Super rugby round 14 this weekend means that there are just five rounds of the regular season remaining and most of the New Zealand teams have just four matches remaining.
Half of the Australian teams have five matches to play while most of the South African teams have five matches to play and at the business end of the season that could be crucial in sorting out the congested middle of table.
With five rounds to play the only team that we can effectively rule out at this stage in the Sunwolves who are placed last.
In our current form rankings which is based upon the last five matches, points scored, matches won and points conceded the Hurricanes remain at the top, closely followed by the Crusaders.
The Highlanders have also made it into the top three after 3 wins in succession. The Brumbies back to back wins in the Australian conference has them in fourth place while the Jaguares are fifth which makes them the most in form team in the South African conference.
Super rugby form guide
1 Hurricanes – W – L – W – W – D – W – L – W – B – W – W – W – W
2 Crusaders – W – W – W – W – D – L – W – W – W – B – W – D – W
3 Highlanders – W – W – L – L – D – L – B – L – L – W – W – D – W
4 Brumbies – L – W – L – L – W – L – B – L – W – W – L – W – W
5 Jaguares – L – W – W – L – L – B – L – W – W – B – W – W – L
6 Chiefs – L – L – L – L – D – W – W – B – W – L – L – D – W
7 Lions – W – L – L – W – W – W – B – L – L – W – L – B – W
8 Reds – B – L – L – L – W – W – L – W – L – W – B – W – L
9 Rebels – W – B – W – W – L – L – W – W – L – L – B – L – W
10 Sharks – W – W – L – L – B – W – L – W – L – L – W – D – L
11 Stormers – L – W – W – B – W – L – L – L – W – L – W – L – B
12 Bulls – W – L – W – W – B – L – W – L – W – B – L – W – L
13 Waratahs – L – W – B – W – L – W – L – L – B – W – L – L – L
14 Blues – L – L – L – W – B – W – W – W – L – L – B – L – L
15 Sunwolves – L – L – W – L – L – L – W – L – B – L – L – L – L
Hurricanes v Jaguares Super Rugby Preview
The Hurricanes have played the Jaguares twice in Super rugby since 2016 and the Hurricanes have won both.
The Hurricanes 2 wins from 2 matches gives them a record of winning 100% of their matches against the Jaguares.
This weekend the match will be played in Wellington which is home for the Hurricanes and where the teams have met just once before.
In that single match played in Wellington the Hurricanes won the match 40-22.
The Hurricanes are the form team currently so the Jaguares will have their hands full in this match.
Average score: Hurricanes 37 Jaguares 16
Last two results
Sat, 03 Mar 2018 Hurricanes v Jaguares 34-9 Buenos Aires
Sat, 09 Apr 2016 Hurricanes v Jaguares 40-22 Wellington
Hurricanes overall record against the Jaguares
Played 2 , Wins 2 , Losses 0 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 17 May
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2: Paul Williams
TMO : Aaron Paterson
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett , 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara (c), 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements : 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Kane Le’aupepe, 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Salesi Rayasi
Jaguares
15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Sebastien Cancelliere, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente (captain), 11 Ramiro Moyano, 10 Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Javier Ortego Desio, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Enrique Pieretto, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Replacements : 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Lucas Paulos, 20 Marcos Kremer, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Domingo Miotti, 23 Matias Orlando
Rebels v Bulls Super Rugby Preview
The Rebels have played the Bulls 6 times in Super rugby since 2011 and the Rebels have won 1 match and lost 5 matches.
The Rebels 1 win from 6 matches gives them a record of winning 17% of their matches against the Bulls regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Melbourne which is home for the Rebels and the venue where the teams have met twice before.
In those 2 matches played in Melbourne the Rebels have won 1 and lost 1. This gives the Rebels a record of winning 50% of their matches against the Bulls at home.
The average score when the Rebels play the Bulls in Melbourne is : Rebels 28 Bulls 30.
The Rebels won the last match in Melbourne between these teams but that was back in 2015.
