 Hurricanes 2 9 May Cats 25 Crusaders 34 9 May Stormers 15 Highlanders May Sharks 30 Queensland Reds May Chiefs 21 NSW Waratahs May Bulls 26 Highlanders May Hurricanes 34 Blues May ACT Brumbies 23 Queensland Reds May Sharks 20 Crusaders May Cats 41 Stormers SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Blues Crusaders Sharks Highlanders Queensland Reds NSW Waratahs Chiefs Hurricanes Stormers ACT Brumbies Bulls Cats (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 23 May Blues 37 Highlanders May Crusaders 36 Sharks 32 FINAL 30 May Blues 13 Crusaders

358 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 1999 SUPER 12 RESULTS 1999 SUPER 12 RESULTS 26 Feb Crusaders 48 Chiefs 3 26 Feb Cats 33 ACT Brumbies Feb Highlanders 19 Blues Feb Queensland Reds 11 Hurricanes 0 27 Feb Bulls 19 Stormers Feb Sharks 13 NSW Waratahs 13 5 Mar Blues 16 Crusaders 22 5 Mar Sharks 21 ACT Brumbies 16 6 Mar Highlanders 65 Bulls 23 6 Mar Chiefs 17 Queensland Reds 19 6 Mar Cats 10 NSW Waratahs 39 7 Mar Hurricanes 22 Stormers Mar Highlanders 46 Stormers Mar Queensland Reds 19 ACT Brumbies Mar Hurricanes 37 Bulls Mar NSW Waratahs 36 Chiefs Mar Cats 20 Sharks Mar Crusaders 18 Hurricanes Mar ACT Brumbies 37 Stormers Mar Blues 12 Queensland Reds Mar NSW Waratahs 39 Bulls Mar Cats 28 Highlanders Mar Chiefs 18 Blues Mar NSW Waratahs 18 Stormers Mar Sharks 32 Highlanders 8 27 Mar Crusaders 23 Queensland Reds Mar ACT Brumbies 73 Bulls 9 27 Mar Cats 43 Hurricanes 27 2 Apr ACT Brumbies 21 Crusaders 28 3 Apr Chiefs 16 Highlanders 27 3 Apr NSW Waratahs 20 Blues 21 3 Apr Sharks 18 Hurricanes 34 3 Apr Stormers 35 Queensland Reds 14 3 Apr Cats 57 Bulls 24 9 Apr Highlanders 23 Crusaders 6 9 Apr Bulls 7 Queensland Reds Apr Blues 23 Hurricanes 7 10 Apr ACT Brumbies 13 Chiefs Apr Stormers 35 Sharks Apr Hurricanes 21 Chiefs Apr Blues 24 Cats Apr ACT Brumbies 27 NSW Waratahs Apr Queensland Reds 19 Highlanders Apr Sharks 29 Bulls 0 18 Apr Stormers 28 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 15 NSW Waratahs Apr Chiefs 44 Cats Apr Blues 6 Sharks Apr Bulls 28 Crusaders Apr Hurricanes 13 ACT Brumbies Apr Chiefs 32 Sharks 19 1 May Highlanders 9 ACT Brumbies 8 1 May NSW Waratahs 13 Queensland Reds

359 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 1 May Stormers 37 Blues 23 2 May Crusaders 58 Cats 38 7 May Hurricanes 13 NSW Waratahs 7 8 May Crusaders 34 Sharks 29 8 May Queensland Reds 22 Cats 12 8 May Bulls 21 Blues 19 8 May Stormers 16 Chiefs 9 14 May Blues 16 ACT Brumbies May Queensland Reds 34 Sharks May Bulls 31 Chiefs May Hurricanes 21 Highlanders May NSW Waratahs 22 Crusaders May Stormers 16 Cats SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Queensland Reds Stormers Highlanders Crusaders ACT Brumbies Chiefs Sharks NSW Waratahs Blues Hurricanes Cats Bulls (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 22 May Queensland Reds 22 Crusaders May Stormers 18 Highlanders 33 FINAL 29 May Highlanders 19 Crusaders

360 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2000 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2000 SUPER 12 RESULTS 25 Feb Hurricanes 40 Sharks Feb ACT Brumbies 15 Blues Feb Highlanders 50 Queensland Reds Feb Bulls 19 Cats Feb Stormers 22 NSW Waratahs Feb Chiefs 24 Crusaders 27 3 Mar Highlanders 27 Sharks 20 4 Mar Hurricanes 43 Queensland Reds 25 4 Mar Cats 22 Stormers 18 4 Mar Bulls 13 NSW Waratahs 33 5 Mar Blues 25 Chiefs Mar Crusaders 32 Blues Mar ACT Brumbies 51 Sharks Mar Highlanders 35 Hurricanes Mar NSW Waratahs 51 Cats Mar Stormers 19 Bulls Mar Highlanders 33 Cats Mar Chiefs 19 Hurricanes Mar NSW Waratahs 19 Sharks Mar Queensland Reds 19 Crusaders Mar Stormers 15 ACT Brumbies Mar Blues 31 NSW Waratahs Mar Hurricanes 29 Cats Mar Queensland Reds 37 Chiefs Mar Bulls 19 ACT Brumbies Mar Crusaders 47 Stormers Mar Hurricanes 14 Blues 25 1 Apr Crusaders 42 Highlanders 36 1 Apr ACT Brumbies 64 Cats 0 1 Apr Queensland Reds 31 NSW Waratahs 16 1 Apr Bulls 14 Sharks 14 2 Apr Chiefs 25 Stormers 28 7 Apr Hurricanes 28 Crusaders 22 7 Apr ACT Brumbies 34 Highlanders 15 8 Apr Blues 18 Stormers 39 8 Apr Queensland Reds 34 Bulls 15 8 Apr Sharks 27 Cats 28 9 Apr Chiefs 30 NSW Waratahs Apr Blues 26 Highlanders Apr Queensland Reds 37 Stormers Apr Chiefs 40 Bulls 7 15 Apr NSW Waratahs 30 ACT Brumbies Apr Sharks 24 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 38 Chiefs 6 21 Apr ACT Brumbies 47 Hurricanes Apr Blues 54 Bulls Apr Cats 54 Crusaders Apr Sharks 13 Queensland Reds Apr Crusaders 75 Bulls Apr Chiefs 17 ACT Brumbies Apr NSW Waratahs 20 Hurricanes Apr Cats 36 Queensland Reds Apr Stormers 27 Highlanders

361 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 30 Apr Sharks 19 Blues 30 5 May Crusaders 22 NSW Waratahs 13 5 May Cats 34 Blues 27 6 May ACT Brumbies 38 Queensland Reds 32 6 May Bulls 40 Highlanders 42 6 May Sharks 31 Chiefs 44 7 May Stormers 43 Hurricanes May Crusaders 12 ACT Brumbies May NSW Waratahs 22 Highlanders May Bulls 47 Hurricanes May Queensland Reds 33 Blues May Sharks 28 Stormers May Cats 53 Chiefs SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS ACT Brumbies Crusaders Highlanders Cats Stormers Blues Queensland Reds Hurricanes NSW Waratahs Chiefs Bulls Sharks (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 20 May Crusaders 37 Highlanders May ACT Brumbies 28 Cats 5 FINAL 27 May ACT Brumbies 19 Crusaders

362 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2001 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2001 SUPER 12 RESULTS 23 Feb Highlanders 23 Blues 8 23 Feb ACT Brumbies 51 Crusaders Feb Sharks 30 Bulls Feb NSW Waratahs 42 Chiefs Feb Queensland Reds 27 Hurricanes Feb Stormers 24 Cats 29 2 Mar Blues 17 Crusaders 12 3 Mar Hurricanes 26 Bulls 20 3 Mar Chiefs 32 Queensland Reds 29 3 Mar Sharks 17 ACT Brumbies 16 3 Mar Cats 56 Highlanders 21 4 Mar NSW Waratahs 35 Stormers 7 9 Mar Hurricanes 15 Stormers Mar Crusaders 40 Chiefs Mar NSW Waratahs 53 Bulls 7 10 Mar Cats 17 ACT Brumbies Mar Sharks 30 Highlanders Mar Blues 39 Queensland Reds Mar Chiefs 34 Blues Mar ACT Brumbies 39 Bulls Mar Cats 28 NSW Waratahs Mar Sharks 39 Hurricanes Mar Highlanders 24 Stormers Mar Crusaders 32 Queensland Reds Mar Cats 18 Hurricanes Mar Highlanders 32 Bulls Mar ACT Brumbies 40 Stormers Mar Sharks 42 NSW Waratahs Mar Chiefs 50 Highlanders Mar Queensland Reds 15 ACT Brumbies Mar Crusaders 29 Hurricanes Mar NSW Waratahs 35 Blues Mar Cats 26 Sharks 25 6 Apr Hurricanes 34 ACT Brumbies 19 7 Apr Blues 27 Sharks 41 7 Apr Highlanders 39 NSW Waratahs 20 7 Apr Stormers 29 Queensland Reds 27 8 Apr Chiefs 22 Cats 18 8 Apr Bulls 29 Crusaders Apr ACT Brumbies 48 NSW Waratahs Apr Blues 23 Cats Apr Hurricanes 35 Highlanders Apr Chiefs 8 Sharks Apr Bulls 19 Queensland Reds Apr Stormers 49 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 16 ACT Brumbies 9 21 Apr Bulls 37 Chiefs Apr Stormers 12 Blues Apr Queensland Reds 32 Sharks Apr Crusaders 31 Cats Apr Hurricanes 42 NSW Waratahs Apr Stormers 29 Chiefs Apr Crusaders 34 Sharks

