Super Rugby round 13 has eight matches with two on Friday, five Super Rugby matches on Saturday and the final match is on Sunday.
The weekend kicks off in Fiji on Friday and finishes on Sunday in Sydney.
Here we list the teams as they are released and preview the eight upcoming matches.
The Jaguares and Reds have a bye.
Chiefs v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
Super Rugby kicks off this weekend in Suva, Fiji where the Chiefs host current leaders the Hurricanes in an all New Zealand Super Rugby derby match.
This is a special match as it is being played in Fiji but this was also the venue for the last match between the teams as they played there in July last year.
The Crusaders have gone through 11 matches of Super Rugby and are still unbeaten. The Chiefs have played 10 matches and lost just once.
The Chiefs go into the match more rested as they had a bye last week while the Crusaders played the Hurricanes.
The last four matches between these two teams have all been won by the Chiefs. Overall the Chiefs have played the Crusaders 29 times in Super rugby and they have won 13 matches.
Average score: Chiefs 21 Crusaders 25
Last five results
Fri, 01 Jul 2016 Chiefs v Crusaders 23-13 Suva
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 Chiefs v Crusaders 27-21 Christchurch
Fri, 17 Apr 2015 Chiefs v Crusaders 26-9 Christchurch
Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Chiefs v Crusaders 40-16 Hamilton
Sat, 19 Apr 2014 Chiefs v Crusaders 17-18 Hamilton
Chiefs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 29 , Wins 13 , Losses 16, Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1:Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2:Paul Williams
TMO : Shane McDermott
Teams
Chiefs
1. Kane Hames, 2. Nathan Harris , 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Dominic Bird , 5. Brodie Retallick , 6. Mitchell Brown , 7. Sam Cane (co-captain), 8. Michael Leitch, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow , 10. Aaron Cruden (co-captain) , 11. James Lowe , 12. Anton Lienert-Brown , 13. Sam McNicol , 14. Tim Nanai-Williams, 15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements : 16. Hika Elliot , 17. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi , 18. Atu Moli, 19. Taleni Seu , 20. Liam Messam , 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Stephen Donald , 23. Shaun Stevenson
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano , 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Pete Samu, 7. Matt Todd (VC), 8. Jordan Taufua, 9. Bryn Hall , 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty (VC), 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. Mitchell Drummond, 22. Mitchell Hunt , 23. Manasa Mataele
Stormers v Blues Super Rugby Preview
South Africa’s Stormers are back at home in Cape Town this weekend and they host Auckland’s Blues at Newlands.
The Stormers have lost their last four matches – the last three to NZ teams – while the Blues have won their last three matches which sets this match up nicely.
The Stormers have played the Blues 17 times in Super rugby and they have won 8 matches and lost 9. At home in Cape Town the teams have played 8 times and both teams have won four matches each.
The Stormers have three of their Springboks back for this match while the Blues have got Sonny Bill Williams back for the match.
Average score: Stormers 24 Blues 26
Last five results
Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Stormers v Blues 27-16 Cape Town
Fri, 03 May 2013 Stormers v Blues 17-18 Albany
Fri, 16 Mar 2012 Stormers v Blues 27-17 Cape Town
Fri, 20 May 2011 Stormers v Blues 28-26 Auckland
Sat, 10 Apr 2010 Stormers v Blues 33-21 Auckland
Stormers overall record against the Blues
Played 17, Wins 8 , Losses 9, Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Jaco van Heerden
Assistant Ref 1:Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Shaun Veldsman
Teams
Stormers
15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Dillyn Leyds, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Siya Kolisi (captain), 6 Kobus van Dyk, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (vice-captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Jan de Klerk, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Jano Vermaak, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Damian de Allende.
Blues
1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 James Parsons ©, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5 Scott Scrafton, 6 Steven Luatua, 7 Blake Gibson, 8 Akira Ioane; 9 Augustine Pulu, 10 Piers Francis, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 13. George Moala, 14 Matt Duffie, 15 Melani Nanai.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Michael Collins.
Hurricanes v Cheetahs Super Rugby Preview
Current Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes are back at home in Wellington this week and they host South Africa’s Cheetahs.
The Cheetahs are South Africa’s lowest ranked team this season and after 11 matches they have only two wins to their name. Every other SA team has won more matches and has more points.
The Hurricanes have played 10 matches and won 8 this season. The Hurricanes have played the Cheetahs 9 times in Super Rugby and won 6 matches and lost three. In New Zealand though the teams have met four times and the Hurricanes have won three and lost one.
