Weekend preview: Super Rugby kicks off in South Africa, back to Ballymore and more

SUPER Rugby is back (in South Africa)! Plus it’s back to Ballymore, the Tahs’ 10 search and more — we preview the weekend action.

SUPER Rugby is back (in South Africa)! Plus it’s back to Ballymore, the Tahs’ 10 search and more — we preview the weekend action.

SUPER START TO SEASON, IN SOUTH AFRICA

News_Image_File: Springboks star Willie le Roux will spark the Cheetahs.

IT’S back! Yep, at long last the 2014 Super Rugby season kicks off this weekend … in South Africa.

Just like Australia did last year, the South Africans open the season with a full round of matches all to themselves.

It doesn’t make for the prettiest of time-slots, with the first game of the season kicking off at 2am (AEDT) when last season’s surprise packets the Cheetahs host the Lions at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

But any match involving Willie le Roux is worth getting up for.

Springboks fullback le Roux has been one of the stars of Super Rugby the past couple of seasons and will be looking to spark his Cheetahs again in 2014 to prove their finals finish last year was no fluke.

The Lions are playing their first Super Rugby game since 2012, having won the promotion/relegation playoff against the Southern Kings at the end of last season.

WATCH: Cheetahs v Lions, 2am Sunday (AEDT), Fox Sports 2

SHARKS GET CHANCE TO BARE THEIR TEETH

They have been tipped as a title contender by Australian Super Rugby skippers, and the Sharks get to show the competition what they’ve got early on.

New coach Jake White, who led the Brumbies to within 15 minutes of glory last year, has been tipped to lead the Durban outfit back up the ladder.

A home clash against last year’s top-ranked South African side, the Bulls, will give a good indication of whether or not the Sharks are ready to contend in 2014.

The Bulls have lost a stack of talent in the off-season, but welcome back Springboks great Victor Matfield who has come out of retirement.

The 110-Test lock will start on the bench for the visitors.

WATCH: Sharks v Bulls, 4am Sunday (AEDT), Fox Sports 2

News_Rich_Media: NSW Waratahs fullback Israel Folau admits he feels much more comfortable heading into his second season of Super Rugby.

TAHS’ 10 JERSEY STILL UP FOR GRABS

STILL trying to work out who’ll be playing fly half for the Waratahs this season? So are we.

And wouldn’t you know it, Tahs coach Michael Cheika has indicated both contenders — Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley — will be given one final chance to push their claims against the Highlanders on Friday night.

Hopefully we’ll have a better idea at full-time and who knows, Cheika may even proclaim a playmaker at the post-match press-conference?

News_Image_File: Kurtley Beale will get a crack at fly half for the Waratahs against the Highlanders.

That’s a tad unlikely but one thing you can bank on is the Waratahs staying true to their attacking mantra on what should be a fast track at Hunter Stadium.

Israel Folau will be there and that feisty South African character, Jacques Potgieter, is having his first hit-out Down Under.

Add to that All Blacks superstar Ben Smith and you’ve got a nice little night out in Newcastle.

News_Rich_Media: Brumbies prop Ben Alexander insists his side are not feeling any ill effects from the departure of former coach Jake White and have a fresh feel for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

RUGBY BACK AT BALLYMORE

There’s nothing quite like a Friday night at Ballymore, the spiritual home of Queensland rugby.

The iconic ground will get a long-awaited taste of top-class rugby again when the Queensland Reds host the Melbourne Rebels in their final tune-up ahead of the season kick-off.

It’s the first match at Ballymore since 2010 and the locals are hoping for a turn-out that tops 10,000.

And in a sign that it’s really a return to the old-school, the Reds have revived a much-loved post-game tradition for the clash.

Ever wanted to be on-field post match? This Friday fans are allowed on the Ballymore pitch after the game! Tickets: http://t.co/GIcr59UaBf

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) February 13, 2014

It’s not just the fans who are excited about heading back to Ballymore — Reds players and staff are also pumped up about a hit-out at Herston.

Can't wait to play tomorrow back at ballymore.... Old school styles supporters on the field after the game... pic.twitter.com/kImAImxiSe

— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) February 13, 2014

Looking forward to tomorrow night. @Reds_Rugby back to Ballymore v Rebels. Many special memories as a supporter, player and now a coach.

— Nick Stiles (@nickstiles767) February 13, 2014

‘MADNESS’ MAKES WELCOME RETURN FOR FORCE

His nickname tells you all you need to know about the way he plays the game but after six months on the sidelines Hugh McMeniman could take the “Madness” to another level.

Injured against the All Blacks in Sydney last year, McMeniman will finally make his playing return in Western Force’s ‘A’ XV on Friday night.

News_Image_File: Hugh McMeniman in action for Western Force last year.

McMeniman has a long history with injury and it was a troublesome shoulder reconstruction that saw his Wallabies return last just one match.

The former Reds forward was in superb form in the early part of last season after returning from Japan.

Force coach Michael Foley will be watching his every move.