Super Rugby team by team preview round 5

Super Rugby reaches the fifth round this weekend and after four rounds just two teams – the Rebels and the Highlanders – have yet to lose a match. Both of those teams play this weekend.

This weekend has seven matches with one on Friday, five on Saturday and one on Sunday.

The Hurricanes have the bye.

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Chiefs v Bulls Super Rugby Preview

The Chiefs return from their bye last weekend with a home match in Hamilton  where they will host South Africa’s Bulls.

These two teams contested the 2009 Super Rugby final but these teams fortunes have changed a lot since then.

The Bulls won that final and then won another title a year later and then a couple of years later the Chiefs won back to back titles.

Currently though these teams are placed tenth (Bulls) and 12th (Chiefs) in the overall standings.

The Chiefs have played the Bulls 19 times in Super Rugby and the Chiefs have won 10 matches, lost 7 and there have been two draws.

In Hamilton the Chiefs have played the Bulls 6 times. In those six matches the Chiefs have won four, drawn one and lost one. This gives the Chiefs a record of winning 67% of their home matches against the Bulls in Hamilton.

The average score when these teams meet in Hamilton is Chiefs 31 Bulls 25.

The Bookies have given the Bulls a 19 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. South African teams often struggle in the second week on tour and the Bulls have lost their last 7 matches in New Zealand. The Chiefs should win this by 14 points.

Average score: Chiefs 32 Bulls 29

Last five results
Sat, 01 Apr 2017 Chiefs v Bulls 28-12 Waikato
Fri, 22 May 2015 Chiefs v Bulls 34-20 Rotorua
Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Chiefs v Bulls 34-34 Pretoria
Fri, 25 May 2012 Chiefs v Bulls 28-22 Hamilton
Sat, 30 Apr 2011 Chiefs v Bulls 27-43 Pretoria

Chiefs overall record against the Bulls
Played 19 , Wins 10, Losses 7, Draws 2

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 16 March
Venue : Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 1:Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2:Richard Kely
TMO : Shane McDermott

Teams

Chiefs

1. Aidan Ross, 2. Nathan Harris , 3. Angus Ta’avao , 4. Brodie Retallick , 5. Mitchell Brown, 6. Lachlan Boshier, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Liam Messam, 9. Brad Weber , 10. Tiaan Falcon , 11. Solomon Alaimalo , 12. Johnny Fa’auli, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown , 14. Sean Wainui, 15. Damian McKenzie,

Replacements : 16. Liam Polwart, 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe , 18. Jeff Thwaites, 19. Michael Allardice , 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , 22. Marty McKenzie, 23. Declan O’Donnell,

Bulls

Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel , Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal (c)), Divan Rossouw , Handré Pollard, Andre Warner , Hanro Liebenberg (v/c), Thembelani Bholi , Roelof Smit, Lood de Jager , RG Snyman , Trevor Nyakane , Jaco Visagie , Pierre Schoeman .

Replacements: Adriaan Strauss ), Lizo Gqoboka , Conraad van Vuuren , Jason Jenkins /Tim Agaba, Marco van Staden , Embrose Papier , Manie Libbok , Johnny Kotze

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Highlanders v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview

Saturday’s first Super Rugby match is between a recent former champion and the current Super Rugby champions the Crusaders.

The unbeaten Highlanders had a bye last weekend while the Crusaders suffered their first loss of the Super Rugby season at the hands of the Hurricanes.

These teams have played each other 32 times in Super Rugby since 1996 and the Highlanders have won 10 matches and lost 22. There have been no draws between the teams.

In Dunedin the teams have played each other 15 times and the Highlanders have won six matches and lost 9. That gives the Highlanders a record of winning 40% of their home matches against the Crusaders.

The Crusaders have won the last three clashes between the sides and that includes the last match in Dunedin.

The Bookies have given the Highlanders a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Highlanders have only played two matches and this will be the Crusaders fourth match so although they lost last week the Crusaders should be a little more up to speed. The Crusaders should edge this by one.

