Super Rugby round 12 has seven matches which is one less than last week in Rd.11. There are two matches on Friday and five matches on Saturday..
The weekend kicks off in Auckland on Friday and finishes on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
Here we list the teams as they are released and preview the eight upcoming matches.
The Chiefs, Stormers, Sunwolves and Waratahs have a bye.
Blues v Cheetahs Super Rugby Preview
Auckland’s Blues kick off the weekend’s Super Rugby action at home in Auckland following a succesful two match tour of Australia with a match against South Africa’s Cheetahs.
The Cheetahs came close to surprising the Highlanders last weekend but were unable to sustain their game for the whole 80 minutes and fell apart at the death.
The Blues delivered a fairly solid performance last week in Sydney although they too faded in the second half and allowed the Waratahs back into the match.
The Cheetahs are in 14th place overall with 11 points from 10 matches while the Blues are in 9th place on 26 points from the same number of matches.
The Blues have played the Cheetahs 9 times and won six matches. The teams have met on New Zealand soil four times and all four matches have been won by the Blues.
Average score: Blues 33 Cheetahs 25
Last five results
Fri, 27 Feb 2015 Blues v Cheetahs 24-25 Bloemfontein
Sat, 22 Mar 2014 Blues v Cheetahs 40-30 Auckland
Sat, 06 Jul 2013 Blues v Cheetahs 13-34 Bloemfontein
Sat, 02 Apr 2011 Blues v Cheetahs 29-22 Auckland
Sat, 01 May 2010 Blues v Cheetahs 32-36 Bloemfontein
Blues overall record against the Cheetahs
Played 9 , Wins 6 , Losses 3, Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO : Aaron Paterson
Teams
Blues
1 Pauliasi Manu, 2 James Parsons (c), 3 Charlie Faumuina, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Scott Scrafton, 6 Steven Luatua, 7 Blake Gibson, 8 Akira Ioane; 9 Augustine Pulu, 10 Piers Francis, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 13. George Moala, 14 Declan O’Donnell, 15 Melani Nanai.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Michael Collins.
Cheetahs
Charles Marias, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Tom Botha, Carl Wegner, Francois Uys, Niell Jordaan, Oupa Mohoje, Henco Venter, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga, Raymond Rhule, William Small-Smith, Francois Venter (c ), Sergeal Petersen, Clayton Blommetjies
Replacements : Elandré Huggett Ox Nche, Johan Coetzee, Armandt Koster, Uzair Cassiem, Shaun Venter, Niel Marais, Clinton Swart
Brumbies v Lions Super Rugby Preview
Australia’s top team the Brumbies host the second match this weekend in Canberra and they host South Africa’s top team the Lions.
The Brumbies have played 9 matches and won three. They have accumulated 18 points and are placed fourth as a result of them being the top Australian team.
The Lions are second overall with 42 points from 10 matches and 9 wins. The Lions have won their last seven matches while the Brumbies have lost their last three.
Clearly on paper the Lions are in better form currently but overall the teams have met 17 times and the Brumbies have won 14 times.
At home in Canberra the Brumbies have hosted the Lions 9 times and won 8 matches. Interestingly the last time the two teams played in Canberra was in 2011 and the Lions won the match 20-29.
The Lions will have no shortage of confidence going into this match but the Brumbies who had a bye last week will have done some soul searching last week and could come out firing.
Average score: Brumbies 33 Lions 18
Last five results
Sat, 16 May 2015 Brumbies v Lions 30-20 Johannesburg
Fri, 27 Apr 2012 Brumbies v Lions 34-20 Johannesburg
Sat, 14 May 2011 Brumbies v Lions 20-29 Canberra
Fri, 05 Mar 2010 Brumbies v Lions 24-13 Canberra
Sat, 21 Mar 2009 Brumbies v Lions 17-25 Johannesburg
Blues overall record against the Cheetahs
Played 17 , Wins 13, Losses 4 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 1: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 2:Jordan Way
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Brumbies
Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Joel Powell, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter (capt), Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Mann-Rea, Ben Alexander.
