Super rugby round 6 means that the tournament is one third of the way through the regular season which consists of 18 rounds.
Already half of the teams have had one bye and there is a lot of congestion between the second and tenth placed teams who are separated by three points (except the Hurricanes who are fourth with 15 points).
As the Crusaders were given a draw last week for their cancelled match they remain the only unbeaten team this season.
In our current form rankings which is based upon the last five matches, points scored, matches won and points conceded the Crusaders are still the team to beat followed by the Stormers and Hurricanes.
Super rugby form guide
1 Crusaders – W – W – W – W – D
2 Stormers – L – W – W – B- W
3 Hurricanes – W – L – W – W – D
4 Bulls – W – L – W – W – B
5 Lions – W – L – L – W – W
6 Rebels – W – B- W – W – L
7 Waratahs – L – W – B- W – L
8 Highlanders – W – W – L – L – D
9 Brumbies – L – W – L – L – W
10 Reds B- L – L – L – W
11 Sharks – W – W – L – L – B
12 Blues – L – L – L – W – B
13 Jaguares – L – W – W – L – L
14 Chiefs – L – L – L – L – D
15 Sunwolves – L – L – W – L – L
Blues v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
The Blues have played the Highlanders 31 times in Super rugby since 1996 and the Blues have won 16 matches and the Highlanders have won 15.
Those 16 Super rugby victories give the Blues a record of winning 52% of their matches – regardless of venue against the Highlanders.
This weekend the match will be played in Auckland where the teams have met 15 times.
In those 15 matches the Blues have won 10 and lost five. Thaty gives the Blues a record of winning 67% of their matches against the Highlanders.
The average score when the Blues play the Highlanders in Dunedin is : Blues 27 Highlanders 22.
While the Blues have won 67% of their matches against the Highlanders they have lost their last two at home in Dunedin against the Dunedin side and they have lost their last five against the same opposition regardless of venue.
The Bookies have given the Blues a 3 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Blues 26 Highlanders 23
Last five results
Fri, 20 Apr 2018 Blues v Highlanders 16-34 Auckland
Fri, 23 Feb 2018 Blues v Highlanders 34-41 Dunedin
Sat, 08 Apr 2017 Blues v Highlanders 20-26 Dunedin
Sat, 11 Mar 2017 Blues v Highlanders 12-16 Auckland
Fri, 26 Feb 2016 Blues v Highlanders 33-31 Auckland
Blues overall record against the Highlanders
Played 31 , Wins 16, Losses 15, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 22 March
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 2:Brendan Pickerill
TMO : Ben Skeen
Teams
Blues
15 Melani Nanai, 14 Tanielu Tele’a, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Jonathan Ruru; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1. Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ofa Tuungafasi, 18 Karl Tu’inukuafe i, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Otere Black, 23 Levi Aumua or Matt Duffie.
Highlanders
1. Ayden Johnstone,2. Liam Coltman,3. Tyrel Lomax,4. Pari Pari Parkinson,5. Tom Franklin,6. Shannon Frizell,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Luke Whitelock (cc),9. Aaron Smith,10. Marty Banks,11. Tevita Li,12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen,13. Patelesio Tomkinson,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Ben Smith (cc)
Replacements : 16. Ray Niuia ,17. Daniel Lienert-Brown,18. Siate Tokolahi,19. Josh Dickson,20. Jackson Hemopo,21. Folau Fakatava,22. Josh Ioane,23. Richard
Buckman
Hurricanes v Stormers Super Rugby Preview
The Hurricanes have played the Stormers 18 times in Super rugby since 1998 and the Hurricanes have won 8 matches and lost 10.
Those 8 Super rugby victories give the Hurricanes a record of winning 44% of their matches against the Stormers.
This weekend the match will be played in Wellington where the teams have met six times. In those six Super rugby matches the Hurricanes have won four and lost two.
The Hurricanes four Super rugby victories in Wellington give them a record of winning 67% of their matches against the Stormers.
The average score when the Hurricanes play the Stormers in Wellington is: Hurricanes 28 Storners 20.
Although the Hurricanes have only won two thirds of their matches against the Stormers at home in Wellingtton they have won the last four of these matches.
The last time the Stormers won in Wellington was in 2001.
Average score: Hurricanes 23 Storners 25
Last five results
Fri, 05 May 2017 Hurricanes v Stormers 41-22 Wellington
Fri, 03 Apr 2015 Hurricanes v Stormers 25-20 Wellington
Fri, 28 Feb 2014 Hurricanes v Stormers 18-19 Cape Town
Fri, 26 Apr 2013 Hurricanes v Stormers 16-18 Palmerston North
Sat, 25 Feb 2012 Hurricanes v Stormers 26-39 Cape Town
Hurricanes overall record against the Stormers
Played 18 , Wins 8 , Losses 10, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 23 March
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 2:Ben O’Keeffe
TMO : Glenn Newman
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Chase Tiatia ,14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett (c), 9 Richard Judd, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Fraser Armstrong
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Sam Henwood, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Danny Toala
Stormers
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 SP Marais, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Chrisvan Zyl, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Damian Willemse
Waratahs v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The Waratahs have played the Crusaders 25 times in Super rugby since 1996 and they have won 6 matches and lost 19.
