Kritik und Lob » Werner Kruger drops to the bench for van der Merwe

(STATS) -- Murray State might not finish with a winning record this season, but theres a good chance the culture has changed for the better within a program thats been aching for some sustained success.After knocking off ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks, the Racers (3-5, 3-2 Ohio Valley Conference) will try to win three in a row for the first time since November 2011 when they visit struggling Eastern Kentucky on Saturday.The biggest thing we have to face, the challenge that this football team has, especially as young as we are, is dealing with that success two weeks in a row, second-year coach Mitch Stewart said.Murray State hasnt posted a winning record since going 7-4 during that 2011 season, but has matched its win total from each of the past two seasons after beating an Eastern Illinois team that was ranked 15th in the STATS FCS Top 25 40-38 on Oct. 22 and then-No. 25 Tennessee State 38-31 last weekend.It gave us a little confidence, especially a young team like mine, said Stewart, whose depth chart lists just three seniors but six true or redshirt freshmen as starters.It kind of validated some things that we had been preaching to the kids about the way we have practice and the way we do things, he added.Instead of saying to the team, Hey man, Im telling you its gonna happen, its gonna happen. You go into the locker room and you say that it happened. Obviously (beating EIU) gave them a great deal of confidence moving forward and to do it again last week gives them even more confidence.Though Murray boasts one of the most generous defenses in the FCS allowing 33.9 points per contest, its averaged 38.5 while winning three of the last four. Senior receiver Jesse Blackburn has caught 25 passes in those four games and totaled 279 receiving yards in the last two.He just loves playing ball, Stewart said of Blackburn, who is second on the team with 38 catches and 631 yards. I really think thats the ultimate compliment you can give somebody.Stewart also doesnt mind that Blackburn brings some personality to the program.Hes crazy, Stewart said. Hes liable to show up one day in the locker room with a mohawk, and it would be colored green. Been there, done that, and it was not for Halloween, that was just on a regular Wednesday.I dont know exactly what he does when he leaves this building but knock on wood he stays out of trouble and when he gets here hes a football-playing dude and he loves playing the game. Hes been a great asset for us.Despite still dealing with some shoulder soreness, senior quarterback KD Humphries earned OVC offensive player of the week honors after he threw for 398 yards and five touchdowns without an interception against Tennessee State. Humphries enters this weeks action ranked in the top 10 in the FCS in average completions (28.3), average passing yards (323.1), average total offense (323.3) and passing yards (2,262).He threw for 715 yards with three TDs and an INT in his last two games against Eastern Kentucky (2-6, 1-4), which has won 13 of 15 in the series.The Colonels, however, have dropped three in a row and been outscored 57-10 in the last two weeks. NCAA Jerseys .S. 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Super Rugbys regular season wraps up this weekend with top spot in the Australian and New Zealand conference still up for grabs. Read on for a full preview of Round 17.Friday, July 15Blues v New South Wales Waratahs, Eden Park, AucklandKey stat (Opta Stats)The Blues have won nine of their 10 home games against the Waratahs, the only time the NSW side travelled to Auckland and beat them was in 2009.Line-upsBlues:?Melani Nanai; Matt Duffie, Male Sau, Piers Francis, Tevita Li; Ihaia West, Bryn Hall; Steven Luatua, Kara Pryor, Jerome Kaino; Josh Bekhuis, Patrick Tuipulotu; Ofa Tuungafasi, James Parsons, Dam Prattley. Replacements: Matt Moulds, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo or Charlie Faumuina, Scott Scrafton, Blake Gibson, Billy Guyton, Matt Vaega or George Moala, Lolagi Visinia.Waratahs:?Andrew Kellaway; Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, Matt Carraro; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Jack Dempsey; Will Skelton, Dean Mumm; Tom Robertson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Paddy Ryan. Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Angus Taavao, Sam Lousi, Wycliff Palu, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Jim StewartTeam NewsThe Blues?has named the same starting line-up for a third straight game. All Blacks Charlie Faumuina and George Moala have made progress with their recovery from injury but both have been bracketed on the bench.Four changes have been made to the Waratahs starting team for the1000th NSW game since 1882. Jack Dempsey has been named to start in the number six jersey, with Dean Mumm shifting to the second row. Dave Dennis will play in the no. 8 jersey, while Reece Robinson moves into the starting right wing position, in place of Taqele Naiyaravoro who is serving a one week suspension. Wycliff Palu will boost the bench, while Jim Stewart will have the chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.UBET verdict: $1.77 Blues, $2.05 Waratahs:?Blues at the tail of the NZ Conference but could still end up with more points than any Aussie team.That is very weird, and they have to be the favs to win this game. The Waratahs need a win and a bonus point, and have only one win against the Blues in NZ over the last 10 yearsGreg Growdens verdict:?The Waratahs missed a huge opportunity in Sydney last week and theyll pay for that slip-up at the graveyard that is Eden Park on Friday.Reds v Rebels, Suncorp Stadium, BrisbaneKey stat (Opta Stats)The Rebels have lost their last three away games, conceding 157 points and scoring just 71 of their own.Line-upsReds:?Tom Banks; Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Henry Taefu, Eto Nabuli; Duncan Paiaaua, Nick Frisby; Curtis Browning, Liam Gill, Hendrik Tui; Kane Douglas, Cadeyrn Neville; Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, Sef Faagase. Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Tui, Michael Gunn, James Tuttle, Alex Gibbon, Campbell MagnayRebels:?Paul Asquith; Sefa Naivalu, Mitch Inman, Reece Hodge, Tom English; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzacker; Colby Faingaa, Jordy Reid, Sean McMahon; Culum Retallick, Luke Jones; Laurie Weeks, James Hanson, Toby Smith. Replacements: Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah Nau, Jamie Hagan, Sam Jeffries, Rob Leota, Ben Meehan, Sione Tuipulotu, Jack MaddocksTeam NewsThe Reds have made three changes to their starting side from last week, headlined by the return from injury of Greg Holmes for his final match for Queensland. Injury has forced the other changes, with prop James Slipper (sternum) and full-back Jack Tuttle (shoulder) replaced by Sef Faagase and Tom Banks. This will be Banks first start, after making his Reds debut off the bench last year.The Rebels have made four changes to the starting line up for their last game of the season with Luke Jones, Sean McMahon and Mitch Inman returning from injury, while Paul Asquith will make his run-on Super Rugby debut after two weeks as a reserve.UBET verdict: $1.67 Reds, $2.20 Rebels.?Dead rubber. Rebels did beat Reds in Melbourne earlier in the year (25-23), but the Rebels have a huge injury tollGreg Growdens verdict:?Ite been a long year for both these sides but I just think Liam Gill can get the Reds home in what will be his last game at Suncorp for a few years at least.Sharks v Sunwolves, Growthpoint Kings Park, DurbanKey stat (Opta Stats)This will be the first meeting between these teams, though the Sharks have won six of their last nine games against teams from outside of South Africa.Line-upsSharks:?Rhyno Smith, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen (c), André Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Garth April, Stefan Ungerer, Philip van der Walt, Tera Mtembu, Keegan Daniel, Ruan Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit. Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Stefan Lewies, Jean Deysel, Michael Claassens, Curwin Bosch/Pat Lambie, Heimar Williams.Sunwolves:?Riaan Viljoen, Hajime Yamashita, Derek Carpenter, Mifiposeti Paea, Yasutaka Sasakura, Yu Tamura (c), Kaito Shigeno, Edward Quirk, Taiyo Ando, Liaki Moli, Faatiga Lemalu, Hitoshi Ono, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Takeshi Kizu, Keita Inagaki. Replacements: Futoshi Mori, Masataka Mikami, Takuma Asahara, Naohiro Kotaki, Yoshiya Hosoda, Yuki Yatomi, Ryohei Yamanaka, Kentaro Kodama.Team NewsThe Sharks?have made six changes for the Sunwolves as they use the opportunity to rest some players ahead of the playoffs.?JP Pietersen captains the side from outside centre with Odwa Ndungane and Stefan Ungerer earning starts at right wing and scrum-half respectively. Up front, prop Thomas du Toit replaces captain Beast Mtawarira, while there are also starts for Chiliboy Ralepelle, Ruan Botha and Tera Mtembu.Mifiposeti Paea comes back in to the starting side at centre for the Sunwolves while Kaito Shigeno and Yuki Yatomi have been rotated. Meanwhile in the pack, Faatiga Lemalu comes into the second-row.UBET verdict: $1.01 Sharks, $15.00 Sunwolves.?Any win for the Sharks guarantees them a playoff berth. The danger here is they may ease off in the second half, so a word of caution to those keen on -36.5 pointsGreg Growdens verdict:?The Sharks by plenty; the poor old Sunwolves cant wait for the season to end.Saturday July 16Crusaders v Hurricanes, AMI Stadium, ChristchurchKey stat (Opta Stats)The Hurricanes have won five of their last seven games against the Crusaders, though none of their wins have come by more than the value of a converted try.Line-upsCrusaders:?Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Ryan Crotty, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mounga, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (capt), Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Mike Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Mitchell Drummond, Mitch Hunt, Kieron Fonotia.Hurricanes:?James Marshall, Cory Jane, Willis Halaholo, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Chris Eves, Dane Coles (capt), Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May, Loni Uhila, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson Park, Wes Goosen, Jason Woodward.Team NewsThe Crusaders?have been boosted by the return of star skipper Kieran Read along with All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett. Reads promotion sees Jimmy Tupou move to blindside flanker with Jordan Taufua the unlucky one to drop out while Alex Hodgman goes to the bench for Crockett.The Hurricanes have made just one forced change to their starting line-up with Ngani Laumape coming in for Matt Proctor. Willis Halohalo has shifted out one spot to accommodate Laumapes preferred position.?UBET verdict: $1.47 Crusaders, $2.70 Hurricanes.?Bothh sides have plenty to play for.dddddddddddd Hurricanes have actually won 3 of last 5 in Christchurch but the early money is with the CrusadersGreg Growdens verdict:?This will be one of the best games of the season but I just think the Crusaders back-row will give the hosts the edge.Highlanders v Chiefs, Forsyth Barr Stadium, DunedinKey stat (Opta Stats)The Highlanders have won their last five games against the Chiefs, their longest ever winning streak against the club, though that run was preceded by four consecutive victories for the Chiefs.Line-upsHighlanders:?Ben Smith (capt), Waisake Naholo, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon, Dan Lienert-Brown. Res: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Josh Hohneck, Mark Reddish, Liam Squire, Dan Pryor, Te Aihe Toma, Fletcher Smith.Chiefs:?Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Seta Tamanivalu, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (co-capt), Tom Sanders, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Atu Moli, Nathan Harris, Kane Hames. Res: Hika Elliot, Siegfried Fisiihoi, Hiroshi Yamashita, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Boshier, Brad Weber, Stephen Donald, Sam McNicol.Team NewsIn-form centre Matt Faddes returns to the Highlanders midfield for this crunch Kiwi derby while Malakai Fekitoa has shaken off injury to join him in the centres. Up front, Alex Ainley and Dan Lienert-Brown start at lock and loosehead prop respectively.Buoyed by two fine wins following the June Break, the good news keeps on coming for the Chiefs with All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam both back in the starting side.UBET verdict: $1.63 Highlanders, $2.25 Chiefs.?Lot can happen here and the result of the Crusaders match comes in to play as well. Highlanders have won last five v the Chiefs including last three in Dunedin; the Highlanders triumphed 26-13 in Hamilton earlier in the year.Greg Growdens verdict:?I been really impressed with how the Chiefs have performed after the June break. Theyll get the chocolates in Dunedin, too.Brumbies v Force, GIO Stadium, CanberraKey stat (Opta Stats)The Brumbies have won eight and drawn one of their last 10 games against the Force including a current winning streak of five games.Line-upsBrumbies: Aidan Toua, Nigel Ah Wong, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, James Dargaville, Christian Lealiifano, Tomas Cubelli, Michael Wells, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ruan Smith, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Tom Staniforth, Blake Enever, Joe Powell, Andrew Smith, Lausii Taliauli.Force:?Dane Haylett-Petty, Marcel Brache, Ben Tapuai, Kyle Godwin, Luke Morahan, Jono Lance, Ian Prior, Richard Hardwick, Chris Alcock, Brynard Stander, Rory Walton, Ross Haylett-Petty, Guy Millar, Harry Scoble, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Francois