Average score: Highlanders 20 Crusaders 29

Last five results
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 Elim Highlanders v Crusaders 0-17 Christchurch
Sat, 03 Jun 2017 Highlanders v Crusaders 22-25 Christchurch
Sat, 04 Mar 2017 Highlanders v Crusaders 27-30 Dunedin
Fri, 13 May 2016 Highlanders v Crusaders 34-26 Dunedin
Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Highlanders v Crusaders 25-20 Christchurch

Highlanders overall record against the Crusaders
Played 32, Wins 10, Losses 22 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2: James Doleman
TMO : Glenn Newman

Teams

Highlanders

1.Aki Seiuli, 2. Liam Coltman,3. Siate Tokolahi,4. Jackson Hemopo,5. Tom Franklin,6. Liam Squire,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Luke Whitelock,9. Aaron Smith,10. Lima Sopoaga,11. Tevita Li,12. Teihorangi Walden,13. Rob Thompson,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Ben Smith (cc)

Replacements : Ash Dixon (cc),Daniel Lienert-Brown,Kalolo Tulioma,Shannon Frizell,Elliot Dixon,Kayne Hammington,Fletcher Smith,Matt Faddes

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett 2. Codie Taylor 3. Michael Alaalatoa 4. Scott Barrett 5. Sam Whitelock (C)6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 7. Matt Todd (VC) 8. Jordan Taufua 9. Mitchell Drummond 10. Mitchell Hunt 11. George Bridge 12. Tim Bateman 13. Jack Goodhue 14. Seta Tamanivalu 15. David Havili

Replacments 16. Ben Funnell ,17. Chris King ,18. Oliver Jager , 19. Luke Romano ,20. Billy Harmon ,21. Bryn Hall ,22. Mike Delany, 23. Manasa Mataele

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Brumbies v Sharks Super Rugby Preview

Super Rugby moves to Australia in the second Super Rugby match on Saturday as the Brumbies host the Sharks in Canberra.

These teams have played each other 19 times since 1998 and the Brumbies have won 10 matches and lost 9. This gives the Brumbies an overall record of winning 53% of their matches against the Sharks.

In Canberra these teams have played each other 11 times and the Brumbies have won 8 matches and lost three. The Brumbies 8 wins from 3 matches gives them a record winning 73% of their home matches against the Sharks.

The average score when the Brumbies play the Sharks in Canberra is Brumbies 29 Sharks 20.

Both teams have played three matches this season but have only managed to win one match. The Sharks also have a draw under their belt but they have played two matches at home while this will be the Brumbies first home match for 2018.

The Bookies have given the Brumbies a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. Home advantage is always key in Super Rugby matches and as this is the Brumbies first home match they will be desperate to win this. The Brumbies should win this by four.

Average score: Brumbies 25 Sharks 22

Last five results
Sat, 04 Mar 2017 Brumbies v Sharks 22-27 Canberra
Sat, 10 May 2014 Brumbies v Sharks 16-9 Canberra
Sat, 16 Mar 2013 Brumbies v Sharks 29-10 Durban
Sat, 31 Mar 2012 Brumbies v Sharks 26-29 Canberra
Sat, 07 May 2011 Brumbies v Sharks 16-34 Durban

Brumbies overall record against the Sharks
Played 19 , Wins 10 , Losses 9 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:James Leckie
TMO :Ian Smith

Teams

Brumbies

15 Andrew Muirhead, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano (captain), 11 Lausii Taliauli, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Lachlan McCaffrey, 5 Blake Enever, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Faingaa, 1 Scott Sio

Replacements : 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Lolo Fakaosilea, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 James Dargaville, 23 Tom Banks

Sharks

15. Curwin Bosch, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Louis Schreuder, 8. Tera Mtembu, 7. Jacques Vermeulen, 6. Wian Vosloo, 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Ruan Botha (c), 3. Thomas du Toit, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 1. Tendai Mtawarira, ,

Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. John-Hubert Meyer, 19. Tyler Paul, 20. Jean-Luc du Preez, 21. Cameron Wright, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Lwazi Mvovo

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Stormers v Blues Super Rugby Preview

The Stormers have returned from their tour of Australasia but will still be playing against a New Zealand team as they host the Blues in Cape Town.

Overall the Stormers have played the Blues 18 times and they won 9 matches and lost 9 matches.

