The weekend is the second round of Super rugby in 2020 and after the opening round the Jaguares, Crusaders and Sunwolves lead the overall standings.
The Jaguares contested the final last so they are no strangers to the top of the table and the reigning champion Crusaders spend most seasons in the top three. The real newcomer at the top is the Sunwolves who are playing in their final year of Super rugby. They are also unlikely to hold their position as they have the bye this weekend.
The round opens in Dunedin where the Highlanders will play their first match of the 2020 Super rugby season as they had the bye last weekend. The Sharks were at home last week so while they have had a warm up match they have had to travel for this one.n
Highlanders v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The Highlanders have played the Sharks 20 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Highlanders have won 8 matches, lost 12 times and drawn none.
The Highlanders 8 wins out of 20 matches gives them a record of winning 40% of their matches against the Sharks 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 10 times.
In those 10 matches played in Dunedin, the Highlanders have won 5 matches and lost 5. This gives the Highlanders a record of winning 50% of their matches against the Sharks at home.
The average score when the Highlanders play the Sharks in Dunedin is : Highlanders 28 Sharks 22.
The Sharks won the last matches against the Highlanders in Dunedin but the two matches before that were won by the Highlanders. Prior to that the Sharks won four in a row in Dunedin.
Average score: Highlanders 25 Sharks 24
Last five results
Sat, 05 May 2018 Highlanders v Sharks 12-38 Durban
Fri, 22 Apr 2016 Highlanders v Sharks 14-15 Dunedin
Fri, 01 May 2015 Highlanders v Sharks 48-15 Dunedin
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 Elim Highlanders v Sharks 27-31 Durban
Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Highlanders v Sharks 34-18 Durban
Highlanders overall record against the Sharks
Played 20, Wins 8, Losses 12, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 7 February
Venue : Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick Off local: 19:05
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2: James Doleman
TMO : Chris Hart
Teams
Highlanders
1. Ayden Johnstone 2. Liam Coltman 3. Siate Tokolahi 4. Paripari Parkinson 5. Josh Dickson 6. Dillon Hunt 7. James Lentjes (C) 8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u 9. Aaron Smith 10. Mitch Hunt 11. Jona Nareki 12. Josh Ioane 13. Rob Thompson 14. Tima Fainga’anuku 15. Josh McKay
Replacements : 16. Ash Dixon 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown 18. Josh Iosefa-Scott 19. Jesse Parete 20. Shannon Frizell 21. Kayne Hammington 22. Michael Collins 23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas
Sharks
1. Ox Nche, 2. Kerron van Vuuren, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 5. Hyron Andrews, 6. James Venter, 7. Tyler Paul, 8. Sikumbuzo Notshe, 9. Louis Schreuder, 10. Curwin Bosch, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 13. Lukhanyo Am ,c), 14. Madosh Tambwe, 15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements : 16. Craig Burden, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. John-Hubert Meyer, 19. Le Roux Roets, 20. Henco Venter, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Jeremy Ward
Brumbies v Rebels Super Rugby Preview
The Brumbies have played the Rebels 17 times in Super rugby since 2011 and the Brumbies have won 9 matches, lost 8 times and drawn none.
The Brumbies 9 wins out of 17 matches gives them a record of winning 53% of their matches against the Rebels 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 8 times.
In those 8 matches played in Canberra the Brumbies have won 5 matches and lost 3. This gives the Brumbies a record of winning 63% of their matches against the Rebels at home.
The average score when the Brumbies play the Rebels in Canberra is : Brumbies 30 Rebels 16.
The Rebels have won the last two matches against the Brumbies in Canberra and the Brumbies have not won in their home city against the Melbourne side since 2017.
Average score: Brumbies 26 Rebels 20
Last five results
Fri, 08 Mar 2019 Brumbies v Rebels 26-29 Melbourne
Fri, 15 Feb 2019 Brumbies v Rebels 27-34 Canberra
Sat, 12 May 2018 Brumbies v Rebels 24-27 Canberra
Fri, 09 Mar 2018 Brumbies v Rebels 10-33 Melbourne
Sat, 03 Jun 2017 Brumbies v Rebels 32-3 Canberra
Brumbies overall record against the Rebels
Played 17 , Wins 9, Losses 8, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 7 February
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:15
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1: Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 2:Jordan Way
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Brumbies
15 Tom Banks, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Tom Wright, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Murray Douglas, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Harry Lloyd, 18 James Slipper, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Will Miller, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Andy Muirhead
Rebels
15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Marika Koroibete, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Michael Wells, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibbon
Replacements: 16 Steve Misa, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Gideon Koelenberg, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 Ryan Louwrens, 23 Campbell Magnay
Chiefs v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The Chiefs have played the Crusaders 35 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Chiefs have won 14 matches, lost 21 times and drawn none.
