After 11 rounds of Super rugby the Crusaders, Sharks and Rebels all top their conferences and as luck would have it the top two ranked teams meet this weekend.
Super rugby round 12 kicks off with the top ranked Crusaders hosting the second placed Sharks in Christchurch.
In our current form rankings which is based upon the last five matches, points scored, matches won and points conceded the Crusaders remain on top but as they are in the New Zealand Conference the Hurricanes are right behind and keeping them honest.
Having won their last three matches the Jaguares are the form team in the South African Conference. In the Australian Conference the Reds come out as the team most in form.
Super rugby form guide
1 Crusaders – W – W – W – W – D – L – W – W – W – B- W
2 Hurricanes – W – L – W – W – D – W – L – W – B- W – W
3 Jaguares – L – W – W – L – L – B- L – W – W – B- W
4 Reds B – L – L – L – W – W – L – W – L – W – B
5 Highlanders – W – W – L – L – D – L – B- L – L – W – W
6 Stormers – L – W – W – B- W – L – L – L – W – L – W
7 Brumbies – L – W – L – L – W – L – B- L – W – W – L
8 Sharks – W – W – L – L – B- W – L – W – L – L – W
9 Chiefs – L – L – L – L – D – W – W – B- W – L – L
10 Blues – L – L – L – W – B- W – W – W – L – L – B
11 Bulls – W – L – W – W – B- L – W – L – W – B- L
12 Lions – W – L – L – W – W – W – B- L – L – W – L
13 Rebels – W – B- W – W – L – L – W – W – L – L – B
14 Waratahs – L – W – B- W – L – W – L – L – B- W – L
15 Sunwolves – L – L – W – L – L – L – W – L – B- L – L
Crusaders v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The Crusaders have played the Sharks 22 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Crusaders have won 18 matches, drawn 0 and lost 4 times.
The Crusaders 18 wins out of 22 matches gives them a record of winning 82% of their matches against the Sharks regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Christchurch which is home for the Crusaders and the venue where the teams have met 10 times.
In those 10 matches played in Christchurch the Crusaders have won 9 matches and lost 1. This gives the Crusaders a record of winning 90% of their matches against the Sharks at home.
The average score when the Crusaders play the Sharks in Christchurch is : Crusaders 36 Sharks 20.
The Crusaders have won the last two matches against the Sharks in Christchurch and the Sharks only victory was in 2014 when they won 25-30.
Average score: Crusaders 32 Sharks 20
Last five results
Sat, 21 Jul 2018 Elim Crusaders v Sharks 40-10 Christchurch
Sat, 26 Mar 2016 Crusaders v Sharks 19-14 Durban
Sat, 04 Apr 2015 Crusaders v Sharks 52-10 Durban
Sat, 26 Jul 2014 Semi Crusaders v Sharks 38-6 Christchurch
Sat, 17 May 2014 Crusaders v Sharks 25-30 Christchurch
Crusaders overall record against the Sharks
Played 22 , Wins 18, Losses 4 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 3 May
Venue : AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1:Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2:James Munro
TMO : Glenn Newman
Teams
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd (captain), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Tim Bateman
Sharks
15. Aphelele Fassi 14. Sbu Nkosi 13. Lukhanyo Am 12. Andre Esterhuizen 11. Makazole Mapimpi 10. Curwin Bosch 9. Louis Schreuder (c) 8. Daniel du Preez 7. Jean-Luc du Preez 6. Philip van der Walt 5. Ruan Botha 4. Ruben van Heerden 3. Coenie Oosthuizen 2. Kerron van Vuuren 1. Thomas du Toit
Replacements : 16. Akker van der Merwe 17. Mzamo Majola 18. John-Hubert Meyer 19. Hyron Andrews 20. Jacques Vermeulen 21. Cameron Wright 22. Robert du Preez 23. Marius Louw
Reds v Sunwolves Super Rugby Preview
The Reds have played the Sunwolves 4 times in Super rugby since 2016 and the Reds have won 3 matches, drawn 0 and lost once.
The Reds 3 wins out of 4 matches gives them a record of winning 75% of their matches against the Sunwolves regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Brisbane which is home for the Reds and the venue where the teams have met just twice before.
In those 2 matches played in Brisbane the Reds both. This gives the Reds a record of winning 100% of their matches against the Sunwolves at home.
The average score when the Reds play the Sunwolves in Brisbane is : Reds 42 Sunwolves 26.
The Reds have earned bonus point wins in both of their Brisbane matches against the Sunwolves. The closest the Sunwolves got to the Reds was in the first match and they still lost by 10.