363 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 28 Apr Queensland Reds 22 Cats Apr Bulls 28 Blues 25 4 May Hurricanes 27 Chiefs 51 5 May Blues 7 ACT Brumbies 35 5 May NSW Waratahs 25 Crusaders 22 5 May Bulls 23 Stormers 34 6 May Queensland Reds 33 Highlanders May Blues 36 Hurricanes May ACT Brumbies 49 Chiefs 6 11 May Cats 19 Bulls May Highlanders 26 Crusaders May NSW Waratahs 20 Queensland Reds May Stormers 19 Sharks SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS ACT Brumbies Sharks Cats Queensland Reds Highlanders Chiefs Stormers NSW Waratahs Hurricanes Crusaders Blues Bulls (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 19 May ACT Brumbies 30 Queensland Reds May Sharks 30 Cats 12 FINAL 26 May ACT Brumbies 36 Sharks 6 353

364 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2002 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2002 SUPER 12 RESULTS 22 Feb Hurricanes 7 Blues Feb Sharks 18 Stormers Feb Chiefs 25 NSW Waratahs Feb Crusaders 30 Highlanders Feb ACT Brumbies 29 Queensland Reds Feb Bulls 31 Cats 44 1 Mar Chiefs 27 Crusaders 34 2 Mar Highlanders 45 Sharks 5 2 Mar ACT Brumbies 64 Cats 16 2 Mar Queensland Reds 34 Blues 23 2 Mar Stormers 25 NSW Waratahs 26 2 Mar Bulls 18 Hurricanes 37 8 Mar Highlanders 40 Cats 8 8 Mar ACT Brumbies 38 Sharks 8 8 Mar Stormers 40 Hurricanes 13 9 Mar Crusaders 30 Blues 11 9 Mar Queensland Reds 27 Chiefs 13 9 Mar Bulls 19 NSW Waratahs Mar Hurricanes 40 Sharks Mar NSW Waratahs 44 Cats Mar Bulls 35 ACT Brumbies Mar Stormers 20 Highlanders Mar Queensland Reds 27 Crusaders Mar Hurricanes 30 Cats Mar Bulls 17 Highlanders Mar Blues 37 Chiefs Mar NSW Waratahs 42 Sharks 8 23 Mar Stormers 15 ACT Brumbies Mar Blues 22 NSW Waratahs Mar Hurricanes 22 Queensland Reds Mar Highlanders 24 Chiefs Mar Crusaders 33 ACT Brumbies 32 5 Apr Highlanders 19 Hurricanes 10 6 Apr Crusaders 49 Bulls 15 6 Apr Queensland Reds 49 Stormers 46 6 Apr Sharks 20 Blues 13 6 Apr Cats 25 Chiefs Apr Crusaders 41 Stormers Apr Queensland Reds 48 Bulls Apr Cats 12 Blues Apr NSW Waratahs 31 Highlanders Apr Sharks 21 Chiefs Apr ACT Brumbies 13 Hurricanes Apr Blues 65 Bulls Apr Chiefs 33 Stormers Apr NSW Waratahs 19 ACT Brumbies Apr Cats 15 Queensland Reds

365 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 20 Apr Sharks 34 Crusaders Apr Blues 25 Stormers 6 26 Apr ACT Brumbies 18 Highlanders Apr Cats 30 Crusaders Apr Chiefs 53 Bulls Apr NSW Waratahs 19 Hurricanes Apr Sharks 29 Queensland Reds 30 3 May Blues 13 Highlanders 20 4 May Hurricanes 20 Crusaders 48 4 May Chiefs 15 ACT Brumbies 42 4 May Cats 25 Stormers 36 4 May Bulls 10 Sharks 23 5 May Queensland Reds 31 NSW Waratahs May Chiefs 44 Hurricanes May ACT Brumbies 46 Blues May Highlanders 40 Queensland Reds May Crusaders 96 NSW Waratahs May Stormers 31 Blues May Sharks 38 Cats SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Crusaders NSW Waratahs ACT Brumbies Highlanders Queensland Reds Blues Stormers Chiefs Hurricanes Sharks Cats Bulls (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 18 May Crusaders 34 Highlanders May NSW Waratahs 10 ACT Brumbies 51 FINAL 25 May Crusaders 31 ACT Brumbies

366 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2003 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2003 SUPER 12 RESULTS 21 Feb Stormers 40 Sharks Feb Cats 26 Bulls Feb NSW Waratahs 18 Blues Feb Chiefs 16 Highlanders Feb Queensland Reds 19 ACT Brumbies Feb Crusaders 37 Hurricanes Feb Chiefs 27 Blues 30 1 Mar Cats 36 NSW Waratahs 48 1 Mar Sharks 25 ACT Brumbies 17 1 Mar Hurricanes 36 Bulls 46 1 Mar Highlanders 41 Stormers 17 1 Mar Crusaders 34 Queensland Reds 6 7 Mar Cats 34 ACT Brumbies 32 7 Mar Hurricanes 33 Stormers 18 7 Mar Highlanders 29 Bulls 22 8 Mar Sharks 36 NSW Waratahs 49 8 Mar Blues 39 Crusaders 5 8 Mar Chiefs 43 Queensland Reds Mar Sharks 20 Hurricanes Mar ACT Brumbies 37 Stormers Mar Crusaders 36 Chiefs Mar Cats 33 Highlanders Mar NSW Waratahs 26 Bulls Mar Sharks 19 Highlanders Mar NSW Waratahs 29 Stormers Mar Blues 62 Queensland Reds Mar Cats 21 Hurricanes Mar ACT Brumbies 64 Bulls Mar Blues 41 ACT Brumbies Mar Highlanders 16 Crusaders Mar Cats 23 Sharks Mar NSW Waratahs 23 Queensland Reds Mar Hurricanes 24 Chiefs 14 4 Apr Queensland Reds 23 Hurricanes 26 4 Apr Highlanders 22 Blues 11 5 Apr Bulls 24 Stormers 27 5 Apr NSW Waratahs 34 Crusaders 31 6 Apr ACT Brumbies 55 Chiefs Apr Hurricanes 42 NSW Waratahs Apr Stormers 20 Queensland Reds Apr Bulls 28 Blues Apr Crusaders 65 Cats Apr Chiefs 25 Sharks Apr ACT Brumbies 41 NSW Waratahs Apr Crusaders 23 Sharks Apr Bulls 39 Queensland Reds Apr Stormers 8 Blues Apr Hurricanes 37 Highlanders Apr Chiefs 40 Cats 9 25 Apr Highlanders 45 ACT Brumbies Apr Stormers 24 Chiefs Apr Bulls 32 Crusaders Apr Queensland Reds 41 Cats

367 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 26 Apr Blues 25 Sharks 16 2 May Stormers 13 Crusaders 51 2 May Blues 33 Crusaders 9 3 May Queensland Reds 22 Sharks 13 3 May Hurricanes 27 ACT Brumbies 35 3 May Highlanders 23 NSW Waratahs 27 3 May Bulls 29 Chiefs 26 9 May ACT Brumbies 21 Crusaders 28 9 May Blues 29 Hurricanes May Stormers 27 Cats May Sharks 16 Bulls May NSW Waratahs 25 Chiefs May Queensland Reds 28 Highlanders SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Blues Crusaders Hurricanes ACT Brumbies NSW Waratahs Bulls Highlanders Queensland Reds Stormers Chiefs Sharks Cats (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 16 May Crusaders 39 Hurricanes May Blues 42 Brumbies 21 FINAL 24 May Blues 21 Crusaders

368 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2004 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2004 SUPER 12 RESULTS 20 Feb Highlanders 39 Queensland Reds 8 20 Feb Cats 23 Stormers Feb Chiefs 19 Hurricanes 7 21 Feb Crusaders 19 NSW Waratahs Feb ACT Brumbies 44 Blues Feb Bulls 18 Sharks Feb Crusaders 29 Blues Feb ACT Brumbies 68 Cats Feb NSW Waratahs 48 Sharks Feb Queensland Reds 39 Chiefs Feb Stormers 46 Highlanders Feb Bulls 40 Hurricanes 19 5 Mar Blues 20 Chiefs 27 5 Mar NSW Waratahs 46 Cats 10 5 Mar Bulls 16 Highlanders 16 6 Mar ACT Brumbies 23 Sharks 20 6 Mar Queensland Reds 17 Crusaders 20 6 Mar Stormers 19 Hurricanes Mar Highlanders 35 Sharks Mar Hurricanes 42 Cats Mar Queensland Reds 20 Blues 3 13 Mar Bulls 32 ACT Brumbies Mar Stormers 27 NSW Waratahs Mar Hurricanes 20 Sharks Mar Bulls 38 NSW Waratahs Mar Highlanders 29 Cats Mar Chiefs 15 Crusaders Mar Stormers 15 ACT Brumbies Mar Hurricanes 26 Blues Mar Chiefs 32 NSW Waratahs Mar Crusaders 46 Highlanders Mar Stormers 25 Bulls Mar ACT Brumbies 51 Queensland Reds 8 2 Apr Highlanders 31 Chiefs 36 3 Apr Crusaders 47 ACT Brumbies 28 3 Apr Hurricanes 29 Queensland Reds 12 3 Apr Sharks 42 Cats 28 4 Apr Blues 22 NSW Waratahs 17 9 Apr Blues 56 Bulls 19 9 Apr ACT Brumbies 50 Highlanders Apr Queensland Reds 20 Stormers Apr Sharks 29 Crusaders Apr Cats 23 Chiefs Apr Blues 23 Stormers Apr Queensland Reds 17 Bulls Apr Sharks 27 Chiefs Apr NSW Waratahs 49 Hurricanes Apr Cats 37 Crusaders Apr Chiefs 29 Stormers Apr Crusaders 40 Bulls Apr Highlanders 26 Hurricanes Apr NSW Waratahs 37 ACT Brumbies Apr Sharks 5 Queensland Reds 6 358

