Super14 2009 - Team profiles

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ACT Brumbies	Bulls	Blues	Cheetahs
Chiefs	Crusaders	Highlanders	Hurricanes
Lions	NSW Waratahs	Queensland Reds	Sharks
Stormers	Western Force

AUSTRALIAN TEAMS

	ACT BRUMBIES History: Formed in 1996 to provide a third Australian team for the newly-formed Super12, it was predicted the Brumbies, made up of “rejects” from the Waratahs and the Reds, would struggle. Instead they have enjoyed more success than the other Australian teams, reaching five finals and winning two. Best Super rugby result: Premiers, 2001 & 2004.
Home ground: Canberra Stadium, ACT.
2009 Squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Huia Edmonds, Francis Fainifo, Gene Fairbanks, Mark Gerrard, Ben Hand, Nic Henderson, Stephen Hoiles, Joshua Holmes, Peter Kimlin, Christian Lealiifano, Salesi Ma’afu, Shawn Mackay, Alfi Mafi, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock, Patrick Phibbs, Clyde Rathbone, Julian Salvi, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Tyrone Smith, James Stannard, Sitaleki Timani, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua, John Ulugia.
Coach: Andy Friend.	Captain: Stephen Hoiles.

	QUEENSLAND REDS History: Queensland Reds, despite finishing minor premiers in 1996 and 1999, have never reached an official Super rugby final, having been defeated three times at the semi-final stage. However, prior to the official Super rugby period with the inaugural Super12 in 1996, they won the Super10 title in both 1994 and 1995. Best Super rugby result: Third – 1996 & 1999.
Home ground: Suncorp Stadium, or Lang Park to purists, Queensland.
2009 squad: Berrick Barnes, Daniel Braid, Adam Byrnes, Blair Connor, Quade Cooper, Ben Daley, Rod Davies, Dayna Edwards, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Charlie Fetoai, Will Genia, James Hanson, Sean Hardman, James Horwill, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Jack Kennedy, Poutasi Luafutu, Ben Lucas, Mark McLinden, Hugh McMeniman, Rob Simmons, Ezra Taylor, Aidan Toua, Morgan Turinui, Brando Va'aulu, Laurie Weeks.
Coach: Phil Mooney.	Captain: James Horwill.

	NSW WARATAHS History: The Waratahs has historically been the name for the New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) representative team, and became the name for the New South Wales team when it entered the Super competitions. Until 2005, their best performance was a lone semi-final appearance in the 2002 Super 12. Best Super rugby result: Runners-up – 2005 & 2008.
Home ground: Sydney Football Stadium, NSW.
2009 squad: Ben Batger, Alastair Baxter, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Will Caldwell, Matt Carraro, Tom Carter, David Dennis, Matt Dunning, Scott Fava, Adam Freier, Daniel Halangahu, Rob Horne, Sekope Kepu, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Ratu Nasiganiyavi, Sam Norton-Knight, Wycliff Palu, Dan Palmer, Peter Playford, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Beau Robinson, Benn Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Chris Thomson, Jeremy Tilse, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner, Phil Waugh.
Coach: Chris Hickey.	Captain: Phil Waugh.

	WESTERN FORCE History: The Force joined the Super14 in 2006 and finished with the wooden spoon in their first year. The team is coached by former All Blacks mentor John Mitchell, and they have gradually improved – coming seventh in 2007 and eighth in 2008. They have the personnel to make the semi-finals, though injury to frontline players often really tests their depth. Best Super rugby result: 7th – 2007.
Home ground: Subiaco Oval, WA.
2009 squad: Richard Brown, Ben Castle, Pekahou Cowan, Gareth Hardy, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Tamaiti Horua, David Pocock, Kieran Longbottom, Filipe Manu (Academy), Tai McIsaac, Pat O'Connor, David Pusey, Nathan Sharpe, Richard Stanford, Troy Takiari, AJ Whalley, Ben Whittaker (Academy), Sam Wykes, Ryan Cross, Nick Cummins, Scott Daruda, Dane Haylett-Petty, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor, Chris O'Young, Junior Pelesasa, Haig Sare, Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Josh Tatupu, Justin Turner (Academy), Josh Valentine.
Coach: John Mitchell.	Captain: Nathan Sharpe.