van Wyk, Jermaine Ainsley, Matt Philip, Kane Koteka, Ryan Louwrens, Peter Grant, Semisi Masirewa.Team newsThe Brumbies have made just one change to the side humbled by the Blues with Ruan Smith replacing the recently re-signed Ben Alexander at tighthead prop.Brynard Standers promotion is the only change to a Force side that suffered another miserable home defeat to the Stormers last week. Kane Koteka is a new face on the bench.UBET verdict:?1.04 Brumbies, 10.00 Force.?If Waratahs lose with no bonus point then the Brumbies are through with a home final, so again they will know what they have to do. It should be a Brumbies win anyway, but be careful with the lineGreg Growdens verdict:?Woeful is the only word you can use to describe the Brumbies efforts in Auckland last week. Luckily, they face the Force this week. Top spot in Australia is theirs.?Stormers v Kings,?Newlands, Cape TownKey stat (Opta Stats)The Stormers come into this game on the back of a three-game winning streak, the last time they won four in a row was the opening four rounds of the 2015 season.Line-ups**Stormers:?TBAKings:?TBATeam NewsUBET verdict: Stormers $1.10, $15 Kings.?Stormers have already locked up a home final. Will the Stormers go full tilt against the lowly Kings? Another tricky match where the handicap line will jump around everywhereGreg Growdens verdict:?Stormers by 50. Next.Cheetahs v Bulls, Toyota Stadium, BloemfonteinKey stat (Opta Stats)The Cheetahs have won five of their last nine home games against South African opposition, with a win and a loss against the Bulls in that span.Line-upsCheetahs:?Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, William Small-Smith, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule, Fred Zeilinga, Shaun Venter; Paul Schoeman, Oupa Mohoje (C), Uzair Cassiem, Francois Uys, Armandt Koster, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais. Replacements: Joseph Dweba, Ox Nche, Johan Coetzee, Reniel Hugo, Henco Venter, Tian Meyer, George Whitehead, Ryno Benjamin.Bulls:?Jesse Kriel, Jamba Ulengo, Burger Odendaal, Dries Swanepoel, Travis Ismaiel, Tian Schoeman, Piet van Zyl, Renaldo Bothma, Jannes Kirsten, Lappies Labuschagne, Marvin Orie, Jason Jenkins, Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss (c), Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: Bandise Maku, Nqoba Mxoli, Werner Kruger, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Rudy Paige, Francois Brummer, SP Marais.Team NewsThe Cheetahs?have made a couple of changes to their pack with Charles Marais and Armandt Koster starting at tighthead prop and lock respectively. In the backline, William Small-Smith earns a start at outside centre.Tian Schoeman and Marcel van der Merwe are the only changes to the Bulls run-on side that thumped the Sunwolves last week. Francois Brummer makes way for Schoeman at No.to while Werner Kruger drops to the bench for van der Merwe.UBET verdict: $2.65 Cheetahs, $1.48 Bulls.?If the Sharks beat the Sunwolves, and that should happen, then this becomes another dead rubber. Cheetahs have won last 3 at home this year, should be a lot of points scored, but who knows what the mentality will be of both sides if they are out of the finals running.Greg Growdens verdict:?You might be wise to leave this tip as late as possible to take in other results. But the Bulls should win it, and skipper Adriaan Strauss looms as the key.Sunday July 10Jaguares v Lions,?Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos AiresKey stat (Opta Stats)The Jaguares have led at half-time in four of their last seven Super Rugby games, though theyve gone on to win only twice.Line-upsJaguares:?TBALions:?JW Bell, Godfrey Ramaboea, Cameron Rooi, Jarryd Sage, Selom Gavor, Siya Masusku, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Jo-Hanko de Villiers, Victor Sekekete, James Venter, MB Lusaseni, JP du Preez, Justin Ackermann, Pieter Jansen, Arnout Malherbe. Replacements: Le Roux Baard, Henco Smit/Luvuyo Pupuma, Kyle Kruger/Sarel Smith, Adriaan Bester, Wiehan Jacobs, Curtis Jonas, Barend Smit.Team News*The Lions?have opted to rest many of their top players having already sewn up the South African Group.UBET verdict: $1.33 Jaguares, $3.25 Lions.?Lions already have a home final, but a win would secure them 1st spot overall and a better seeding. Lions won 52-24 in South Africa earlier in the year. Oddly the Lions have left their entire starting 15 out of the side hence the rather strange fact that they are the outsidersGreg Growdens verdict:?The Lions have rested a heap of players so Im going all in on the Jaguares. Their crazy fans in Buenos Aires deserve a win. ' ' '