Category: Super Rugby

South African Derbies Surprisingly Headline Super Rugby This Week

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Highlanders ($1.03) v Rebels ($12)

Fresh off a hard-fought win against the Brumbies away from home, the Highlanders return to Forsyth Barr in search of another four competition points (plus bonus points) to help get off the foot of the New Zealand conference table. It should be close to a certainty against the winless Melbourne Rebels side. Keep an eye out for All Black bolted Richard Buckman for the ‘Landers. Highlanders 13+.

Blues ($1.06) v Force ($9)

Speaking of All Black boaters, how’s the form of Blues fullback Michael Collins. The Otago product has set the competition alight in the last few weeks and has helped Tana Umaga’s Auckland side get back on track (he’s had good help from Piers Francis and Matt Duffie too). At home again, the Blues should be far too good for the Force. Blues 13+.

Chiefs ($1.06) v Bulls ($9.30)

The Chiefs get the chance to return to the top of the table after enjoying a bye last week. They host a Bulls side that went into the sheds at half-time all level with the Blues last week before falling away badly in the second half. On the bright side, Handre Pollard looked to be regaining some form. We’re expecting the Chiefs to have learnt from the Blues where to expose the Bulls (around the ruck and short kicking game) and win by 13+.

Reds ($6.50) v Hurricanes ($1.12)

The Hurricanes are like the Harlem Globetrotters of Super Rugby. Glitz, glamour and attention grabbing rugby that fans are happy to pay big money to see. Their opponents this week feature a player that, while currently sideline-bound, would love to be considered as a Globetrotter and often tries to play like he is, Quade Cooper. The Reds were dreadful in having two players sin-binned in Buenos Aries last week and deservedly lost. They’ll lose again, while Quade complains on Twitter. Hurricanes 13+.

Stormers ($1.25) v Cheetahs ($4)

The first of two South African derbies features the unbeaten Stormers against perennial under-achievers the Cheetahs. For about the third time in as many weeks in this blog, we’ll make the point that the Cheetahs should be better than they are, they just aren’t. To that end, we can’t tip them again, especially against the Stormers who, along with the Lions, have established themselves as the best from South Africa. Stormers 1-12.

Lions ($1.28) v Sharks ($3.78)

The Lions have a flair for scoring points this year – conceding them too – but their scintillating attack has seen them register four wins from five in the competition thus far. Averaging just under 40 points a game (and having hit that mark three times – we sense a bet in this), the test will be in their defence against the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park. This is the toughest round to pick this week – we’ll go an upset Sharks 1-12.

Waratahs ($3.60) v Crusaders ($1.29)

Two very successful Super Rugby franchises come together in the final match of the round. This shouldn’t be as close as some of their past grudge matches – my favourite the 2014 final that the ‘Tahs won by one point in the dying stages. The Crusaders to carry on their unbeaten way and win by 13+.

All odds from Palmerbet.

Time for Title Contenders to Show Mettle in Super Rugby

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Crusaders ($1.08) v Force ($8)

The Crusaders have made a habit of leaving their victory pursuits late, of late. Come from behind wins in all of their first four games, sees them just a couple of bonus points behind the Chiefs in the New Zealand conference. Leaving things late this week is unlikely to be a problem against the struggling Force. The Force are coming off a bye and will undoubtedly struggle in Christchurch. Crusaders 13+.

Rebels ($3.15) v Waratahs ($1.36)

The Rebels are conceding an average of 50 points a game, which is surprisingly, only slightly more than their fifth round opponents, the pre-tournament fancied, Waratahs. The Waratahs lost to the Brumbies at home last week, compounding their losing streak to three. In a battle of two pretty poor sides, we’re going to give it to the Tahs, by 1-12.

Blues ($1.15) v Bulls ($5.50)

The Bulls head to New Zealand with only a solitary win against their name this year. But their chances of adding to that are aided by the fact that the Blues have been equally as poor this season – it could be a low scoring bore fest. Blues 1-12 with little confidence in either side, but some in the individual ability of Jan Serfontein – so good last week.

