Super Rugby round 17 is the final round of the regular Super Rugby season as the play offs start next weekend.
The top eight teams have already been decided but we will have to wait until the final whistle of the final match this weekend to find out who and where the teams will be playing.
This weekend has nine matches. There are three on Friday and six on Saturday.
No teams have the bye.
Highlanders v Reds Super Rugby Preview
The Highlanders have already qualified for the Super Rugby play offs this season while the Reds cannot qualify.
Even though the Highlanders can rest assured that they will be playing next weekend they could lose 7th place if they play badly and the Sharks play well so they have plenty to play for.
The Reds are third in the Australian Conference and could finish second if they play well or the Force fall badly to the Waratahs. The Reds will be playing for second place in the Australian Conference.
Average score: Highlanders 29 Reds 23
Last five results
Sat, 09 Apr 2016 Highlanders v Reds 27-28 Brisbane
Fri, 27 Feb 2015 Highlanders v Reds 20-13 Dunedin
Fri, 30 May 2014 Highlanders v Reds 31-38 Brisbane
Fri, 29 Mar 2013 Highlanders v Reds 33-34 Dunedin
Fri, 06 Jul 2012 Highlanders v Reds 13-19 Brisbane
Highlanders overall record against the Reds
Played 20, Wins 10 , Losses 10 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1:Jamie Nutbrown
Assistant Ref 2: James Doleman
TMO : Aaron Paterson
Teams
Highlanders
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown. 2. Liam Coltman , 3. Siate Tokolahi , 4. Jackson Hemopo, 5. Tom Franklin, 6. Liam Squire, 7. James Lentjes, 8. Luke Whitelock (CC), 9. Kayne Hammington, 10. Lima Sopoaga, 11. Tevita Li, 12. Rob Thompson 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Richard Buckman
Replacements : 16. Ash Dixon (CC), 17. Aki Seiuli, 18. Guy Millar, 19. Gareth Evans, 20. Dan Pryor, 21. Josh Renton, 22. Marty Banks, 23. Patelesio Tomkinson
Queensland Reds
1. Sef Fa’agase , 2. Stephen Moore (C) , 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Rob Simmons , 5. Izack Rodda , 6. Caleb Timu (run-on debut), 7. George Smith, 8. Adam Korczyk , 9. James Tuttle, 10. Quade Cooper , 11. Eto Nabuli , 12. Duncan Paia’aua , 13. Campbell Magnay , 14. Izaia Perese , 15. Karmichael Hunt ,
Replacements : 16. Alex Mafi , 17. Markus Vanzati , 18. Sam Talakai , 19. Kane Douglas , 20. Reece Hewat (potential Queensland/Super Rugby debut), 21. Moses Sorovi , 22. Hamish Stewart , 23. Jayden Ngamanu (potential Queensland/Super Rugby debut)
Rebels v Jaguares Super Rugby Preview
The Rebels and the Jaguares have yet to meet in Super Rugby and should the Australian Rugby Union decide to drop the Rebels this match could the only fixture between the teams ever.
The Rebels have had an awful season which has not been helped by the threat of being kicked out of Super Rugby.
The Jaguares started well but then dropped off. They have played 14 matches and won 6 six while the Rebels have played the same number of matches but have only won one and drawn one.
Rebels centre Mitch Inman is set to play his 100th Super Rugby game against the Jaguares on Friday. Inman has played 80 games for the Rebels since he joined the club in the second season.
Rebels prop Toby Smith is set to play his 50th Rebels game against the Jaguares on Friday. Smith made his Rebels debut in Round 3, 2014 against the Cheetahs at AAMI Park. Smith has started 47 of his 49 Rebels appearances in Super Rugby.
