Super Rugby team by team preview round 16

Super Rugby reaches the sixteenth round this weekend and this is the final round before the break for the June internationals.

Round 16 features just the New Zealand and Australian Conference teams. No teams have the bye. The South African Conference teams are not playing just as the Australian and New Zealand teams did not play in Round 1.

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

After this weekend there is no Super rugby until Friday 29 June when all teams return for Round 17 with the exception of the Crusaders who have a bye that weekend.

In our current form rankings which is based upon the last five matches, points scored, matches won and points conceded the Jaguares have overtaken the Crusaders.

The Crusaders have the longest winning streak though as they have won their last nine matches.

Current form ranking

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

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Highlanders v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview

The final Super rugby round before the break for the June Internationals kicks off in Dunedin where the Highlanders host the Hurricanes on Friday.

The Hurricanes have won the last three matches between these two sides and the two before that were won by the Highlanders. One of those two wins was the 2015 Super Rugby final.

Overall the Highlanders have played the Hurricanes 10 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Highlanders have won 13 matches and lost 18. There have been no draws between the sides.

This weekend the match will be played in Dunedin where the teams have met 13 times and in those matches the Highlanders have won 6 and lost 7. The average score when the Highlanders play the Hurricanes in Dunedin is Highlanders 21 Hurricanes 22.

This year the Highlanders have played 12 matches and won 8. They have played 5 matches at home and won all five so they are unbeaten at home.

The Hurricanes have played 12 matches as well and they have won 10 and lost two. The Hurricanes have played 5 matches away from home and won three.

The Bookies have given the Highlanders a 6 point start for this Match. The Hurricanes are coming off a loss so should rebound and win this by 4.

Average score: Highlanders 21 Hurricanes 25

Last five results
Sat, 24 Mar 2018 Highlanders v Hurricanes 12-29 Wellington
Sat, 18 Mar 2017 Highlanders v Hurricanes 15-41 Wellington
Fri, 27 May 2016 Highlanders v Hurricanes 20-27 Wellington
Sat, 05 Mar 2016 Highlanders v Hurricanes 17-16 Dunedin
Sat, 04 Jul 2015 Final Highlanders v Hurricanes 21-14 Wellington

Highlanders overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 30 , Wins 13, Losses 17 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 1 June
Venue : Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1:Angus Mabey
Assistant Ref 2: Mike Lash
TMO : Aaron Paterson

Teams

Highlanders

Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Kalolo Tuiloma, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brow.

Replacements: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Josh Renton, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.

Hurricanes

15 Nehe Milner-Skudder ,14 Julian Savea 13 Jordie Barrett,12 Ngani Laumape ,11 Ben Lam,10 Beauden Barrett ,9 TJ Perenara ,8 Gareth Evans ,7 Ardie Savea,6 Brad Shields (c) ,5 Sam Lousi ,4 Michael Fatialofa,3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen,2 Ricky Riccitelli ,1 Toby Smith

Replacements : 16 James O’Reilly,17 Chris Eves ,18 Ben May ,19 Vaea Fifita or Murray Douglas ,20 Blade Thomson ,21 Finlay Christie ,22 Ihaia West ,23 Wes Goosen

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Blues v Rebels Super Rugby Preview

The first Super rugby match of round 16 on Saturday is in Auckland where Melbourne’s Rebels face hosts the Blues at Eden Park.

Auckland’s Blues have played the Rebels six times in Super rugby since they joined the tournament in 2011 and the Blues have won four matches and lost two.

There have been no draws between the teams. The Blues have played the Rebels twice in Auckland and once in North Harbour and they have won all of the matches so they have yet to lose to the Rebels at home.

In the two Auckland matches between the Blues and the Rebels the average score is: Blues 36 Melbourne Rebels 31.

This year the Blues have played 12 matches and they have won 3 and lost 9. The Blues have played 6 matches at home and surprisingly they have yet to win at home.

The Rebels have played 12 matches so far in 2018 and they have won 6 and lost 6. The Rebels have played 5 matches away from home and won two.

The Bookies have given the Rebels a 10 point start for this Match. The Blues are struggling at home this year but they should edge this by four.