The Bookies have given the Bulls a 6 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Rebels 18 Bulls 37
Last five results
Sat, 21 Apr 2018 10 Rebels v Bulls 10-28 Pretoria
Sat, 05 Mar 2016 Rebels v Bulls 25-45 Pretoria
Sat, 06 Jun 2015 Rebels v Bulls 21-20 Melbourne
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 Rebels v Bulls 7-40 Pretoria
Fri, 04 May 2012 Rebels v Bulls 35-41 Melbourne
Rebels overall record against the Bulls
Played 6, Wins 1, Losses 5, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 18 May
Venue : AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 1:Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 2:Aaron Pook
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Rebels
15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Rob Leota, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Pone Fa’amausili, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Campbell Magnay, 23 Matt To’omua
Bulls
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handré Pollard (captain), 9 André Warner, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Paul Schoeman, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Jannes Kirsten, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Divan Rossouw
Blues v Chiefs Super Rugby Preview
The Blues have played the Chiefs 31 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Blues have won 10 matches, drawn 1 and lost 20 times.
The Blues 10 wins out of 31 matches gives them a record of winning 32% of their matches against the Chiefs regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Auckland which is home for the Blues and the venue where the teams have met 13 times.
In those 13 matches played in Auckland the Blues have won 5 matches, lost 4 and drawn one. This gives the Blues a record of winning 39% of their matches against the Chiefs at home.
The average score when the Blues play the Chiefs in Auckland is : Blues 23 Chiefs 24.
The Blues have not beaten the Chiefs in the last six matches played in Auckland. The teams did draw in 2017 but for the Blues that was the best result.
The last time the Blues beat the Chiefs at home was back in 2010.
Average score: Blues 22 Chiefs 36
Last five results
Sat, 13 Apr 2019 Blues v Chiefs 29-33 Hamilton
Sat, 07 Apr 2018 Blues v Chiefs 19-21 Hamilton
Fri, 02 Mar 2018 Blues v Chiefs 21-27 Auckland
Fri, 26 May 2017 Blues v Chiefs 16-16 Auckland
Fri, 03 Mar 2017 Blues v Chiefs 26-41 Waikato
Blues overall record against the Chiefs
Played 31, Wins 10, Losses 20, Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 18 May
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 2:Dan Waenga
TMO :Glenn Newman
Teams
Blues
1 Alex Hodgman, 2 James Parsons, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (co-capt), 5 Scott Scrafton, 6 Dalton Papalii, 7 Blake Gibson (co-capt), 8 Akira Ioane, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 10 Harry Plummer, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 13 TJ Faiane (VC), 14 Caleb Clarke, 15 Melani Nanai.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Lua Li, 18 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Tom Robinson, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Otere Black, 23 Matt Duffie.
Chiefs
15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (captain), 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Atu Moli
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Mitchell Jacobson, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Shaun Stevenson, 23 Alex Nankivell
Reds v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview
The Reds have played the Waratahs 31 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Reds have won 13 matches, drawn 1 and lost 17 times.
The Reds 13 wins out of 31 matches gives them a record of winning 42% of their matches against the Waratahs 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 16 times.
In those 16 matches played in Brisbane the Reds have won 7 matches, lost 4 and drawn 1. This gives the Reds a record of winning 40% of their matches against the Waratahs at home.
The average score when the Reds play the Waratahs in Brisbane is : Reds 21 Waratahs 21.
The Waratahs have won the last five matches against the Waratahs in Brisbane and the Reds have not won in the city since 2013.
