Preview: Chiefs v Waratahs

VENUE & TIME: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, Saturday May 8, 19.35 NZT.

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HEAD TO HEAD: Played 14 – Chiefs 6, Waratahs 8.

LAST TIME: February 20, 2009 (Sydney) – Waratahs 11-7 Chiefs.

LAST TIME AT VENUE: February 23, 2008 – Chiefs 20-17 Waratahs.

WALKING WOUNDED: For the first time since the last ice age, the Chiefs show a balance of gains over losses on the injury front. Kevin O'Neill is recovered sufficiently from his long-term issues to start and there are no other changes to the lineup from Wellington. Both Rob Horne and Benn Robinson return for the Waratahs after a month on the sidelines, which has prompted a straight swap in the front row and a reshuffle in the backline. With Horne now available, Tom Carter and Berrick Barnes each move in one spot with last week's halfback pairing of Josh Holmes and Daniel Halangahu getting benched. Luke Burgess takes over in the No.9 shirt.

FORM:

PAST FIVE Chiefs:
Round 8: Beat Highlanders 26-21
Round 9: Lost to Bulls 19-33
Round 10: Lost to Stormers 15-49
Round 11: Drew with Cheetahs 25-25
Round 12: Lost to Hurricanes 27-33

PAST FIVE Waratahs:
Round 8: Beat Cheetahs 40-17
Round 9: Lost to Crusaders 13-20
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Beat Brumbies 19-12
Round 12: Lost to Highlanders 10-26

The Chiefs had a great chance to upset the Hurricanes last week, jumping out to a decent early lead but a try just before halftime and another on the final siren condemned them to yet another defeat. Once again shonky goal-kicking didn't help and a couple of golden scoring chances were cast away through careless passes, but they did at least look better than the outfit that had been slapped around by three South African sides in the preceding weeks. The Waratahs would have arrived in New Zealand looking at a friendly draw and three winnable matches that could have seen them secure a home semi quite easily. That was before they got over-run at Invercargill, a game they never looked like winning, and now face a must-win situation in this match. That clattering should serve to stiffen the visitors' resolve, because if they muck it up again this week their season is over.

WHO'S HOT: Colin Bourke continues to impress with his all-round game at No.8 for the Chiefs, while Craig Clarke is the standout figure in a battling tight five. His lineout work has been one secure source of ball for his side and his general play is also strong. Jackson Willison had his best game at this level last week and preyed on Hurricanes carelessness, with a try from a fumble and three critical interceptions that prevented the Hurricanes either scoring or promoting dangerous attacks. Tim Nanai-Williams continues to improve at fullback and is an exciting prospect. The Waratahs were outplayed across the park and so will look to veteran forwards Phil Waugh and Dean Mumm to right the ship with significantly more imposing performances than those of last week. Berrick Barnes had virtually no influence on proceedings and will want to change that, while Kurtley Beale will want more attacking chances like the one that resulted in the team's only try.

WE THINK: This is a game the Waratahs should win, assuming they're mentally prepared for the task at hand. The Chiefs will be a nuisance if they're allowed to be but they make too many errors at vital times to be a real threat. Our call is a Waratahs win by 10 points or so, although it may not be the prettiest to watch.

TEAMS:

Chiefs: 1. Faka'anaua Taumalolo, 2.Hika Elliot, 3. Nathan White, 4.Craig Clarke, 5. Kevin O'Neill, 6.Liam Messam (captain), 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Colin Bourke, 9. Junior Pololeuligaga, 10. Callum Bruce, 11. Jason Hona, 12. Jackson Willison, 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Dwayne Sweeney, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams.

Reserves: 16.Aled de Malmanche, 17.Ben Afeaki, 18. Culum Retallick, 19. Luke Braid, 20. Brendon Leonard, 21. Phil Burleigh, 22. Save Tokula.

Waratahs: 1.Benn Robinson, 2.Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3.Al Baxter, 4.Dean Mumm, 5.Kane Douglas, 6. Patrick McCutcheon, 7.Phil Waugh (captain), 8. Ben Mowen, 9. Luke Burgess, 10. Berrick Barnes, 11.Drew Mitchell, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Rob Horne, 14.Lachlan Turner, 15.Kurtley Beale.

Reserves: 16.Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Dan Palmer or Jeremy Tilse, 18. Chris Thomson, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Josh Holmes, 21. Daniel Halangahu, 22.Sosene Anesi.

REFEREE: Steve Walsh