Average score: N/A
No past results
Match Officials
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Damon Murphy
Assistant Ref 2: James Leckie
TMO : Damien Mitchelmore
Teams
Rebels
1. Toby Smith , 2. James Hanson , 3. Laurie Weeks , 4. Steve Cummins , 5. Lopeti Timani , 6. Sean McMahon , 7. Colby Fainga’a , 8. Amanaki Mafi , 9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain) , 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop , 11. Marika Koroibete , 12. Reece Hodge , 13. Mitch Inman , 14. Tom English , 15. Jack Maddocks
Extended Reserves (one to be omitted) :Jordan Uelese , Cruze Ah Nau , Fereti Sa’aga , Esei Haangana , Murray Douglas , Ben Meehan , Sione Tuipulotu , Semisi Tupou , Jonah Placid
Jaguares
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Matías Moroni, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Bautista Ezcurra, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Rodrigo Báez, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Benjamin Macome, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Enrique Pieretto, 2 Agustin Creevy (c), 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Replacements: 16 Julián Montoya, 17 Ramiro Herrera, 18 Lucas Noguera, 19 Ignacio Larrague, 20 Juan Cruz Guillemain, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Juan Martín Hernández, 23 Santiago Cordero
Kings v Cheetahs Super Rugby Preview
This match will be the last time that the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs play Super 18 Rugby as it has been confirmed that they will not be in Super Rugby next season.
While the Southern Kings have been dropped from Super rugby their season has not been too bad. The Kings have 27 points which is just seven behind the top Australian team and they have won six matches which is the same number that the Brumbies have won.
The Cheetahs have only won three matches this season which is why the bookies have given the Bloemfontein side a 2 point start for this contest.
Average score: Southern Kings 18 Cheetahs 31
Last three results
Sat, 14 May 2016 Kings v Cheetahs 20-34 Bloemfontein
Sat, 25 May 2013 Kings v Cheetahs 22-34 Port Elizabeth
Sat, 27 Apr 2013 Kings v Cheetahs 12-26 Bloemfontein
Kings overall record against the Cheetahs
Played 3 , Wins 0, Losses 3 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 1: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Shaun Veldsman
Teams
Southern Kings
15. Malcolm Jaer,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. Lubabalo Mtyanda,3. Ross Geldenhuys,2. Michael Willemse,1. Mzamo Majola
Replacements: 16. Martin Bezuidenhout, 17. Schalk Ferreira, 18. Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19. Irne Herbst/Mzwanele Zito, 20. Thembelani Bholi, 21. Rudi van Rooyen, 22. Masixole Banda, 23. Waylon Murray/Yaw Penxe.
Cheetahs
Ox Nche, Elandré Huggett, Johan Coetzee, Carl Wegner, Reniel Hugo, Uzair Cassiem, Oupa Mohoje, Niell Jordaan, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga, Raymond Rhule, Clinton Swart, Francois Venter (c ), William Small-Smith, Clayton Blommetjies
Replacements :Joseph Dwebam, Charles Marais, Tom Botha, Armandt Koster, Junior Pokomela, Chris Dry, Ruan van Rensburg, Niel Marais
Sunwolves v Blues Super Rugby Preview
Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves will meet Auckland’s Blues in this contest for the first time in Super Rugby history.
The Blues have just missed out on the Super Rugby play offs so they will be playing for pride this weekend.
They have won 7 of their 14 matches while the Sunwolves have won one match in 14.
Average score: N/A
No past results
Match Officials
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Akihisa Aso
Assistant Ref 2:Tasuku Takawahara
TMO : Minoru Fuji
Teams
Sunwolves
15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 William Tupou, 12 Timothy Lafaele, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Willem Britz, 7 Shuhei Matsuhashi, 6 Malgene Ilaua, 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Kotaro Yatabe, 3 Koo Jiwon, 2 Takeshi Hino, 1 Koki Yamamoto
Replacements: 16 Yusuke Niwai, 17 Keita Inagaki, 18 Yasuo Yamaji, 19 Yuya Odo, 20 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Jumpei Ogura, 23 Ryohei Yamanaka
Blues
1.OfaTu’ungafasi, 2. James Parsons ©, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5. Scott Scrafton, 6. Akira Ioane, 7.Blake Gibson, 8. Steven Luatua; 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. Ihaia West, 11. Melani Nanai, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. George Moala, 14. Matt Duffie, 15. Michael Collins.
Replacements: 16. Hame Faiva, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Josh Goodhue, 20. Jerome Kaino, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Stephen Perofeta, 23. Rene Ranger.
Chiefs v Brumbies Super Rugby Preview
The Chiefs and the Brumbies have both qualified for the Super Rugby play offs and there is the possibility that they could meet again next weekend in the play offs.
This weekend the Chiefs have home advantage and they will want a good performance to set them up for the knockout stages.
The Brumbies were hit with injuries in the run up to this match as they lost Kyle Godwin and Aidan Toua for the Super rugby season. As a result their backline will not be as effective as it might have been.