Brumbies ($2.15) v Highlanders ($1.70)

The leaders of the Australian conference were impressive last week against the Waratahs, getting their first away win of the season through a double to Henry Speight and an impressive turn from Tevita Kuridrani. The Highlanders on the other side have badly missed Ben Smith. While the other Smith – Aaron – looks woefully out of form and a shadow of the player he was before last year’s controversy. Brumbies 13+.

Sunwolves ($11) v Stormers ($1.04)

It’s a measure of the Sunwolves struggles that they couldn’t beat a side that was down to 14 men for almost the entire second half last week. They did manage to make some progress against the reduced Bulls side and had a handy lead going into the last ten, but they subsequently gave it up. Stormers 13+.

Kings ($12.50) v Lions ($1.03)

Last year’s beaten finalists, the Lions, kicked their season into gear with a comprehensive victory over the Reds. Scoring seven tries at their Ellis Park fortress was a warning shot across the bow of the luckless Kings franchise that has just one win this season. Lions 1-12.

Cheetahs ($2.36) v Sharks ($1.60)

This could be the game of the round. Two conference contenders needing to gain some ground on the surprise Argentina packages. Hoping the better Cheetahs outfit turns up – not round 4’s version – the one that got hammered in Buenos Aires. Sharks 1-12.

Jaguares ($1.17) v Reds ($5.10)

Top of the South African conference and so impressive in dismantling the Cheetahs last week, the Jaguares are the real deal. Sure, their franchise name is hard to say, but you’ll get better at it because they are serious contenders and will be hanging around at the business end of the season – giving us all plenty of time to perfect it. Jaguares 13+.

Super Rugby Round 14 Results

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Round 10 was always going to feature some riveting Rugby with the top of the conference New Zealand duel expected to grab most of the headlines.  However, it was the performances of the Blues and the Reds that surprised most and grabbed plenty of newspaper space.

Here’s the mashup from Super Rugby’s Round 14 Results

Blues (23) v Bulls (18) 

The leadership struggle between private investors and the Auckland Rugby Football Union at the Blues took a back seat to the footy action on Friday night as the Blues were able to hold on for win number three of 2015.

An understandably dismal crowd saw quality individual tries from Lolagi Visinia and George Moala get the better off the Bulls rolling mauls and a quality individual performance by Jan Serfontein.  The pieces of back magic gave the Blues a five point win and gave a hint of what the Blues could be capable of if they were led well and governed by strong administration.

The third win at Eden Park means respite for Blues fans, and possibly points to some 2016 magic at the home of New Zealand rugby.  Considering two of the wins have come against the Bulls and the Brumbies, the 2015 season will always be an enigma.

Youngsters Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, lock William Lloyd and halfback Jamison Gibson-Park all took their chance to shine for the hosts.

Blues: Tries – L.Visinia, G.Moala, Pen – I.West 3, Con – I.West 2

Bulls: Tries – J.Serfontein 2, Pen – H.Pollard 2, Con – H.Pollard

Reds (46) v Rebels (29)

The Reds got win number three of 2015, shocking the Rebels at home with a deadly five try burst in the second half at Suncorp.  The Reds, now, might just be the most unfancied opponents, as playoff contenders will view the Queensland outfit as banana skin foes.  The Reds’ final two games of the season come against the Chiefs and the Waratahs – they could have a big influence on the final standings.

The win means the hire of former Wallabies coach John Connolly paid instant dividends for the Reds who put together their best effort of the season, despite trailing by 11 after just 36 minutes.  However, the second half was full of quality from Lachie Turner and Liam Gill in particular, but also a solid effort from young Jack McIntyre at fly half.

As much as the backs benefited on the scoresheet there were plenty of bumslaps for a forward pack that dominated the Rebels tight five.  Led by lock Rob Simmons the Reds back men were worthy recipients of plenty of praise.

The loss is a major blow for the Rebels playoffs chances, now six points outside the top 6.

Reds: Tries – R.Simmons, J.McIntyre, L.Turner 2. C.Feauai-Sautia, L.Gill, Pen – J.O’Connor 2, Con – J.O’Connor 5

Rebels: Tries – S.Naivalu 2, D.Shipperley, L.Jones, Pen – M.Harris, Con – M.Harris 3

Hurricanes (22) v Chiefs (18)

The Chiefs were left to rue a controversial TMO decision in the final stages as they lost to the Hurricanes 22-18 in Wellington.  An undermanned Chiefs side missing a host of players and then losing two locks inside they first half were brave and perhaps deserved more out of the top of the NZ conference match.

