Super Rugby team by team preview round 7

The seventh round of the 2018 Super Rugby tournament kicks off in Hamilton with a New Zealand derby match between the Chiefs and Highlanders.

This weekend has six matches with two on Friday, three on Saturday and one on Sunday when the Lions host the Crusaders.

The Highlanders lost their unbeaten status last week so every team has lost at least one match.

The team with the longest current unbeaten run is the Chiefs who have won their last three matches. The next best with two matches unbeaten are the Stormers.

Recent form

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

The Sunwolves, Jaguares, and Reds have the bye.

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Chiefs v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview

The Chiefs have returned home from Japan where they played the Sunwolves last week as they host the Highlanders at home in Hamilton on Friday.

The Chiefs smashed the Sunwolves last week 10-61 but this weekend they face a Highlanders side that will be hurting after they were beaten 29-13 by the Hurricanes.

The Chiefs have played the Highlanders 29 times in Super Rugby and they have won 16 matches or 55% of the clashes.

This weekend the match will be played in Hamilton where the teams have met 10 times before. The Chiefs have won six of those matches and lost four. This gives the Chiefs a record of winning 60% of their home matches in these clashes.

The average score when these teams meet in Hamilton is: Chiefs 21 Highlanders 18.

This season the Chiefs have played four matches and won three. The Highlanders have also played four and one three.

The Bookies have given the Highlander a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets, The have had to travel further for this match but they will be at home and full of confidene. The Chiefs should edge this by three.

Average score: Chiefs 22 Highlanders 22

Last five results
Fri, 24 Feb 2017 Chiefs v Highlanders 24-15 Dunedin
Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Chiefs v Highlanders 15-25 Dunedin
Sat, 07 May 2016 Chiefs v Highlanders 13-26 Hamilton
Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Elim Chiefs v Highlanders 14-24 Dunedin
Sat, 30 May 2015 Chiefs v Highlanders 9-36 Dunedin

Chiefs overall record against the Highlanders
Played 29, Wins 16, Losses 13, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 30 March
Venue : Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2:Brendan Pickerill
TMO : Glenn Newman

Teams

Chiefs

1. Aidan Ross , 2. Nathan Harris, 3. Angus Ta’avao , 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Tyler Ardron , 6. Liam Messam, 7. Sam Cane(c), 8. Taleni Seu , 9. Brad Weber , 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Sean Wainui , 12. Johnny Faauli , 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Solomon Alaimalo,

Replacments : 16. Liam Polwart , 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe , 18. Jeff Thwaites, 19. Pita Gus Sowakula *, 20. Lachlan Boshier , 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23. Charlie Ngatai

Highlanders

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown,2. Ash Dixon (cc),3. Siate Tokolahi,4. Jackson Hemopo,5.Josh Dickson,6. Elliot Dixon,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Luke Whitelock,9. Aaron Smith,10. Lima Sopoaga,11. Tevita Li,12. Rob Thompson,13. Matt Faddes,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Ben Smith (cc)

Replacements : 16. Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17. Aki Seiuli, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Tom Franklin, 20. Shannon Frizell, 21. Josh Renton, 22. Fletcher Smith, 23. Patelsio Tomkinson

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Rebels v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview

Melbourne’s Rebels made a statement last weekend by beating the Sharks 46-14 but this weekend they face a tough test against the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes last weekend ended the Highlanders unbeaten run by beating the Dunedin side 29-12.

The Rebels led the overall Super Rugby standings after playing the Sharks, Waratahs, Brumbies, Sunwolves and Reds. This week will be their first match against a New Zealand side.

The Rebels have played the Hurricanes 6 times in Super Rugby and the Rebels have won once. The Rebels won the first match between the sides but since then
the Hurricanes have won five straight matches.

The Rebels have played the Hurricanes three times in Melbourne and they have won one and lost two. The average score when these teams meet in Melbourne is
Rebels 23 Hurricanes 29.

This season the Rebels have played five matches and they have won four. The Hurricanes have played four matches and won three. The Rebels will have home advantage but they will be heavily tested this weekend as the Hurricanes are in form.

The Bookies have given the Rebels an 11 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Hurricanes should win by 8.

Average score: Rebels 19 Hurricanes 44

Last five results
Sat, 04 Mar 2017 Rebels v Hurricanes 6-71 Wellington
Fri, 15 Apr 2016 Rebels v Hurricanes 13-38 Melbourne
Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Rebels v Hurricanes 12-36 Wellington
Fri, 09 May 2014 Rebels v Hurricanes 15-25 Melbourne
Sat, 26 May 2012 Rebels v Hurricanes 24-66 Wellington

Rebels overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 6, Wins 1 , Losses 5, Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Friday 30 March
Venue : AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Jordan

Teams

Rebels

1. Tetera Faulkner , 2. Anaru Rangi , 3. Jermaine Ainsley , 4. Matt Philip, 5. Adam Coleman , 6. Lopeti Timani , 7. Angus Cottrell , 8. Amanaki Mafi , 9. Will Genia , 10. Jack Debreczeni , 11. Marika Koroibete , 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Reece Hodge , 14. Tom English , 15. Jack Maddocks