369 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 24 Apr Cats 28 Blues Apr Chiefs 24 Bulls Apr Sharks 26 Blues 37 1 May Crusaders 24 Stormers 9 1 May NSW Waratahs 28 Highlanders 29 1 May ACT Brumbies 46 Hurricanes 25 1 May Cats 23 Queensland Reds 47 7 May Hurricanes 37 Crusaders 15 8 May Chiefs 12 ACT Brumbies 15 8 May Blues 50 Highlanders 22 8 May Queensland Reds 23 NSW Waratahs 7 8 May Bulls 62 Cats 52 8 May Sharks 24 Stormers SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS ACT Brumbies Crusaders Stormers Chiefs Blues Bulls NSW Waratahs Sharks Highlanders Queensland Reds Hurricanes Cats (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 15 May Crusaders 27 Stormers May Brumbies 32 Chiefs 17 FINAL 22 May Brumbies 47 Crusaders

370 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2005 SUPER 12 RESULTS 2005 SUPER 12 RESULTS 25 Feb Highlanders 14 Blues Feb NSW Waratahs 25 Chiefs 7 25 Feb Stormers 26 Sharks Feb ACT Brumbies 32 Crusaders Feb Queensland Reds 10 Hurricanes Feb Cats 23 Bulls 17 4 Mar Blues 18 Queensland Reds 15 4 Mar ACT Brumbies 21 Bulls 19 5 Mar Highlanders 16 Stormers 16 5 Mar Crusaders 50 Chiefs 18 5 Mar Sharks 13 NSW Waratahs 36 5 Mar Cats 32 Hurricanes Mar Highlanders 23 Bulls 0 11 Mar ACT Brumbies 22 Stormers Mar Sharks 23 Hurricanes Mar Crusaders 59 Queensland Reds Mar Chiefs 18 Blues 9 12 Mar Cats 19 NSW Waratahs Mar Chiefs 6 Queensland Reds Mar Hurricanes 12 Bulls Mar Blues 19 Crusaders Mar NSW Waratahs 25 Stormers Mar Cats 29 ACT Brumbies Mar Sharks 7 Highlanders Mar Hurricanes 16 Stormers Mar Cats 12 Highlanders Mar NSW Waratahs 42 Bulls Mar Sharks 36 ACT Brumbies 24 1 Apr Hurricanes 28 Chiefs 16 1 Apr Queensland Reds 16 Highlanders 23 2 Apr Blues 17 ACT Brumbies 0 2 Apr NSW Waratahs 27 Crusaders 33 8 Apr Highlanders 19 ACT Brumbies 18 9 Apr Chiefs 40 Sharks 5 9 Apr Blues 23 Cats 6 9Apr Stormers 15 Queensland Reds 13 9 Apr Bulls 35 Crusaders Apr Hurricanes 26 NSW Waratahs Apr Chiefs 45 Cats Apr Bulls 32 Queensland Reds 7 16 Apr Blues 36 Sharks Apr ACT Brumbies 6 NSW Waratahs Apr Stormers 23 Crusaders Apr Hurricanes 16 Highlanders Apr Crusaders 40 Cats Apr Queensland Reds 30 Sharks Apr Bulls 29 Chiefs Apr Stormers 24 Blues Apr Crusaders 77 Sharks Apr Queensland Reds 21 Cats Apr Bulls 38 Blues Apr Highlanders 20 NSW Waratahs Apr Hurricanes 49 Brumbies

371 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER 12 RESULTS 30 Apr Stormers 34 Chiefs 37 6 May Blues 10 Hurricanes 22 6 May NSW Waratahs 27 Queensland Reds 8 7 May Highlanders 13 Crusaders 27 7 May ACT Brumbies 28 Chiefs 28 7 May Sharks 17 Bulls 23 7 May Stormers 25 Cats May Crusaders 40 Hurricanes May NSW Waratahs 25 Blues May Chiefs 31 Highlanders 8 14 May Queensland Reds 21 ACT Brumbies May Bulls 75 Stormers May Cats 20 Sharks SUPER 12 RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Crusaders NSW Waratahs Bulls Hurricanes Brumbies Chiefs Blues Highlanders Stormers QLD Reds Cats Sharks (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 20 May Crusaders 47 Hurricanes 7 21 May NSW Waratahs 23 Bulls 13 FINAL 28 May Crusaders 35 NSW Waratahs

372 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2006 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2006 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 10 Feb Blues 19 Hurricanes Feb Western Force 10 Brumbies Feb Cheetahs 18 Bulls Feb Crusaders 38 Highlanders Feb Reds 12 Waratahs Feb Cats 12 Stormers Feb Sharks 30 Chiefs Feb Highlanders 25 Blues Feb Cats 21 Chiefs Feb Bulls 21 Brumbies Feb Hurricanes 29 Western Force 5 18 Feb Reds 21 Crusaders Feb Sharks 26 Cheetahs Feb Stormers 26 Waratahs Feb Hurricanes 29 Cats Feb Western Force 9 Chiefs Feb Stormers 15 Brumbies Feb Crusaders 22 Sharks Feb Reds 20 Blues Feb Bulls 26 Waratahs Feb Cheetahs 12 Highlanders 17 3 Mar Chiefs 35 Reds 17 3 Mar Brumbies 28 Cats 7 4 Mar Waratahs 31 Sharks 16 4 Mar Crusaders 39 Blues 10 4 Mar Stormers 15 Highlanders 30 4 Mar Cheetahs 27 Hurricanes Mar Chiefs 19 Crusaders Mar Waratahs 50 Cats 3 11 Mar Brumbies 35 Sharks Mar Reds 29 Western Force Mar Bulls 23 Highlanders Mar Stormers 19 Hurricanes Mar Crusaders 43 Cats Mar Western Force 7 Waratahs Mar Bulls 23 Hurricanes Mar Blues 26 Brumbies Mar Highlanders 11 Sharks Mar Stormers 25 Cheetahs Mar Hurricanes 23 Sharks Mar Waratahs 43 Blues 9 24 Mar Cheetahs 10 Reds 6 25 Mar Brumbies 28 Chiefs Mar Highlanders 16 Cats Mar Western Force 21 Bulls Mar Blues 30 Bulls Mar Waratahs 26 Cheetahs 3 31 Mar Western Force 25 Stormers 26 1 Apr Hurricanes 11 Crusaders 20 1 Apr Chiefs 16 Highlanders 13 1 Apr Sharks 36 Reds 28 7 Apr Crusaders 17 Waratahs 11 8 Apr Highlanders 25 Western Force 22 8 Apr Chiefs 26 Bulls 26 8 Apr Blues 32 Stormers 15 8 Apr Brumbies 53 Cheetahs 20 8 Apr Cats 16 Reds Apr Blues 39 Western Force 8 15 Apr Crusaders 53 Cheetahs Apr Chiefs 30 Stormers Apr Reds 20 Bulls Apr Cats 8 Sharks

373 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 16 Apr Highlanders 13 Hurricanes Apr Waratahs 37 Brumbies Apr Chiefs 33 Cheetahs Apr Reds 20 Stormers Apr Western Force 23 Crusaders Apr Brumbies 21 Hurricanes Apr Sharks 32 Blues Apr Bulls 46 Cats Apr Highlanders 3 Waratahs Apr Cats 34 Western Force Apr Hurricanes 35 Chiefs Apr Brumbies 36 Reds 0 29 Apr Cheetahs 33 Blues Apr Bulls 34 Sharks Apr Stormers 28 Crusaders 17 5 May Hurricanes 26 Reds 22 5 May Bulls 17 Crusaders 35 6 May Chiefs 37 Waratahs 33 6 May Brumbies 26 Highlanders 28 6 May Cheetahs 14 Western Force 16 6 May Sharks 24 Stormers 17 6 May Cats 32 Blues May Crusaders 33 Brumbies 3 12 May Reds 22 Highlanders May Sharks 41 Western Force May Blues 9 Chiefs May Waratahs 14 Hurricanes May Cheetahs 28 Cats May Stormers 10 Bulls SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Crusaders Hurricanes Waratahs Bulls Sharks Brumbies Chiefs Blues Highlanders Cheetahs Stormers Reds Cats Force (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 19 May Hurricanes 16 Waratahs May Crusaders 35 Bulls 15 FINAL 27 May Crusaders 19 Hurricanes

