Tag: Stormers

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.

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

Super 15 Rugby Round Eleven Preview

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Super 15 Rugby Round Eleven Preview

Round Eleven is the ANZAC day round. For Australian and New Zealand teams it’s a time for remembrance and tribute for all those men and woman who gave their lives in world war back in 1914/15. The weekend has some exciting fixtures so check out all the odds and our predictions.

 

Waikato Chiefs v Western Force

Chiefs – $1.08

Force – $7.00

The Chiefs open the ANZAC day round by hosting the Force at Waikato Stadium. For the Chiefs they’ll be looking to make it four wins in a row however a season ending injury to Aaron Cruden means they start Marty McKenzie at 10 and prior All Black arrangements means Liam Messam takes a break. For the Force they will be desperate to break an 8 game losing streak and going to Waikato is a tough place to win but they have Matt Hodgson returning from injury so his battle with Sam Cane will be good to watch. The Chiefs will be too strong for the Force, expect to see the backline run rampant – Chiefs 13+

 

ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders

Brumbies – $1.35

Higlanders – $3.00

The Brumbies host the Highlanders at GIO Stadium. The Highlanders are travelling light with all their All Blacks remaining home as per the agreement with NZRU to rest them throughout the season. The Brumbies discipline has cost them points early in the last few rounds and giving a side like the Highlanders easy points will entice them for more. The Highlanders always play with alot of heart but with missing their key players, Fekitoa, Aaron & Ben Smith the Brumbies should be too good at home and expect Pocock to own the breakdown. It’ll be tight but the Brumbies will take it 1-12.

 

Canterbury Crusaders v Auckland Blues

Crusaders – $1.27

Blues – $3.50

Two age old rivals play on a remembrance weekend, the Crusaders play host to the Blues. Both teams lost in their local derbies last round, the Crusaders are hot and cold this year finding great form one week and the next looking like a 4th 15. For the Blues, there isnt much to say but they’re playing for pride now with 1 win from 9 games. We can expect this game to be a battle as most New Zealand derby matches are, the Blues have rested All Blacks Kaino and Piutau but brought in an experienced front row of Woodcock, Mealamu and Faumuina. For the Crusaders it’s likely they’ll have Crotty back but Dagg is still a week away from recovery. The Blues have nothing to lose and will out gun the Crusaders. Blues by 1-12.

 

NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

Waratahs – $1.20

Force – $4.20

The Waratahs host the Rebels at ANZ Stadium. Both sides coming off good wins last weekend and will be looking to extend their streak. The Tahs won tough last week beating the Hurricanes with heroic defense and the Rebels fought hard against the Brumbies is a surprise win. The Force are underdogs for this match but the Tahs will need to be careful, the Force have a knack of getting under their oppositions skin and the game turns into a grind which in this fixture will suit the Rebels. At the same time the Rebels need to shut down the big men and outside backs of the Tahs fast, given space to run they’ll hurt the Rebels. This will go down to the wire but the Rebels will get up, Rebels 1-12.

 

Lions v Free State Cheetahs

Lions – $1.33

Cheetahs – $3.10

The Lions host the Cheetahs at Ellis Park. The Lions come off the bye and will be well rested after a long tour of Australia and New Zealand and for the Cheetahs they were outscored last round in their loss to the Reds. This should be a traditional South African battle so expect a tight game with the forwards getting most of the ball. The Cheetahs have lost Willie le Roux so Joe Pietersen moves to fullback, expect Pietersen to use his boot more than the dynamic le Roux. The Lions were playing some good rugby before the bye knocking over the Bulls and Sharks and should do the same here but not my much. Lions more complete around the park should walk away, Lions 1-12.

 

Stormers v Bulls

Stormers – $1.65

Bulls – $2.15

The Stormers host the Bulls at Newlands. This should be another great  South African battle with both side coming off tight wins last round and whoever wins this match will lead the South African conference. The Stormers have been more consistant than the Bulls with some results going against them but in each game they have battled win or lose. The Bulls, one week smash the Crusaders and the following are beaten by the Lions then are in a high scoring affair with the Reds. The focus in this game will be with the big boys and who can get the front foot ball, dont expect to see as much running rugby as these teams have displayed over the last 3 rounds. Stormers will keep it tight and make it count, Stormers by 1-12.

 

Queensland Reds v Wellington Hurricanes

Reds – $2.90

Hurricanes – $1.37

The round ends with the Reds hosting the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Hurricanes were humbled last round in their loss to the Waratahs whilst the Reds took a tight victory from the Cheetahs.  The Hurricanes have lost Jason Woodword for the season with a broken ankle but should remain upbeat with talented Milner-Skudder available. The Reds are always tough to beat at home no matter their form and the Canes will want to get back their winning ways so its crucial that the Canes play their game and bring back that defense that has served them well. If we see a messy game expect a high scoring affair and the Reds to take it but if Hurricanes control the game from start to finish they’ll take it easy, Hurricanes 13+.

