Super Rugby Round 6 has seven matches matches with one on Friday, five on on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Here we list the teams as they are released and preview the seven upcoming matches this weekend.
The Brumbies, Jaguares, Kings and Sunwolves have the bye.
Highlanders v Rebels Super Rugby Preview
The Highlanders kick off the sixth round of Super Rugby 2017 in Dunedin where they will host Melbourne’s Rebels. The Highlanders have played the Rebels five times since 2011 and they have won all but one matches.
The Rebels only victory over the Highlanders was in 2013 and was also a match in Melbourne. The Highlanders have never lost to the Rebels on home soil.
The Highlanders are the last placed New Zealand team and are in 11th place overall. The Rebels are last in the overall Super Rugby standings. In 14 matches played on NZ soil the Rebels have won one.
Average score: Highlanders 36 Rebels 20
Last five results
26 Mar 2016 Highlanders v Rebels 27-3 Melbourne
04 Apr 2014 Highlanders v Rebels 33-30 Dunedin
12 Jul 2013 Highlanders v Rebels 37-38 Melbourne
30 Mar 2012 Highlanders v Rebels 43-12 Dunedin
15 Apr 2011 Highlanders v Rebels 40-18 Melbourne
Highlanders overall record against the Rebels
Played 5, Wins 4 , Losses 1 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Ref 2:Angus Mabey
TMO : Aaron Paterson
Teams
Highlanders
1. Aki Seiuli , 2. Liam Coltman , 3. Siate Tokolahi , 4. Joe Wheeler , 5. Tom Franklin , 6. Gareth Evans , 7. Dillon Hunt , 8. Luke Whitelock , 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Marty Banks , 11. Patrick Osborne , 12. Richard Buckman , 13. Malakai Fekitoa , 14. Tevita Li , 15. Ben Smith (c)
Replacements : 16. Greg Pleasants-Tate , 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown , 18. Siosuia Halanukonuka , 19. Elliot Dixon , 20. Tupou Sopoaga , 21. Kayne Hammington ,22. Fletcher Smith , 23. Matt Faddes
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. Mitch Inman , 14. Tom English , 15. Jack Debreczeni
Extended Replacements (two to be omitted) : Siliva Siliva , Tom Moloney , Tyrel Lomax , Dominic Day , Lopeti Timani , Jake Schatz , Esei Haangana^* , Mick Snowden , Sione Tuipulotu , Ben Volavola
^Super Rugby debut ,
*Rebels debut ,
Blues v Force Super Rugby Preview
Super Rugby on Saturday kicks off with the Blues hosting the Western Force from Perth Western Australia. The Blues have played the Force 10 since 2006 and they have won 8 matches and drawn one.
The Blues have won the last four matches between the sides and with the Force’s future being uncertain while they wait to hear if they will be cut from Super Rugby the Australia side might not be at their best. If the Force don’t perform the Blues record will stretch to five wins in succession over the Force.
The Blues have hosted the Force five times in Super Rugby and lost just once. That was in 2008 when the Force won 27-17 in North Harbour.
The Blues currently occupy the last Wild Card place and are 8th overall while the Force are in 13th place. The Blues have played five matches and won 2 while the Force have played four and one won.
Average score: Blues 30 Western Force 16
Last five results
21 May 2016 Blues v Force 17-13 Perth
02 May 2015 Blues v Force 41-24 Auckland
28 Jun 2014 Blues v Force 40-14 Perth
07 Jul 2012 Blues v Force 32-9 Auckland
12 Mar 2011 Blues v Force 22-22 Perth
Blues overall record against the Force
Played 10, Wins 8, Losses 1, Draws 1
Match Officials
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Ref 1:Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 2:James Doleman
TMO : Glenn Newman
Teams
Blues
1 Pauliasi Manu, 2 James Parsons (c), 3 Charlie Faumuina, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Murphy Taramai, 8 Jerome Kaino; 9 Augustine Pulu, 10 Piers Francis, 11 Melani Nanai, 12 TJ Faiane, 13. George Moala, 14 Matt Duffie, 15 Michael Collins.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi or Sam Prattley, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Rieko Ioane.