That means the Waratahs have won just 24% of their matches against the Crusaders – regardless of venue.
This weekend the match between these teams will be played in Sydney where the teams have met 11 times. In those 11 matches the Waratahs have won 5 and lost 6.
Those six Super rugby victories in Sydney give the Waratahs a record of winning 46% of their home matches against the Crusaders.
When the Waratahs play the Crusaders in Sydney is : Waratahs 27 Crusaders 29.
The Crusaders have won the last three matches between the teams and that includes their last visit to Sydney.
Average score: Waratahs 22 Crusaders 30
Last five results
Sat, 12 May 2018 Waratahs v Crusaders 29-31 Christchurch
Sun, 02 Apr 2017 Waratahs v Crusaders 22-41 Sydney
Fri, 20 May 2016 Waratahs v Crusaders 10-29 Christchurch
Sat, 23 May 2015 Waratahs v Crusaders 32-22 Sydney
Sat, 02 Aug 2014 Final Waratahs v Crusaders 33-32 Sydney
Waratahs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 25 , Wins 6 , Losses 19 , Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 23 March
Venue : Sydney Cricket Ground
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Egon Seconds
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Waratahs
15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes
Replacements 16 Andrew Tuala, 17 Rory O’Connor, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Lachlan Swinton, 20 Michael Wells, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Mack Mason, 23 Karmichael Hunt
Crusaders
1. George Bower , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Quinten Strange, 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Jordan Taufua , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas , 9. Bryn Hall 23. Will Jordan, 10. Brett Cameron , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC) , 13. Jack Goodhue , 14. Braydon Ennor , 15. David Havili
Replacements : 16. Andrew Makalio ,17. Harry Allan , 18. Michael Alaalatoa , 19. Luke Romano, 20. Tom Sanders ,21. Ereatara Enari ,22. Mitchell Hunt, 23. Will Jordan
Sunwolves v Lions Super Rugby Preview
The Sunwolves have played the Lions three times in Super rugby and they have yet to beat the Johannesburg side.
The Sunwolves lost 13-26 in Tokyo in 2016, then 7-94 (2017) and 38-40 (2018) in Johannesburg.
This means that the average score when these teams meet is Sunwolves 19 Lions 53.
This weekend the match will be played in Singapore and this will be the first time that these teams have met in the venue.
Average score: Sunwolves 19 Lions 53
Last three results
Sat, 17 Mar 2018 Sunwolves v Lions 38-40 Johannesburg
Sat, 01 Jul 2017 Sunwolves v Lions 7-94 Johannesburg
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Sunwolves v Lions 13-26 Tokyo
Sunwolves overall record against the Lions
Played 3 , Wins 0 , Losses 3, Draws 0
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 23 March
Venue : Singapore National Stadium, Singapore
Kick Off local: 18:55
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 1: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 2:Tawasaki Kawahara
TMO : Minoru Fuji
Teams
Sunwolves
15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Harumichi Tatekawa, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Ben Gunter, 5 Tom Rowe, 4 Grant Hattingh, 3 Jiwon Koo, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Masataka Mikami
Replacements : 16 Nathan Vella, 17 Alex Woonton, 18 Hiroshi Yamashita, 19 Uwe Helu, 20 Amanaki Mafi, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Takuya Yamasawa, 23 Hosea Saumak
Lions
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Courntall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Ruan Vermaak, 7 Stephan Lewies, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Malcolm Marx (captain), 1 Sti Sithole
Replacements : TBC
Bulls v Chiefs Super Rugby Preview
The Bulls have played the Chiefs 20 times in Super rugby since 1998 and they have won 7 matches, drawn 2 and lost eleven matches.
That means the Bulls have a record of winning 35% of their matches against the Chiefs – regardless of the venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Pretoria which is home for the Bulls and the venue in which the teams have met 9 times before.
In those 9 matches played in Pretoria the Bulls have won 6, lost two and drawn one. That gives the Bulls a record of winning 67% of their matches.
The average score when these teams meet in Pretoria is Bulls 36 Chiefs 30.
The last match between these teams in Pretoria was in 2014 and ended in a draw. The six matches before that were all won by the Bulls.
The Chiefs have not won in Pretoria since 2001.