Average score: Blues 36 Melbourne Rebels 30

Last five results
Thu, 23 Feb 2017 Blues v Rebels 56-18 Melbourne
Sat, 30 Apr 2016 Blues v Rebels 36-30 Auckland
Fri, 08 May 2015 Blues v Rebels 22-42 Melbourne
Sat, 11 May 2013 Blues v Rebels 36-32 Auckland
Thu, 05 Apr 2012 Blues v Rebels 23-34 Melbourne

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

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 2 June
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO : Ben Skeen

Teams

Blues

15. Michael Collins, 14. Matt Duffie, 13. Orbyn Leger, 12. Sonny Bill Williams or Terrence Hepetema, 11. Tumua Manu, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 9. Augustine Pulu ©; 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papalii, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Matiaha Martin, 4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. Matt Moulds, 1. Alex Hodgman

Replacements: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Ben Nee-Nee, 20. Sione Havili, 21. Jonathan Ruru, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23 TJ Faiane or Terrence Hepetema

Rebels

1. Fereti Sa’aga, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Adam Coleman (capt.), 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Colby Fainga’a, 8. Amanaki Mafi, 9. Michael Ruru, 10. Reece Hodge, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Tom English, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Replacements : 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Ben Daley, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Geoff Parling, 20. Ross Haylett-Petty, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Tayler Adams, 23. Lopeti Timani

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Chiefs v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview

The second Super Rugby match on Saturday in Round 16 is in Hamilton where the Chiefs host current Super rugby champions the Crusaders.

The Crusaders have won the last three matches between these two sides including the 45-23 victory in Christchurch earlier this year.

The Chiefs have played the Crusaders 32 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Chiefs have won 13 matches and lost 19 matches.

This weekend the match will be played in Hamilton where the teams have met 17 times. In those 17 matches the Chiefs have won 8 matches and lost 9.

The average score when the Chiefs play the Crusaders in Hamilton is Chiefs 23 Crusaders 23.

This year the Chiefs have played 12 matches and won 8. They have played 5 matches at home and won four.

The Crusaders have played 13 matches and they have won 11 and lost two. The Crusaders have played 7 matches away from home and they have won five.

The Crusaders have won their last 9 matches this season. The Chiefs have alternated wins and losses for the last seven rounds. If the run continues they will lose this weekend.

The Bookies have given the Chiefs a 7 point start for this Match. The Crusaders are the champions and are clearly in form so they should win this by 5.

Average score: Chiefs 21 Crusaders 26

Last five results
Sat, 24 Feb 2018 Chiefs v Crusaders 23-45 Christchurch
Sat, 29 Jul 2017 Semi Chiefs v Crusaders 13-27 Christchurcha
Fri, 19 May 2017 Chiefs v Crusaders 24-31 Suva
Fri, 01 Jul 2016 Chiefs v Crusaders 23-13 Suva
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Chiefs v Crusaders 27-21 Christchurch

Chiefs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 32 , Wins 13 , Losses 19, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 2 June
Venue : Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Richard Kelly
Assistant Ref 2: Cam Stone
TMO :Glenn Newman

Teams

Chiefs

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe , 2. Nathan Harris, 3. Angus Ta’avao , 4. Brodie Retallick , 5. Michael Allardice, 6. Luke Jacobson , 7. Mitchell Karpik, 8. Liam Messam , 9. Brad Weber , 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Sean Wainui , 12. Charlie Ngatai , 13. Anton Lienert-Brown , 14. Toni Pulu , 15. Solomon Alaimalo

Replacements : 16. Liam Polwart, 17. Sam Prattley , 18. Jeff Thwaites, 19. Jesse Parete, 20. Sam Cane , 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23. Shaun Stevenson

Crusaders

1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor (VC) 3. Michael Alaalatoa , 4. Scott Barrett , 5. Quinten Strange , 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis , 7. Matt Todd (C) , 8. Jordan Taufua , 9. Bryn Hall 23. Jone Macilai, 10. Richie Mo’unga , 11. George Bridge , 12. Jack Goodhue , 13. Seta Tamanivalu , 14. Israel Dagg , 15. David Havili

Replacements : 16. Andrew Makalio ,17. Wyatt Crockett,18. Donald Brighouse,19. Luke Romano,20. Ethan Blackadder,21. Mitchell Drummond,22. Mitchell Hunt

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Reds v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview

The last of three Saturday Super rugby matches this weekend is in Brisbane where Queensland’s Reds host the New South Wales Waratahs.

The Waratahs have won the last eight matches between these two sides and the last time the Reds beat their southern neighbours was in 2013.