Western Force
Ben Daley , Tatafu Polota-Nau , Tetera Faulkner , Matt Philip , Richie Arnold , Ross Haylett-Petty , Matt Hodgson , Isi Naisarani , Ryan Louwrens , Jono Lance , Alex Newsome , Billy Meakes , Marcel Brache , Chance Peni , Dane Haylett-Petty
Replacements : Anaru Rangi , Pek Cowan , Shambeckler Vui , Richard Hardwick , Kane Koteka , Michael Ruru , Ian Prior , Robbie Cole
Chiefs v Bulls Super Rugby Preview
The second Super Rugby match on Saturday is in Hamilton where the Chiefs host the Bulls. The Chiefs have played the Bulls 18 times since 1998 and won 9 matches, drawn 2 and lost 7.
The Chiefs have hosted the Bulls 9 times in New Zealand and they have won 7 times, drawn once and lost once. The teams drew 26 all in 2006 and in 2010 the Bulls won 19-33. The last two matches between the sides on NZ soil have both been won by the Chiefs.
The unbeaten Chiefs are second (on 19 points) in the New Zealand Conference but have played one match less than the leading Crusaders on 21 points. The Bulls are third in the Africa 1 Conference and have played four matches but lost one.
Average score: Chiefs 32 Bulls 30
Last five results
22 May 2015 Chiefs v Bulls 34-20 Rotorua
29 Mar 2014 Chiefs v Bulls 34-34 Pretoria
25 May 2012 Chiefs v Bulls 28-22 Hamilton
30 Apr 2011 Chiefs v Bulls 27-43 Pretoria
09 Apr 2010 Chiefs v Bulls 19-33 Hamilton
Chiefs overall record against the Bulls
Played 18 , Wins 9 , Losses 7 , Draws 2
Match Officials
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 1:Paul Williams
Assistant Ref 2:Cam Stone
TMO : Ben Skeen
Teams
Chiefs
1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi , 2. Hika Elliot , 3. Nepo Laulala , 4. Dominic Bird , 5. Brodie Retallick , 6. Liam Messam , 7. Sam Cane (co-captain) , 8. Michael Leitch, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow , 10. Aaron Cruden (co-captain) , 11. James Lowe , 12. Johnny Faauli , 13. Anton Lienert-Brown , 14. Shaun Stevenson , 15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements : 16. Brayden Mitchell* 17. Kane Hames , 18. Atu Moli , 19. Taleni Seu , 20. Mitchell Karpik, 21. Finlay Christie , 22. Stephen Donald , 23. Solomon Alaimalo ,
*denotes Chiefs debut
Bulls
Jesse Kriel , Travis Ismaiel , Jan Serfontein , Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo , Handré Pollard , Rudy Paige , Arno Botha , Nick de Jager , Ruan Steenkamp , Lood de Jager (43, 5), RG Snyman , Trevor Nyakane , Adriaan Strauss (c,), Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements Edgar Marutlulle Lizo Gqoboka , Jacobie Adriaanse, Jason Jenkins, Jannes Kirsten , Piet van Zyl, Tian Schoeman, Warrick Gelant
Reds v Hurricanes Super Rugby Preview
Queensland Super Rugby side the Reds host the current Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes on Saturday. The Reds have played the Hurricanes 20 times in Super Rugby and won six matches.
Out of the last eight matches between the two sides the Reds have won once and that was at home in Brisbane in 2013. The last three matches between the sides have all been won by the Hurricanes.
The Reds are third in the Australian Super Rugby conference and have won one match and played four. The Hurricanes are third in the New Zealand Conference and they have won three from four.
The Reds are placed 12th overall and the Hurricanes 7th.