 

Bye week – Sharks

Super 15 Rugby Round Ten Preview

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Super 15 Rugby Round Ten Preview

Round nine provided little in the way of upsets; the Lions holding off a late fight back from the Sharks and the Highlanders getting up on their Crusader neighbors. Round ten has some juicy fixtures line up.

 

Canterbury Crusaders v Waikato Chiefs

Crusaders – $1.75

Chiefs – $2.00

Crusaders were unlucky last round losing out to an impressive Highlanders outfit who know how to grind. The Chiefs should be fresh coming off the bye week. Both sides have the capability to score tries and boast packs with big engines. The Chiefs have more x-factor in their backline but the Crusaders more consistent purists. Even though the Crusaders lost last weekend, they’ll be better off for it and better prepared coming into this derby. Crusaders defense will be the difference, Crusaders by 1-12.

 

Wellington Hurricanes v New South Wales Waratahs

Hurricanes – $1.45

Waratahs – $2.60

The Hurricanes boasting 7 wins from 7 games, top of the Super Rugby table hosting the Waratahs at Westpac stadium. Coming off the bye the Hurricanes will hope to continue their great form pre the bye and the Tahs will be looking to get some respect back after they were bullied by a less fancied Stormers outfit. The breakdown is going to crucial; Hooper is a traditional fetcher and will cause havoc if he isn’t looked after. Both sides have the potential to score from anywhere on the park but the Hurricanes look more likely to do so. Hurricanes to wallop the Tahs, Canes 13+

 

Otago Higlanders v Auckland Blues

Highlanders – $1.45

Blues – $2.60

The Blues picking up their first win of the season last round visit a Highlanders outfit coming off a good win against the Crusaders. We should see a lot of attacking rugby as both sides boast skilled backs with loads of speed, it’ll come down to whoever can convert their opportunities and make less errors as the game will be pretty open. If its open and messy expect the Blues to walk away with the win, if Sopoaga and Aaron Smith lead their troops well the Highlanders will take it. Highlanders 1-12.

 

ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels

Brumbies – $1.18

Rebels – $4.50

After a surprise loss to the Blues the Brumbies return home to GIO stadium hosting a Rebels outfit coming off the bye. The Brumbies have been hit with some injuries to crucial players Toomua, Kuridrani, and Mogg on top of other key personnel – this will certainly challenge their depth if they are out for a long period of time. The Brumbies still boast a good roster with Stephen Moore and Nic White leading the troops will be too good for the Rebels who will battle but will struggle to keep up. Brumbies win it late, 1-12.

 

Western Force v Stormers

Force – $2.45

Stormers – $1.50

The Force host the Stormers NIB Stadium in Perth. The Force coming off a loss to the Cheetahs face a Stormers outfit that humiliated the Waratahs last round. Expect to see a touring Stormers outfit batter this Force team around the park to finish their Australasian tour on a high. The Force sit second to last 1 point ahead of the Reds, Stormers 13+ .

 

Sharks v Bulls

Sharks – $1.70

Bulls – $2.05

The Sharks host the Bulls at Kings Park. Both sides coming off mixed fortunes in round 9. For the Sharks they’re still missing key personnel with B. du Plessis, Deysel, and F. Steyn still suspended and Lambie out with injury, the Sharks depth certainly being tested. For the Bulls they were a little loose on defense especially around the ruck, being caught out close in and around the fringes multiple times however the Bulls are choosing the run the ball more this season, and looking dangerous in doing so. This will be a traditional South African battle up front but the Sharks are going to struggle with depth off the bench so expect it to be a grinding affair but the Bulls will be too strong, Bulls 1-12.

 

Free State Cheetahs v Queensland Reds

Cheetahs – $1.40

Reds – $2.80

The Cheetahs host the Reds at Free State Stadium in the last game of the round. Cheetahs sitting a couple places above bottom of the table Reds, both sides with scratchy form over the first half of the season. The Red’s looked to be getting back on track last weekend against the Bulls but the result blew out, the Cheetahs have been on the back of 3 big loses before grinding out a win last round. At home the Cheetahs should take this but it will be an interesting battle up front as the Reds can generally hold their own at scrum time. Cheetahs will run away with the game, 13+.

 

Bye week – Lions

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015

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Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015, catch all the results from the latest round and see how your predictions played out. We picked 50% of the results, not our best weekend of picks thanks to some upsets.