The Hurricanes lost to the Crusaders last weekend and that ended a five match winning streak. In comparison the Cheetahs have lost every match since their third match and are on a eight match losing streak.
Average score: Hurricanes 36 Cheetahs 27
Last five results
Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Hurricanes v Cheetahs 60-27 Wellington
Fri, 10 May 2013 Hurricanes v Cheetahs 39-34 Bloemfontein
Sat, 31 Mar 2012 Hurricanes v Cheetahs 38-47 Wellington
Sat, 16 Apr 2011 Hurricanes v Cheetahs 50-47 Bloemfontein
Sat, 06 Mar 2010 Hurricanes v Cheetahs 12-28 Bloemfontein
Hurricanes overall record against the Cheetahs
Played 9 , Wins 6 , Losses 3, Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Ben O’Keeffe
TMO :Ben Skeen
Teams
Hurricanes
Beauden Barrett, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Otere Black, TJ Perenara (c), Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May.
Replacements: Leni Apisai, Mike Kainga, Loni Uhila, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jordie Barrett, Ben Lam
Cheetahs
Ox Nche,Elandré Huggett,Johan Coetzee,Armandt Koster,Carl Wegner,Uzair Cassiem,Oupa Mohoje,Henco Venter,Shaun Venter,Fred Zeilinga,Raymond Rhule,Clinton Swart,Francois Venter (c),Sergeal Petersen,Clayton Blommetjies
Replacements : Torsten van Jaarsveld,Charles Marais,Tom Botha,Francois Uys,Niell Jordaan,Tian Meyer,Niel Marais,Ruan van Rensburg
Force v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
Australia’s Western Force have returned from Argentina where they beat the Jaguares last week and will host the Highlanders in Perth this weekend.
Both of these teams have had to travel for this clash. As mentioned above the Force were in Buenos Aires last week while the Highlanders were in Pretoria.
The Force’s victory over the Jaguares ended a three match losing streak and was their third win in 10 matches so far.
The Highlanders are on a 7 match winning streak and went through their tour of South Africa unbeaten. They have yet to lose to a non New Zealand team and they have won 8 of their l1 matches.
The Force have played the Highlanders 10 times in Super Rugby and won 6. In Perth the teams have met four times and both have won two each. The Highlanders won on their last visit to Perth.
Average score: Force 23 Highlanders 23
Last five results
Fri, 01 Apr 2016 Force v Highlanders 20-32 Dunedin
Sat, 23 May 2015 Force v Highlanders 3-23 Perth
Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Force v Highlanders 31-29 Dunedin
Sat, 25 May 2013 Force v Highlanders 19-18 Perth
Fri, 03 Jun 2011 Force v Highlanders 21-14 Dunedin
Force overall record against the Highlanders
Played 10 , Wins 6 , Losses 4 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 1:Ed Martin
Assistant Ref 2:Damon Murphy
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Force
Pek Cowan,Tatafu Polota-Nau,Jermaine Ainsley,Richie Arnold,Adam Coleman,Ross Haylett-Petty,Brynard Stander,Richard Hardwick,Ian Prior,Peter Grant,Alex Newsome,Bill Meakes (C),Curtis Rona,Semisi Masirewa,Luke Morahan
Replacements:,Anaru Rangi,Francois van Wyk,Tetera Faulkner,Matt Philip,Lewis Carmichael, Isireli Naisarani,Michael Ruru,James Verity-Amm
Highlanders
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown,2. Liam Coltman,3. Siate Tokolahi,4. Alex Ainley,5. Tom Franklin,6. Gareth Evans,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Elliot Dixon (CC),9. Kayne Hammington,10. Marty Banks,11. Tevita Li,12. Richard Buckman,13. Malakai Fekitoa,14. Patrick Osborne,15. Matt Faddes
Replacements : 16. Aki Seiuli,17. Ash Dixon (CC),18. Guy Millar,19. Joe Wheeler,20. Jackson Hemopo,21. Aaron Smith,22. Lima Sopoaga,23. Rob Thompson
Sunwolves v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The Sunwolves are back in Singapore this weekend where they will host South Africa’s Sharks after a three match tour of New Zealand and Argentina.
The Sunwolves are at their second home for this match and did have a bye last week so they could have had some rest.
The Sharks will go into the match almost desperate to turn things around. They lost to the Kings last week and recently drew with the Rebels. Despite this they are still comfortably in the play off places and are 9 points ahead of their nearest play off rivals. Perhaps there is an element of complacency in the Sharks camp.
