Super Rugby Round Five has eight matches with two on Friday and six on Saturday. The Chiefs and Hurricanes have the bye.
Here we preview the eight upcoming matches this weekend.
Crusaders v Force Super Rugby Preview
The Crusaders have played the Western Force 10 times since the Perth Super Rugby franchise joined Super Rugby in 2006 and they have won six matches and drawn two.
The Force have beaten the Crusaders twice in those matches but in Christchurch their best result was a 23 all draw back in 2009.
In their last two visits to Christchurch the Force have been beaten by 14 points or more.
The Crusaders have made seven changes to the side that beat the Blues last week. The Force have also rung the changes for this week and a number of players will be making their starting debut this season.
Flyhalf Jono Lance has been named to captain the Western Force for the first time this weekend.
The Bookies have given the Force a 20 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Crusaders should win by 20.
Average score: Crusaders 29 Western Force 19
Last five results
08 Apr 2016 Crusaders v Force 20-19 Perth
Fri, 30 May 2014 Crusaders v Force 30-7 Christchurch
Sat, 13 Apr 2013Crusaders v Force 14-16 Perth
Sat, 14 Jul 2012 Crusaders v Force 38-24 Christchurch
Sat, 30 Apr 2011 Crusaders v Force 42-30 Perth
Crusaders overall record against the Force
Played 10 , Wins 6, Losses , Draws 2
Match : Crusaders v Force
Date : Friday 24 March 2017
Venue : AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick Off local: 19:35 l
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant Ref 1: Richard Kelly
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO : Shane McDermott
Teams
Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Luke Romano , 5.Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Scott Barrett , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Jordan Taufua
, 9. Mitchell Drummond , 10. Mitchell Hunt , 11. George Bridge , 12. Ryan Crotty(VC) , 13. Tim Bateman , 14. Digby Ioane , 15. David Havili
Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell , 17. Tim Perry , 18. Michael Alaalatoa , 19.Mitchell Dunshea , 20. Pete Samu , 21. Bryn Hall , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23.Manasa Mataele
Teams
Western Force
Ben Daley , Tatafu Polota-Nau , Jermaine Ainsley , Ross Haylett-Petty , Matt Philip , Isi Naisarani , Kane Koteka , Richard Hardwick , Ryan Louwrens , Jono
Lance (C) , Chance Peni , Marcel Brache , Curtis Rona , Alex Newsome , Luke Morahan
Replacements : Heath Tessmann , Pek Cowan , Tetera Faulkner , Richie Arnold* , Matt Hodgson , Michael Ruru , Ian Prior , Robbie Coleman
*Denotes possible Super Rugby Debut
Rebels v Waratahs Super Rugby Preview
This Friday’s match is the first of two Super Rugby matches between the Melbourne Rebels and the New South Wales Waratahs this year.
The Rebels won the last match between the two sides but the four before that were all won by the Waratahs.
Overall the Rebels have played the Waratahs 11 times in Super Rugby since 2011 and the Rebels have won twice.
At home in Melbourne the Rebels have hosted the Waratahs five times and won just once and that was in 2013 when they edged the Sydney side by two points at 24-22.
The Bookies have given the Rebels a 6 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Waratahs should win by 6 points.
Average score: Rebels 17 Waratahs 30
Last five results
Sun, 03 Apr 2016 Rebels v Waratahs 21-17 Sydney
Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Rebels v Waratahs 16-18 Sydney
Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Rebels v Waratahs 28-38 Melbourne
Fri, 23 May 2014 Rebels v Waratahs 19-41 Melbourne
Fri, 21 Mar 2014 Rebels v Waratahs 8-32 Sydney
Rebels overall record against the Waratahs
Played 11, Wins 2 , Losses 9, Draws 0
Match : Rebels v Waratahs
Date : Friday 24 March 2017
Venue : AAMi Park, Melbourne
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 1:Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 2: Jordan Way
TMO : George Ayoub
Teams
Melbourne Rebels
1. Fereti Sa’aga , 2. James Hanson , 3. Laurie Weeks , 4. Culum Retallick , 5. Steve Cummins , 6. Jordy Reid , 7. Colby Fainga’a , 8. Amanaki Mafi , 9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain) , 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop , 11. Marika Koroibete , 12. Reece Hodge , 13. Tom English , 14. Sefa Naivalu , 15. Jack Debreczeni
Extended replacements : (one to be omitted) : Pat Leafa , Tom Moloney , Tyrel Lomax , Dominic Day^* , Lopeti Timani , Jake Schatz , Ben Meehan , Mitch Inman , Ben Volavola
^Super Rugby debut ,
*Rebels debut
Waratahs
1.Tom Robertson, 2 .Tolu Latu, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4 .Dean Mumm, 5. Will Skelton,6. Ned Hanigan, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Jed Holloway, 9 . Jake Gordon, 10.