374 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2007 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2007 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2 Feb Blues 34 Crusaders 25 2 Feb Western Force 7 Highlanders 8 3 Feb Lions 16 Waratahs 25 3 Feb Chiefs 15 Brumbies 21 3 Feb Reds 25 Hurricanes 16 4 Feb Sharks 17 Bulls 3 4 Feb Cheetahs 27 Stormers 9 9 Feb Chiefs 32 Hurricanes Feb Stormers 3 Western Force Feb Sharks 22 Waratahs 9 10 Feb Crusaders 33 Reds Feb Brumbies 15 Blues Feb Bulls 24 Cheetahs Feb Lions 11 Highlanders 6 16 Feb Stormers 21 Chiefs Feb Bulls 27 Western Force Feb Reds 3 Brumbies 6 17 Feb Hurricanes 23 Blues Feb Cheetahs 30 Waratahs Feb Lions 9 Crusaders 3 17 Feb Sharks 23 Highlanders Feb Hurricanes 11 Brumbies Feb Highlanders 35 Stormers Feb Blues 38 Reds Feb Western Force 24 Lions Feb Bulls 30 Chiefs Feb Cheetahs 28 Crusaders 49 2 Mar Blues 28 Highlanders 9 2 Mar Waratahs 16 Western Force Mar Cheetahs 22 Chiefs 22 3 Mar Hurricanes 17 Stormers 30 3 Mar Brumbies 7 Bulls 19 3 Mar Reds 20 Lions 26 3 Mar Sharks 27 Crusaders 26 9 Mar Highlanders 33 Reds 17 9 Mar Brumbies 26 Stormers 13 9 Mar Western Force 18 Hurricanes Mar Blues 41 Lions Mar Waratahs 19 Bulls Mar Cheetahs 14 Sharks Mar Chiefs 34 Lions 7 16 Mar Western Force 38 Reds 3 17 Mar Crusaders 32 Bulls Mar Waratahs 10 Stormers Mar Cheetahs 38 Brumbies Mar Sharks 27 Hurricanes Mar Blues 34 Waratahs 6 24 Mar Highlanders 13 Bulls Mar Crusaders 36 Stormers Mar Reds 19 Chiefs Mar Sharks 10 Brumbies Mar Lions 30 Hurricanes 7 30 Mar Highlanders 21 Cheetahs Mar Western Force 22 Sharks Mar Hurricanes 17 Bulls 9 31 Mar Chiefs 11 Blues Mar Waratahs 33 Crusaders Mar Lions 9 Brumbies 14 6 Apr Blues 26 Cheetahs 8 7 Apr Highlanders 34 Chiefs 38 7 Apr Crusaders 53 Western Force Apr Reds 16 Sharks

375 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 7 Apr Stormers 30 Lions 8 8 Apr Brumbies 36 Waratahs Apr Hurricanes 37 Cheetahs Apr Chiefs 64 Western Force Apr Highlanders 3 Crusaders Apr Blues 25 Sharks Apr Waratahs 26 Reds Apr Bulls 49 Stormers Apr Crusaders 23 Hurricanes Apr Brumbies 14 Western Force Apr Reds 23 Cheetahs Apr Chiefs 35 Sharks Apr Waratahs 25 Highlanders Apr Stormers 33 Blues Apr Hurricanes 22 Highlanders Apr Waratahs 23 Chiefs Apr Western Force 45 Cheetahs Apr Bulls 40 Blues Apr Brumbies 15 Crusaders 6 28 Apr Sharks 33 Lions 3 28 Apr Stormers 37 Reds 24 4 May Western Force 6 Blues 33 4 May Crusaders 24 Chiefs 30 5 May Highlanders 20 Brumbies 29 5 May Hurricanes 14 Waratahs 38 5 May Lions 10 Cheetahs 16 5 May Stormers 10 Sharks 36 5 May Bulls 92 Reds SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Sharks Bulls Crusaders Blues Brumbies Chiefs Western Force Hurricanes Highlanders Stormers Cheetahs Lions Waratahs Reds (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 12 May Sharks 34 Blues May Bulls 27 Crusaders 12 FINAL 19 May Sharks 19 Bulls

376 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2008 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2008 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 15 Feb Sharks 17 Western Force Feb Reds 22 Highlanders Feb Crusaders 34 Brumbies 3 16 Feb Cheetahs 22 Lions Feb Stormers 9 Bulls Feb Waratahs 20 Hurricanes 3 16 Feb Blues 32 Chiefs Feb Bulls 19 Crusaders Feb Cheetahs 15 Western Force Feb Hurricanes 23 Reds Feb Lions 10 Blues Feb Sharks 12 Stormers Feb Brumbies 22 Highlanders Feb Chiefs 20 Waratahs Feb Stormers 0 Crusaders Feb Lions 16 Western Force Feb Hurricanes 39 Chiefs 19 1 Mar Bulls 15 Sharks 29 1 Mar Cheetahs 26 Blues 50 1 Mar Brumbies 43 Reds 11 1 Mar Highlanders 12 Waratahs 15 7 Mar Bulls 31 Lions 17 7 Mar Waratahs 24 Brumbies 17 7 Mar Highlanders 6 Hurricanes 10 8 Mar Sharks 22 Blues 17 8 Mar Reds 16 Stormers 34 8 Mar Chiefs 22 Cheetahs 20 9 Mar Western Force 24 Crusaders Mar Brumbies 15 Hurricanes Mar Chiefs 26 Stormers Mar Lions 8 Sharks Mar Reds 40 Bulls 8 15 Mar Crusaders 55 Cheetahs 7 15 Mar Blues 17 Western Force Mar Brumbies 29 Cheetahs Mar Crusaders 34 Waratahs 7 22 Mar Lions 24 Reds Mar Chiefs 43 Bulls Mar Blues 17 Stormers Mar Highlanders 28 Western Force Mar Western Force 16 Stormers Mar Waratahs 23 Cheetahs Mar Hurricanes 13 Crusaders Mar Sharks 22 Reds Mar Blues 23 Bulls Mar Chiefs 39 Highlanders 24 4 Apr Force 15 Bulls 14 4 Apr Brumbies 28 Chiefs 42 4 Apr Highlanders 29 Lions 20 5 Apr Cheetahs 29 Reds 14 5 Apr Waratahs 37 Blues 16 5 Apr Hurricanes 13 Sharks Apr Highlanders 17 Sharks Apr Bulls 22 Hurricanes Apr Stormers 34 Cheetahs Apr Western Force 12 Waratahs Apr Blues 11 Brumbies Apr Crusaders 31 Lions 6 18 Apr Reds 29 Western Force Apr Chiefs 18 Crusaders 5 19 Apr Stormers 20 Hurricanes Apr Bulls 47 Highlanders

377 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 19 Apr Brumbies 27 Sharks Apr Waratahs 26 Lions 3 25 Apr Brumbies 28 Lions Apr Crusaders 26 Blues Apr Stormers 26 Highlanders Apr Cheetahs 10 Hurricanes Apr Waratahs 25 Sharks Apr Chiefs 32 Reds 20 2 May Cheetahs 28 Highlanders 31 2 May Reds 22 Blues 35 2 May Crusaders 18 Sharks 10 3 May Stormers 20 Brumbies 10 3 May Bulls 16 Waratahs 13 3 May Western Force 22 Chiefs 21 3 May Hurricanes 38 Lions 12 9 May Bulls 28 Brumbies 17 9 May Hurricanes 21 Western Force May Stormers 13 Waratahs May Lions 33 Chiefs May Sharks 33 Cheetahs May Reds 21 Crusaders May Highlanders 15 Blues May Western Force 29 Brumbies May Blues 19 Hurricanes May Sharks 47 Chiefs May Cheetahs 20 Bulls May Lions 13 Stormers May Reds 11 Waratahs May Crusaders 14 Highlanders SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Crusaders Waratahs Sharks Hurricanes Stormers Blues Chiefs Western Force Brumbies Bulls Highlanders Reds Cheetahs Lions (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 24 May Waratahs 28 Sharks May Crusaders 33 Hurricanes 2 FINAL 31 May Crusaders 20 Waratahs

378 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2009 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2009 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 13 Feb Highlanders 31 Brumbies Feb Western Force 19 Blues Feb Lions 34 Cheetahs Feb Crusaders 19 Chiefs Feb Hurricanes 22 Waratahs Feb Stormers 15 Sharks Feb Bulls 33 Reds Feb Hurricanes 22 Highlanders Feb Waratahs 11 Chiefs 7 20 Feb Western Force 16 Cheetahs Feb Stormers 27 Reds Feb Brumbies 18 Crusaders Feb Bulls 59 Blues Feb Sharks 25 Lions Feb Crusaders 24 Hurricanes Feb Waratahs 34 Highlanders Feb Chiefs 15 Sharks Feb Brumbies 16 Western Force Feb Lions 9 Bulls Feb Stormers 8 Blues 14 1 Mar Reds 22 Cheetahs 3 6 Mar Chiefs 31 Western Force 13 6 Mar Waratahs 15 Reds 11 7 Mar Hurricanes 29 Cheetahs 12 7 Mar Blues 31 Sharks 35 7 Mar Highlanders 6 Crusaders 0 7 Mar Bulls 14 Stormers Mar Blues 46 Cheetahs Mar Brumbies 21 Waratahs Mar Crusaders 23 Western Force Mar Highlanders 10 Chiefs Mar Reds 25 Sharks Mar Stormers 56 Lions Mar Hurricanes 14 Bulls Mar Highlanders 32 Cheetahs 8 21 Mar Chiefs 63 Blues Mar Waratahs 13 Crusaders Mar Western Force 10 Sharks Mar Lions 25 Brumbies Mar Blues 22 Waratahs Mar Highlanders 36 Bulls Mar Crusaders 11 Stormers 7 28 Mar Reds 26 Chiefs Mar Sharks 35 Brumbies Mar Lions 32 Hurricanes 38 3 Apr Crusaders 16 Bulls 13 3 Apr Western Force 39 Reds 7 4 Apr Chiefs 36 Lions 29 4 Apr Waratahs 12 Stormers 6 4 Apr Cheetahs 27 Brumbies 40 4 Apr Sharks 33 Hurricanes Apr Blues 36 Lions Apr Western Force 27 Hurricanes Apr Highlanders 24 Reds Apr Brumbies 17 Stormers Apr Waratahs 6 Bulls Apr Cheetahs 31 Sharks 6 17 Apr Blues 26 Highlanders 6 17 Apr Brumbies 32 Bulls Apr Hurricanes 34 Stormers Apr Reds 20 Lions Apr Waratahs 14 Western Force

