Super Rugby team by team preview round 12

Super rugby reaches the 12th round this weekend. The Crusaders have overtaken the Hurricanes and they now occupy the top spot in the overall standings.

The Lions lead the South African Conference and the Waratahs lead the Australian Conference.

In terms of recent form the Crusaders are the current form team as they have won their last five matches and lead the standings.

The Hurricanes have won their last seven matches but not by as much as the Crusaders so they are second in the form rankings and after three straight wins on the road the Jaguares are third.

The Sunwolves have lost their last nine matches which is their worst losing streak in one season.

Recent form ranking.

1 Crusaders – W – W – L – L – W – W – W – B – W – W –
2 Hurricanes – L – W – W – B – W – W – W – W – B – W –
3 Jaguares – L – L – L – W – L – W – B – L – W – W – W –
4 Highlanders – W – B – W – W – L – L – B – W – W – W –
5 Chiefs – L – W – B – W – W – W – W – L – W – B
6 Waratahs – W – D – L – W – B – W – W – W – L – B
7 Bulls – B – W – L – L – L – L – W – B – W – W – L –
8 Sharks – L – B – D – W – L – L – W – L – L – W – B
9 Lions – W – W – W – L – W – L – L – W – B – W – L –
10 Stormers – W – L – L – L – W – W – L – L – B – L – W –
11 Reds – L – W – W – W – L – B – L – L – L – W –
12 Blues – L – L – W – L – B – L – L – W – L – L –
13 Brumbies – W – L – L – W – B – L – W – L – L – L –
14 Rebels – W – W – W – L – W – L – B – L – L – L –
15 Sunwolves – L – L – L – L – L – B – L – L – L – L –

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Chiefs v Jaguares Super Rugby Preview

The Chiefs have only played the Jaguares once before and that match was won with a late try for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have played 8 matches this season and they have won six matches and lost two. At home the Chiefs have played three matches and won three.

The Jaguares have played 10 matches this season and they have won five. They have played 5 matches away from home and won three. Their last three matches have been away and they have won all three.

The Bookies have given the Jaguares a 15 point start for this Match. The Chiefs should win this by 9.

Average score: Chiefs 30 Jaguares 26

Last result
Sat, 19 Mar 2016 Chiefs v Jaguares 30-26 Buenos Aires

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

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 4 May
Venue : Rotorua international stadium
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Brendon Pickerill
TMO : Shane McDermott

Teams

Chiefs

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe , 2. Liam Polwart , 3. Angus Ta’avao , 4. Michael Allardice , 5. Tyler Ardron , 6. Lachlan Boshier / Luke Jacobson , 7. Sam Cane (cc) , 8. Liam Messam , 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , 10. Damian McKenzie , 11. Solomon Alaimalo , 12. Alex Nankivell , 13. Anton Lienert-Brown , 14. Toni Pulu , 15. Charlie Ngatai (cc)

Replacements : 16. Nathan Harris , 17. Sam Prattley , 18. Jeff Thwaites , 19. Luke Jacobson / Jesse Parete * , 20. Pita Gus Sowakula , 21. Brad Weber , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23. Levi Aumua *

Jaguares

15 Joaquin Tuculet (c), 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Javier Ortega Desio, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Tomas Lezana, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti Pagadizaval, 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Santiago Garcia Botta

Jaguares: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Javier Manuel Diaz, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Juan Cruz Mallia

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Rebels v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview

The Rebels have played the Crusaders six times in Super rugby and they have won two matches for a winning percentage of 33%.

The average score when the Rebels play the Crusaders is Rebels 23 Crusaders 35 across all venues but when the teams meet in Melbourne the average is : Rebels 22 Crusaders 28.

This season the Rebels have played 9 matches so far and they have won four and lost five matches. They have played five matches at home and won three.

The Crusaders have played nine matches as well but they have won 7 matches. The Crusaders have played 5 matches away from home and won three.

The Crusaders have won their last five matches.

The Bookies have given the Rebels a 15 point start for this Match. The Crusaders should win this by 14.