Bernard Foley, 11. Andrew Kellaway, 12. David Horwitz, 13 .Rob Horne, 14..Reece Robinson, 15.Israel Folau
Replacements : 16.Damien Fitzpatrick,17.Paddy Ryan,18.David Lolohea,19.David McDuling,20.Michael Wells,21.Nick Phipps,22.Cam Clark,23.Taqele Naiyaravoro
Blues v Bulls Super Rugby Preview
The Blues have played the Bulls 17 times in Super Rugby and they have won ten matches and lost seven matches since 1998.
The match this weekend will be played in Auckland where the teams have met on 9 occassions. In those 9 matches the Blues have won all but one.
The one Bulls victory in Auckland was in March 2013 and on the South African side’s last visit to Eden Park they lost 23-18 in 2015.
Overall the Blues have a home record of winning 89% of their home matches against the Bulls.
The Bookies have given the Bulls an 11 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Blues should win by 11.
Average score: Blues 38 Bulls 20
Last five results
Fri, 15 May 2015 Blues v Bulls 23-18 Auckland
Sat, 08 Mar 2014 Blues v Bulls 22-38 Pretoria
Sun, 10 Mar 2013 Blues v Bulls 21-28 Auckland
Sat, 10 Mar 2012 Blues v Bulls 29-23 Pretoria
Sat, 03 Apr 2010 Blues v Bulls 32-17 Auckland
Blues overall record against the Bulls
Played 17, Wins 10 , Losses 7, Draws 0
Match : Blues v Bulls
Date : Saturday 25 March 2017
Venue : QBE Stadium, North Harbour
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Nick Briant
TMO :Ben Skeen
Teams
Blues
1 Pauliasi Manu, 2 James Parsons ©, 3 Charlie Faumuina or Sione Mafileo, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Blake Gibson, 8 Jerome Kaino; 9 Augustine Pulu, 10 Piers Francis, 11 Melani Nanai, 12 George Moala, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Matt Duffie, 15 Michael Collins.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi or Sam Prattley, 18 Sione Mafileo or Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Akira Ioane, 20 Murphy Taramai, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Ihaia West, 23 TJ Faiane.
Bulls
Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Jamba Ulengo, Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl, Hanro Liebenberg, Nick de Jager, Ruan Steenkamp, Lood de Jager, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss (c), Lizo Gqoboko
Replacements:Jaco Visagie , Pierre Schoeman, RG Snyman, Jannes Kirsten , Rudy Paige, Tian Schoeman 25 (80), Burger Odendaal, John-Roy Jenkinson
Brumbies v Highlanders Super Rugby Preview
Former Super Rugby champions the Brumbies host another former Super Rugby champion in the 22nd meeting between the teams.
The Brumbies last meeting with the Highlanders was in the Elimination round last year and that match was won 9-15 by the Highlanders in Canberra.
The Highlanders have won the last two matches between the sides.
Overall the Brumbies have played the Highlanders 21 since 1996 and the Brumbies have won 12 matches and lost 9.
These two teams have met 11 times in Canberra and the Brumbies have won 8 times and lost three.
The Bookies have given the Brumbies a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Highlanders should win by 2 points.
Average score: Brumbies 26 Highlanders 20
Last five results
22 Jul 2016 Elim Brumbies v Highlanders 9-15 Canberra
Sat, 30 Apr 2016 Brumbies v Highlanders 10-23 Invercargill
Fri, 24 Apr 2015 Brumbies v Highlanders 31-18 Canberra
Fri, 12 Apr 2013 Brumbies v Highlanders 30-19 Dunedin
Sat, 24 Mar 2012 Brumbies v Highlanders 33-26 Canberra
Brumbies overall record against the Highlanders
Played 21 , Wins 12 , Losses 9 , Draws 0
Match : Brumbies v Highlanders
Date : Saturday 25 March 2017
Venue : GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off local: 19:45
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2: James Leckie
TMO : Ian Smith
Teams
Brumbies
15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Jordan Smiler, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Blake Enever, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Robbie Abel, 1. Nic Mayhew.