Replacements: Robbie Abel, Nic Mayhew, Leslie Leuluaiali-Makin, Blake Enever, Ben Hyne, De Wet Roos, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Tom Banks.
Lions
1.Corne Fourie,2. Robbie Coetzee,3. Johannes Jonker,4. Andries Ferreira,5. Franco Mostert,6. Kwagga Smith,7. Ruan Ackermann,8. Warren Whiteley ©,9. Ross Cronje,10. Elton Jantjies,11. Courtnal Skosan,12. Harold Vorster,13. Lionel Mapoe,14. Sylvian Mahuza,15. Andries Coetzee
Replacements : 16. Malcolm Marx,17. Jacques v Rooyen,18. Ruan Dreyer,19. Lourens Erasmus,20. Robert Kruger/Cyle Brink,21. Dillon Smit,22. Jacques Nel,23. Antony Volmink
Crusaders v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview
The Crusaders hosting the Hurricanes in Christchurch is without doubt the Super Rugby match of round 12.
The Crusaders are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament and they are up against the Hurricanes who are the current champions.
While the Crusaders will have home advantage for this match they will have had to travel back from South Africa while the Hurricanes will only have had to travel from Wellington.
The Crusaders have amassed 46 points from 10 matches (10 wins). The Hurricanes have played 9 matches and with 38 points have won 8 matches. Both teams have earned Try bonus points in six of their matches.
The Crusaders have played the Hurricanes 30 times in Super Rugby and they have won 17 matches and drawn three. In Christchurch the Crusaders have hosted the Hurricanes 16 times, won 10 and drawn one.
This match could go either way as the Hurricanes should be fresher than the Crusaders but the Christchurch side will be playing at home.
Average score: Crusaders 26 Hurricanes 20
Last five results
Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Crusaders v Hurricanes 10-35 Christchurch
Fri, 29 May 2015 Crusaders v Hurricanes 35-18 Christchurch
Sat, 02 May 2015 Crusaders v Hurricanes 23-29 Wellington
Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Crusaders v Hurricanes 9-16 Wellington
Fri, 28 Mar 2014 Crusaders v Hurricanes 26-29 Christchurch
Crusaders overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 30 , Wins 17 , Losses 10 , Draws 3
Match Officials
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2:Cam Stone
TMO :Glenn Newman
Teams
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano , 5. Scott Barrett , 6. Pete Samu, 7. Matt Todd (C), 8. Jordan Taufua, 9. Mitchell Drummond , 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Seta Tamanivalu, 15. David Havili
Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Quinten Strange , 20. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Mitchell Hunt , 23. Manasa Mataele
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (c), 8 Brad Shields, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Vaea Fifita, 4 Mark Abbott, 3 Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Chris Eves
Replacements : 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ben May, 18 Loni Uhila, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Toa Halafihi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Otere Black, 23 Wes Goosen
Rebels v Reds Super Rugby Preview
Super Rugby moves to Melbourne in the second match on Saturday as the Rebels host Queensland’s Reds.
The Rebels have had a difficult season this year as they have played nine matches, won one and drawn one. The Reds have played 10 matches and won two.
The Melbourne Rebels have played the Reds 12 times since they joined Super Rugby in 2011 and they have won four matches and lost four.
In the last two matches between the teams the Rebels have won – both in 2016. The last Reds victory was in May 2015.