In Cape Town the Stormers have played the Blues 9 times at Newlands and they have won 5 and lost four.

This gives the Stormers a record of winning 56% of their home matches against the Blues.

The average score when the Stormers play the Blues in Cape Town is : Stormers 23 Blues 23.

The Stormers have played four matches and only have a home win to show for it. The Blues on the other hand have already won their first away match.

Last week’s victory over the Lions in Johannesburg will fill the Blues with confidence while the Stormers confidence will have taken a bit of a blow as they have not won since the opening round.

The Bookies have given the Stormers a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Stormers had a disappointing tour and they have had to travel from NZ while the Blues have had to travel from Johannesburg. The Blues could just edge this one by 1 point.

Average score: Stormers 24 Blues 26

Last five results
Fri, 19 May 2017 Stormers v Blues 30-22 Cape Town
Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Stormers v Blues 27-16 Cape Town
Fri, 03 May 2013 Stormers v Blues 17-18 Albany
Fri, 16 Mar 2012 Stormers v Blues 27-17 Cape Town
Fri, 20 May 2011 Stormers v Blues 28-26 Auckland

Stormers overall record against the Blues
Played 18, Wins 9, Losses 9, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Christie du Preez

Teams

Stormers

15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 JJ Engelbrecht, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Replacements : 16 Dean Muir, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Cobus Wiese, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Justin Phillips, 23 Craig Barry (Stormers debut)

Blues

1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons ©, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Antonio Kiri Kiri, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Sam Nock, 10. Bryn Gatland, 11. Melani Nanai, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Matt Duffie,15. Michael Collins.

Replacements: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Ross Wright or Sione Mafileo, 18. Mike Tamoaieta, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Jonathan Ruru, 22. Stephen Perofeta, 23. George Moala

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Lions v Sunwolves Super Rugby Preview

The Lions suffered their first loss this Super Rugby season last weekend and they get the chance to turn things around against the winless Sunwolves.

The Lions have played the Sunwolves twice since they joined Super Rugby and both matches were won by the Lions.

The average score when these two teams play each other is Lions 60 Sunwolves 10.

The Lions will be without their captain Warren Whiteley for this match but they are up against a winless side that is at the bottom of the standings. Last week’s loss to the Blues will also have shaken up the Johannesburg side.

The Sunwolves have lost all three of their matches and by an average of 18 points so far. Against South Africa’s top Super Rugby side the Sunwolves should struggle.

The Bookies have given the Sunwolves a 34 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Lions should win this comfortably by 21 points or more.

Average score: Lions 60 Sunwolves 10

Last two results
Sat, 01 Jul 2017 Lions v Sunwolves 94-7 Johannesburg
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Lions v Sunwolves 26-13 Tokyo

Lions overall record against the Sunwolves
Played 2, Wins 2, Losses 0, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2: Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO : Willie Vos

Teams

Lions

15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Franco Mostert (captain), 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Lourens Erasmus, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith

Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Robert Kruger, 20 Marnus Schoeman, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Shaun Reynolds

Sunwolves

15 Kotaro Matsushima, 14 Lomano Lemeki, 13 William Tupou, 12 Michael Little, 11 Hosea Saumaki, 10 Harumichi Tatekawa, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 5 Wimpie van der Walt, 4 Kazuki Himeno, 3 Koo Ji-won, 2 Yusuke Niwai, 1 Craig Millar

Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Shintaro Ishihara, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Grant Hattingh, 20 Willie Britz, 21 Keisuke Uchida, 22 Ryoto Nakamura, 23 Ryuji Noguchi

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Jaguares v Reds Super Rugby Preview

The Jaguares host the final Super Rugby match on Saturday as they host the Reds in Buenos Aires.

These teams have only met once before and that match was last year in Buenos Aires and the Jaguares won 22-8.

The Jaguares made a slow start to the 2018 Super Rugby season but appear to have found their game as they beat the Waratahs 38-28 last weekend.

The Reds results show that they are a different team in 2018 but they have yet to prove themselves away from home. Their only away match resulted in a 45-19 loss to the Rebels. The Jaguares in Buenos Aires should be a tougher test for thee Queenslanders.