379 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 18 Apr Cheetahs 10 Chiefs Apr Sharks 10 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 11 Stormers Apr Western Force 55 Lions Apr Blues 24 Reds Apr Hurricanes 56 Brumbies 7 25 Apr Cheetahs 20 Crusaders Apr Bulls 33 Chiefs 27 1 May Hurricanes 45 Blues 27 1 May Lions 20 Crusaders 32 1 May Cheetahs 10 Waratahs 18 2 May Reds 13 Brumbies 52 2 May Sharks 23 Highlanders 15 2 May Bulls 32 Western Force 29 2 May Stormers 14 Chiefs 28 8 May Crusaders 32 Reds 12 8 May Lions 27 Highlanders 22 9 May Chiefs 16 Hurricanes 8 9 May Brumbies 37 Blues 15 9 May Sharks 12 Waratahs 16 9 May Bulls 29 Cheetahs 20 9 May Stormers 25 Western Force May Chiefs 10 Brumbies 7 15 May Lions 33 Waratahs May Blues 13 Crusaders May Reds 28 Hurricanes May Western Force 33 Highlanders May Cheetahs 22 Stormers May Crusaders 14 Highlanders SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Bulls Chiefs Hurricanes Crusaders Waratahs Sharks Brumbies Western Force Blues Stormers Highlanders Lions Reds Cheetahs (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 22 May Chiefs 14 Hurricanes May Bulls 36 Crusaders 23 FINAL 30 May Bulls 61 Chiefs

380 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2010 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2010 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 12 Feb Blues 20 Hurricanes Feb Western Force 15 Brumbies Feb Cheetahs 34 Bulls Feb Crusaders 32 Highlanders Feb Reds 28 Waratahs Feb Lions 13 Stormers Feb Sharks 18 Chiefs Feb Highlanders 15 Blues Feb Reds 41 Crusaders Feb Sharks 20 Cheetahs Feb Lions 65 Chiefs Feb Hurricanes 47 Western Force Feb Bulls 50 Brumbies Feb Stormers 27 Waratahs 5 26 Feb Crusaders 35 Sharks 6 27 Feb Stormers 17 Brumbies Feb Hurricanes 33 Lions Feb Reds 18 Blues Feb Western Force 19 Chiefs Feb Cheetahs 24 Highlanders Feb Bulls 48 Waratahs 38 5 Mar Chiefs 18 Reds 23 5 Mar Brumbies 24 Lions 13 6 Mar Crusaders 33 Blues 20 6 Mar Waratahs 25 Sharks 21 7 Mar Stormers 33 Highlanders 0 7 Mar Cheetahs 28 Hurricanes Mar Chiefs 19 Crusaders Mar Waratahs 73 Lions Mar Brumbies 24 Sharks Mar Bulls 50 Highlanders Mar Stormers 37 Hurricanes Mar Reds 50 Western Force Mar Blues 39 Brumbies Mar Bulls 19 Hurricanes Mar Crusaders 46 Lions Mar Highlanders 16 Sharks Mar Western Force 10 Waratahs Mar Stormers 21 Cheetahs 8 26 Mar Highlanders 39 Lions Mar Brumbies 30 Chiefs Mar Cheetahs 10 Reds Mar Hurricanes 26 Sharks Mar Waratahs 39 Blues Mar Western Force 15 Bulls 28 2 Apr Hurricanes 26 Crusaders 26 2 Apr Western Force 16 Stormers 15 3 Apr Blues 32 Bulls 17 3 Apr Cheetahs 27 Highlanders 21 3 Apr Waratahs 40 Cheetahs 17 4 Apr Sharks 30 Reds 28 9 Apr Chiefs 19 Bulls Apr Highlanders 27 Western Force Apr Blues 21 Stormers Apr Crusaders 20 Waratahs Apr Brumbies 61 Cheetahs Apr Lions 26 Reds Apr Chiefs 15 Stormers Apr Brumbies 13 Hurricanes Apr Blues 38 Western Force Apr Crusaders 45 Cheetahs 6 17 Apr Reds 19 Bulls

381 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 18 Apr Lions 28 Sharks Apr Chiefs 25 Cheetahs Apr Reds 16 Stormers Apr Western Force 24 Crusaders Apr Highlanders 31 Hurricanes Apr Waratahs 19 Brumbies Apr Bulls 51 Lions Apr Sharks 23 Blues Apr Highlanders 26 Waratahs 10 1 May Stormers 42 Crusaders 14 1 May Hurricanes 33 Chiefs 27 1 May Brumbies 32 Reds 12 2 May Cheetahs 36 Blues 32 2 May Lions 12 Western Force 33 2 May Bulls 27 Sharks 19 7 May Hurricanes 44 Reds 21 8 May Bulls 40 Crusaders 35 8 May Chiefs 19 Waratahs 46 8 May Brumbies 31 Highlanders 3 9 May Lions 14 Blues 56 9 May Cheetahs 29 Western Force 14 9 May Sharks 20 Stormers May Crusaders 40 Brumbies May Waratahs 32 Hurricanes May Sharks 27 Western Force May Blues 30 Chiefs May Reds 38 Highlanders May Cheetahs 59 Lions May Stormers 38 Bulls SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Bulls Stormers Waratahs Crusaders Reds Brumbies Blues Hurricanes Sharks Cheetahs Chiefs Highlanders Force Lions (Note: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 point for losing by 7 points or less; 1 point for scoring 4 or more tries) SEMI-FINALS 22 May Bulls 39 Crusaders May Stormers 25 Waratahs 6 FINAL 29 May Bulls 25 Stormers

382 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2011 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2011 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 18 Feb Hurricanes 9 Highlanders Feb Rebels 0 Waratahs Feb Blues 24 Crusaders Feb Brumbies 28 Chiefs Feb Sharks 24 Cheetahs 9 19 Feb Lions 20 Bulls Feb Reds 21 Western Force Feb Highlanders 23 Chiefs Feb Rebels 25 Brumbies Feb Cheetahs 23 Bulls Feb Hurricanes Cancelled Crusaders Cancelled* 26 Feb Waratahs 30 Reds 6 26 Feb Sharks 26 Blues Feb Stormers 19 Lions 16 4 Mar Crusaders 33 Waratahs 18 4 Mar Lions 32 Blues 41 5 Mar Chiefs 38 Rebels 10 5 Mar Brumbies 25 Reds 31 5 Mar Western Force 12 Sharks 39 5 Mar Stormers 21 Cheetahs 15 5 Mar Bulls 28 Highlanders Mar Crusaders 52 Brumbies Mar Rebels 32 Sharks Mar Stormers 18 Highlanders 6 12 Mar Hurricanes 29 Chiefs Mar Western Force 32 Blues Mar Cheetahs 20 Lions Mar Chiefs 15 Sharks 9 18 Mar Reds 53 Rebels 3 19 Mar Highlanders 13 Crusaders Mar Blues 41 Hurricanes Mar Waratahs 3 Cheetahs Mar Lions 15 Western Force Mar Bulls 13 Stormers Mar Crusaders 44 Sharks Mar Rebels 42 Hurricanes Mar Reds 41 Cheetahs 8 25 Mar Chiefs 13 Blues Mar Brumbies 22 Waratahs Mar Stormers 51 Western Force Mar Bulls 30 Lions

383 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 1 Apr Highlanders 28 Brumbies 20 1 Apr Waratahs 23 Chiefs 16 2 Apr Blues 29 Cheetahs 22 2 Apr Hurricanes 14 Bulls 26 2 Apr Western Force 25 Rebels 26 2 Apr Lions 25 Reds 30 2 Apr Sharks 6 Stormers 16 8 Apr Highlanders 24 Cheetahs 21 9 Apr Crusaders 27 Bulls 0 9 Apr Brumbies 17 Hurricanes 16 9 Apr Western Force 3 Waratahs 31 9 Apr Stormers 6 Reds 19 9 Apr Sharks 27 Lions 3 15 Apr Chiefs 16 Crusaders Apr Rebels 18 Highlanders Apr Blues 31 Waratahs Apr Reds 39 Bulls Apr Lions 19 Stormers Apr Cheetahs 47 Hurricanes Apr Brumbies 19 Western Force Apr Blues 40 Rebels Apr Crusaders 18 Highlanders Apr Reds 19 Waratahs Apr Western Force 26 Bulls Apr Sharks 40 Hurricanes Apr Lions 30 Chiefs Apr Highlanders 10 Blues Apr Cheetahs 47 Brumbies Apr Hurricanes 28 Reds Apr Waratahs 28 Rebels 9 30 Apr Western Force 30 Crusaders Apr Bulls 43 Chiefs Apr Stormers 32 Sharks 12 6 May Hurricanes 11 Blues 17 6 May Rebels 18 Reds 33 6 May Lions 19 Cheetahs 53 7 May Chiefs 20 Highlanders 7 7 May Waratahs 20 Western Force 15 7 May Stormers 14 Crusaders 20 7 May Sharks 34 Brumbies May Highlanders 13 Hurricanes SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 373

384 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2011 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2011 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 13 May Reds 37 Blues May Chiefs 30 Stormers May Brumbies 20 Lions May Bulls 47 Rebels May Cheetahs 33 Crusaders May Blues 26 Stormers May Crusaders 25 Chiefs May Waratahs 29 Lions May Western Force 13 Brumbies May Cheetahs 41 Rebels May Sharks 23 Bulls May Hurricanes 34 Western Force May Highlanders 22 Lions May Brumbies 3 Stormers May Sharks 26 Waratahs May Bulls 32 Cheetahs May Reds 17 Crusaders 16 3 Jun Highlanders 14 Western Force 21 3 Jun Rebels 3 Stormers 40 3 Jun Bulls 23 Waratahs 17 4 Jun Hurricanes 38 Lions 27 4 Jun Blues 11 Chiefs 16 4 Jun Reds 14 Brumbies 22 4 Jun Cheetahs 18 Sharks Jun Chiefs 18 Hurricanes Jun Brumbies 32 Rebels Jun Crusaders 23 Blues Jun Waratahs 33 Highlanders 7 11 Jun Western Force 21 Reds Jun Lions 30 Sharks Jun Stormers 16 Bulls Jun Blues 33 Highlanders Jun Rebels 24 Western Force Jun Chiefs 11 Reds Jun Crusaders 16 Hurricanes 9 18 Jun Waratahs 41 Brumbies 7 18 Jun Bulls 23 Sharks Jun Cheetahs 34 Stormers 44 * Note: Match cancelled due to Christchurch earthquake 374