Average score: Reds 22 Hurricanes 28
Last five results
14 May 2016 Reds v Hurricanes 14-29 Wellington
26 Apr 2015 Reds v Hurricanes 19-35 Brisbane
26 Apr 2014 Reds v Hurricanes 21-35 Wellington
01 Mar 2013 Reds v Hurricanes 18-12 Brisbane
30 Apr 2011 Reds v Hurricanes 26-28 Wellington
Reds overall record against the Hurricanes
Played 20, Wins 6 , Losses 14 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Nic Berry
Assistant Ref 2:Amy Perrett
TMO : Damien Mitchelmore
Teams
Reds
1. Markus Vanzati , 2. Stephen Moore (C) , 3. Sam Talakai , 4. Rob Simmons, 5. Kane Douglas , 6. Adam Korczyk , 7. George Smith , 8. Scott Higginbotham, 9. James Tuttle, 10. Jake McIntyre, 11. Eto Nabuli, 12. Duncan Paia’aua , 13. Samu Kerevi , 14. Chris Kuridrani , 15. Karmichael Hunt
Replacements : 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Kirwan Sanday, 18. Taniela Tupou , 19. Lukhan Tui, 20. Hendrik Tui , 21. Nick Frisby, 22. Hamish Stewart , 23. Izaia Perese
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett , 14 Vince Aso , 13 Matt Proctor , 12 Ngani Laumape , 11 Julian Savea , 10 Beauden Barrett , 9 TJ Perenara (c) , 8 Ardie Savea , 7 Callum Gibbins , 6 Brad Shields , 5 Michael Fatialofa , 4 Mark Abbott , 3 Jeffery To’omaga-Allen , 2 Ricky Riccitelli , 1 Chris Eves
Replacements : 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ben May, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Otere Black, 23 Pita Ahki
Stormers v Cheetahs Super Rugby Preview
The Stormers return from Singapore for a South African derby clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday. The Stormers have played the Cheetahs 17 times since 2006 and they have won 12 matches and lost five.
At home in Cape Town the Stormers have hosted the Cheetahs 9 times and won 8. The Cheetahs won the first match between the sides but since then the Stormers have won every time they have hosted the Cheetahs. The Stormers have therefore won the last eight matches at home in a row against the Cheetahs.
The Stormers lead the Africa 1 Conference on 17 points which is 8 points ahead of the Cheetahs on 9 points. The Stormers are unbeaten after four matches while the Cheetahs have won two from five.
Average score: Stormers 25 Cheetahs 18
Last five results
28 May 2016 Stormers v Cheetahs 31-24 Cape Town
05 Mar 2016 Stormers v Cheetahs 20-10 Bloemfontein
30 May 2015 Stormers v Cheetahs 42-12 Cape Town
02 May 2015 Stormers v Cheetahs 17-25 Bloemfontein
24 May 2014 Stormers v Cheetahs 33-0 Cape Town
Stormers overall record against the Cheetahs
Played 17, Wins 12, Losses 5 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Ref 1:Quinton Immelman
Assistant Ref 2:Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO : Shaun Veldsman
Teams
Stormers
15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Siya Kolisi (captain), 6 Cobus Wiese, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (vice captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Cayulib Oosthuizen, 18 Oli Kebble, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Dan Kriel.
Cheetahs
Charles Marais , Torsten van Jaarsveld , Johan Coetzee , Armandt Koster , Francois Uys , Paul Schoeman , Oupa Mohoje , Henco Venter , Shaun Venter , Fred Zeilinga , Raymond Rhule , Niel Marais , Francois Venter (c ) , Sergeal Petersen , Clayton Blommetjies
Replacements : Elandré Huggett , Ox Nche , Tom Botha , Carl Wegner , Niell Jordaan , Tian Meyer , Nico Lee , Luther Obi
Lions v Sharks Super Rugby Preview
The second South African derby clash in Round 6 is in Johannesburg where the Lions host the Sharks from Durban. The Lions have played the Sharks 24 times since 1998 and the Lions have won six matches and drawn two. The Sharks have therefore won 16 of the 24 matches.
The Lions will however go into the match as heavy favourites as will have home advantage and lead the Africa 2 Conference on 19 points while the Sharks have 17 points in the same conference. Both teams have played five matches and won four. Last year’s finalists the Lions have won the last three matches between the sides.
The Sharks have lost on their last two visits to Johannesburg and last won there in 2014.
Average score: Lions 19 Sharks 28
Last five results
02 Jul 2016 Lions v Sharks 37-10 Johannesburg
09 Apr 2016 Lions v Sharks 24-9 Durban
11 Apr 2015 Lions v Sharks 23-21 Johannesburg
21 Feb 2015 Lions v Sharks 12-29 Durban
12 Apr 2014 Lions v Sharks 12-25 Johannesburg
Lions overall record against the Sharks
Played 24 , Lions 6 , Losses 16, Draws 2
Match Officials
Referee: Jaco van Heerden
Assistant Ref 1: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Ref 2:AJ Jacobs
TMO :Johan Greeff
Teams
Lions
Jacques van Rooyen,Malcolm Marx,Ruan Dreyer,Andries Ferreira,Franco Mostert,Jaco Kriel,Ruan Ackermann,Warren Whiteley ©,Faf de Klerk,Elton Jantjies,Courtnall Skosan,Rohan Janse v Rensburg,Harold Vorster,Madosh Tambwe,Andries Coetzee,
Replacements : Akker vd Merwe,Corne Fourie,Hencus van Wyk,Lourens Erasmus,Kwagga Smith,Ross Cronje,Jacques Nel,Dillon Smit
Sharks
15. Garth April,14. Kobus van Wyk,13. Lukhanyo Am,12. Andre Esterhuizen,11. Lwazi Mvovo (v/c),10. Curwin Bosch,9. Cobus Reinach *,8. Daniel du Preez,7. Jean-Luc du Preez,6. Tera Mtembu (c),5. Ruan Botha,4. Etienne Oosthuizen,3. Coenie Oosthuizen,2. Chiliboy Ralepelle,1. Thomas du Toit
Replacements :16. Franco Marais,17. Juan Schoeman,18. Lourens Adriaanse,19. Stephan Lewies, 20. Jacques Vermeulen,21. Michael Claassens,22. Inny Radebe,23. Jeremy Ward,
Waratahs v Crusaders Super Rugby Preview
The final match in Super Rugby Round 6 is on Sunday when the Waratahs host the Crusaders. These teams have met three times in Super Rugby finals with two being won by the Crusaders.
Overall the Waratahs have played the Crusaders 23 times since 1996 and the Waratahs have won 6 matches including the 2014 final. The Waratahs have won the last two matches between the sides in Sydney and the last Crusaders victory in the city was in 2012.
The Crusaders are Super Rugby’s current leaders and are unbeaten after five matches. The Waratahs have played five matches as well but have only won two. They are placed 16th overall.
Average score: Waratahs 22 Crusaders 29
Last five results
20 May 2016 Waratahs v Crusaders 10-29 Christchurch
23 May 2015 Waratahs v Crusaders 32-22 Sydney
02 Aug 2014 Final Waratahs v Crusaders 33-32 Sydney
31 May 2013 Waratahs v Crusaders 22-23 Christchurch
29 Apr 2012 Waratahs v Crusaders 33-37 Sydney
Waratahs overall record against the Crusaders
Played 23 , Wins 6 , Losses 17 , Draws 0
Match Officials
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:Ed Martin
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.Jed Holloway,9.Jake Gordon,10..Mack Mason,11.Andrew Kellaway,12.David Horwitz,13.Israel Folau,14.Reece Robinson,15Cam Clark
Replacements:16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Paddy Ryan , 18. David Lolohea , 19. David McDuling, 20. Michael Wells ,21. Nick Phipps, 22. Irae Simone , 23. Taqele Naiyaravoro
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody , 2. Codie Taylor , 3. Owen Franks , 4. Scott Barrett , 5. Sam Whitelock (C) , 6. Jordan Taufua , 7. Matt Todd (VC) , 8. Whetu Douglas , 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. Wyatt Crockett , 18. Michael Alaalatoa , 19. Luke Romano , 20. Pete Samu , 21. Bryn Hall , 22. Marty McKenzie , 23. Manasa Mataele