NEW ZEALAND TEAMS

	BLUES History: Originally known as the Auckland Blues, the Blues actually now represent the Northland, North Harbour and Auckland unions. They are the traditional powerhouse of New Zealand rugby, enjoying provincial dominance throughout the '80s and early '90s, but in more recent times it has been the Crusaders that have adopted that mantle. Best Super rugby result: Premiers – 1996, 1997 & 2003.
Home ground: Eden Park, Auckland.
2009 squad: John Afoa, Onosa'i Auva'a,Josh Blackie, Anthony Boric, Justin Collins, Charlie Faumuina, Jimmy Gopperth, Kurtis Haiu, Jamie Helleur, Michael Hobbs, Jerome Kaino, Tasesa Lavea, Chris Lowrey, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu, Taniela Moa, Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko, Chris Smylie, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, Anthony Tuitavake, Ali Williams, Jay Williams, Paul Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.
Coach: Pat Lam.	Captain: Keven Mealamu.

	CHIEFS History: The Waikato Chiefs, as they are popularly known, represent the Counties Manukau, Waikato, Thames Valley, King Country and Bay of Plenty unions. The sound of cow bells is synonymous with their spiritual home in Hamilton, as is a chainsaw cranking up for every point scored. One of the least successful Kiwis teams but very capable of an upset. Best Super rugby result: 4th – 2004.
Home ground: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
2009 squad: Sosene Anesi, Colin Bourke, Callum Bruce, Mark Burman, Craig Clarke, Aled de Malmanche, Mike Delany, Stephen Donald, Hikawera Elliot, Richard Kahui, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Serge Lilo, Toby Lynn, Lelia Masaga, Ben May, James McGougan, Liam Messam, Toby Morland, Mils Muliaina, Kevin O'Neill, Joe Savage, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Sona Taumalolo, Jackson Willison, James Wilson.
Coach: Ian Foster.	Captain: Mils Muliaina.

	CRUSADERS History: The Crusaders (originally known as the Canterbury Crusaders) are based in Christchurch and represent the Nelson Bays, Marlborough, Buller, West Coast, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury unions. They are far and away the most successful team in Super rugby history. Best Super rugby result: Premiers – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 & 2008.
Home ground: AMI Stadium, or Lancaster Park, Christchurch.
2009 squad: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Bronson Murray, Corey Flynn, Jason Macdonald, Brad Thorn, Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Thomas Waldrom, Nasi Manu, Jonathan Poff, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali’I, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Casey Laulala, Adam Whitelock, Kade Poki, Sean Maitland, Jared Payne, Leon MacDonald.
Coach: Todd Blackadder.	Captain: Richie McCaw.

	HIGHLANDERS History: The Highlanders draw their team from the South Island regions of Otago, North Otago, and Southland. They take their name from the fact Scottish emigrants settled in the region in the 1840s and 1850s. The name "Highlander" was thought to conjure up images of loyalty, strength and hard work. Best Super rugby result: Runners-up – 1999.
Home ground: Carisbrook, Dunedin. More affectionately known as the “House of Pain”, or Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill.
2009 squad: Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Chris King, Anthony Perenise, David Hall, Jason Rutledge, Hayden Triggs, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Ross Kennedy, Adam Thomson, Tim Boys, Alando Soakai, Stephen Setephano, George Naoupu, Jimmy Cowan, Sean Romans, Daniel Bowden, Matt Berquist, Jason Shoemark, Jayden Hayward, Johnny Leota, Kendrick Lynn, Brett Mather, Lucky Mulipola, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg.
Coach: Glenn Moore.	Captain: Jimmy Cowan.

	HURRICANES History: The Hurricanes represent the East Coast, Poverty Bay, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa-Bush, Horowhenua-Kapiti and Wellington unions. Prior to the 2006 (Super12), their best result was 3rd place in 1997 and 2003. They always promise plenty at the start of the season, but are still yet to deliver. Best Super rugby result: Runners-up – 2006.
Home ground: Westpac Stadium , Wellington. More affectionately known as or “the Cake Tin”.
2009 squad: John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Jacob Ellison, Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Faifili Levave, Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe, Victor Vito, Rodney So’oialo, Josh Bradnock, Alby Mathewson, Piri Weepu, Willie Ripia, Dan Kirkpatrick, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, David Smith, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane.
Coach: Colin Cooper.	Captain: Rodney So’oialo.