Average score: Chiefs 24 Brumbies 29
Last five results
Sat, 02 Apr 2016 Chiefs v Brumbies 48-23 Canberra
Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Chiefs v Brumbies 19-17 New Plymouth
Sat, 19 Jul 2014 Elim Chiefs v Brumbies 30-32 Canberra
Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Chiefs v Brumbies 23-41 Canberra
Sat, 03 Aug 2013 Final Chiefs v Brumbies 27-22 Hamilton
Chiefs overall record against the Brumbies
Played 23, Wins 9 , Losses 13 , Draws 1
Match Officials
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1:Richard Kelly
Assistant Ref 2: Cam Stone
TMO : Ben Skeen
Teams
Chiefs
1. Kane Hames, 2. Nathan Harris , 3. Nepo Laulala , 4. Michael Allardice , 5. Mitchell Brown , 6. Liam Messam , 7. Lachlan Boshier , 8. Michael Leitch , 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow , 10. Aaron Cruden (c) ,11. James Lowe , 12. Charlie Ngatai , 13. Alex Nankivell , 14. Solomon Alaimalo, 15. Damian McKenzie ,
Replacements : 16. Liam Polwart, 17. Aidan Ross , 18. Atu Moli , 19. Tom Sanders , 20. Mitchell Karpik , 21. Finlay Christie , 22. Stephen Donald , 23. Shaun Stevenson
Brumbies
Jordan Jackson-Hope, Henry Speight, Nigel Ah Wong, Andrew Smith, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Tomas Cubelli, Lolo Fakaosilea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy (c), Blake Enever, Tom Staniforth, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Robbie Abel, Nic Mayhew.
Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio, Ben Alexander, Ben Hyne, Tom Cusack, Jordan Smiler, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Banks.
Hurricanes v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The Hurricanes and the Crusaders have both qualified for the Super Rugby play offs next weekend so whatever happens their season will continue for at least one more week.
The Crusaders are unbeaten but they only have a two point lead on the Lions. A loss this week coupled with a Lions victory would see the Lions finishing on top and potentially forcing the Crusaders to travel.
The Hurricanes are the current Super Rugby champions but they will be tested in this as only the British and Irish Lions have beaten the Crusaders this season.
The Hurricanes have won 6 of their 7 home matches this season so the bookies have made them slight favourites.
Average score: Hurricanes 20 Crusaders 26
Last five results
Sat, 13 May 2017 Hurricanes v Crusaders 12-20 Christchurch
Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Hurricanes v Crusaders 35-10 Christchurch
Fri, 29 May 2015 Hurricanes v Crusaders 18-35 Christchurch
Sat, 02 May 2015 Hurricanes v Crusaders 29-23 Wellington
Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Hurricanes v Crusaders 16-9 Wellington
Hurricanes overall record against the Crusaders
Played 31, Wins 10 , Losses 18, Draws 3
Match Officials
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO : Glenn Newman
Teams
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett , 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder , 13 Vince Aso , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Julian Savea , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 TJ Perenara (c) , 8 Brad Shields , 7 Ardie Savea , 6 Vaea Fifita , 5 Sam Lousi , 4 Mark Abbott , 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen , 2 Ricky Riccitelli , 1 Ben May
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly , 17 Chris Eves , 18 Loni Uhila , 19 Reed Prinsep , 20 Callum Gibbins , 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi , 22 Wes Goosen , 23 Cory Jane
Crusaders
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd (c), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Ben Funnell, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Sean Wainui
Force v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview
The Western Force host the New South Wales in their final round match in this contest which is also both team’s last match this season.
Neither team has qualified for the knockout stages so they will not be playing next weekend.
This match could be the Western Force’s final match in Super Rugby as they are one two teams who could be ejected from the tournament.
The Force will have home advantage in this match and for the first time the Force are also the favourites given that they have won five of their 14 matches while the Waratahs have won just four.
The Force are in 12th place overall while the Waratahs are in 14th place after a difficult season.
Average score: Force 16 Waratahs 23
Last five results
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 Force v Waratahs 13-19 Sydney
Sat, 23 Apr 2016 Force v Waratahs 13-49 Perth
Sat, 09 May 2015 Force v Waratahs 18-11 Perth
Sun, 15 Feb 2015 Force v Waratahs 25-13 Sydney
Sat, 12 Apr 2014 Force v Waratahs 28-16 Perth
Force’s overall record against the Waratahs
Played 17 , Wins 5 , Losses 11, Draws 1
Match Officials
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1: Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Graham Cooper
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Force
Pek Cowan , Tatafu Polota-Nau , Tetera Faulkner , Matt Philip , Adam Coleman , Ross Haylett-Petty , Matt Hodgson (C) , Isi Naisarani , Michael Ruru , Peter Grant , Alex Newsome , Bill Meakes , Curtis Rona , Marcel Brache , Dane Haylett-Petty ,
Replacements : 16. Anaru Rangi , 17. Francois van Wyk , 18. Shambeckler Vui , 19. Lewis Carmichael , 20. Richard Hardwick , 21. Ian Prior , 22. Jono Lance , 23. James Verity-Amm
Waratahs
15 Israel Folau, 14 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 13 Rob Horne, 12 David Horwitz, 11 Cam Clark, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Michael Hooper(c), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Dean Mumm, 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 David Lolohea, 18 Angus Taavao, 19 David Mcduling, 20 Ryan Mccauley, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Mack Mason, 23 Andrew Kellaway
Sharks v Lions Super Rugby Preview
Durban’s Sharks host South Africa’s top team the Lions in this South African derby match. Although the teams have both qualified for next week they have everything to play for.
The Lions will know what they have to do to finish on top of the Super Rugby standings at their kick off if the Hurricanes have knocked over the Crusaders. If that has happened the Lions will be going all out to win.
The Sharks will also be looking for a good win as they need some momentum going into the play offs.
Average score: Sharks 28 Lions 20
Last five results
Sat, 01 Apr 2017 Sharks v Lions 29-34 Johannesburg
Sat, 02 Jul 2016 Sharks v Lions 10-37 Johannesburg
Sat, 09 Apr 2016 Sharks v Lions 9-24 Durban
Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Sharks v Lions 21-23 Johannesburg
Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Sharks v Lions 29-12 Durban
Sharks overall record against the Lions
Played 25, Wins 16, Losses 7 , Draws 2
Match Officials
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:AJ Jacobs
Assistant Ref 2: Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Johan Greeff
Teams
Sharks
15 Lwazi Mvovo, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 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 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit
Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Jean Droste, 20 Tera Mtembu, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Jeremy Ward
Lions
1. Jacques van Rooyen , 2. Malcolm Marx , 3. Ruan Dreyer , 4. Andries Ferreira , 5. Franco Mostert , 6. Jaco Kriel © , 7. Albertus “Kwagga” Smith , 8. Ruan Ackermann , 9. Ross Cronje , 10. Elton Jantjies , 11. Courtnall Skosan , 12. Harold Vorster , 13. Lionel Mapoe , 14. Ruan Combrinck , 15. Andries Coetzee ,
Replacements : 16. Akker vd Merwe , 17. Corne Fourie , 18. Johannes Jonker , 19. Lourens Erasmus , 20. Cyle Brink , 21. Faf de Klerk , 22. Rohan Janse van Rensburg , 23. Sylvian Mahuza
Bulls v Stormers Super Rugby Preview
The Bulls last match of the 2017 Super Rugby season is against South Africa’s second best team the Stormers from Cape Town.
The Stormers have already qualified for the play offs next week but as the Bulls have struggled this season they cannot qualify.
The final result of this match will determine who who plays who and were they will meet next week.
Average score: Bulls 22 Stormers 22
Last five results
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
Sat, 14 Feb 2015 Bulls v Stormers 17-29 Pretoria
Bulls overall record against the Stormers
Played 27 , Wins 10 , Losses 16, Draws
Match Officials
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant Ref 1:Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 2:Jaco van Heerden
TMO: Marius Jonker
Teams
Bulls
Warrick Gelant ,Travis Ismaiel , Jesse Kriel , Jan Serfontein , Duncan Matthews, Tian Schoeman,Rudy Paige , Nic de Jager , Jannes Kirsten ,, Shaun Adendorff, RG Snyman,, Jason Jenkins , Conrad Janse van Vuuren, Adriaan Strauss , Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: Jaco Visagie , Trevor Nyakane , John Roy Jenkinson ,Ruben van Heerden, Ruan Steenkamp , Piet van Zyl,, Tony Jantjies , Burger Odendaal
Stormers
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (vc), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Juan de Jongh, 23 Dan Kriel
