Super Rugby Round 3 has eight matches with two on Friday and six on Saturday. There are no matches on Thursday this week as Super Rugby reverts to it’s traditional Friday and Saturday format.
The Bulls and the Melbourne Rebels have the bye this weekend.
Chiefs v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview
The Chiefs and current Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes start the weekend action in Hamilton. Both teams have played two matches this season and neither team has lost a match yet.
Average score: Chiefs 22 Hurricanes 23
Last five results
30 Jul 2016 Semi Chiefs v Hurricanes 9-25 Wellington
23 Apr 2016 Chiefs v Hurricanes 28-27 Wellington
13 Jun 2015 Chiefs v Hurricanes 13-21 New Plymouth
16 May 2015 Chiefs v Hurricanes 18-22 Wellington
04 Jul 2014 Chiefs v Hurricanes 24-16 Hamilton
Chiefs overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 28, Wins 12, Losses 15, Draws 1
Match :Chiefs v Hurricanes
Date :Friday 10 March 2017
Venue :FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick Off local: 19:35 local
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1:Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 2:James Doleman
TMO :Glenn Newman
Teams
Chiefs
1. Kane Hames (11) , 2. Hika Elliot (106) , 3. Nepo Laulala (2) , 4. Dominic Bird (13) , 5. Brodie Retallick (73) , 6. Mitchell Brown (4) , 7. Sam Cane (co-captain) (82) , 8. Michael Leitch (24) , 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (69) , 10. Aaron Cruden (co-captain) (75) , 11. James Lowe (39) , 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (26) , 13. Tim Nanai-Williams (79) , 14. Toni Pulu (15) , 15. Damian McKenzie (35)
Replacements:16. Sebastian Siataga** , 17. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (13) , 18. Atu Moli (13) , 19. Taleni Seu (20) , 20. Lachlan Boshier (10) , 21. Jonathan Taumateine (2) , 22. Stephen Donald (91) , 23. Shaun Stevenson (9)
() = Chiefs caps in brackets ,
**denotes Super Rugby debut ,
Hurricanes
15 Nehe Milner-Skudder , 14 Vince Aso , 13 Matt Proctor , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Julian Savea , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 TJ Perenara (vc) , 8 Reed Prinsep , 7 Ardie Savea , 6 Brad Shields , 5 Michael Fatialofa , 4 Mark Abbott , 3 Jeffery To’omaga-Allen , 2 Dane Coles (c) , 1 Loni Uhila
Replacements : Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Ben May, James Blackwell, Callum Gibbins, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Jordie Barrett.
Brumbies v Force Super Rugby Preview
The Western Force currently lead the Australian conference but will be playing away from home in Canberra against a team that they have lost their last six matches. In the 8 matches played in Canberra the Brumbies have won six and the Force 2.
Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham has made two changes to the side that fell on the buzzer to the Sharks last weekend with Ben Alexander and Ben Hyne to get their first start of 2017 when they play in Canberra tonight.
The Western Force will have a new front row from the side that beat the Reds in Perth last week, with Pek Cowan and Tetera Faulkner returning to the starting XV.
Former Brumby, Robbie Coleman is set to make his Western Force debut against his old club having been named on the bench.
Average score: Brumbies 25 Western Force 17
Last five results
16 Jul 2016 Brumbies v Force 24-10 Canberra
11 Mar 2016 Brumbies v Force 31-14 Perth
05 Jun 2015 Brumbies v Force 33-20 Perth
06 Mar 2015 Brumbies v Force 27-15 Canberra
11 Jul 2014 Brumbies v Force 47-25 Canberra
Brumbies overall record against the Force
Played 17 , Wins 12 , Losses 4 , Draws 1
Match :Brumbies v Force
Date :Friday 10 March 2017
Venue :GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local:19:45 local
Referee:Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant Ref 1:Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 2:Graham Cooper
TMO :Damien Mitchelmore
Teams
Brumbies
15 Aidan Toua, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 James Dargaville, 10 Wharenui Hawera, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Jordan Smiler, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Ben Hyne, 5 Sam Carter (c), 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Mann-Rea, 1 Ben Alexander
Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Tom Staniforth, 21 Lolo Fakaosilea, 22 De Wet Roos, 23 Andrew Smith
Western Force
Western Force Team , , Pek Cowan , Heath Tessmann (C) , Tetera Faulkner , Ross Haylett-Petty , Matt Philip , Brynard Stander , Kane Koteka , Richard Hardwick , Ryan Louwrens , Jono Lance , Luke Morahan , Billy Meakes , Curtis Rona , Chance Peni , Dane Haylett-Petty
Replacements : Tatafu Polota-Nau , Ben Daley , Jermaine Ainsley , Onehunga Havili Kaufusi , Isi Naisarani , Michael Ruru , Ian Prior , Robbie Coleman
Blues v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
The Blues are currently placed fourth in the New Zealand Conference while the Highlanders are fifth. 2015 Champions the Highlanders have played 13 matches in Auckland but only won 3 times since 1998.