The controversial incident came in the closing stages as the Chiefs were camped in the Hurricanes 22.  Replacement halfback Augustine Pulu snuck out from the back of the ruck to score a potential game winner but the TMO ruled a knock on in the ruck and called the play back.  In fairness the knock on was courtesy of Hurricanes hands in the ruck and should have been a penalty to the Chiefs.  They deserved the chance to tap that penalty and look for a match winner but the decision went against them.

Ma’a Nonu scored a double for the Hurricanes in an accomplished performance.  He lost midfield partner Conrad Smith but made the most of breaks from the Savea brothers and displayed super handling to score his five pointers.  He was one of only a few bright spots for a Hurricanes team that were down a gear from when Beauden Barrett plays, and one that struggled to take advantage of a numerical advantage when Liam Squire was binned.

Elsewhere, James Broadhurst and Brad Webber continued to press their All Black claims with fine efforts.

Hurricanes: Tries – M.Nonu 2, A.Savea, Pen – J.Marshall, Con – J.Marshall 2

Chiefs: Tries – C. Ngatai, S.Cane, Pen – D.McKenzie 2, Con – D.McKenzie

Waratahs (33) v Sharks (18)

The Sharks lost their sixth match in a row and helped the Waratahs to top of the Australian conference and second overall at Allianz Stadium.

A disappointing fixture saw plenty of clumsiness, plenty of errors and ultimately another Sharks loss – equalling their work streak in 19 years of Super Rugby.

They had their opportunities to win this one, especially when Francois Steyn scored to make the score 20-18 with a quarter of the match remaining.  But Bernard Foley’s converted try made it impossible and inflated the scoreline in the Waratahs favour.

The Waratahs will be concerned about their 12 handling errors and the fact that they conceded 18 turnovers.  Those worries may be cancelled out by the realisation that they have one of the most damaging ball runners in the competition in the form of  Rugby League convert Taqele Naiyaravoro who scored his fourth try of the campaign.

Waratahs: Tries – A.Ashley-Cooper, T.Naiyaravoro, B.Foley, Pen – B.Foley 4, Con – B.Foley 3

Sharks: Tries – O.Ndungane, F.Steyn, Pen – F.Steyn 2, Con – F.Steyn

Lions (20) v Brumbies (30)

Six Super Rugby points during a difficult tour to South Africa is a decent return for the Brumbies who grabbed five of them in a win over the Lions on Sunday morning.

The bonus point win courtesy of four tries to two keeps the Brumbies in the hunt for a home semi-final (the Hurricanes a 14 points clear with a game in hand and the race is essentially one for second place).  It’s the second time in succession the Brumbies have grabbed a win in Johannesburg, and helps atones for last weeks shocker against the Stormers.

Defence was again critical for the Brumbies.  They have conceded less than 200 points in their 13 games, and in this fixture were able to support the defence with some devastating attack.  Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano and Joe Tomane were the best for the ACT side, while the Lions got plenty of work out of flanker Jaco Kriel.

Lions: Tries – J.Kriel, A.Coetzee, Pen – E.Jantjies, R.Combrinck, Con – E.Jantjies, J.van der Walt

Brumbies: Tries – T.Kuridrani, I.Vaea, C.Lealiifano, J.Tomane, Pen – C.Lealiifano, J.Mogg, Con – C.Lealiifano 2

Cheetahs (24) v Highlanders (45)

The Highlanders scored a bonus pint win over the Lions in Bloemfontein to make it three New Zealand teams in the top six.  Much like last week a destructive first half saw the Highlanders run out to a 26-3 lead, and unlike last week this time they were able to build on it and win crucial competition points.

The seven try to three win was full of quality running footy in nice conditions at Free State Stadium.  Rugby League convert Ryan Tongia scored two well taken tries, as did Aaron Smith. Ben Smith, Patrick Osbourne and the prolific Gareth Evans also got on the scoreboard as the Highlanders moved to 5th on the Super Rugby table.

The final scoreline has a hint of competitiveness to it, but that wasn’t the case as all of the Cheetahs were scored late in a consolation mould.  The respectability of the scoreboard however won’t do anything to improve the mood of the Cheetahs, nor do they get any competition points for their efforts.  They remain last in the South African conference.