The Chiefs 14 wins out of 33 matches gives them a record of winning 40% of their matches against the Crusaders regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Hamilton which is home for the Chiefs and the venue where the teams have met 14 times.
In those 14 matches played in Hamilton the Chiefs have won 6 matches and lost 8. This gives the Chiefs a record of winning 43% of their matches against the Crusaders at home.
The average score when the Chiefs play the Crusaders in Hamilton is : Chiefs 22 Crusaders 24.
The Chiefs and Crusaders have alternated wins in the last four matches played in Hamilton. If the trend continues the Chiefs will win this weekend. The last match between the sides in Hamilton was in 2018.
Average score: Chiefs 22 Crusaders 27
Last five results
Sat, 01 Jun 2019 Chiefs v Crusaders 40-27 Suva
Sat, 09 Mar 2019 Chiefs v Crusaders 28-57 Christchurch
Sat, 02 Jun 2018 Chiefs v Crusaders 20-34 Hamilton
Sat, 24 Feb 2018 Chiefs v Crusaders 23-45 Christchurch
Sat, 29 Jul 2017 Semi Chiefs v Crusaders 13-27 Christchurch
Chiefs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 35,Wins 14, Losses 21 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 8 February
Venue : FMG Stadium, Waikato
Kick Off local: 19:05
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Gardner
TMO :Shane McDermott
Teams
Chiefs
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Sam Cane (c), 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Tyler Ardron, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements :16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ross Geldenhuys, 18 Ollie Norris, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Kaleb Trask, 23 Alex Nankivell
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody,2. Codie Taylor (VC),3. Oliver Jager,4. Scott Barrett (C),5. Mitchell Dunshea,6. Tom Sanders,7. Tom Christie,8. Whetukamokamo Douglas,9. Mitchell Drummond,10. David Havili (VC),11. George Bridge,12. Jack Goodhue,13. Braydon Ennor,14. Sevu Reece,15. Will Jordan
Replacements :16. Andrew Makalio,17. George Bower,18. Michael Alaalatoa,19. Luke Romano ,20. Cullen Grace,21. Bryn Hall,22. Brett Cameron,23. Leicester Faingaanuku
Waratahs v Blues Super Rugby Preview
The Waratahs have played the Blues 24 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Waratahs have won 8 matches, lost 16 times and drawn none.
The Waratahs 8 wins out of 24 matches gives them a record of winning 33% of their matches against the Blues regardless of venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Newcastle which will be home for the Waratahs. The teams have never met at this venue before in Super Rugby.
Regular Waratahs home matches are played in Sydney which is where the teams have met 12 times.
In those 12 matches played in Sydney,the Waratahs have won 7 matches and lost 5. This gives the Waratahs a record of winning 58% of their matches against the Blues when they have home advantage.
The average score when the Waratahs play the Blues in Sydney is : Waratahs 27 Blues 24.
The Blues won both of their last two matches against the Waratahs in Australia. The Waratahs have not beaten the Blues at home since 2015.
Average score: Waratahs 25 Blues 28
Last five results
Sat, 06 Apr 2019 Waratahs v Blues 29-32 Auckland
Sat, 05 May 2018 Waratahs v Blues 21-24 Sydney
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
Waratahs overall record against the Blues
Played 24, Wins 8, Losses 16, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 8 February
Venue : McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick Off local: 19:15
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 1:Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 2:Nic Berry
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Waratahs
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Alex Newsome, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacments: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Jed Holloway, 21 Tepai Moeroa, 22 Mitch Short, 23 Jack Maddocks
Blues
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Sione Mafileo, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu ©, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Dalton Papalii, 7. Blake Gibson, 8. Hoskins Sotutu; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Mark Telea, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Joe Marchant, 14. Jordan Hyland, 15. Matt Duffie.
Replacements : 16. James Parsons, 17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Tom Robinson, 20. Akira Ioane; 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Emoni Narawa.
Lions v Reds Super Rugby Preview
The Lions have played the Reds 19 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Lions have won 6 matches, lost 12 times and drawn once.
The Lions 6 wins out of 19 matches gives them a record of winning 32% of their matches against the Reds 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 8 times.
In those 8 matches played in Johannesburg,the Lions have won 2 matches and lost 5 and drawn 1. This gives the Lions a record of winning 25% of their matches against the Reds at home.
The average score when the Lions play the Reds in Johannesburg is : Lions 24 Reds 25.
The Lions have won the last two matches against the Reds in Johannesburg and the Reds have not won in the city since 2011. The Lions have played the Reds 19 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Lions have won 6 matches, lost 12 times and drawn once.
The Lions 6 wins out of 19 matches gives them a record of winning 32% of their matches against the Reds 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 8 times.