385 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Reds (AC winner) Stormers (SAC winner) Crusaders (NZC winner) Blues (Wildcard) Waratahs (Wildcard) Sharks (Wildcard) Bulls Highlanders Hurricanes Chiefs Cheetahs Force Brumbies Lions Rebels SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINALS SERIES QUALIFIERS 24 Jun Blues 26 Waratahs Jun Crusaders 36 Sharks 8 SEMI-FINALS 2 Jul Reds 30 Blues 13 2 Jul Stormers 10 Crusaders 29 FINAL 9 Jul Reds 18 Crusaders

386 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2012 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2012 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 24 Feb Blues 18 Crusaders Feb Brumbies 19 Force Feb Bulls 18 Sharks Feb Chiefs 19 Highlanders Feb Waratahs 21 Reds Feb Stormers 39 Hurricanes Feb Lions 27 Cheetahs 25 2 Mar Chiefs 29 Blues 14 2 Mar Rebels 19 Waratahs 35 2 Mar Lions 28 Hurricanes 30 3 Mar Highlanders 27 Crusaders 24 3 Mar Reds 35 Force 20 3 Mar Cheetahs 19 Bulls 51 3 Mar Stormers 32 Sharks 20 9 Mar Crusaders 19 Chiefs 24 9 Mar Force 19 Hurricanes Mar Brumbies 24 Cheetahs Mar Highlanders 18 Waratahs Mar Reds 11 Rebels 6 10 Mar Sharks 32 Lions Mar Bulls 23 Blues Mar Chiefs 29 Brumbies Mar Stormers 27 Blues Mar Hurricanes 17 Highlanders Mar Waratahs 20 Force Mar Sharks 27 Reds Mar Rebels 26 Cheetahs Mar Blues 25 Hurricanes Mar Rebels 30 Force Mar Waratahs 34 Sharks Mar Crusaders 28 Cheetahs Mar Brumbies 33 Highlanders Mar Bulls 61 Reds 8 24 Mar Lions 19 Stormers Mar Highlanders 43 Rebels Mar Hurricanes 38 Cheetahs Mar Chiefs 30 Waratahs Mar Brumbies 26 Sharks Mar Force 45 Reds Mar Lions 13 Crusaders Mar Stormers 20 Bulls

387 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 5 Apr Rebels 34 Blues 23 6 Apr Hurricanes 42 Sharks 18 6 Apr Reds 20 Brumbies 13 6 Apr Force 12 Chiefs 20 7 Apr Highlanders 6 Stormers 21 7 Apr Cheetahs 26 Lions 5 7 Apr Bulls 32 Crusaders Apr Blues 23 Sharks Apr Force 18 Waratahs Apr Crusaders 31 Stormers Apr Brumbies 37 Rebels 6 14 Apr Cheetahs 33 Chiefs Apr Lions 18 Bulls Apr Highlanders 30 Blues Apr Reds 13 Stormers Apr Hurricanes 14 Crusaders Apr Waratahs 30 Rebels Apr Sharks 12 Chiefs Apr Bulls 36 Brumbies Apr Blues 11 Reds Apr Lions 20 Brumbies Apr Chiefs 33 Hurricanes Apr Force 3 Stormers Apr Cheetahs 33 Highlanders Apr Waratahs 33 Crusaders 37 4 May Hurricanes 35 Blues 19 4 May Rebels 35 Bulls 41 5 May Chiefs 34 Lions 21 5 May Brumbies 23 Waratahs 6 5 May Sharks 28 Highlanders 16 5 May Cheetahs 17 Force 13 6 May Crusaders 15 Reds May Blues 25 Lions 3 11 May Waratahs 24 Bulls May Highlanders 20 Hurricanes May Rebels 28 Crusaders May Sharks 53 Force May Stormers 16 Cheetahs May Reds 42 Chiefs May Hurricanes 25 Brumbies May Highlanders 16 Bulls SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 377

388 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2012 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2012 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 19 May Crusaders 59 Blues May Reds 34 Lions May Cheetahs 20 Sharks May Stormers 19 Waratahs May Force 31 Rebels May Chiefs 28 Bulls May Hurricanes 66 Rebels May Blues 20 Highlanders May Brumbies 12 Reds May Force 17 Lions May Cheetahs 35 Waratahs May Sharks 25 Stormers 20 1 Jun Crusaders 51 Highlanders 18 1 Jun Rebels 19 Brumbies 27 2 Jun Blues 34 Chiefs 41 2 Jun Waratahs 12 Hurricanes 33 2 Jun Lions 38 Sharks 28 2 Jun Bulls 14 Stormers Jun Highlanders 21 Chiefs Jun Rebels 17 Reds Jun Crusaders 22 Hurricanes Jun Force 17 Brumbies Jun Stormers 27 Lions Jun Bulls 40 Cheetahs 24 6 Jul Chiefs 21 Crusaders 28 6 Jul Reds 19 Highlanders 13 6 Jul Sharks 32 Bulls 10 7 Jul Blues 32 Force 9 7 Jul Waratahs 15 Brumbies 19 7 Jul Cheetahs 6 Stormers 13 7 Jul Lions 37 Rebels Jul Hurricanes 28 Chiefs Jul Brumbies 16 Blues Jul Crusaders 38 Force Jul Reds 32 Waratahs Jul Stormers 26 Rebels Jul Sharks 34 Cheetahs Jul Bulls 37 Lions

389 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Stormers (SAC winner) Chiefs (NZC winner) Reds (AC winner) Crusaders Bulls Sharks Brumbies Hurricanes Highlanders Cheetahs Waratahs Blues Rebels Force Lions SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINALS SERIES QUALIFIERS 21 Jul Crusaders 28 Bulls Jun Reds 17 Sharks 30 SEMI-FINALS 27 Jul Chiefs 20 Crusaders Jul Stormers 19 Sharks 26 FINAL 4 Aug Chiefs 37 Sharks 7 379

390 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2013 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 2013 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 15 Feb Rebels 30 Force Feb Brumbies 24 Reds 6 22 Feb Highlanders 27 Chiefs Feb Rebels 13 Brumbies Feb Bulls 25 Stormers Feb Hurricanes 20 Blues Feb Reds 25 Waratahs Feb Cheetahs 22 Sharks Feb Kings 22 Force 10 1 Mar Blues 34 Crusaders 15 1 Mar Reds 18 Hurricanes 12 1 Mar Waratahs 31 Rebels 26 2 Mar Sharks 12 Stormers 6 2 Mar Chiefs 45 Cheetahs 3 2 Mar Bulls 36 Force 26 8 Mar Rebels 13 Reds 23 8 Mar Hurricanes 29 Crusaders 28 9 Mar Highlanders 19 Cheetahs 36 9 Mar Brumbies 35 Waratahs 6 9 Mar Stormers 36 Chiefs 34 9 Mar Kings 12 Sharks Mar Blues 21 Bulls Mar Highlanders 19 Hurricanes Mar Waratahs 26 Cheetahs Mar Kings 24 Chiefs Mar Crusaders 41 Bulls Mar Reds 12 Force Mar Sharks 10 Brumbies Mar Chiefs 19 Highlanders 7 23 Mar Reds 23 Bulls Mar Stormers 35 Brumbies Mar Sharks 64 Rebels 7 23 Mar Crusaders 55 Kings Mar Force 10 Cheetahs Mar Waratahs 30 Blues Mar Highlanders 33 Reds Mar Hurricanes 46 Kings Mar Chiefs 23 Blues Mar Brumbies 23 Bulls Mar Cheetahs 34 Rebels Mar Stormers 14 Crusaders Mar Waratahs 23 Force 19 5 Apr Blues 29 Highlanders 18 5 Apr Brumbies 28 Kings 28 5 Apr Sharks 21 Crusaders 17 6 Apr Hurricanes 41 Waratahs 29 6 Apr Cheetahs 26 Stormers 24 6 Apr Force 23 Rebels Apr Highlanders 19 Brumbies Apr Stormers 22 Sharks Apr Bulls 26 Cheetahs Apr Force 16 Crusaders Apr Rebels 27 Kings Apr Blues 28 Hurricanes 6 13 Apr Chiefs 23 Reds Apr Waratahs 25 Chiefs Apr Hurricanes 22 Force Apr Crusaders 24 Highlanders 8 20 Apr Reds 19 Brumbies Apr Sharks 6 Cheetahs