Replacements : 16. Jordan Uelese , 17. Ben Daley , 18. Sam Talakai , 19. Ross Haylett-Petty , 20. Colby Fainga’a , 21. Richard Hardwick , 22. Michael Ruru , 23. Sefa Naivalu

Hurricanes

15 Jordie Barrett , 14 Julian Savea , 13 Vince Aso , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Ben Lam , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 TJ Perenara , 8 Gareth Evans , 7 Sam Henwood , 6 Brad Shields (c) , 5 Sam Lousi , 4 Vaea Fifita , 3 Ben May , 2 Ricky Riccitelli , 1 Chris Eves

Replacements : 16 Asafo Aumua , 17 Fraser Armstrong , 18 Jeff Toomaga-Allen , 19 Michael Fatialofa , 20 Reed Prinsep , 21 Jamie Booth , 22 Ihaia West ,
23 Wes Goosen

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Blues v Sharks Super Rugby Preview

The Blues return from their first Super Rugby bye last weekend and will host the Sharks at Eden Park in Auckland.

The Blues have played the Sharks 19 times in Super Rugby and they have won five matches and lost fourteen matches.

That gives the Blues a record of wining 26% of their matches against the Sharks.

This weekend the match will be played in Auckland where the teams have met 7 times. In those 7 Super Rugby matches the Blues have won three matches and lost four.

This gives the Blues a record of wining 43% of thier matches against the Sharks in Auckland. The average score when the Blues host the Sharks in Auckland is : Blues 21 Sharks 25.

This season the Blues have played four matches and they have won one match.  The Sharks have played five matches, drawn one and lost three.

The Blues have only played one match at home this season and they have had a week’s rest ahead of this match. The Sharks have been on tour for two weeks already and this is their third match on tour.

The Bookies have given the Sharks a 15 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Blues should win this match by 12.

Average score: Blues 21 Sharks 25

Last five results
Sat, 16 Apr 2016 Blues v Sharks 23-18 Auckland
Fri, 23 May 2014 Blues v Sharks 23-29 Albany
Sat, 29 Jun 2013 Blues v Sharks 20-22 Durban
Fri, 13 Apr 2012 Blues v Sharks 23-29 Auckland
Sat, 26 Feb 2011 Blues v Sharks 12-26 Durban

Blues overall record against the Sharks
Played 19 , Wins 5 , Losses 14 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 31 March
Venue : EdenPark, Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO :Ben Skeen

Teams

Blues

1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons ©, 3. Mike Tamoaieta, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Murphy Taramai, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Melani Nanai, 12. Rieko Ioane, 13. George Moala, 14. Jordan Trainor,15. Michael Collins.

Replacements: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kara Pryor, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. TJ Faiane

Sharks

15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Beast Mtawarira

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tyler Paul, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Kobus van Wyk

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Brumbies v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview

Both the Brumbies and the Waratahs had their first Super Rugby bye last weekend so they will be rested but could also be a litttle rusty early on.

The Brumbies beat the Sharks 24-17 in their last outing while the Waratahs beat the Rebels 51-27.

The Brumbies have played the Waratahs 30 times in Super Rugby and they have won 14 matches and lost 16. This gives them an overall record of winning 47% of their matches.

This weekend the match will be played in Canberra where the teams have met 13 times and they have won 10 matches and lost three. This gives the Brumbies a record of winning 77% of their home matches.

The average score when these teams meet in Canberra is : Brumbies 30 Waratahs 14.

The Brumbies have played four matches this season and they have won two. Only one match was at home in Canberra and they beat the Sharks in that match so technically the Brumbies are unbeaten at home in 2018.

The Waratahs have played four matches as well and they have won two and drawn one. The Waratahs have yet to win away from home. They drew against the Sharks in Durban but they have yet to win away.

The Bookies have given the Brumbies a 3 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Waratahs hit form against the Rebels two weeks ago, if they can hold that form they should win by 5.

Average score: Brumbies 23 Waratahs 22

Last five results
Sat, 18 Mar 2017 Brumbies v Waratahs 28-12 Sydney
Sat, 16 Apr 2016 Brumbies v Waratahs 26-20 Sydney
Fri, 04 Mar 2016 Brumbies v Waratahs 32-15 Canberra
Fri, 01 May 2015 Brumbies v Waratahs 10-13 Canberra
Sun, 22 Mar 2015 Brumbies v Waratahs 13-28 Sydney

Brumbies overall record against the Waratahs
Played 30 , Wins 14, Losses 16 , Draws 0

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 31 March
Venue : GIO
Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1:Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 2:James Le

Teams

Brumbies

15. Andy Muirhead, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Lausii Taliauli, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Isi Naisarani, 7. David Pocock, 6. Lachie McCaffrey, 5. Rory Arnold, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Folau Faingaa, 1. Scott Sio.