The Bookies have given the Reds a 7 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Jaguares turned a corner last weekend. They should win this by four points.

Average score: Jaguares 22 Reds 8

Last result
Sat, 25 Mar 2017 Jaguares v Reds 22-8 Buenos Aires

Jaguares overall record against the Reds
Played 1 , Wins 1 , Losses 0, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : Velez
Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Kick Off local: 18:40
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1:Jamie Nutbrown
Assistant Ref 2:Pablo Deluca
TMO :Santiago Borsani

Teams

Jaguares

15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Santiago Iglesias, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera (captain), 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Matias Alemanno, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Felipe Arregui

Replacements : 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Santiago Botta, 18 Juan Pablo Zeiss, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Juan Martin Hernandez, 23 Sebastian Cancelliere

Reds

1. James Slipper (C), 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa , 3. Taniela Tupou , 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Angus Scott-Young , 7. Adam Korczyk, 8. Caleb Timu , 9. James Tuttle , 10. Jono Lance , 11. Eto Nabuli, 12. Samu Kerevi , 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia , 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Aidan Toua

Replacements : 16. Andrew Ready, 17. JP Smith, 18. Ruan Smith , 19. Harry Hockings, 20. Liam Wright , 21. Ben Lucas , 22. Hamish Stewart , 23. Duncan Paia’aua

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Waratahs v Rebels Super Rugby Preview

The first Sunday Super Rugby match this year is in Sydney where the Waratahs host Melbourne’s Rebels at the Allianz Stadium.

These teams have played each other 13 times since the Rebels joined Super Rugby in 2011 and the Waratahs have won 11 matches and lost two.

The Waratahs eleven wins out of 13 matches gives them a record of winning 85% of the clashes between the teams.

These two teams have played each other 7 times in Sydney and the Waratahs have won six and lost one. The Waratahs single loss was in 2016 and when they met in 2017 in Sydney the Waratahs won.

The Waratahs 6 wins in Sydney against the Rebels gives them a record of winning 86% of their matches at home.

The average score when these teams meet in Sydney is : Waratahs 29 Rebels 18.

The Waratahs have played three matches so far and won one, drawn one and lost one. The Waratahs will be at home this weekend but they have had to travel from Argentina for this match.

Australia’s top side the Rebels had to travel from home in Melbourne so travel fatigue should not be a factor. In their three wins from three matches to date the Rebels have earned bonus point wins in all matches. They deserve to be the favourites for this match.

The Bookies have given the Rebels a 3 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Waratahs will have home advantage but the Rebels are the form Australian team. The Rebels should win this by three.

Average score: Waratahs 32 Rebels 18

Last five results
Sun, 21 May 2017 Waratahs v Rebels 50-23 Sydney
Fri, 24 Mar 2017 Waratahs v Rebels 32-25 Melbourne
Sun, 03 Apr 2016 Waratahs v Rebels 17-21 Sydney
Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Waratahs v Rebels 18-16 Sydney
Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Waratahs v Rebels 38-28 Melbourne

Waratahs overall record against the Rebels
Played 13 , Wins 11 , Losses 2, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 17 March
Venue : Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off local: 16:05
Referee: Brendan Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1:Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 2:Graham Cooper
TMO : Damien Mitchelmore

Teams

Waratahs

15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Curtis Rona, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Michael Wells, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson

Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Will Miller, 21 Mick Snowden, 22 Alex Newsome, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro

Rebels

1. Tetera Faulkner , 2. Anaru Rangi , 3. Jermaine Ainsley , 4. Matt Philip , 5. Adam Coleman (c) , 6. Lopeti Timani , 7. Ross Haylett-Petty , 8. Amanaki Mafi , 9. Will Genia , 10. Jack Debreczeni , 11. Marika Koroibete , 12. Reece Hodge , 13. Tom English , 14. Jack Maddocks , 15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Replacements: 16. Mahe Vailanu , 17. Ben Daley , 18. Sam Talakai , 19. Colby Fainga’a , 20. Richard Hardwick , 21. Michael Ruru , 22. Billy Meakes , 23. Sefa Naivalu

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