391 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 20 Apr Kings 0 Bulls Apr Reds 12 Blues Apr Hurricanes 16 Stormers Apr Chiefs 37 Sharks Apr Brumbies 41 Force 7 27 Apr Bulls 30 Waratahs Apr Cheetahs 26 Kings Apr Crusaders 30 Rebels 26 3 May Blues 18 Stormers 17 3 May Rebels 33 Chiefs 39 4 May Highlanders 25 Sharks 22 4 May Force 11 Reds 11 4 May Kings 10 Waratahs 72 4 May Bulls 48 Hurricanes 14 5 May Brumbies 23 Crusaders May Reds 32 Sharks May Cheetahs 34 Hurricanes May Chiefs 22 Force May Waratahs 21 Stormers May Kings 34 Highlanders May Blues 36 Rebels May Hurricanes 12 Chiefs May Rebels 30 Stormers May Force 13 Sharks May Crusaders 23 Blues 3 18 May Waratahs 28 Brumbies May Bulls 35 Highlanders May Cheetahs 27 Reds May Chiefs 28 Crusaders May Rebels 24 Waratahs May Kings 22 Cheetahs May Stormers 20 Reds May Blues 13 Brumbies May Sharks 16 Bulls May Force 19 Highlanders May Crusaders 23 Waratahs May Brumbies 30 Hurricanes 23 1 Jun Stormers 19 Kings 11 1 Jun Cheetahs 25 Bulls 30 1 Jun Reds 33 Rebels 20 1 Jun Highlanders 38 Blues 28 7 Jun Brumbies 39 Rebels 17 9 Jun Force 13 Waratahs Jun Chiefs 34 Hurricanes Jun Stormers 28 Cheetahs 3 29 Jun Highlanders 12 Crusaders Jun Sharks 22 Blues Jun Bulls 48 Kings 18 5 Jul Crusaders 43 Chiefs 15 6 Jul Cheetahs 34 Blues 13 6 Jul Kings 12 Stormers 24 6 Jul Bulls 20 Sharks 19 6 Jul Hurricanes 44 Highlanders Jul Crusaders 25 Hurricanes Jul Rebels 38 Highlanders Jul Blues 16 Chiefs Jul Stormers 30 Bulls Jul Sharks 58 Kings Jul Waratahs 12 Reds Jul Force 21 Brumbies SUPER RUGBY RESULTS 381

392 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2013 SUPER RUGBY RESULTS FINAL ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS Team W D L F A BP PTS Chiefs (NZC Winner) Bulls (SAC Winner) Brumbies (AC Winner) Crusaders (Wildcard) Reds (Wildcard) Cheetahs (Widcard) Stormers Sharks Waratahs Blues Hurricanes Rebels Force Highlanders Kings FINALS SERIES QUALIFIERS 20 Jul Crusaders 38 Reds 9 21 Jul Brumbies 15 Cheetahs 13 SEMI-FINALS 27 Jul Chiefs 20 Crusaders Jul Bulls 23 Brumbies 26 FINAL 3 Aug Chiefs 27 Brumbies

393 RECORDS RECORDS

394

395 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 SUPER RUGBY RECORDS MATCH RECORDS TEAM Most Points 96 Crusaders 96 v Waratahs 19 in Christchurch 2002 Biggest Winning Margin 89 Bulls 92 v Reds 3 in Pretoria 2007 Most Tries 14 Crusaders 96 v Waratahs 19 in Christchurch 2002 Greatest Aggregate Score 137 Chiefs 72 v Lions 65 in Johannesburg 2010 Most Points Away from home 72 Chiefs 72 v Lions 65 in Johannesburg 2010 SUPER RUGBY RECORDS MATCH RECORDS INDIVIDUAL Most points 50 Gavin Lawless (4t, 9c, 4p) Natal v Highlanders in Durban 1997 Most Tries 4 Joe Roff, Brumbies (v Natal) in Canberra Gavin Lawless, Natal (v Highlanders) in Durban Stefan Terblanche, Sharks (v Chiefs) in Port Elizabeth Joeli Vidiri, Blues (v Bulls) in Auckland Doug Howlett, Blues (v Hurricanes) in Wellington Malili Muliaina, Blues (v Bulls) in Auckland Caleb Ralph, Crusaders (v Waratahs) in Christchurch Sitiveni Sivivatu, Chiefs (v Blues) in Hamilton Drew Mitchell, Waratahs (v Lions) Sean Maitland, Crusaders (v Brumbies) Asaeli Tikorotuma, Chiefs (v Blues) 2012 Most Conversions 13 Andrew Mehrtens, Crusaders (v Waratahs) in Christchurch 2002 Most Penalty Goals 9 Elton Jantjies, Lions (v Cheetahs) in Johannesburg Jannie Kruger, Northern Transvaal (v Highlanders) in Pretoria Willie Walker, Highlanders (v Chiefs) in Hamilton Meyer Bosman, Cheetahs (v Stormers) in Cape Town Derick Hougaard, Bulls (v Crusaders) in Pretoria 2007 Most Dropped Goals 4 Morne Steyn, Bulls (v Crusaders) in Pretoria

396 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RECORDS SEASON RECORDS TEAM Most Points 541 Crusaders 2005 Most Points Conceded 585 Lions 2010 Best Points Differential 228 Crusaders 2005 Worst Points Differential -315 Lions 2010 Most Competition Points 66 Reds Stormers 2012 Fewest Competition Points Super 12 Era: 4 Bulls 2002 Super 14 Era: 5 Lions 2010 Super Rugby Era: 24 Rebels 2011, Kings 2013 Fewest Competition Points (To Make Playoffs) 30 Natal 1997 Most Wins (Including Super Rugby Finals Series) 15 Reds Chiefs Chiefs Stormers Crusaders Crusaders Crusaders 2008 Fewest Wins 0 Bulls Lions 2010 Most Defeats Super 12 Era: 11 Bulls 2002 Super 14 Era: 13 Lions 2010 Super Rugby Era: 13 Rebels 2011, Highlanders 2013 SEASON RECORDS INDIVIDUAL Most Points 263 Morne Steyn, Bulls, 2010 Most Tries 15 Joe Roff, Brumbies 1997 Rico Gear, Crusaders 2005 Most Conversions 51 Stirling Mortlock, Brumbies 2004 Most Penalty Goals 51 Morne Steyn, Bulls, 2010 Most Dropped Goals 11 Morne Steyn, Bulls

397 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 CAREER RECORDS INDIVIDUAL Most games 162 Nathan Sharpe (Reds/Force) 152 Keven Mealamu* (Blues/Chiefs) 146 Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies/Rebels) 142 George Smith (Brumbies) 141 Andrew Hore (Crusaders/Hurricanes/Highlanders) 136 George Gregan (Brumbies) 136 Caleb Ralph (Chiefs/Blues/Crusaders/Reds) 134 Corey Flynn* (Crusaders) 133 Ma a Nonu* (Hurricanes/Blues/Highlanders) 132 Phil Waugh (Waratahs) 131 Greg Somerville (Crusaders/Rebels) 129 Reuben Thorne (Crusaders) 128 Tana Umaga (Hurricanes/Chiefs) 127 Leon MacDonald (Crusaders /Chiefs) 127 Anton Oliver (Highlanders) 125 Tony Woodcock* (Blues/Highlanders) 124 Victor Matfield* (Cats/Bulls) 123 Daniel Carter* (Crusaders) 122 Wyatt Crockett* (Crusaders) 122 Richie McCaw* (Crusaders) * Denotes current Super Rugby player Most Wins 97 Reuben Thorne, Crusaders ( ) Top try-scorers ( ) 59 Doug Howlett 58 Caleb Ralph 57 Joe Roff 56 Christian Cullen 56 Stirling Mortlock 56 Bryan Habana 48 Tana Umaga 43 Ma a Nonu* 43 Joeli Vidiri 42 Sitiveni Sivivatu 42 Leon MacDonald 41 Chris Latham 41 Scott Staniforth 40 Joe Rokocoko 40 Rico Gear 39 Hosea Gear 37 Lelia Masaga 37 Jaque Fourie 36 Cameron Shepherd 35 Drew Mitchell 35 Marika Vunibaka 35 Breyton Paulse 35 Jeff Wilson 35 Stefan Terblanche 33 Daniel Carter* * Denotes current Super Rugby player SUPER RUGBY RECORDS 385

398 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE SUPER RUGBY RECORDS Top point-scorers ( ) 1547 Daniel Carter* 1449 Morné Steyn 1036 Stirling Mortlock 990 Andrew Mehrtens 959 Matthew Burke 942 Tony Brown 857 Stephen Donald 819 Peter Grant* 751 Matt Giteau 700 David Holwell 661 André Pretorius 629 Elton Flatley 625 Carlos Spencer 619 Adrian Cashmore 608 Quade Cooper* * Denotes current Super Rugby player 386

399 REFEREES REFEREES

400

401 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 REFEREES All referee statistics are current as of 10 February 2014 STUART BERRY Born: 10 June 1982, Durban RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2011 Super Rugby Matches: 7 Test Debut: Japan vs New Zealand, 2013 Test Matches: 1 REFEREES Stuart Berry was born in Durban and schooled in KwaZulu-Natal. He attended Hillcrest Primary and High Schools before attending the University of Natal where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Hydrology. Berry currently owns his own company based in Durban, managing the operation of sporting events and music concerts. He made his Test debut when refereeing Japan s clash against the All Blacks in Tokyo at the end of NICK BRIANT Born: 10 June 1981, Hawera NZL Super Rugby Debut: 2013 Super Rugby Matches: 4 Test Debut: Test Matches: Nick Briant, who hails from Bay of Plenty, has been a feature of New Zealand Rugby s referee panel since 2009 and has considerable experience at ITM Cup and Pink Batts Heartland Championship level. Briant started officiating in 2002 and he has carved out a place as a Sevens specialist. He became active in the shorter form of the game in 2010 and is a member of the IRB Sevens World Series Elite Panel having refereed 14 tournaments. MIKE FRASER Born: 4 November 1980, New Plymouth NZL Super Rugby Debut: 2012 Super Rugby Matches: 6 Test Debut: 2013 Test Matches: 3 A member of New Zealand Rugby s referee panel since 2007, Mike Fraser became the nation s latest Test referee in November 2013, five months after overseeing the 2013 Junior World Championship in France. The Wellington-based Fraser had two quite different international rugby experiences, starting with Georgia vs United States in Tbilisi as his Test debut and Wales vs Tonga in Cardiff. He has also refereed five IRB Sevens tournaments. 387