Cheetahs: Tries – R.Benjamin,C Wegner, F.Venter, Pen – F.Brummer, Con – F.Brummer 3

Highlanders: Tries – R.Tongia 2, A.Smith 2, P.Osborne, G.Evans, B.Smith, Con – L.Sopoaga 4, M.Banks

Super Rugby Preview Round 14

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Odds, tips and snippets from the latest round of Super Rugby action.  Here’s the weekly Super Rugby Preview Round 14 Edition:

Blues v Bulls 

Blues – $2.15

Bulls – $1.70

The Blues have had plenty of distractions this week.  Most of them revolve around their coach John Kirwan’s future, which apparently won’t be decided until August.  Will he stay?  Will he get Wayne Smith as an assistant?  Those are the questions being asked, notably because the Blues season is already well and truly over.

However, they play pretty decently at home so they could sneak some points from this picture against the susceptible Bulls outfit.  The Bulls have not won outside of South Africa since 2013, but have plenty to play for as they currently top the South African conference with the Stormers.

On this seasons results the Bulls should be too strong, but we’re sensing an upset, even though the Blues got licked by the Rebels last week.

Blues 1-12.

Reds v Rebels

Reds – $2.25

Rebels – $1.62

Game two of the week also features two teams enjoying contrasting seasons.  Former Champions the Reds are done and dusted.  Struggling with injuries and form, the Reds were badly beaten last week and look to be second best in this fixture too.

In contrast, the Rebels are still in the hunt for a playoff spot – just 4 points behind the Brumbies and will undoubtedly bring plenty of confidence to Suncorp Stadium after mauling the Blues last week.

Jake McIntyre has been asked to make his Super Rugby debut at 10 for the Reds, while Karmichael Hunt returns from injury at outside centre.  Big things are expected of McIntyre.  The 21 year old replaces Nick Frisby who is out with concussion in the Reds problem position.  He could thrive without the pressure of a playoff spot beckoning.

We’ll go for an upset here.  Reds 1-12.

Hurricanes v Chiefs

Hurricanes – $1.62

Chiefs – $2.30

The New Zealand conference decider features two of the better teams in 2015’s Super Rugby season.  The always enterprising Hurricanes face the equally ambitious and attacking Chiefs team at home, bidding to win their 11th game of the season.

The Hurricanes have a poor overall record against the Chiefs, having won just twice of their last seven matches against the side from Waikato.  However, the most recent matchup saw the Hurricanes destroy the Chiefs 45-8.

The Canes are bolstered by the return of TJ Perenara and Julian Savea, returning them to full strength.  Conversely, the Cheifs have lost James Lowe and Sonny Bill Williams in what appears to be two massive hits to their chances.

Hurricanes 13+.

Waratahs v Sharks 

Waratahs – $1.30

Sharks – $3.50

The bookies are giving the Sharks little chance of beating the Waratahs at Allianz on Saturday night.  The Sharks have been disappointing all year and particularly poor away from home, something that is frustrating Bismarck du Plessis no end.  Sydney appears an unlikely venue to turn that statistic around however, as the Sharks have won just 2 of 10 encounters in the area.

That pretty much points to a Waratahs win.  A desperately needed one too after they dropped valuable points against the force last week.  The Tahs have not lost two games in a row all season and we don’t believe that will start on Saturday night.  Buoyed by the inclusion of Michael Hooper, who looked set to miss a few weeks after limping off last week, the Waratahs will win 1-12.

Lions v Brumbies

Lions – $2.10

Brumbies – $1.72

In arguably the most difficult of the round’s games to predict, the Lions face the Brumbies at Ellis Park.  The Brumbies top the Australia conference but are currently in the midst of a mini form slump.  Narrow losses to the Waratahs and the Stormers (3 points and 1 point respectively) have left the ACT franchise needing to win in Round 15 to avoid three straight losses that would equal their worst ever losing streak.

Matt Toomua returns for the Brumbies to aid the cause.  His inclusion adds a tremendous amount of sought after experience in the cauldron that is Johannesburg.