Even though the Sharks did not perform last week they will go into the match as strong favourites. The Sunwolves have only played the Sharks once and that match was last year in Durban and the Sharks won 40-29.
The Sunwolves are an improving side but the Sharks should have enough to earn their 8th win in 11 matches.
Average score: Sunwolves 29 Sharks 40
Last result
Fri, 15 Jul 2016 Sunwolves v Sharks 29-40 Durban
Sunwolves overall record against the Sharks
Played 1 , Wins 0, Losses 1 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant Ref 1:Aki Aso
Assistant Ref 2:Tasuku Kawahara
TMO : Minoru Fuji
Teams
Sunwolves
15 Kotaro Matsushima, 14 Shota Emi, 13 Ryohei Yamanaka, 12 Harumichi Tatekawa, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Willem Britz, 7 Shuhei Matsuhashi, 6 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 5 Noahiro Kotaki, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Yasuo Yamaji, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Inagaki
Replacements: 16 Takeshi Hino, 17 Masataka Mikami, 18 Takuma Asahara, 19 Hitoshi Ono, 20 Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, 21 Keisuka Uchidam 22 Jumpei Ogura, 23 Yasutaka S
Sharks
15. Lwazi Mvovo,14. Kobus van Wyk,13. Lukhanyo Am,12. Johan Deysel,11. S’busiso Nkosi,10. Garth April,9. Cobus Reinach,8. Daniel du Preez,7. Jean-Luc du Preez,6. Philip van der Walt (c),5. Stephan Lewies,4. Ruan Botha,3. Lourens Adriaanse,2. Chiliboy Ralepelle,1. Thomas du Toit
Replacements ,16. Franco Marais,17. Tendai Mtawarira,18. John-Hubert Meyer,19. Etienne ,Oosthuizen ,20. Tera Mtembu,21. Rowan Gouws,22. Benhard Janse van Rensburg,23. S’bura Sithole
Lions v Bulls Super Rugby Preview
South Africa’s top performing team the Lions have returned home from Australia and will host the Bulls.
The Lions are unbeaten in 8 matches and have won 10 of their 11 matches this season. The Bulls have played 10 matches as well but they have won just three matches. The Bulls have lost their last two.
The Lions have played the Bulls 22 times in Super Rugby since 1998 and the Lions have won 8 matches and lost 14. However, in the last three matches whoever was playing at home won the match.
This season the Lions have played four matches at home and are unbeaten in Johannesburg. The Bulls have played 5 matches away from home and have yet to win away.
Average score: Lions 27 Bulls 30
Last five results
Sat, 28 May 2016 Lions v Bulls 56-20 Pretoria
Sat, 02 May 2015 Lions v Bulls 33-35 Pretoria
Sat, 04 Apr 2015 Lions v Bulls 22-18 Johannesburg
Sat, 31 May 2014 Lions v Bulls 32-21 Johannesburg
Sat, 01 Mar 2014 Lions v Bulls 17-25 Pretoria
Lions overall record against the Bulls
Played 22 , Wins 8 , Losses 14 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant Ref 1:AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2:Pro Legoete
TMO :Marius Jonker
Teams
Lions
1. Jacques van Rooyen,2. Malcolm Marx,3. Ruan Dreyer,4. Andries Ferreira,5. Franco Mostert,6. Kwagga Smith,7. Ruan Ackermann,8. Warren Whiteley ©,9. Ross Cronje,10. Elton Jantjies,11. Courtnall Skosan,12. Harold Vorster,13. Lionel Mapoe,14. Sylvian Mahuza,15. Andries Coetzee
Replacements : 16. Akker van der Merwe ,17. Corné Fourie,18. Johannes Jonker,19. Lourens Erasmus,20. Cyle Brink,21. Faf de Klerk,22. Jacques Nel, 23. Anthony Volmink
Bulls
Jesse Kriel,, Jade Stighling, Jan Serfontein,, Burger Odendaal , Sibahle Maxwane,, Francois Brummer, Rudy Paige, Hanro Liebenberg (c), Jannes Kirsten, Ruan Steenkamp , Lood de Jager , Jason Jenkins , Trevor Nyakane , Jaco Visagie , Lizo Gqoboka
Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle ,Pierre Schoeman ,, Conraad van Vuuren, Abongile Nonkontwana , Nic de Jager , Ivan van Zyl , Tony Jantjies, Warrick Gelant
Kings v Brumbies Super Rugby Preview
South Africa’s Southern Kings are at home again this weekend for the third week running and they host the Brumbies in Round 13.