402 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REFEREES ANGUS GARDNER Born: 24 August 1984, Sydney AUS Super Rugby Debut: 2012 Super Rugby Matches: 6 Test Debut: Papua New Guinea vs Vanuatu, 2011 Test Matches: 3 Angus Gardner started refereeing in 1999 at age 15 at Shore School in North Sydney and currently works there where he is responsible for overseeing the major building projects as part of the school s master plan. Gardner studied at the University of Technology-Sydney and has a degree in Property Economics. He has previous experience in Property Development & Project Management including working for a listed property fund with Charter Hall. His experience includes the 2012 Junior World Championship and 2013 Shute Shield Final in Sydney. ROHAN HOFFMANN Born: 14 January 1972, Brisbane AUS Super Rugby Debut: 2013 Super Rugby Matches: 5 Test Debut: Monaco vs Bosnia, 2008 Test Matches: 4 Rohan Hoffmann is an ex-professional player, having earned 30 caps for Portugal and representing the country at two World Cup Sevens tournaments. An English language teacher by trade and a holder of a commercial pilot s license, Hoffmann is married to Maria Joao and father of Martin (15) and Pedro (7). He is an avid cyclist and social media addict. Hoffmann started refereeing immediately after retiring as a player in Europe and also holds Portuguese citizenship. He was part of the refereeing team at the 2009 IRB Sevens tournament. GLEN JACKSON Born: 23 October 1975, Feilding NZL Super Rugby Debut: 2011 Super Rugby Matches: 19 Test Debut: 2012 Test Matches: 4 Glen Jackson became a first class New Zealand Rugby referee in 2010 following his retirement from playing professionally in the northern hemisphere. The former Chiefs player progressed quickly through the ranks, making his Super Rugby refereeing debut within a year of his return to New Zealand. He made his international debut late in 2012, overseeing England vs Fiji at Twickenham and was later named New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year. 388

403 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JASON JAFTHA Born: 4 May 1985, Prince Albert RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2013 Super Rugby Matches: 6 Test Debut: Zimbabwe vs Spain, 2012 Test Matches: 2 REFEREES Jason Jaftha grew up in a rugby family and turned his attention to refereeing at the age of 15 after a brief stint playing scrumhalf at school level. When he s not on the field, Jaftha is helping his father run the family business. He also enjoys reading, spending time with friends and says that travelling on the IRB Sevens circuit was a great experience that showed him many new places, cultures and experiences. His refereeing experience includes the 2012 Currie Cup First Division Final, 2008 IRB Sevens and a Vodacom Cup Final. CRAIG JOUBERT Born: 8 November 1977, Durban RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2005 Super Rugby Matches: 69 Test Debut: United States vs Canada, 2005 Test Matches: 48 Craig Joubert s father Des (who was himself a provincial referee), encouraged him to take up refereeing as a teenager. He quickly rose through the ranks and officiated his first Test in Joubert has plenty of big game experience including the Semi-Final and Final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, as well as numerous Super Rugby Finals. He also ran touch at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and refereed the 2005 IRB Sevens World Cup. Away from rugby, Joubert studied Business Finance at the University of Natal and worked in corporate banking before refereeing became a full time commitment. JAMES LECKIE Born: 27 November 1975, Sydney AUS Super Rugby Debut: 2006 Super Rugby Matches: 24 Test Debut: Hong Kong vs Korea, 2006 Test Matches: 4 James Leckie attended Trinity Grammar where he played 1st XV and refereed weekend junior fixtures. He played wing for Sydney University Colts before injury forced him to look at refereeing to continue his passion for rugby. He has gone on to referee over 100 Sydney first grade games, 24 Super Rugby games, IRB Sevens, 2006 Commonwealth Games Final, four Junior Rugby World Cups and four Tests. He has also served as an assistant referee for some 30 Test matches. Away from rugby, Leckie is married with two children. He is a school mathematics teacher and the owner of a swimming school. 389

404 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REFEREES ANDREW LEES Born: 7 June 1979, Canberra AUS Super Rugby Debut: 2012 Super Rugby Matches: 7 Test Debut: Niue vs Solomon Islands, 2011 Test Matches: 2 Andrew Lees began refereeing whilst at high school in Canberra and combined this with playing throughout university. He progressed to senior rugby in Sydney in 2002 and was selected on the Australian Rugby Union s Panel in Lees made his international debut at the 2008 IRB Sevens in Adelaide which was the start of a successful Sevens stint that included numerous Cup Finals and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and attended the IRB Junior World Championship in France the following year. Away from the field, Lees is a physical education teacher. MATT O BRIEN Born: 22 July 1983, New Zealand Super Rugby Debut: 2014 Super Rugby Matches: 0 Test Debut: Test Matches : 0 Matt O Brien started refereeing in 2008 on the Gold Coast after playing a number of Premier Grade seasons for the Breakers. He quickly progressed through Queensland s refereeing ranks and was selected to officiate the IRB World Series Sevens in 2011 and has since refereed three Finals and the 2013 Sevens World Cup. O Brien has a Pharmacy degree from the University of Otago in Dunedin and has a number of pharmacy businesses in Queensland. He enjoys all sports - especially anything in the ocean and is looking forward to making his Super Rugby debut this year. FRANCISCO PASTRANA Born: 13 September 1979, Buenos Aires ARG Super Rugby Debut: 2012 Super Rugby Matches: 6 Test Debut: Uruguay vs United States, 2009 Test Matches: A former player from Hindú Club in Argentina, Francisco Pastrana started his career in 2004 and is Argentina s pre-eminent referee. After refereeing his first Test in 2009, Pastrana was appointed to the IRB Sevens Series and his career continued to grow, subsequently participating in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches, Vodacom Cup and earning appointment to the Super Rugby panel. Pastrana first participated in Tier 1 matches as an assistant in Scotland vs South Africa in 2010 and continued with further appointments in The Rugby Championship and 6 Nations.

405 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 JACO PEYPER Born: 13 May 1980, Bloemfontein RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2009 Super Rugby Matches: 34 Test Debut: Kenya vs Zimbabwe, 2011 Test Matches: 15 REFEREES Jaco Peyper started refereeing in 2001 at age 20 and made his first class debut in His career pathway started at Currie Cup and progressed through the IRB Sevens, IRB U20s, Super Rugby and on to Test level appointments. Peyper obtained degrees in Accounting and Law from the University of the Free State and currently works as a consultant to Peyper Sesele Inc. when not refereeing. He is married to wife Zenobia and has an eight month old daughter Nina. CHRIS POLLOCK Born: 9 November 1972, Hawera NZL Super Rugby Debut: 2006 Super Rugby Matches: 52 Test Debut: Niue vs Tahiti, 2005 Test Matches: 15 Chris Pollock is currently New Zealand s most experienced referee with over 160 first class games to his credit and he has been a member of the New Zealand Rugby referees squad since Pollock had a busy 2013, which included the first British and Irish Lions vs Australia Test and the ITM Cup Premiership Final between Wellington and Canterbury. He was named New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year in LOURENS VAN DER MERWE Born: 3 February 1977, Pretoria RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2012 Super Rugby Matches: 10 Test Debut: Botswana vs Swaziland, 2012 Test Matches: 7 Lourens van der Merwe started refereeing in 2000 and is also a physical sciences teacher at Grey College in Bloemfontein. His refereeing experience includes the 2012 Junior World Cup Semi-Final, 2011 Vodacom Cup Final, as well as numerous appointments throughout the Currie Cup divisions. He married wife Liene in 2003 and the pair have two boys, Llewellyn (6), WJ (3) and a girl Suzaan (1). In his spare time, van der Merwe loves to spend time in his garden or watch a movie with the family. 391

406 2014 SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE REFEREES MARIUS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN Born: 6 January 1984, Cape Town RSA Super Rugby Debut: 2014 Super Rugby Matches: 0 Test Debut: Test Matches: 0 Marius van der Westhuizen started refereeing in 2007 in the Western Province Union. He was appointed to the SA Rugby Contender Panel in 2009, National Panel in 2011 and Elite Panel in The Cape Town-based referee had a career-defining year in 2013 when he was called up to officiate two IRB Sevens Finals, the Varsity Cup Final and Vodacom Cup Final. He also made his Currie Cup Premier Division debut last year and looks forward to stepping up to Super Rugby level in Away from the rugby field, Van der Westhuizen is a keen golfer. STEVE WALSH Born: 28 March 1972, Cambridge NZL Super Rugby Debut: 1997 Super Rugby Matches: 95 Test Debut: Argentina vs France, 1998 Test Matches: 54 One of the most respected referees in world rugby, Steve Walsh took up the whistle at the age of 16 after calling time on his playing career due to a spinal injury three years earlier. A veteran of four Rugby World Cups from , Walsh is currently on the IRB Elite panel and refereed the 2012 Super Rugby Final between the Chiefs and Sharks in Hamilton. Later that year he received the Australian Referee of the Year award at the John Eales Medal ceremony in Sydney and followed it up by earning the same honour last season. GARRATT WILLIAMSON Born: 27 April 1971, Wellington NZL Super Rugby Debut: 2009 Super Rugby Matches: 27 Test Debut: Japan vs Samoa, 2010 Test Matches: 2 Now in his sixth season of Super Rugby and 10th in the New Zealand Rugby referees squad, Garratt Williamson is one of his country s most-experienced referees. Williamson, who hails from Wellington, has overseen two Tests and been involved with a further 11 internationals as an Assistant Referee or TMO. He also has experience on the international stage with the shorter form of the game at half a dozen IRB Sevens tournaments. 392