Average score: Blues 27 Highlanders 22
Last five results
26 Feb 2016 Blues v Highlanders 33-31 Auckland
12 Jun 2015 Blues v Highlanders 7-44 Auckland
18 Apr 2015 Blues v Highlanders 24-30 Dunedin
29 Mar 2014 Blues v Highlanders 30-12 Auckland
22 Feb 2014 Blues v Highlanders 21-29 Dunedin
Blues overall record against the Highlanders
Played 27, Wins 16 , Losses 11 , Draws 0
Match :Blues v Highlanders
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35 local
Referee:Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2: Angus Mabey
TMO :Shane McDermott
Teams
Highlanders
1.Daniel Lienert-Brown 2. Liam Coltman,3. Siosuia Halanukonuka,4. Alex Ainley, 5. Tom Franklin, 6. Gareth Evans, 7. Elliot Dixon ( C ), 8. Luke Whitelock, 9 Aaron Smith, 10 . Lima Sopoaga,11. Tevita Li, 12. Rob Thompson,13.Malakai Fekitoa, 14.Waisake Naholo, 15. Richard Buckman
Replacements : 16.Sekonia Pole, 17. Aki Seiuli,18. Siate Tokolahi, 19. Joe Wheeler, 20. Jackson Hemopo, 21.Dillon Hunt, 22. Kayne Hammington, 23.Marty Banks.
Blues
Pauliasi Manu, James Parsons (C), Charlie Faumuina, Jimmy Tupou, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jerome Kaino, Blake Gibson, Murphy Taramai; Augustine Pulu, Ihaia West, Rene Ranger, George Moala, Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, Michael Collins.
Replacements: Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Akira Ioane or Kara Pryor, Billy Guyton, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai.
Reds v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The Reds beat the Crusaders in the 2011 Super Rugby final in Brisbane but in the five matches between the teams since then the Crusaders have won all five. The Crusaders have played the Reds 12 times in Brisbane and won seven matches and the Reds have won 7.
Since that 2011 Super Rugby final the Crusaders have only been to Brisbane once. That match was won 29-57 by the Crusaders.
The Reds have made three changes to the starting side for this weekend’s match, with recent debutants lock Izack Rodda and wing Izaia Perese in line for their run-on debuts after strong performances off the bench in the opening two rounds.
Queensland will be looking to maintain their undefeated start at home this season, having come from behind to beat the Sharks in round 1.
Average score: Reds 21 Crusaders 31
Last five results
06 May 2016 Reds v Crusaders 5-38 Christchurch
08 May 2015 Reds v Crusaders 17-58 Christchurch
11 May 2014 Reds v Crusaders 29-57 Brisbane
20 Jul 2013 Elim Reds v Crusaders 9-38 Christchurch
06 May 2012 Reds v Crusaders 11-15 Christchurch
Reds overall record against the Crusaders
Played 23 , Wins 6, Losses 17 , Draws 0
Match :Reds v Crusaders
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue :Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local:18:45 local
Referee:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 1:Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 2:Damon Murphy
TMO :George Ayoub
Teams
Reds
1. James Slipper (C) , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Sam Talakai , 4. Rob Simmons , 5. Izack Rodda (run-on debut) , 6. Hendrik Tui , 7. George Smith , 8. Scott Higginbotham , 9. Nick Frisby , 10. Quade Cooper , 11. Eto Nabuli , 12. Duncan Paia’aua , 13. Samu Kerevi , 14. Izaia Perese (run-on debut) , 15. Karmichael Hunt
16. Andrew Ready , 17. Sef Fa’agase , 18. Taniela Tupou , 19. Kane Douglas , 20. Adam Korczyk , 21. James Tuttle , 22. Jake McIntyre , 23. Chris Kuridrani
Crusaders
Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Digby Ioane, Mitchell Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Whetu Douglas, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Pete Samu, Sam Whitelock (capt), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.
Replacements : Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Bryn Hall, Marty McKenzie, George Bridge.
Kings v Stormers Super Rugby Preview
The Southern Kings have played the Stormers three times in Super Rugby. All three matches have been won by the Stormers. The last time these teams met in Port Elizabeth the Stormers won 12-24 in 2013.
Average score: Southern 16 Kings 32
Last three results
16 Jul 2016 Kings v Stormers 24-52 Cape Town
06 Jul 2013 Kings v Stormers 12-24 Port Elizabeth
01 Jun 2013 Kings v Stormers 11-19 Cape Town
Kings overall record against the Stormers
Played 3 , Wins 0, Losses 3 , Draws 0
Match :Kings v Stormers
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue :Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick Off local:15:05 local
Referee:Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 1: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2: Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO :Christie du Preez
Teams
Stormers
15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Bjorn Basson (Stormers debut), 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris Van Zyl, 20 Jaco Coetzee (Super Rugby debut), 21 Justin Phillips (Super Rugby debut), 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Damian Willemse (Super Rugby debut).