The Reds have played the Waratahs 29 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Reds have won 13 matches, drawn one and lost 15.

This weekend the match will be played in Brisbane where the teams have met on 15 occasions. In those matches the Reds and Waratahs have won seven matches each and there was one draw in 1998.

The average score when the Reds host the Waratahs in Brisbane is : Reds 19 Waratahs 19.

This season the Reds have played 12 matches and won 8. The Reds have played five matches at home and they have won three.

The Waratahs have played 12 matches in 2018 and they have won six, drawn one and lost five. Away from home the Waratahs have played six matches and won two and drawn one.

Both teams go into this match coming off a loss but the Reds have lost their last three matches while the Waratahs lost to the Chiefs last weekend and the week before beat the Highlanders.

The Bookies have given the Reds a 7 point start for this Match. The Waratahs should continue their run against the Reds and win this by 3.

Average score: Reds 18 Waratahs 21

Last five results
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
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Reds v Waratahs 10-30 Sydney
Sat, 13 Jun 2015 Reds v Waratahs 5-31 Sydney

Reds overall overall record against the Waratahs
Played 29, Wins 13 , Losses 15, Draws 1

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 2 June
Venue : Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Jordan Way
Assistant Ref 2:James Leckie
TMO : Damien Mitchelmore

Teams

Reds

1. JP Smith, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa , 3. Taniela Tupou , 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Kane Douglas, 6. Angus Scott-Young , 7. George Smith, 8. Scott Higginbotham (C) , 9. Moses Sorovi , 10. Hamish Stewart, 11. Jordan Petaia, 12. Duncan Paia’aua , 13. Samu Kerevi , 14. Izaia Perese, 15. Jono Lance

Replacements : 16. Alex Mafi , 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Ruan Smith , 19. Harry Hockings, 20. Caleb Timu , 21. Liam Wright, 22. Ben Lucas, 23. Jayden Ngamanu

Waratahs

15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Will Miller, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson

Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Bryce Hegarty

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Brumbies v Sunwolves Super Rugby Preview

The final match of Super rugby round 16 and before the June internationals break is on Sunday when the Brumbies host the Sunwolves in Canberra.

This weekend’s match will be the third time in Super rugby that these teams will meet. In the previous two matches the Brumbies have finished as winners so the Sunwolves have yet to beat the Brumbies.

This weekend will be the second time that the teams will meet in Canberra and the last time they met in he Australian capital was in 2016 when the Brumbies won 66-5.

This year the Brumbies have played 12 matches and they have won 4 matches. The Brumbies have played six matches at home in 2018 and they have won two.

The Sunwolves have played 12 matches in 2018 and they have won two. The Sunwolves have played five matches away from home and have lost all five.

The Bookies have given the Sunwolves a 33 point start for this Match. The Brumbies should win this comfortably by more than 21 points and with a bonus point.

Average score: Brumbies 49 Sunwolves 15

Last two results
Sat, 24 Feb 2018 Brumbies v Sunwolves 32-25 Tokyo
Sat, 28 May 2016 Brumbies v Sunwolves 66-5 Canberra

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

Match Officials and details
Date : Sunday 3 June
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 16:05
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Graham Cooper
TMO : George Ayoub

Teams

Brumbies

1. Scott Sio,2. Connal McInerney,3. Allan Alaalatoa,4. Blake Enever,5. Sam Carter,6. Lachlan McCaffrey,7. David Pocock,8. Isi Naisarani,9. Joe Powell,10. Christian Lealiifano,11. Andy Muirhead,12. Kyle Godwin,13. Tevita Kuridrani,14. Henry Speight,15. Tom Banks

Replacements :16. TBC.,17. Nic Mayhew,18. Ben Alexander,19. Richie Arnold,20. Tom Cusack,21. Matt Lucas,22. Wharenui Hawera,23. Andrew Smith

Sunwolves

15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Semisi Masirewa, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Harumichi Tatekawa, 11 Sione Teaupa, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Rahboni Warren Vosayako, 7 Ed Quirk, 6 Willie Britz (c), 5 Sam Wykes, 4 James Moore, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Craig Millar

Replacements: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Alex Woonton, 18 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 19 Shunsuke Nunomaki, 20 Fetuani Lautaimi, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Gerhard van den Heever, 23 Kai Ishii

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