In those 8 matches played in Johannesburg,the Lions have won 2 matches and lost 5 and drawn 1. This gives the Lions a record of winning 25% of their matches against the
Reds at home.
The average score when the Lions play the Reds in Johannesburg is : Lions 24 Reds 25.
The Lions have won the last two matches against the Reds in Johannesburg and the Reds have not won in the city since 2011.
The Bookies have given the Reds a 7 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Lions 22 Reds 26
Last five results
Sat, 28 Apr 2018 Lions v Reds 22-27 Brisbane
Sat, 18 Mar 2017 Lions v Reds 44-14 Johannesburg
Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Lions v Reds 18-17 Brisbane
Sat, 22 Mar 2014 Lions v Reds 23-20 Johannesburg
Sat, 19 May 2012 Lions v Reds 20-34 Brisbane
Lions overall record against the Reds
Played 19 , Wins 6 , Losses 12, Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 8 February
Venue : Emirates Airlines (Ellis) Park, Johannesburg
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Ref 2: Griffin Colby
TMO :Marius Jonker
Teams
Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Tyrone Green, 13 Duncan Matthews, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (c), 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Martin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Pieter Jansen, 1 Dylan Smith
Replacements: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20 Ruan Vermaak, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Manny Rass, 23 Shaun Reynolds
Reds
15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (c), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith
Replacements: 16 Sean Farrell, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Isaac Lucas, 23 Hunter Paisami
Stormers v Bulls Super Rugby Preview
The Stormers have played the Bulls 32 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Stormers have won 19 matches, lost 12 times and drawn once.
The Stormers 19 wins out of 32 matches gives them a record of winning 60% of their matches against the Bulls 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 16 times.
In those 16 matches played in Cape Town the Stormers have won 12 matches and lost 3. This gives the Stormers a record of winning 75% of their matches against the Bulls at home.
The average score when the Stormers play the Bulls in Cape Town is : Stormers 24 Bulls 17.
The Stormers have won the last eight matches against the Bulls in Cape Town and the Bulls have not won in the city since 2011.
Average score: Stormers 23 Bulls 23
Last five results
Sat, 27 Apr 2019 Stormers v Bulls 24-23 Cape Town
Sat, 16 Feb 2019 Stormers v Bulls 3-40 Pretoria
Sat, 05 May 2018 Stormers v Bulls 29-17 Cape Town
Sat, 31 Mar 2018 Stormers v Bulls 23-33 Pretoria
Sat, 15 Jul 2017 Stormers v Bulls 41-33 Pretoria
Stormers overall record against the Bulls
Played 32 , Wins 19, Losses 12, Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 8 February
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
Kick Off local: 15:15
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2:Divan Uys
Teams
Stormers
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Johan du Toit, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Jaco Coetzee, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe (100th DHL Stormers cap), 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Juarno Augustus, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis.
Bulls
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Abongile Nonkontwana, 6 Jeandré Rudolph, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements:16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18.Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Divan Rossouw
Jaguares v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview
The Jaguares have played the Hurricanes just three times in Super rugby since 2016 and the Jaguares have won 1 matches, lost twice and drawn none.
The Jaguares single win from 3 matches gives them a record of winning 33% of their matches against the Hurricanes 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 once before.
In that one match played in Buenos Aires the Hurricanes won 9-34 so the South Americans have never won at home against the Wellington side.
The average score when the Jaguares play the Hurricanes overall is : Jaguares 20 Hurricanes 31.
The Jaguares won the last match against the Hurricanes but that was last year and in Wellington.
Average score: Jaguares 20 Hurricanes 31
Last three results
Fri, 17 May 2019 Jaguares v Hurricanes 28-20 Wellington
Sat, 03 Mar 2018 Jaguares v Hurricanes 9-34 Buenos Aires
Sat, 09 Apr 2016 Jaguares v Hurricanes 22-40 Wellington
Jaguares overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 3 , Wins 1, Losses 2 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 8 February
Venue : Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires
Kick Off local: 20:00
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Pablo Deluca
Assistant Ref 2:Martin Cordoba
TMO :Santiago Borsani
Teams
Jaguares
Mayco Vivas , Julian Montoya , Santiago Medrano , Guido Petti Pagadizaval , Lucas Paulos , Francisco Gorrissen , Marcos Kremer , Rodrigo Bruni , Tomas Cubelli , Domingo Miotti , Emiliano Boffelli , Jeronimo De La Fuente , Matias Moroni , Sebastian Cancelliere , Santiago Carreras
Replacements: Agustin Creevy , Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro , Joel Sclavi , Javier Ortega Desio , Tomas Lezana , Gonzalo Bertranou , Tomas Albornoz , Santiago Chocobares
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Fraser Armstrong
Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Vaea Fifita, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Vince Aso