Replacements 16. Saia Faingaa, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Rory Arnold, 20. Tom Staniforth, 21. Lolo Fakaosilea, 22. De Wet Roos, 23. Jordan Jackson-Hope
Highlanders
Daniel Lienert-Brown , Liam Coltman , Siate Tokolahi , Alex Ainley , Tom Franklin , Elliot Dixon , Dillon Hunt , Luke Whitelock , Aaron Smith , Fletcher Smith , Patrick Osborne , Richard Buckman , Malakai Fekitoa , Patelesio Tomkinson , Ben Smith ( c )
Replacements : Greg Pleasants-Tate , Aki Seiuli , Siosuia Halanukonuka , Joe Wheeler , Gareth Evans , Kayne Hammington , Marty Banks , Matt Faddes
Sunwolves v Stormers Super Rugby Preview
Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves host the Stormers in their second home stadium of Singapore after two weeks on tour in South Africa.
This match will be the third match between the two Super Rugby sides as they played each other twice last year.
In last year’s Singapore fixture the Sunwolves managed to hold the Asian Super Rugby side to a 17 all draw. The other fixture last year was won by the Stormers.
The Bookies have given the Sunwolves a 21 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Stormers should win by 21 points.
Average score: Sunwolves 18 Stormers 32
Last two results
Sat, 14 May 2016 Sunwolves v Stormers 17-17 Singapore
Fri, 08 Apr 2016 Sunwolves v Stormers 19-46 Cape Town
Sunwolves overall record against the Stormers
Played 2 , Wins 0, Losses 1, Draws 1
Match : Sunwolves v Stormers
Date : Saturday 25 March 2017
Venue : Singapore National Stadium, Singapore
Kick Off local: 18:55
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant Ref 1:Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 2:Akihisa Aso
TMO : Minoru Fuji
Teams
Sunwolves
15 Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, 14 Shota Emi, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 12 Derek Carpenter, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Jumpei Ogura, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Willem Britz, 7 Shokei Kin, 6 Ed Quirk (c), 5 Sam Wykes, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Heiichiro Ito, 2 Yusuke Niwai, 1 Koki Yamamoto
Replacements: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Masataka Mikami, 18 Takuma Asahara, 19 Uwe Helu, 20 Shumei Matsuhashi, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Hayden Cripps, 23 Ryohei Yamanaka
Stormers
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Siya Kolisi (captain), 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 JD Shickerling, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Caylib Oosthuizen ( Stormers debut), 18 Oli Kebble, 19 Jan de Klerk, 20 Cobus Wiese ( Super Rugby debut), 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Dan du Plessis.
Kings v Lions Super Rugby Preview
This match will be the third Super Rugby match between the Kings and the Lions as they met twice last year.
Although these teams have only met twice they have some history as the Lions beat the Kings in a promotion relegation series in 2013.
The result of those matches saw the Lions replace the Kings in 2014.
In both of these matches last year the Lions beat the Kings by 30 points or more.
The Bookies have given the Kings a 25 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Lions should win by 25 points.
Average score: Southern Kings 16 Lions 51
Last two results
Fri, 08 Jul 2016 16 Kings v Lions 21-57 Johannesburg
Sat, 23 Apr 2016 9 Kings v Lions 10-45 Port Elizabeth
Southern Kings overall record against the Lions
Played 2 , Wins 0, Losses 2 , Draws 0
Match : Kings v Lions
Date : Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Venue : Saturday 25 March 2017
Kick Off local: 15:05
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant Ref 1:Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 2:Egon Seconds
TMO : Shaun Veldsman
Teams
Kings
15. Malcolm Jaer ,14. Makazole Mapimpi ,13. Berton Klaasen ,12. Waylon Murray ,11. Alshaun Bock , 10. Lionel Cronje (capt) ,9. Louis Schreuder ,8. Ruaan Lerm (v/c) ,7. Andisa Ntsila ,6. Chris Cloete ,5. Wilhelm van der Sluys ,4. Irne Herbst ,3. Ross Geldenhuys ,2. Kurt Haupt , 1.Schalk van der Merwe
Replacements :16. Michael Willemse, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Justin Forwood, 19. Tyler Paul, 20. Stefan Willemse, 21. Johan Steyn, 22. Pieter-Steyn de Wet, 23. Luzuko Vulindlu.