Average score: Bulls 29 Chiefs 32
Last five results
Fri, 16 Mar 2018 Bulls v Chiefs 28-41 Hamilton
Sat, 01 Apr 2017 Bulls v Chiefs 12-28 Waikato
Fri, 22 May 2015 Bulls v Chiefs 20-34 Rotorua
Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Bulls v Chiefs 34-34 Pretoria
Fri, 25 May 2012 Bulls v Chiefs 22-28 Hamilton
Bulls overall record against the Chiefs
Played 20, Wins 7 , Losses 11 , Draws 2
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 23 March
Venue : Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 1:Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Ref 2:Griffin Colby
TMO :Willie Vos
Teams
Bulls
15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handre Pollard (captain), 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 hanro Liebenberg, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements : 16 Corniel Els, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Eli Snyman, 20 Tim Agaba, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Dylan Sage
Chiefs
1. Aidan Ross,2. Nathan Harris ,3. Angus Ta’avao,4. Brodie Retallick (c) ,5. Mitchell Brown,6. Luke Jacobson,7. Lachlan Boshier,8. Tyler Ardron,9. Brad Weber,10. Jack Debreczeni ,11. Solomon Alaimalo,12. Anton Lienert-Brown ,13. Tumua Manu,14. Sean Wainui ,15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements : 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho,17. Tevita Mafileo,18. Nepo Laulala,Michael Allardice , 20. Jesse Parete ,21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi ,22. Alex Nankivell ,23. Ataata Moeakiola
Sharks v Rebels Super Rugby Preview
The Sharks have played the Rebels 6 times in Super rugby since 2011 and the Sharks have won 4 matches, drawn one and lost one.
That record gives the Sharks a record of winning 67% of their matches against the Rebels – regardless of the venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Durban where the teams have met three times. In those three Durban matches the Sharks have won two and drawn one.
While the Sharks have not won all of their matches against the Rebels in Durban they are unbeaten against the Rebels at home.
The last match between these teams in Durban was in 2017 and ended in a 9 all draw. The average score when these teams play in Durban is Sharks 33 Rebels 12.
Average score: Sharks 28 Rebels 22
Last five results
Fri, 23 Mar 2018 Sharks v Rebels 14-46 Melbourne
Sat, 22 Apr 2017 Sharks v Rebels 9-9 Durban
Fri, 29 May 2015 Sharks v Rebels 25-21 Durban
Fri, 02 May 2014 Sharks v Rebels 22-16 Melbourne
Sat, 23 Mar 2013 Sharks v Rebels 64-7 Durban
Sharks overall record against the Rebels
Played 6 , Wins 4, Losses 1, Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 23 March
Venue : Kings Park , Durban
Kick Off local: 17:15 l
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1: Divan Uys
Assistant Ref 2:Amy Barrat-Theron
TMO :Marius Jonker
Teams
Sharks
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Luke Stringer, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Marius Louw, 23. Curwin Bosch
Rebels
15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Reece Hodge, 13 Sione Tuipulotu, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Tom English, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Matt Phillip, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibson
Replacements: 16 Robbie Abel, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Campbell Magnay, 23 TBC
Reds v Brumbies Super Rugby Preview
The Reds have played the Brumbies 31 times in Super rugby since 1996 and they have won 7 matches, drawn one and lost 23 matches.
That record gives the Reds a record of winning 23% of their match against the Brumbies – regardless of the venue.
This weekend the match will be played in Brisbane which is home for the Reds and the city in which the teams have met 14 times.
In these 14 matches the Reds have won 4, drawn 1 and lost nine which gives them a record of winning 29% of their home matches against the Brumbies.
The Reds have won the last two matches in Brisbane between these teams so the Brumbies have not won in the city since 2015.
The Bookies have given the Reds a 4 point start for this Match – click HERE to see the latest odds.
Average score: Reds 15 Brumbies 28
Last five results
Sat, 07 Apr 2018 Reds v Brumbies 21-45 Canberra
Fri, 02 Mar 2018 Reds v Brumbies 18-10 Brisbane
Fri, 07 Jul 2017 Reds v Brumbies 16-15 Brisbane
Sat, 08 Apr 2017 Reds v Brumbies 10-43 Canberra
Fri, 01 Jul 2016 Reds v Brumbies 24-43 Canberra
Reds overall record against the Brumbies
Played 31, Wins 7 , Losses 23, Draws 1
Match Officials and details
Date : Sunday 24 March
Venue : Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2: Jaco Peyper
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Reds
15 Hamish Stewart, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi (captain), 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Harry Hockings, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Feao Fotuaika
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 16 Harry Hooper, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Isaac Lucas
Brumbies
15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Lausii Taliauli, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Lachlan Mccaffrey, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Pete Samu, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Blake Enever, 20 Murray Douglas, 21 Jahrome Brown, 22 Matt Lucas, 23 Jordan Jackson-Hope