The Lions have surprised many in this campaign.  Most recently they surprised the Highlanders with a stirring second half fightback.  They might not have the paddock across the park, but they can grind out wins at home better than most.

We like their chances and will give them (the Lions) the win by 1-12 (because the Brumbies always lose narrowly if they lose).

Cheetahs v Highlanders

Cheetahs – $2.50

Highlanders – $1.53

An important match for the Highlanders at Free State Stadium this one.  The Highlanders have failed to win any of their four games in the republic and need to keep in touch with the New Zealand conference pack that is currently chasing the Hurricanes.

Last week’s win will still be hurting, and the best tonic will be a win against a Cheetahs side featuring a new halves pairing of Tian Meyer and Francois Brummer.  The Highlanders are not without their own changes. They lose breakout star Waisake Naholo to a bruised foot – replaced by little known Ryan Tongia.

We see the Highlanders finally breaking their South African hoodoo and getting a win by 1-12.

Super Rugby Round 13 Preview

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Another round of Super Rugby is upon us, albeit a shortened week with three teams enjoying a bye.  Check out all the team changes and predictions in this week’s Super Rugby Round 13 Preview below:

Crusaders v Reds

Crusaders – $1.07

Reds – $9.25

Richie McCaw’s career mind be grinding to an early concussion conscious halt, but the Crusaders season is just starting to heat up.  Despite losing to the Hurricanes last week, the Crusaders returned to some decent form and should make a late run for a playoffs spot over the closing weeks, starting with a comfortable victory over the Reds on Friday.

The below par Reds are still without Cooper, Hunt and Fainga’a who are all still out injured.  Therefore the bookies have given them no chance at all.  In fact they’re the least favoured team of the round even with Jake Schatz returning.

The match is probably the last time the Canterbury faithful will see heroes Dan Carter and McCaw at home.

Crusaders by 13+.

Rebels v Blues

Rebels – $1.52

Blues – $2.60

The Blues have revamped the side that easily beat the Force last week for this week’s head to head with the Melbourne Rebels in Friday’s latter game.  Steven Luatua has been instilled as captain and Ihaia West returns to the pivotal number 10 position as Dan Bowden overcomes a groin injury.   Charles Piutau, Luke Braid and Jerome Kaino are also out, but the Blues get a boost in the strange form of concluded legal proceedings as George Moala avoided an assault conviction and can now put the three year distraction behind him.

The Rebels are favourites thanks to a surprise win against the Chiefs last week and their five win and five loss records in this year’s competition.  Mike Harris is a key addition this week and will resume the goal kicking from Debreczeni.

Blues by 1-12.  (But great money on the Blues 13+ if you’re brave – $7.25)

Hurricanes v Sharks

Hurricanes – $1.24

Sharks – $4.20

The table topping Hurricanes franchise have rewarded some of their stars with a week off when they take on the Sharks at home on Saturday night.  Wing Julian Savea and halfback TJ Perenara will sit this one out, replaced by Chris Smylie and Matt Procter.  Beauden Barrett is also injured, meaning James Marshall comes into the run on side.  Victor Vito and Blade Thomson also start ahead of regulars Brad Shields and Callum Gibbins.

The Sharks get a boost too, from international quality utility back Frans Steyn and other key contributors Jannie du Plessis and Renaldo Bothma.

Interestingly, the game will also feature royalty in the crowd.  Literally, royalty, with Prince Harry watching from the stands.

Hurricanes 13+.

Force v Waratahs

Force – $3.75

Waratahs – $1.29

The Waratahs are odds on favourites to make it four wins on the bounce when they travel to Perth to take on the competitions worst side.  The Waratahs are expected to be much too strong for a side who won a solitary match in 2015.

The Waratahs have made a switch out wide with Taqele Naiyaravoro coming in to replace Peter Betham and another in the front row that sees Tolu Latu replacing the concussed Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Notwithstanding a couple of point scoring splurges, the Force have struggled to match the name of their home ground (‘Force Field’) and have leaked far too many tries to come close to a second win.

Lock Adam Coleman is the only major change to the side that suffered a heavy defeat to the Blues last week.

Waratahs 13+.