SOUTH AFRICAN TEAMS

	BULLS History: The team is centred around the Blue Bulls union (Pretoria plus Limpopo Province), but also draws players from the Falcons (representing the East Rand). The Bulls also once drew players from the Pumas (Mpumalanga Province) and Leopards (North West Province), but in the realignment that came from the expansion of Super12 to Super14, these unions were moved into the Cats franchise. Best Super rugby result: Premiers – 2006.
Home ground: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
2009 squad: Heini Adams, Bakkies Botha, Jacques Burger, Marius Delport, Fourie du Preez, Jaco Engels, Burton Francis, Rayno Gerber, Bryan Habana, Wayne Julies, Zane Kirchner, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, John Mametsa, Tiger Mangweni, Victor Matfield, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter, Jaco Pretorius, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann, Morne Steyn, Dries van Schalkwyk, Pedrie Wannenburg.
Coach: Frans Ludeke.	Captain: Fourie du Preez.

	CHEETAHS History: The Central Cheetahs encompasses the Free State, Griffons, and Griquas Currie Cup unions. In their 2006 Super14 debut they performed above expectations u8nder the guidance of ex-Springbok Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, but they have been slipping in the ranks since – finishing 11th in 2007, and then 13th in 2008. Best Super rugby result: 10th – 2006.
Home ground: Free State Stadium (Vodacom Park), Bloemfontein.
2009 squad: Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Corne Uys, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Fabian Juries, Meyer Bosman, Tewis de Bruyn, Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, Kobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez, Richardt Strauss, Wayne van Heerden, Hendro Scholtz, Sarel Pretorius, Bjorn Basson, Kabamba Floors, Trompie Nontshinga, Piet van Zyl, Riaan Viljoen, Jean Botha, Flip van Der Merwe, Bees Roux, Jonge Nokwe, Bevin Fortuin, Hanno Coetzee.
Coach: Naka Drotske.	Captain: Juan Smith.

	LIONS History: Also formerly know as the “Cats”, this franchise has often been marked as the whipping boys of the competition, collecting the dreaded wooden spoon three times. However, they have actually managed to reach the semi-final stage twice (in 2000 and 2001), and always prove to be tough opposition on their home turf in Johannesburg. Best Super rugby result: 3rd – 2001.
Home ground: Ellis Park (Coca-Cola Park), Johannesburg.
2009 squad: Cobus Grobbelaar, Doppies la Grange, Jano Vermaak, Louis Ludik, Heinke van der Merwe, Jaque Fourie, Franco van der Merwe, Earl Rose, Anton van Zyl, Willie Wepener, Jannie Boshoff, Willem Alberts, JC Janse van Rensburg, Gert Muller, Henno Mentz, Ashwin Willemse, Michael Killian, Jannes Labuschagne, Chris Jonck, Hans van Dyk, Shandre Frolick, Todd Clever, Siegelaar Allister, Lawrence Sephaka, Dusty Noble, Thiliphaut Marole, Ligtoring Landman, Okkie Kruger, Divan Kotze, Barry Goodes.
Coach: Eugene Eloff.	Captain: Cobus Grobbelaar.

	SHARKS History: The Durban-based side is centred around the Natal Sharks union, and draws players from all of KwaZulu-Natal Province. Prior to 1998, they competed in the Super12 as Natal. Over time they’ve been the most consistent of the South African teams. Best Super rugby result: Runners-up – 1996, 2001 & 2007.
Home ground: Kings Park Stadium (or ABSA Stadium), Durban.
2009 squad: Deon Carstens, Jannie du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Skipper Badenhorst, Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit, Alistair Hargreaves, Johann Muller, Steven Sykes, Albert van den Berg, Nicolai Blignaut, Jacques Botes, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Justin Downey, Ryan Kankowski, Skholiwe Ndlovu, Ross Cronje, Rory Kockott, Monty Dumond, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn, Adrian Jacobs, Waylon Murray, Riaan Swanepoel, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Luzuko Vulindlu, Chris Jordaan, Stefan Terblanche.
Coach: John Plumtree.	Captain: Johann Muller.

	STORMERS History: The Stormers are centred around the Western Province union, but also draw players from the Boland Cavaliers. They have spent most of their time at the bottom half of the ladder over the years, but they are usually riddled with Springbok talent and traditionally always play an exciting brand of rugby. Best Super rugby result: 3rd – 2004.
Home grounds: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.
2009 squad: Andries Bekker, Wikus Blaauw, Gcobani Bobo, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Dylan des Fountain, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Schalk Ferreira, Adriaan Fondse, Deon Fourie, Peter Grant, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Francois Louw, JD Moller, Brian Mujati, Pieter Myburgh, Sireli Naqelevuki, Morgan Newman, Luke Watson, Percy Montgomery, Kick Koster, JC Kritzinger, Hilton Lobberts, Joe Pietersen, AJ Venter, Duanne Vermeulen.
Coach: Rassie Erasmus.	Captain: Jean de Villiers.

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