Southern Kings
15. Masixole Banda ,14. Makazole Mapimpi ,13. Waylon Murray,12. Luzuko Vulindlu ,11. Malcolm Jaer,10. Lionel Cronje (V/C) ,9. Rick Schroeder, 8. Ruaan Lerm,7. Thembelani Bholi,6. Chris Cloete ,5. Irne Herbst,4. Tyler Paul,3. Ross Geldenhuys ,2. Michael Willemse,1. Schalk Ferreira (capt)
Replacements: 16. Kurt Haupt, 17. Schalk van der Merwe, 18. Chris Heiberg, 19. Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20. Andisa Ntsila, 21. Johan Steyn, 22. Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 23. Berton Klaasen
Cheetahs v Sunwolves Super Rugby Preview
The Cheetahs and Sunwolves meet in Bloemfontein for this match. This will only be their third meeting and the last time the Sunwolves were in Bloemfontein they were beaten 92-17.
Average score: Cheetahs 62 Sunwolves 24
Last two results
15 Apr 2016 Cheetahs v Sunwolves 92-17 Bloemfontein
12 Mar 2016 Cheetahs v Sunwolves 32-31 Singapore
Cheetahs overall record against the Sunwolves
Played 2, Wins 2 , Losses 0 , Draws 0
Match :Cheetahs v Sunwolves
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue :Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick Off local:17:15 local
Referee:Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 2:Quinton Immelman
TMO :Johan Greef
Teams
Cheetahs
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Zee Mkhabela, 13 Ryno Benjamin, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Johan Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), 1 Charles Marais
Replacements: 16 Danie Mienie, 17 Elandre Huggett, 18 Tom Botha, 19 Armandt Koster, 20 Henco Venter 21 Niel Marais, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Ruan van Rensburg
Sunwolves
15 Shota Emi, 14 Takaaki Nakazuru, 13 William Tupou, 12 Derek Carpenter, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Hayden Cripps, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Willie Britz, 7 Shumei Matsuhashi, 6 Ed Quirk, 5 Uwe Hela, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Yasuo Yamaji, 2 Yusuke Niwai, 1 Koki Yamamoto
Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Masataka Mikami, 18 Takuma Asahara, 19 Sam Wykes, 20 Shokei Kin, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Jumpei Ogura, 23 Jamie-Jerry Taulagi
Sharks v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview
The Sharks have played the Waratahs 8 times in Durban and they have four matches and lost four. The Waratahs have lost their last two matches in Durban where they have not won since 2009. This match will be the Sharks first match at home this year .
Average score: Sharks 21 Waratahs 28
Last five results
16 May 2015 Sharks v Waratahs 18-33 Sydney
29 Mar 2014 Sharks v Waratahs 32-10 Durban
24 Mar 2012 Sharks v Waratahs 30-34 Sydney
28 May 2011 Sharks v Waratahs 26-21 Durban
06 Mar 2010 4 Sharks v Waratahs 21-25 Sydney
Sharks overall record against the Waratahs
Played 18 , Wins 5 , Losses 12 , Draws 1
Match :Sharks v Waratahs
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue :Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban
Kick Off local:19:30 local
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2: Stuart Berry
TMO :Shaun Veldsman
Teams
Sharks
15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie (c), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean- Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Curwin Bosch
Waratahs
1. Tom Robertson , 2. Tolu Latu , 3. Sekope Kepu , 4. Dean Mumm , 5. David McDuling , 6. Jack Dempsey , 7. Michael Hooper (c) , 8. Michael Wells , 9. Nick Phipps , 10. Bryce Hegarty , 11. Rob Horne , 12. Irae Simone , 13. Israel Folau , 14. Reece Robinson , 15. Andrew Kellaway
16. Hugh Roach , 17. Paddy Ryan , 18. David Lolohea , 19. Senio Toleafoa , 20. Maclean Jones , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. David Horwitz , 23. Cameron Clark
Jaguares v Lions Super Rugby Preview
The Lions and the Jaguares have only played each other twice. Both matches were won by the team playing at home. Last year the Lions took a second string team to Buenos Aires and were beaten 34-22.
The Waratahs will be looking to bounce back after last week’s loss to the Lions and finish their South Africa tour with a win when they play the Sharks.
The Waratahs have not loss consecutive games in South Africa since 2013.
Average score: Jaguares 29 Lions 37
Last five results
16 Jul 2016 Jaguares v Lions 34-22 Buenos Aires
21 May 2016 Jaguares v Lions 24-52 Johannesburg
Jaguares overall record against the Lions
Played 2 , Wins 1 , Losses 1, Draws 0
Match :Jaguares v Lions
Date :Saturday 11 March 2017
Venue :Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Kick Off local:16:40 local
Referee:Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Damian Schneider
TMO :Santiago Borsani
Teams
Jaguares
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Santiago Cordero, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Tomás Lezana, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Felipe Arregui, 2 Agustín Creevy (c), 1 Santiago García Botta
Replacements: 16 Julián Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera Paz, 18 Cristian Bartoloni, 19 Marcos Kremer, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Juan Martín Hernández, 23 Matías Moroni
Lions
15 Jaco van der Walt, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Jacques Nel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Ross Cronjé, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Dylan Smith
Replacments: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Andries Coetzee, 23 Sylvian Mahuza