Lions v Highlanders

Lions – $1.88

Highlanders – $1.96

The entertaining Highlanders team face their most difficult portion of their season as they embark on a couple of tricky South African and Australian assignments in the race home.  First up is the a Lions team who will be smarting from their first loss in six games last week to the Bulls.  They have reacted by making a handful of changes to their team including Schalk van der Merwe starting at loosehead and Robbie Coetzee, included at hooker.

In the backline, Ross Cronje will start at scrumhalf and will play alongside Marnitz Boshoff.

The Highlanders attracted more support as the week has progressed and it’s close to even-stevens between the two teams in the bookies eyes.  We like the Highlanders here, building on their impressive effort against the Sharks last week.

Highlanders 1-12.

Stormers v Brumbies

Stormers – $1.57

Brumbies – $2.45

The Brumbies look to have their work cut out for them at Newlands early Sunday morning.  The Cape Town venue is one of the competitions toughest to travel to and has become a fortress this season.  Although the Brumbies get back Rory Arnold and Nic White, we can’t see them having the firepower to get past a strong Stormers side that has been strengthened even further with the return of Eben Etzebeth – who sat out last week under instruction by the SARU.

Stormers 13+.

This Weeks Multi

Head to Head pays $12.54

Margin pays $234.06

Odds taken from Luxbet.

Super Rugby Round 12 Results

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The Super Rugby season just got a whole lot more exciting with arguably the most dynamic round of the competition – full of entertaining rugby and close finishes.  Worryingly, for New Zealand fans, the round also featured injuries to several high profile players including Charles Piutau, Jerome Kaino and Beauden Barrett.  They join an already full list of injured World Cup contenders that feature names such as McCaw, Dagg and Cruden.

Injuries aside, here’s our take on the Super Rugby Round 12 Results:

Highlanders (48) v Sharks (15)

The Highlanders turned in the most comprehensive performance of the round with a dazzling display of skill and audacity.  The often overlooked Otago franchise shocked a timid Sharks outfit with an array of speculative offloads, ridiculous chip and chases and fleet feet, and ran in seven tires to their opponents two.  Lima Sopoaga showed just why he’s being considered an All Black bolter to replace Aaron Cruden with a silky performance at the focal point of the Highlanders attack.

The win moves the Highlanders in to 5th on the Super Rugby ladder.  Their ability to keep in touch with the leaders will be determined on their South African excursion which begins this week with a trip to the Lions den.

Highlanders: Tries – G.Evans, W.Naholo, P. Osborne, M.Reddish, A.Smith, B. Edmonds, E.Dixon, Pen – L.Sopoaga, Con – L.Sopoaga 5

Sharks: Tries – T.Mtawarira, B.du Plessis, Pen – F.Zeilinga, Con – F.Zeilinga

Brumbies (10) v Waratahs (13)

The Waratahs wrapped up consecutive victory number three with a gritty come from behind win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night.  The win means the Waratahs are currently one of only two sides who have enjoyed multiple wins on the bounce (the other being the Hurricanes).

The match didn’t quite live up to the hype of the Dunedin blockbuster played earlier the same night, but did feature several intriguing matchup and resolute defence all round.  In particular, the battle between Michael Hooper and David Pocock set tongues wagging.  As was the first five eighth battle featuring Bernard Foley and Christian Leali’ifano.

Foley’s late penalty was enough to seal the win, but the real hero of the win was the desperate defence displayed through the majority of a pressure filled second half.  The Waratahs have now closed the gap at the top of the Australian conference to just a solitary point, but also remain in the hunt for a wildcard playoff spot – currently sitting in 6th overall.

Brumbies: Tries – J.Tomane, Pen – C.Lealiifano, Con – C.Lealiifano

Waratahs: Tries – A.Ashley-Cooper, Pen – K.Beale, B.Foley, Con – B.Foley

Blues (41) v Western Force (24)

The Blues doubled their win tally for the season with a costly victory in Auckland.  The Blues turned in their best effort of the season on a cool Auckland night that also turned cruel as they lost both Kaino and Piutau for the season. In a match that mimicked the Force’s effort against the Chiefs earlier in the season, the Force gave up too many points early before trying frantically to make it up in the last quarter before eventually finding it all too much.

The Force scored four of the last five tries, but the damage had already been done at 31-0 to the Blues in the first half.  Plenty of Blues faces managed to get themselves on the scoreline, but none were worthy of headlines considering they were up gains the Force’s touch rugby defence.  Much like the Blues, the Force will be hoping they can double their win tally next week.