Lions
1.Jacques van Rooyen,2. Malcolm Marx,3. Ruan Dreyer,4. Andries Ferreira,5. Franco Mostert,6. Jaco Kriel,7. Ruan Ackermann,8. Warren Whiteley ©,9. Faf de Klerk,10. Elton Jantjies,11. Courtnall Skosan,12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 13. Harold Vorster,14. Madosh Tambwe,15. Andries Coetzee
Replacements: 16. Akker van der Merwe,17. Sti Sitole,18. Hencus van Wyk,19. Lourens Erasmus, 20. Kwagga Smith,21. Dillon Smit,22. Jacques Nel,23. Sylvian Mahuza
Cheetahs v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The Cheetahs return from Argentina and host the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Saturday for the 17th clash between the Super Rugby sides.
In the 16 prior Super Rugby matches between the teams the Cheetahs have won 6 matches and lost 10.
These teams have met 7 times in Bloemfontein and the Sharks have won five matches and lost two.
Overall the Cheetahs have won 38% of their matches against Natal’s Sharks.
The Bookies have given the Cheetahs a 2 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Sharks should win by 2 points.
Average score: Cheetahs 19 Sharks 24
Last five results
Sat, 09 Jul 2016 16 Cheetahs v Sharks 10-26 Durban
Sat, 14 Mar 2015 Cheetahs v Sharks 10-27 Bloemfontein
Sat, 14 Feb 2015 Cheetahs v Sharks 35-29 Durban
Sat, 05 Jul 2014 Cheetahs v Sharks 27-20 Bloemfontein
Sat, 19 Apr 2014 Cheetahs v Sharks 8-19 Durban
Cheetahs overall record against the Sharks
Played 16 , Wins 6, Losses 10 , Draws 0
Match : Cheetahs v Sharks
Date : Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban
Venue : Saturday 25 March 2017
Kick Off local: 17:15
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 1:Jaco van Heerden
Assistant Ref 2: Lourens van der Merwe
TMO : Johan Greeff
Teams
Cheetahs
Ox Nche, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Johan Coetzee, Justin Basson, Francois Uys, Paul Schoeman, Oupa Mohoje, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Fred Zeilinga, Raymond Rhule, Nico Lee, Francois Venter (c),Sergeal Petersen,Clayton Blommetjies,
Replacements : Elandré Huggett, Charles Marais, Tom Botha, Carl Wegner, Niell Jordaan, Tian Meyer, Niel Marais, Ryno Benjamin / Clinton Swart
Sharks
15.Clement Poitrenaud ,14. Kobus van Wyk ,13. Lukhanyo Am ,12. Andre Esterhuizen,,11. Lwazi Mvovo (v/c),10. Curwin Bosch,9. Cobus Reinach,8. Tera Mtembu (c),7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 6.Jacques Vermeulen,5. Ruan Botha,4. Etienne Oosthuizen,3. Coenie Oosthuizen,2. Chiliboy Ralepelle,1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements:16. Stephan Coetzee,17. Thomas du Toit,18. Lourens Adriaanse,19. Stephan Lewies,20. Daniel du Preez,21. Michael Claassens,22. Jeremy Ward,23. Garth April
Jaguares v Reds Super Rugby Preview
The final match in Super Rugby Round 5 ,2017 will be the first time that the Jaguares and the Reds meet in the tournament.
Last year the Reds missed out on playing the South American Super Rugby side so their is no track record or past form between the sides.
The Jaguares start Round 5 as the top side in the South African Group while the Reds are placed 8th in the Australasian Group.
The Bookies have given the Reds a 14 point start for this Match – with an offer of up to $200 in Bonus bets. The Jaguares should win by 14 points.
Average score: N/A
Last results
N/A
Match : Jaguares v Reds
Date : Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Venue : Saturday 25 March 2017
Kick Off local: 18:40 l
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1: Jamie Nutbrown
Assistant Ref 2:Damian Schneider
TMO : Santiago Borsani
Teams
Jaguares
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Ramiro Moyano, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Bautista Ezcurra, 10 Juan Martín Hernández, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Tomás Lezana, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Marcos Kremer, 3 Felipe Arregui, 2 Agustín Creevy (c), 1 Lucas Noguera Paz
Replacements: 16 Roberto Tejerizo, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Ramiro Herrera, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Rodrigo Baez, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Nicolás Sánchez, 23 Emiliano Boffelli
Reds
15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Izaia Perese, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Adam Korczyk, 6 Leroy Houston, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Markus Vanzati
Replacements: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Kirwan Sanday, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Tui, 20 Hendrik Tui, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Lachie Maranta, 23 Chris Kuridrani