Average score: Rebels 20 Reds 30
Last five results
Fri, 15 Jul 2016 Rebels v Reds 31-28 Brisbane
Sat, 12 Mar 2016 Rebels v Reds 25-23 Melbourne
Fri, 15 May 2015 Rebels v Reds 29-46 Brisbane
Fri, 03 Apr 2015 Rebels v Reds 23-15 Melbourne
Fri, 27 Jun 2014 Rebels v Reds 20-36 Melbourne
Rebels overall record against the Reds
Played 12 , Wins 4, Losses 8 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 2:Ed Martin
TMO :Damien Mitchelmore
Teams
Rebels
1. Toby Smith, 2. James Hanson,3. Laurie Weeks,4. Steve Cummins,5. Dominic Day,6. Hugh Sinclair,7. Colby Fainga’a,(Captain),8. Amanaki Mafi,9. Ben Meehan,10. Ben Volavola,11. Marika Koroibete,12. Mitch Inman,13. Tom English,14. Sefa Naivalu,15. Reece Hodge
Replacements : 16. Siliva Siliva,17. Fereti Sa’aga,18. Tyrel Lomax,19. Culum Retallick,20. Sean McMahon,21. Harrison Goddard,22. Will Miller,23. Jack Maddocks
Reds
1. Sef Fa’agase , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Sam Talakai , 4. Rob Simmons , 5. Lukhan Tui , 6. Hendrik Tui , 7. George Smith, 8. Scott Higginbotham, 9. Nick Frisby , 10. Quade Cooper , 11. Eto Nabuli , 12. Duncan Paia’aua, 13. Samu Kerevi (C) , 14. Campbell Magnay , 15. Karmichael Hunt,
Replacements 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Kirwan Sanday , 18. Taniela Tupou , 19. Izack Rodda, 20. Adam Korczyk, 21. Moses Sorovi , 22. Hamish Stewart , 23. Izaia Perese
Bulls v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
The Bulls were well beaten by the Crusaders last weekend and they face another tough challenge this weekend as the Highlanders have won their last six matches.
The Bulls have played 9 matches this season and they have won three. The Highlanders have played ten matches and they have won seven.
Overall the Bulls have played the Highlanders 17 times and they have won just five matches and drawn one. That means the Highlanders have won 11 of the 17
matches.
In Pretoria the Bulls have hosted the Highlanders 9 times and they have won four matches, lost four matches and drawn one. Statistically the odds are even.
The Bulls home advantage and the intimidation of fortress Loftus took a blow last week when the Crusaders ran in a record score for a visiting team. That will have hurt the Bulls confidence.
The Highlanders on the other hand came from behind – on the Highveld – and beat the Cheetahs so they will head for Pretoria full of confidence. The Highlanders also know that a slip up could easily cost them a place in the quarter finals as the Blues are gaining momentum.
Average score: 24-30
Last five results
Fri, 11 Apr 2014 Bulls v Highlanders 20-27 Dunedin
Sat, 18 May 2013 Bulls v Highlanders 35-18 Pretoria
Sat, 19 May 2012 Bulls v Highlanders 11-16 Dunedin
Sat, 05 Mar 2011 Bulls v Highlanders 28-35 Pretoria
Sat, 13 Mar 2010 Bulls v Highlanders 50-35 Pretoria
Bulls overall record against the Highlanders
Played 17 , Wins 5 , Losses 11, Draws 1
Match Officials
Referee: Jaco van Heerden
Assistant Ref 1: Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2: Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO :Johan Greeff
Teams
Bulls
Warrick Gelant, Jade Stighling , Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo , Tian Schoeman, Piet van Zyl, Hanro Liebenberg (c), Jannes Kirsten, Ruan Steenkamp , RG Snyman , Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane , Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle, Pierre Schoeman , Coenraad van Vuuren , Lood de Jager , Nick de Jager , Rudy Paige ,Tony Jantjies, Jan Serfontein.
Highlanders
1. Aki Seiuli,2. Ash Dixon (c),3. Siosuia Halanukonuka,4. Alex Ainley,5. Tom Franklin,6. Elliot Dixon,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Gareth Evans,9. Aaron Smith,10. Marty Banks,11. Patrick Osborne,12. Richard Buckman,13. Malakai Fekitoa,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Matt Faddes
Replacements 16. Greg Pleasants-Tate,17. Daniel Lienert-Brown,18. Siate Tokolahi,19. Joe Wheeler,20. Jackson Hemopo,21. Kayne Hammington,22. Fletcher Smith,23. Teihorangi Walden
Kings v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The Southern Kings return from their bye last week and host the Sharks with the aim of winning their third consecutive match.