Average score: Rebels 23 Crusaders 35

Last five results
Sat, 27 May 2017 Rebels v Crusaders 19-41 Melbourne
Sat, 09 Jul 2016 Rebels v Crusaders 26-85 Christchurch
Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Rebels v Crusaders 20-10 Christchurch
Fri, 14 Mar 2014 Rebels v Crusaders 19-25 Melbourne
Sun, 28 Apr 2013 Rebels v Crusaders 26-30 Christchurch

Rebels overall record against the Crusaders
Played 6 , Wins 2, Losses 4, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 4 May
Venue : AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2: James Leckie
TMO : Ian Smith

Teams

Rebels

15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Sefa Naivalu, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Will Genia, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Colby Fainga’a, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Geoff Parling, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Fereti Sa’aga

Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Tom English, 23 Semisi Tupou

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett , 2. Andrew Makalio , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Scott Barrett , 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Pete Samu , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Jordan Taufua , 9. Mitchell Drummond , 10. Richie Mo’unga , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC) , 13. Jack Goodhue , 14. Seta Tamanivalu , 15. David Havili

Replacements : 16. Codie Taylor , 17. Harry Allan , 18. Michael Alaalatoa , 19. Mitchell Dunshea , 20. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis , 21. Bryn Hall , 22. Mitchell Hunt , 23. Manasa Mataele

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Hurricanes v Lions Super Rugby Preview

The Hurricanes have played the Lions 19 times in Super Rugby and they have won 15 matches and lost just four.

That record gives the Hurricanes a record of winning 79% of their matches regardless of venue against the Lions.

While the Lions have won just four matches between the sides the last time these teams met was in Johannesburg last year and the Lions won. Prior to that the Hurricanes won 8 matches in a row.

This year the Hurricanes have played 8 matches and won 7. They lost their first match to the Bulls but have won all of their matches since then.

At home in 2018 the Hurricanes have played five matches and won all five.

The Lions have played 10 matches this year and they have won six. The Lions have played four matches away from home and won two.

The Bookies have given the Lions a 14 point start for this Match. The Hurricanes should win this by 12.

Average score: Hurricanes 31 Lions 23

Last five results
Sat, 29 Jul 2017 Semi Hurricanes v Lions 29-44 Johannesburg
Sat, 06 Aug 2016 Final Hurricanes v Lions 20-3 Wellington
Sat, 30 Apr 2016 Hurricanes v Lions 50-17 Johannesburg
Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Hurricanes v Lions 22-8 Johannesburg
Fri, 02 Mar 2012 Hurricanes v Lions 30-28 Johannesburg

Hurricanes overall record against the Lions
Played 19, Wins 15, Losses 4, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 5 May
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2:Richard Kelly
TMO :Shane McDermott

Teams

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett , 14 Julian Savea , 13 Matt Proctor , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Ben Lam , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 Finlay Christie , 8 Gareth Evans , 7 Ardie Savea , 6 Brad Shields (c) , 5 Michael Fatialofa , 4 Vaea Fifita , 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen , 2 Ricky Riccitelli , 1 Toby Smith

Replacements : 16 James O’Reilly , 17 Chris Eves , 18 Ben May , 19 Sam Lousi , 20 Reed Prinsep , 21 Jamie Booth , 22 Ihaia West , 23 Nehe Milner-Skudder

Lions

15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Franco Mostert (captain), 4 Lourens Erasmus, 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith

Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Ashlon Davids, 22 Rohan janse van Rensburg, 23 Sylvian Mahuza

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Waratahs v Blues Super Rugby Preview

The Waratahs have played the Blues 22 times in Super Rugby and they have won 8 matches and lost fourteen.

This gives the Waratahs a record of winning 36% of their matches against the Blues regardless of the venue.

This weekend the match will be played in Sydney where the teams have met on 11 occasions. In those 11 matches the Waratahs have won 7 and lost four which gives them a record of winning 64% of the matches.

Out of the last 7 matches in Sydney the Waratahs have won six and lost one. Crucially though the Blues won the last match in Sydney and that was last year.

This year the Waratahs have played 8 matches, won five, drawn one and lost two. At home the Waratahs have played four matches and won three. In their last home match they were beaten 0-29.

The Blues have played 9 matches and won two. Away from home the Blues have played five matches and won two. Statistically the Blues now get better results
away from home. In the past they struggled to win away from home.

The Bookies have given the Blues a 5 point start for this Match. The Waratahs should bounce back and win this by four.

Average score: Waratahs 25 Blues 28

Last five results
Sat, 06 May 2017 Waratahs v Blues 33-40 Sydney
Fri, 15 Jul 2016 Waratahs v Blues 28-34 Auckland
Sat, 28 Mar 2015 Waratahs v Blues 23-11 Sydney
Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Waratahs v Blues 13-21 Auckland
Sun, 24 Mar 2013 Waratahs v Blues 30-27 Sydney

Waratahs overall record against the Blues
Played 22 , Wins 8 , Losses 14, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 5 May
Venue :  Brookvale Oval Sydney
Kick Off local:19:45
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2:Will Houston
TMO :George Ayoub

Teams

Waratahs

1. Tom Robertson , 2. Damien Fitzpatrick , 3. Sekope Kepu , 4. Ned Hanigan, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Will Miller, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Michael Wells , 9. Jake Gordon , 10. Bernard Foley (vc), 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 12. Kurtley Beale , 13. Lalakai Foketi , 14. Cam Clark , 15. Israel Folau ,

Replacements: 16. Hugh Roach, 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes , 18. Paddy Ryan , 19. Tom Staniforth , 20. Jed Holloway, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Curtis Rona, 23. Bryce Hegarty

Blues

15. Matt Duffie, 14. Tumua Manu, 13. Orbyn Leger, 12. Rieko Ioane, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 9. Augustine Pulu (c); 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papalii, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 3. Sione Mafileo, 2. James Parsons, 1. Ross Wright.