The Bookies have given the Reds a 2 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Reds 19 Waratahs 23
Last five results
Sat, 09 Mar 2019 Reds v Waratahs 17-28 Sydney
Sat, 02 Jun 2018 Reds v Waratahs 41-52 Brisbane
Sat, 14 Apr 2018 Reds v Waratahs 16-37 Sydney
Sat, 29 Apr 2017 Reds v Waratahs 26-29 Brisbane
Sun, 27 Mar 2016 Reds v Waratahs 13-15 Brisbane
Reds overall record against the Waratahs
Played 31 , Wins 13, Losses 17 , Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 18 May
Venue : Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1:Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2:Damon Murphy
TMO : James Leckie
Teams
Reds
1. JP Smith , 2. Alex Mafi , 3. Taniela Tupou , 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto , 7. Liam Wright, 8. Angus Scott-Young , 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Bryce Hegarty, 11. Sefa Naivalu , 12. Samu Kerevi (c) , 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia,14. Jock Campbell , 15. Matt McGahan
Replacements : 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa , 17. Harry Hoopert , 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Scott Higginbotham, 20. Caleb Timu , 21. Moses Sorovi , 22. Duncan Paia’aua , 23. Seb Wileman
Waratahs
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Alex Newsome, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements : 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Will Miller, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Curtis Rona
Lions v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
The Lions have played the Highlanders 19 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Lions have won 7 matches and lost 12 times.
The Lions 7 wins out of 19 matches gives them a record of winning 37% of their matches against the Highlanders regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Johannesburg which is home for the Lions and the venue where the teams have met 7 times.
In those 7 matches played in Johannesburg the Lions have won 6 matches and lost 1. This gives the Lions a record of winning 86% of their matches against the Highlanders at home.
The average score when the Lions play the Highlanders in Johannesburg is : Lions 30 Highlanders 20.
The Lions have won the last four matches against the Highlanders in Johannesburg and the Highlanders have not won in the city since 2005.
The Bookies have given the Lions a 2 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Lions 25 Highlanders 28
Last five results
Sat, 12 May 2018 Lions v Highlanders 27-39 Dunedin
Sat, 30 Jul 2016 Semi Lions v Highlanders 42-30 Johannesburg
Sat, 12 Mar 2016 Lions v Highlanders 15-34 Dunedin
Sat, 09 May 2015 Lions v Highlanders 28-23 Johannesburg
Sat, 10 May 2014 Lions v Highlanders 22-23 Dunedin
Lions overall record against the Highlanders
Played 19, Wins 7, Losses 12 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 18 May
Venue : Emirates Airlines (Ellis) Park, Johannesburg
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 2:Griffin Colby
TMO :Willie Vos
Teams
Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Malcolm Marx (captain), 1 Dylan Smith
Replacements : 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Nic Groom, 22 Shaun Reynolds, 23 Tyrone Green
Highlanders
Ayden Johnstone, Liam Coltman, Tyrel Lomax, Josh Dickson, Tom Franklin, Luke Whitelock (c), Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Aaron Smith, Josh Ioane, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Rob Thompson, Jordan Hyland, Matt Faddes
Replacements : Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Jack Whetton, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Daniel Hollinshead, Waisake Naholo
Stormers v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The Stormers have played the Crusaders 21 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Stormers have won 4 matches and lost 17 times.
The Stormers 4 wins out of 21 matches gives them a record of winning 19% of their matches against the Crusaders regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Cape Town which is home for the Stormers and the venue where the teams have met 10 times.
In those 10 matches played in Cape Town the Stormers have won 4 matches and lost 6. This gives the Stormers a record of winning 40% of their matches against the Crusaders at home.
The average score when the Stormers play the Crusaders in Cape Town is : Stormers 22 Crusaders 27.
The Crusaders have won the last three matches against the Stormers in Cape Town and the Stormers have not won in their home city in these matches since 2010.
Average score: Stormers 20 Crusaders 30
Last five results
Sat, 03 Mar 2018 Stormers v Crusaders 28-45 Christchurch
Sat, 22 Apr 2017 Stormers v Crusaders 24-57 Christchurch
Sat, 08 Mar 2014 Stormers v Crusaders 13-14 Christchurch
Sat, 30 Mar 2013 Stormers v Crusaders 14-19 Cape Town
Sat, 14 Apr 2012 8 Stormers v Crusaders 24-31 Christchurch
Stormers overall record against the Crusaders
Played 21, Wins 4 , Losses 17, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 18 May
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 2:AJ Jacobs
TMO : Marius Jonker
Teams
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Josh Stander, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Jaco Coetzee, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Cobus Wiese, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Kobus van Dyk, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Dan Kriel
Crusaders
15 David Havili, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allan, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Jordan Taufua, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor