Newswire
PREVIEW OF SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN MATCHES (all NZ times):
FRIDAY, March 28
Crusaders v Hurricanes at AMI Stadium, Christchurch 7.35pm
Head to Head: Played 25 Crusaders 16 Hurricanes 6, Drawn 3.
In Christchurch: Played 13 Crusaders 9 Hurricanes 3, Drawn 1.
Last clash: Round 20 2013 - Crusaders 25 bt Hurricanes 17 at AMI Stadium.
Crusaders skipper Kieran Read will play his 100th Super Rugby match and they need a win to help him celebrate. Neither side can really afford a loss after disappointing starts to the season.
It will be a case of contrasting styles with the Crusaders' steady defence against the attack-minded Hurricanes.
Although they only have two wins on the ledger, the Crusaders haven't been far off the pace and this consistency should give them an edge over the visitors.
Tip: Crusaders by 9
Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies at AAMI Park 9.35pm
Head to Head: Played 6 Rebels 1 Brumbies 5
In Melbourne: Played 3 Rebels 1 Brumbies 2
Last clash: Round 17 2013 - Brumbies 39 bt Rebels 17 at Canberra Stadium Canberra
Following their season opening loss, Aussie conference leaders the Brumbies have won four straight and will fancy making it five against a Rebels outfit that's suffered three consecutive losses. Wallabies centre Christian Lealiifano (ankle) makes his long-awaited return to the Brumbies bench, while No.13 Tevita Kuridrani is back from personal leave.
There's more wholesale changes at the Rebels, with Wallaby Luke Burgess dumped for halfback Nic Stirzaker and blindside Sean McMahon dropped for Colby Fainga'a. They'll also be without prop Toby Smith (concussion) and winger Lachlan Mitchell (knee), however fullback Jason Woodward returns. The Brumbies have the consistency, momentum, and a sharp backline that should get the job done off the back of an unchanged dominant forward pack.
Tip: Brumbies by 12
SATURDAY, March 29
Blues v Highlanders at Eden Park, Auckland 7.35pm
Head to Head: Played 23 Blues 14 Highlanders 9
In Auckland: Played 11 Blues 9 Highlanders 2
Last clash: Round 2 2014 - Highlanders 29 bt Blues 21 at Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin
Weather permitting, this should be a high-octane cracker. Both sides scored the most points last round in their respective drought-breaking wins, but also leaked 30-plus points each.
The Blues have suffered a big blow with All Black Piri Weepu out for a month after suffering a minor stroke, however Ma'a Nonu, Jerome Kaino and Hayden Triggs have all been promoted to start.
The Highlanders' forward pack has been strengthened, with Jarrad Hoeta, Ged Robinson and Chris King all returning. The Highlanders beat the Blues by eight in round two, but their record in Auckland isn't flash.
Tip: Highlanders by 3
Queensland Reds v Stormers at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 9.40pm
Head to Head: Played 17 Reds 7 Stormers 10
In Brisbane: Played 8 Reds 4 Stormers 4
Last clash: Round 15 2013 - Stormers 20 bt Reds 15 at Newlands Cape Town
Whether or not they were robbed by the whistle against the Lions last week is now irrelevant for the Reds, who must put their winless tour of South Africa quickly behind them to stay in the hunt in 2014.
They're up against an equally desperate Stormers, who need to salvage a win in the last week of their fruitless Australasian tour to keep their season alive.
Losing flanker Liam Gill and fullback Aidan Toua for extended periods won't help the Reds' cause, and promoted No.7 Beau Robinson will need to step up against a big Stormers pack. The Stormers have made seven changes, Springbok centre Juan de Jongh rewarded for his sensational try off the bench in last week's loss to the Brumbies.
Tip: Reds by 3
SUNDAY, March 29
Bulls v Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 2.00am
Head to Head: Played 16 Bulls 7 Chiefs 8 Drawn 1
In Pretoria: Played 8 Bulls 6 Chiefs 2
Last clash: Round 14 2013 - Chiefs 28 bt Bulls 22 at Waikato Stadium Hamilton
These teams come into the match on the back of shock results with the Bulls knocking off the previously unbeaten Sharks and the Chiefs also suffering their first defeat, losing to the Force.
The Bulls have made only one change to their lineup to face the reigning champions with winger Akona Ndungane returning. Victor Matfield, who was integral in last round's win, will again lead the team into battle as his team go for their seventh straight at home over the Chiefs.
The visitors are reportedly on notice with players told in "brutal" terms that they need to step up.
Tip: Bulls by 5 (Brycy as always backing the Mighty Chiefs to kick yarpy butt)
Sharks v NSW Waratahs at Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 4.05am
Head to Head: Played 16 Sharks 6 Waratahs 11 drawn 1
In Durban: Played 7 Sharks 3 Waratahs 3 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 5 2012 - Waratahs 34 bt Sharks 30 at Allianz Stadium Sydney
The Waratahs' prospects of being the first team to beat the table-topping Sharks at home this season nosedived when tryscoring freak Israel Folau was ruled out with a bruised throat.
Folau has crossed for eight five-pointers in just four games this season, more than half his side's total number of tries, and the Waratahs must find another scoring solution to break down the Jake White-coached Sharks, who will play a dour field-position game and try to outmuscle the visitors.
Jono Lance will make his debut for the Waratahs filling in for Folau at fullback, with former Wallabies centre Rob Horne named on the wing for his strength and size in what is sure to be a physical contest.
Tip: Sharks by 5
Bye: Lions, Cheetahs, Western Force.