Average score: Reds 36 Sunwolves 36
Last five results
Sat, 16 Mar 2019 Reds v Sunwolves 34-31 Tokyo
Fri, 13 Jul 2018 Reds v Sunwolves 48-27 Brisbane
Sat, 12 May 2018 Reds v Sunwolves 28-63 Tokyo
Sat, 21 May 2016 Reds v Sunwolves 35-25 Brisbane
Reds overall record against the Sunwolves
Played 4 , Wins 3 , Losses 1, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 3 May
Venue : Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2:Damon Murphy
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Reds
1. Harry Hoopert , 2. Alex Mafi , 3. Taniela Tupou , 4. Izack Rodda , 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto , 6. Angus Scott-Young , 7. Liam Wright , 8. Scott Higginbotham, 9. Tate McDermott , 10. Bryce Hegarty , 11. Sefa Naivalu, 12. Samu Kerevi (c) , 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia , 14. Jock Campbell , 15. Hamish Stewart
Replacements 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa , 17. JP Smith, 18. Ruan Smith , 19. Harry Hockings , 20. Adam Korczyk, 22. Duncan Paia’aua, 23. Seb Wileman
Sunwolves
15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Gerhard Van Den Heever, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Kaito Shigeno, 8 Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Grant Hattingh, 3 Hiroshi Yamashita, Shota Horie, 1 Masataka Mikami
Replacements 16 Nathan Vella, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Takuma Asahara, 19 Tom Rowe, 20 Ben Gunter, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Yu Tamura, 23 Jamie Henry
Hurricanes v Rebels Super Rugby Preview
The Hurricanes have played the Rebels 7 times in Super rugby since 2011 and the Hurricanes have won 6 matches, drawn none and lost once.
The Hurricanes 6 wins out of 7 matches gives them a record of winning 86% of their matches against the Rebels regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Wellington which is home for the Hurricanes and the venue where the teams have met 3 times.
In those 3 matches played in Wellington the Hurricanes have won all 3. This gives the Hurricanes a record of winning 100% of their matches against the Rebels at home.
The average score when the Hurricanes play the Rebels in Wellington is : Hurricanes 58 Rebels 14.
The Hurricanes victories over the Rebels at home have all been convincing wins. The Rebels closest loss was a 36-12 defeat in 2015 and when they last visited the city they lost 71-6. That day the Hurricanes outscored the Rebels by 11 tries nil.
Average score: Hurricanes 44 Rebels 19
Last five results
Fri, 30 Mar 2018 Hurricanes v Rebels 50-19 Melbourne
Sat, 04 Mar 2017 Hurricanes v Rebels 71-6 Wellington
Fri, 15 Apr 2016 Hurricanes v Rebels 38-13 Melbourne
Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Hurricanes v Rebels 36-12 Wellington
Fri, 09 May 2014 Hurricanes v Rebels 25-15 Melbourne
Hurricanes overall record against the Rebels
Played 7, Wins 6 , Losses 1, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 4 May
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Glen Jackson
TMO :Aaron Paterson
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Chase Tiatia, 10 Beauden Barrett (captain), 9 Richard Judd, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Fraser Armstrong.
Replacements:16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Kane Le’aupepe, 20 Liam Mitchell, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Finlay Christie, 23 James Marshall
Rebels
15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Tom English, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Rob Leota, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner
Replacements:16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Pone Fa’amausili, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Billy Meakes, 23 Campbell Magnay
Highlanders v Chiefs Super Rugby Preview
The Highlanders have played the Chiefs 32 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Highlanders have won 14 matches, drawn none and lost 18 matches.
The Highlanders 14 wins out of 32 matches gives them a record of winning 44% of their matches against the Chiefs regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Dunedin which is home for the Highlanders and the venue where the teams have met 12 times.
In those 12 matches played in Dunedin the Highlanders have won 7 matches and lost 5. This gives the Highlanders a record of winning 58% of their matches against the Chiefs at home.
The average score when the Highlanders play the Chiefs in Dunedin is : Highlanders 27 Chiefs 22.
The last two matches between these teams played in Dunedin were both won by the Chiefs.
The Highlanders have not beaten the Chiefs at their home venue since July 2016.
Average score: Highlanders 23 Chiefs 23
Last five results
Fri, 15 Feb 2019 Highlanders v Chiefs 30-27 Hamilton
Sat, 30 Jun 2018 Highlanders v Chiefs 22-45 Dunedin
Fri, 30 Mar 2018 Highlanders v Chiefs 22-27 Hamilton
Fri, 24 Feb 2017 Highlanders v Chiefs 15-24 Dunedin
Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Highlanders v Chiefs 25-15 Dunedin
Highlanders overall record against the Chiefs
Played 32, Wins 14, Losses 18 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 4 May
Venue : Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2:James Doleman
TMO :Glenn Newman
Teams
Highlanders
15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Luke Whitelock (cc), 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements:16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh McKay, 23 Sio Tomkinson
Chiefs
15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Michael Allardice (captain), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Atu Moli
Replacements:16 Liam Polwart, 17 Ryan Coxon, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Taleni Seu, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Shaun Stevenson, 23 Bailyn Sullivan
Brumbies v Blues Super Rugby Preview
The Brumbies have played the Blues 23 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Brumbies have won 9 matches, drawn none and lost 14 times.