Replacements: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Faalelei Sione, 18. Mees Erasmus, 19. Richie Arnold, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Kyle Godwin, 23. Tom Banks

Waratahs

1. Tom Robertson, 2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 3. Sekope Kepu , 4. Ned Hanigan , 5. Rob Simmons , 6. Michael Wells , 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Jed Holloway , 9. Jake Gordon , 10. Bernard Foley (vc), 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro , 12. Kurtley Beale , 13. Curtis Rona, 14. Israel Folau , 15. Bryce Hegarty ,

Replacements: 16. Hugh Roach , 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes , 18. Paddy Ryan , 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Will Miller , 21. Mitchell Short , 22. Lalakai Foketi , 23. Alex Newsome

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Bulls v Stormers Super Rugby Preview

The Bulls have returned home from a tour of Australia and New Zealand and will host the Stormers this weekend in Pretoria.

While the Bulls were beaten 33-14 by the Crusaders the Stormers beat the Reds 25-19 in Round 6.

These teams have met 28 times in Super Rugby and the Bulls have won ten matches and lost 17. There was one draw between the sides.

That record gives the Bulls a record of winning 36% of their matches against the Stormers.

This weekend the Bulls will host the match at Loftus Versfeld where the teams have met 14 times. In those 14 matches the Bulls have won 7 and lost 7.

The average score when the Bulls host the Stormers in Pretoria is : Bulls 27 Stormers 22.

The Bulls have played five matches this season and won one. The Bulls beat the Hurricanes in Rd.2 and since then they have lost four in a row.

The Stormers have played 6 matches and they have won three. The Stormers lost three matches on tour but have now won two matches back to back.

The Bulls had to travel from New Zealand for this match while the Stormers only had to fly from Cape Town.

The Bookies have given the Bulls a 4 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. The Bulls will be at home but after four losses they will be low in confidence. As a result the Stormers should edge this by three.

Average score: Bulls 22 Stormers 23

Last five results
Sat, 15 Jul 2017 Bulls v Stormers 33-41 Pretoria
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 Bulls v Stormers 24-37 Cape Town
Sat, 21 May 2016 Bulls v Stormers 17-13 Pretoria
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Bulls v Stormers 9-33 Cape Town
Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Bulls v Stormers 13-15 Cape Town

Bulls overall record against the Stormers
Played 28, Wins 10, Losses 17, Draws 1

Match Officials and details
Date : Saturday 31 March
Venue : Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Willie Vos

Teams

Bulls

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Divan Rossouw, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Tim Agaba, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Hanro Liebenberg, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Frans van Wyk, 18 Lizo Gqoboka, 19 Hendré Stassen, 20 Roelof Smit, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Johnny Kotze

Stormers

15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Justin Phillips, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Cobus Wiese, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Kobus van Dyk, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Jano Vermaak, 23 Craig Barry.

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Lions v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview

The Lions host the Crusaders on Sunday in a rematch of the 2017 Super Rugby grand final at Emirates Airlines (Ellis) park in Johannesburg.

The Crusaders won last year’s Super Rugby final (17-25) which was the last clash between the sides.

Overall the Lions have played the Crusaders 19 times in Super rugby and the Lions have won 4 matches and lost 15.

This gives the Lions an overall record of winning 21% of their matches against the Crusaders.

The Lions have hosted the Crusaders in Johannesburg 11 times and they have won three matches. That is a record of winning 27% of their home matches for the Lions against the Crusaders.

The average score when the Lions host the Crusaders is : Lions 26 Crusaders 29.

This season the Lions have played six matches and they have won four matches. The Crusaders have played 5 matches and they have won three and lost two.

Both teams have led the Super Rugby standings this season but they are now second and third behind the Rebels.

In the last five Super Rugby matches between these two teams in Johannesburg the Lions have won just one matche.

The Bookies have given the Lions a 6 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $100 in Bonus bets. Both teams had to travel for this match. The Crusaders win almost 75% of their matches in Johannesburg so they should win this by 2.

Average score: Lions 25 Crusaders 35

Last five results
Sat, 05 Aug 2017 Final Lions v Crusaders 17-25 Johannesburg
Sat, 23 Jul 2016 Elim Lions v Crusaders 42-25 Johannesburg
Fri, 01 Apr 2016 Lions v Crusaders 37-43 Johannesburg
Sat, 14 Mar 2015 Lions v Crusaders 6-34 Christchurch
Sat, 05 Apr 2014 Lions v Crusaders 7-28 Johannesburg

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

Match Officials and details
Date : Sunday 1 April
Venue : Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg
Kick Off local: 14:30
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 2:Egon Seconds
TMO :Marius Jonker

Teams

Lions

15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Dillon Smit, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.

Replacements : 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Marvin Orie, 21 Marnus Schoeman, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Shaun Reynolds.

Crusaders

1. Tim Perry , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Scott Barrett , 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Jordan Taufua, 9. Bryn Hall , 10. Mitchell Hunt , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC) , 13. Jack Goodhue , 14. Seta Tamanivalu , 15. David Havili

Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell , 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Oliver Jager , 19. Quinten Strange , 20. Tom Sanders , 21. Mitchell Drummond , 22. Mike Delany , 23. Manasa Mataele

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