Replacements: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Mike Tamoaieta, 19. Ben Nee-Nee or Lyndon Dunshea, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Jonathan Ruru, 22. Dan Kirkpatrick, 23 Terrence Hepetema.

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Stormers v Bulls Super Rugby Preview

The Stormers have played the Bulls 29 times in Super Rugby since 1998 and the Stormers have won 17 matches, drawn one and lost 11.

Therefore the Stormers have won 59% of their matches against the Bulls from Pretoria.

This weekend the match will be at Newlands in Cape Town where the teams have met 14 times. In those 14 matches the Stormers have won 10 matches, drawn one and lost three.

The last six matches between the Stormers and Bulls in Cape Town have all been won by the Stormers. The last time the Bulls won in Cape Town was in 2011.

The Stormers have played 10 matches this year and they have won four. In Cape Town the Stormers have played four matches and won all four. They are undefeated at home in 2018.

The Bulls have played 9 matches this year and they have won four matches and lost five. Away from home the Bulls have played four matches and won one.

The Bulls were on a three match winning streak last week but their loss to the Highlanders ended that run. The Stormers were on a three match losing streak
last week but they ended that run by beating the Rebels.

The Bookies have given the Bulls a 2 point start for this Match. The Stormers should win this by three.

Average score: Stormers 23 Bulls 22

Last five results
Sat, 31 Mar 2018 Stormers v Bulls 23-33 Pretoria
Sat, 15 Jul 2017 Stormers v Bulls 41-33 Pretoria
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 Stormers v Bulls 37-24 Cape Town
Sat, 21 May 2016 Stormers v Bulls 13-17 Pretoria
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Stormers v Bulls 33-9 Cape Town

Stormers overall record against the Bulls
Played 29 , Wins 17, Losses 11 , Draws 1

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 5 May
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2:Rasta Rasivhenge
TMO : Willie Vos

Teams

Stormers

15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Seabelo Senatla.

Bulls

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Johnny Kotze, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Divan Rossouw/Travis Ismaiel, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Thembelani Bholi/Marco van Staden, 7  Jason Jenkins/Thembelani Bholi, 6 Marco van Staden/Roelof Smit, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Lizo Gqoboka

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Frans van Wyk/Nqobisiwe Mxoli, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Hendre Stassen/Roelof Smit, 20 Ivan van Zyl, 21 Manie Libbok, 22 Divan Rossouw/Travis Ismaiel

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Sharks v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview

The final match of the 12th round in Super rugby 2018 is in Durban where the Sharks host the Highlanders.

The Sharks have played the Highlanders 19 times in Super rugby and they have won 11 matches and lost 8 which gives them a record of winning 58% of their matches.

The teams did not meet in 2017 but when they met in 2016 the match was in Dunedin and the Sharks won. The last time the teams met in Durban was in 2014. That year they played twice in Durban as one match was a play off and the teams won one match each. The Sharks won the last of the two Durban matches that year.

Overall in Durban the teams have met 9 times and the Sharks have won 6 matches and lost three. The Sharks have won 66% of their matches against the Highlanders.

This year the Sharks have played 9 matches and they have won three, drawn one and lost five. At home the Sharks have played four matches, won two, drawn one and lost one.

The Highlanders have played 8 matches in 2018 and they have won 6 and lost two. The Highlanders have played four matches away from home and won two.

The Bookies have given the Sharks a 6 point start for this Match. The Highlanders should edge this by two.

Average score: Sharks 23 Highlanders 26

Last five results
Fri, 22 Apr 2016 Sharks v Highlanders 15-14 Dunedin
Fri, 01 May 2015 Sharks v Highlanders 15-48 Dunedin
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 Elim Sharks v Highlanders 31-27 Durban
Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Sharks v Highlanders 18-34 Durban
Sat, 04 May 2013 Sharks v Highlanders 22-25 Dunedin

Sharks overall record against the Highlanders
Played 19, Wins 11 , Losses 8 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 5 May
Venue : Kings Park , Durban
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO :Christie du Preez

Teams

Sharks

15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Lwazi Mvovo

Highlanders

15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patelesio Tomkinson, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Aki Seiuli

Replacements :   16 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Jackson Hemopo, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes/Josh McKay

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