The Kings have played the sharks five times in Super rugby and the Sharks have won all five. The average score when the Kings play the Sharks is Kings 10 Sharks 39.
The Kings won two matches in 2016 and they have already beaten that in 2017 as they have three wins from nine matches. These teams have already met once this year and the Sharks won the match 17-19.
The Sharks have played 10 matches in 2017 and they have won seven and drawn one. Given the Sharks record against the Kings they should win comfortably.
Average score: Kings 10 Sharks 39
Last five results
Sat, 18 Mar 2017 Kings v Sharks 17-19 Durban
Sat, 21 May 2016 Kings v Sharks 0-53 Durban
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Kings v Sharks 8-43 Port Elizabeth
Sat, 13 Jul 2013 Kings v Sharks 13-58 Durban
Sat, 09 Mar 2013 Kings v Sharks 12-21 Port Elizabeth
Kings overall record against the Sharks
Played 5, Wins 0 , Losses 5, Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 1: Quinton Immelman
Assistant Ref 2:AJ Jacobs
TMO :Christie du Preez
Teams
Kings
15. Masixole Banda,14. Wandile Mjekevu,13. Berton Klaasen,12. Luzuko Vulindlu,11. Makazole Mapimpi,10. Lionel Cronje (capt),9. Louis Schreuder,8. Andisa Ntsila,7. Tyler Paul,6. Chris Cloete,5. Wilhelm van der Sluys,4. Irne Herbst,3. Ross Geldenhuys (v/c),2. Martin Bezuidenhout,1. Schalk van der Merwe
Replacements : 16. Kurt Haupt / Tango Balekile,17. Chris Heiberg,18. Dayan van der Westhuizen,19. Lubabalo Mtyanda,20. Stefan Willemse,21. Johan Steyn,22. Pieter-Steyn de Wet,23. Nicolaas Hanekom
Sharks
15. Rhyno Smith,14. Kobus van Wyk,13. Lukhanyo Am,12. Jeremy Ward,11. Lwazi Mvovo,10. Patrick Lambie (c),9. Michael Claassens,8. Daniel du Preez,7. Jean-Luc du Preez,6. Philip van der Walt (v/c),5. Ruan Botha,4. Etienne Oosthuizen,3. Coenie Oosthuizen,2. Franco Marais,1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle,17. Thomas du Toit,18. Lourens Adriaanse,19. Stephan Lewies,20. Tera Mtembu,21. Cobus Reinach,22. Garth April,23. S’busiso Nkosi
Jaguares v Force Super Rugby Preview
Argentina’s Jaguares will play their first ever match in Super Rugby against the Western Force in the final match of the weekend.
The Jaguares and the Force missed each other last year so this will be the first time that the teams have played.
The Jaguares have played 10 matches this season and won five. The Force have played nine matches and they have won 2.
The Force have played 5 matches away from home and have yet to win a match away. The Jaguares have played five matches at home and they have won four.
Average score: N/A
No past results
Match Officials
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1: Juan Sylvestre
Assistant Ref 2: Jose Covasi
TMO : Santiagi Borsani
Teams
Jaguares
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Santiago Cordero, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Batista Ezcurra, 10 Juan Martín Hernández, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Benjamin Macome, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 6 Tomás Lezana, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy, 1 Santiago Garcia Botta
Replacements: 16 Julían Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera Paz, 18 Felipe Arregui, 19 Tomás Lavanini, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 23 Manuel Montero
Force
1. Francios van Wyk,2. Heath Tessmann (C) ,3. Tetera Faulkner,4. Richie Arnold,5. Adam Coleman,6. Ross Haylett-Petty,7. Onehunga Havili,8. Richard Hardwick,9. Ian Prior,10. Jono Lance,11. Alex Newsome,12. Billy Meakes,13. Curtis Rona,14. Semisi Masirewa,15. Peter Grant
Replacements : 16. Anaru Rangi,17. Pek Cowan ,18. Shambeckler Vui,19. Lewis Carmichael,20. Brynard Stander,21. Isireli Naisarani,22. Mitchell Short ,23. James Verity-Amm