The Brumbies 9 wins out of 23 matches gives them a record of winning 39% of their matches against the Blues regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Canberra which is home for the Brumbies and the venue where the teams have met 10 times.
In those 10 matches played in Canberra the Brumbies have won 5 matches and lost 5. This gives the Brumbies a record of winning 50% of their matches against the Blues at home.
The average score when the Brumbies play the Blues in Canberra is : Brumbies 28 Blues 22.
Since 2004 matches these teams have alternated wins over each other in Canberra. If the trend continues this weekend it will be the Brumbies turn to win as the Blues won 12-18 on their last visit (2017).
Average score: Brumbies 23 Blues 24
Last five results
Sun, 30 Apr 2017 Brumbies v Blues 12-18 Canberra
Fri, 08 Jul 2016 16 Brumbies v Blues 15-40 Auckland
Fri, 10 Apr 2015 Brumbies v Blues 14-16 Auckland
Fri, 04 Apr 2014 Brumbies v Blues 26-9 Canberra
Sat, 25 May 2013 Brumbies v Blues 20-13 Auckland
Brumbies overall record against the Blues
Played 23, Wins 9, Losses 14, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 4 May
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:45 l
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2: Angus Gardner
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Brumbies
15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Christian Lealiifano (captain), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Tom Cusack, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Faigna’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements:16 Conor McInerney, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Murray Douglas, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tom Wright, 23 Andy Muirhead
Blues
1 Alex Hodgman, 2 Leni Apisai, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 4 Gerard Cowley Tuioti, 5 Josh Goodhue, 6 Tom Robinson, 7 Blake Gibson ©, 8 Akira Ioane; 9 Sam Nock, 10 Otere Black, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 13 TJ Faiane, 14 Matt Duffie, 15 Melani Nanai.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Levi Aumua.
Bulls v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview
The Bulls have played the Waratahs 19 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Bulls have won 10 matches and lost 9.
The Bulls 10 wins out of 19 matches gives them a record of winning 53% of their matches against the Waratahs regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Pretoria which is home for the Bulls and the venue where the teams have met 8 times.
In those 8 matches played in Pretoria the Bulls have won 6matches and lost 2. This gives the Bulls a record of winning 75% of their matches against the Waratahs at home.
The average score when the Bulls play the Waratahs in Pretoria is : Bulls 27 Waratahs 27.
The Bulls have won the last six matches against the Waratahs in Pretoria and the Waratahs have not won in the city since 2002.
Average score: Bulls 22 Waratahs 27
Last five results
Sat, 14 May 2016 Bulls v Waratahs 8-31 Sydney
Sat, 19 Apr 2014 Bulls v Waratahs 12-19 Sydney
Sat, 27 Apr 2013 Bulls v Waratahs 30-19 Pretoria
Fri, 11 May 2012 Bulls v Waratahs 27-24 Sydney
Fri, 03 Jun 2011 Bulls v Waratahs 23-17 Pretoria
Bulls overall record against the Waratahs
Played 19 , Wins 10 , Losses 9, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 4 May
Venue : Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Christie du Preez
Teams
Bulls
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handré Pollard (captain), 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Thembelani Bholi, 20 Paul Schoeman, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Dylan Sage
Waratahs
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Curtis Rona, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ned Hanigan, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes
Replacements: 16 Andrew Tuala, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Hugh Sinclair, 20 Will Miller, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Alex Newsome
Jaguares v Stormers Super Rugby Preview
The Jaguares have played the Stormers 5 times in Super rugby since 2016 and the Jaguares have won 1 match and lost 4 times.
The Jaguares 1 win out of 5 matches gives them a record of winning 20% of their matches against the Stormers regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Buenos Aires which is home for the Jaguares and the venue where the teams have met just twice before.
In those 2 matches played in Buenos Aires the Jaguares have won 1 matches and lost 1. This gives the Jaguares a record of winning 60% of their matches against the Stormers at home.
The average score when the Jaguares play the Stormers in Buenos Aires is : Jaguares 16 Stormers 14.
The Jaguares won the first match between these teams in Buenos Aires and the most recent match was in June 2018 and was won by the Jaguares.
Average score: Jaguares 17 Stormers 24
Last five results
Sat, 16 Mar 2019 Jaguares v Stormers 8-35 Cape Town
Sat, 30 Jun 2018 Jaguares v Stormers 25-14 Buenos Aires
Sat, 17 Feb 2018 Jaguares v Stormers 20-28 Cape Town
Sat, 04 Mar 2017 Jaguares v Stormers 25-32 Cape Town
Sat, 26 Mar 2016 Jaguares v Stormers 8-13 Buenos Aires
Jaguares overall record against the Stormers
Played 5, Wins 1, Losses 4 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 4 May
Venue : Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
Kick Off local: 16:40
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 1: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 2: Federico Anselmi
TMO : Santiago Borsani
Teams
Jaguares
To follow.
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Kobus van Dyk, 7 Cobus Wiese, 6 Jaco Coetzee , 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Johan du Toit, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Damian de Allende, 23 Seabelo Senatla.