Blues: Tries – M.Nanai 2, S.Luatua, A.Ioane, I.West, Pen – D.Bowden, I West, Con – D.Bowden 2, L.Visinia, I.West 2

Western Force: Tries – P.Cowan, M.Hodgson, R.Louwrens, B.McCalman, Con – L.Burton

Hurricanes (29) v Crusaders (23)

The game of the round culminated in a narrow home win for the runaway competition leaders.  Wellington’s Hurricanes ran in a bonus point worthy four tries in a topsy turvy ma of rugby that also saw All Black Colin Slade turn in a scintillating first half effort.

The pivot set Dan Carter up for try number one and followed it with one of his own while leading his team to an early lead before the class of the Hurricanes proved too much.  Tries to Reggie Goodes and Blade Thomson sealing it.

The victory came at a cost however.  Star playmaker Beauden Barrett out for four weeks after being sandwiched in a nasty tackle.  The Crusaders chances of making the playoffs appear to be over.  They find themselves back in 9th with only a few rounds remaining.

Hurricanes: Tries – B.Barrett, B.Shields, R.Goodes, B.Thomson, Pen – B.Barrett, Con – B.Barrett 3

Crusaders: Tries – D.Carter, C.Slade, Pen – C.Slade 3, Con – C.Slade 2

Rebels (16) v Chiefs (15)

A brilliant first half was the foundation for the Melbourne Rebels upset win over the more fancied Chiefs side at AAMI park.  The Rebels led 16-3 at the break courtesy of Scott Higginbotham and Nic Stirzaker tries and withstood a late Chiefs comeback (including when fly-half Damian McKenzie had the opportunity to take the lead when attempting the conversion of Michael Leitch’s try).  As they so often do, the Rebels squeezed in another season upset and may now be asking to be taken seriously as finals contenders.  They have a gentle run in with games against the Blues and Reds and could surprise if they can muster some bonus points.

The Chiefs are still comfortably inside the top 6 but will need to find a higher gear to forget this performance.

Rebels: Tries – S.Higginbotham, N.Stirzaker, Pen – J. Debreczeni 2

Chiefs: Tries – C.Ngatai, M.Leitch, Pen – A.Horrell, Con – D.McKenzie

Cheetahs (25) v Stormers (17)

The Cheetahs victory over the Stormers at Bloemfontein was also considered an upset.  The Stormers blew countless kicking opportunities – it didn’t help that the ever-reliable D.Catrakilis was off injured – before finally succumbing to a nail in the coffin late Clayton Blommetjies try.

The Cheetahs were terrific in establishing an 18-3 lead, helped by an uncharacteristically slow start from the former competition playoff shoo-ins.  The lead didn’t stand but the Free State side did enough to take the competition points.

The loss puts the Stormers back to 7th and outside a playoff spot.  They have plenty of work to do before meeting the Brumbies this week.

Cheetahs: Tries – M.Van der Spuy, R.Benjamin, C.Blommetjies, Pen – J.Pietersen 2, Con – J.Pietersen 2

Stormers: Tries – D. Leyds, D.Vermeulen , Pen – D.Catrakilis, Con – D.Catrakilis, K.Coleman

Bulls (35) v Lions (33) 

A compelling match played at Loftus Versfeld saw the Bulls take the spoils over shock playoff possibles, the Lions.  An early double to Piet van Zyl appeared to be enough to send the Bulls towards a convincing win, before Elton Jantjies’ boot brought the Lions right back into the game.

Any nerves however were dispelled when the Bulls finished the stronger of the teams.  Experienced heads Pierre Spies and Handre Pollard steering them to second on the Super Rugby ladder and four points clear in the race for South African conference honours.  The Lions are still within striking distance of 6th.  They find themselves just 4 points shy of the Waratahs (and play all of their remaining games in South Africa).

Bulls: Tries – P.van Zyl 2, JJ Engelbrecht, Pierre Spies, Pen – H.Pollard 3, Con – H.Pollard 3

Lions: Tries – F.de Klerk, J.Van Rooyen, J. Kriel, Pen – E.Jantjies 4, Con – E.Jantjies 3