The Southern Kings have won their last three Super Rugby matches – including two matches against Australian teams – which makes this their most successful year to date.
The Brumbies are the leading Australian team but they are wobbling as they have lost their last four matches and their last two losses were at home.
In 2017 the Brumbies have played four matches away from home and won one but they have yet to win outside of Australia.
The Kings have played five matches at home and have won 2 and lost three. The Kings have played 10 matches and won four. The Brumbies have played 10 matches and won three. Both teams have 19 points.
When the teams met in 2013 the match in Canberra ended in a draw. Whichever team wins this weekend it will be their first victory over their opponent.
Average score: Kings 28 Brumbies 28
Last five results
Fri, 05 Apr 2013 Kings v Brumbies 28-28 Canberra
Kings overall record against the Brumbies
Played 1 , Wins 0, Losses 0, Draws 1
Match Officials
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Egon Seconds
Assistant Ref 2:Rodney Boneparte
TMO : Christie du Preez
Teams
Southern Kings
15. Chrysander Botha ,14. Alshaun Bock,13. Berton Klaasen,12. Luzuko Vulindlu,11. Makazole Mapimpi,10. Lionel Cronje ©,9. Louis Schreuder,8. Andisa Ntsila, 7. Tyler Paul ,6. Stefan Willemse ,5. Lubabalo Mtyanda ,4. Irne Herbst ,3. Ross Geldenhuys ,2. Martin Bezuidenhout ,1. Schalk van der Merwe
Replacements:16. Kurt Haupt ,17. Chris Heiberg ,18. Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19. Mzwanele Zito ,20. Thembelani Bholi ,21. Johan Steyn ,22. Pieter-Steyn de Wet ,23. Nicolaas Hanekom
Brumbies
15. Tom Banks, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. Tom Banks, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. AllanAlaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Ben Alexander
Replacements : 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Nic Mayhew, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Jarrad Butler, 21. De Wet Roos, 22. Andrew Muirhead, 23. Andrew Smith.
Waratahs v Rebels Super Rugby Preview
The final match in Super Rugby Round 13 is on Sunday and is in Sydney where the Waratahs host Melbourne’s Rebels.
These teams have already played each other once this season as they met in March and the Waratahs won 25-32.
That victory was one of the Waratahs three wins this season from 10 matches. The Rebels have also played 10 matches but they have only won one (the Brumbies) and drawn one.
The Waratahs have played each other 12 times in Super Rugby since 2011 and the Waratahs have won 10 matches and lost two.
In Sydney the Waratahs have hosted the Rebels six times and won five. The last match between the sides was however one by the Rebels.
2014 Super Rugby champions the Waratahs are struggling this season but the Rebels are battling with form and with the threat of losing their place in Super Rugby so confidence is low in the Rebels camp.
Average score: Waratahs 31 Rebels 18
Last five results
Fri, 24 Mar 2017 Waratahs v Rebels 32-25 Melbourne
Sun, 03 Apr 2016 Waratahs v Rebels 17-21 Sydney
Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Waratahs v Rebels 18-16 Sydney
Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Waratahs v Rebels 38-28 Melbourne
Fri, 23 May 2014 Waratahs v Rebels 41-19 Melbourne
Waratahs overall record against the Rebels
Played 12 , Wins 10, Losses 2 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Graham Cooper
Assistant Ref 2:Amy Perrett
TMO : George Ayoub
Teams
Waratahs
1.Tom Robertson,2.Tolu Latu,3.Sekope Kepu,4.Dean Mumm,5.Will Skelton,6.Ned Hanigan,7.Michael Hooper ©,8.Michael Wells,9.Nick Phipps,10.Bernard Foley,11.Cam Clark,12. David Horwitz,13.Rob Horne,14.Taqele Naiyaravoro,15. Israel Folau
Replacements : 16.Damien Fitzpatrick,17.Paddy Ryan,18.Angus Taavao,19.David McDuling,20.Jed Holloway,21.Jake Gordon,22.Bryce Hegarty,23.Irae Simone
Melbourne Rebels
1. Toby Smith, 2. James Hanson, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Culum Retallick, 5. Steve Cummins, 6. Lopeti Timani, 7. Sean McMahon, 8. Amanaki Mafi, 9. Ben Meehan, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Reece Hodge (captain), 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Ben Volavola
Replacements : 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Fereti Sa’aga, 18. Laurie Weeks, 19. Esei Haangana, 20. Colby Fainga’a, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Sione Tuipulotu, 23. Jonah Placid