 

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015

 

Blues (16) v (14) Brumbies

Conference and league leader’s cellar dwellers the Blues hosted the Brumbies in Auckland. This game was potentially a banana skin for the boys from ACT as the Blues were due for a win. The game relatively messy in the first quarter with errors from both and ill discipline from the Brumbies allowing Dan Bowden to sink some easy penalties (4th and 7th). Bowden was at it again close to the break after the Blues had an attacking scrum 15 out with a huge open side to attack they spun it wide then some grinding work and good patience by the forwards close in was awarded moments later as Bowden took a beautiful gap beating the tackler to dive over (34th). The second 40 started much like the first, the Brumbies finally getting on the board with Leali’ifano slotting a penalty (45th). Some excellent patience, phase play, and ruck work saw the Brumbies put together 25 phases of hard grinding work close to the line, credit the Blues for strong goal line defense which was eventually sucked in and Nic White simply spun it wide for Taliauli to dot down uncontested (56th). Leali’ifano hitting a couple more penalties for ill discipline late in the game from the Blues (67th & 73rd) and Ihaia West (77th) bringing the deficit to two. The Brumbies had a chance in 79th minute to take the game as the Blues front row was penalized 50m out for collapsing the scrum. Nic White, renowned for hitting long buzzer beaters couldn’t convert; Blues pick up their first win of the season.

Hurricanes 
Tries – D. Bowden
Pen – D. Bowden 2, I. West
Con – D. Bowden

Brumbies
Tries – L. Taliauli
Pen – C. Leali’ifano 3

 

Canterbury Crusaders (20) v (25) Otago Highlanders

The Crusaders hosted the Highlanders, a local derby with both teams showing good form and exciting running rugby of late. The sure boot of Sopoaga put the visitors on the board first (5th) but the Crusaders were quick to reply with some hard running and quick recycling putting the fringe attack on the front foot, Nadolo attracting 3 defenders 10 out, offloaded nicely for Todd to crash over in the corner (7th). Sopoaga was also binned for a shoulder charge leading up to the try. An attacking Crusaders scrum 10 out was held nicely by the Highlanders, Nadolo taking the ball close, beating the first two tacklers, taken down 5 out and Taufua performing an excellent scoop and dive to dot down uncontested (19th). Sopoaga was out of the bin to convert a penalty (23rd). An aimless kick from the Crusaders was punished as the Highlanders counterattacked from inside their own half seeing Sopoaga get inside some forwards and offload nicely for Ben Smith to run away 4o out and dot down (38th). Into the second half what looked to be a promising Crusaders attack was cut short by a perfectly timed interception by Naholo who raced to dot down (44th). Naholo was at it again after a line out 5m out was spun infield and the Crusaders followed suit expecting the Highlanders to continue left but Aaron Smith ran right and spun it out wide where Nadolo cruised over uncontested (50th). Slade replied with a penalty after some good pressure from the Crusaders (56th), the second half proving to be a physical battle with both teams cancelling each other out with solid defense. Slade hit another penalty (76th) but were still 5 points behind with 3 minutes to go, Higlanders holding on with possession to kick it out for the win.

Crusaders
Tries – M. Todd, J. Taufua
Pen – C. Slade 2
Con – I. Dagg, C. Slade

Highlanders
Tries – B. Smith, W. Naholo 2
Pen – L. Sopoaga 2
Con – L. Sopoaga 2

 

New South Wales Waratahs (18) v (32) Stormers

The Waraths at home, well rested after their bye week face a Stormers outfit who have been on the wrong side of a tough battles with the Highlands and Hurricanes  but have looked progressively better each week. Catrakilis opened the Stormers account early taking the points with a converted penalty (6th). But the hosts replied through a great run from Beale and Folau out wide for Folau to feed a rampaging Naiyaravoro 22 who beat 3 defenders to dive over in the corner (12th). The Stormers pressing forward through their left hand channel sucking the Tahs defense in 5 out, some great hands back to the right hand side giving the Stormers and overlap and another 5 points courtesy of de Allende (20th).  Moments before halftime the Waratahs retained possession and pressure meters out from the line replicating the Stormers previous offense sucking the men in and feeding it wide to Horne who battled his way over (39th). Inside of halftime an excellent chip kick bounced favorably for van Wyk who raced away from 50 out to dot down (46th). Excellent defense from the Stormers smothered the Waratahs attack and nullified their playmakers around the field, de Jongh getting a hand out to intercept a Tahs attack fed de Allende on his inside        who ran away 40 out for 2nd of the night (70th). A Waratahs knock on just outside the Stormers 22 was scooped up by Kolbe who raced away to seal the victory for an impressive Stormers (76th).

Waratahs
Tries – T. Naiyaravoro, R. Horne
Pen – B. Foley 2
Con – B. Foley

Stormers
Tries – D. de Allende 2, J. van Wyk, C. Kolbe
Pen – D. Catrakilis, K. Coleman
Con – D. Catrakilis 2

 

Western Force (15) v (24) Free State Cheetahs

A desperate Western Force host the Cheetahs in Perth, the Force on a six game losing streak and the Cheetahs sitting at the bottom of the South African conference. The Cheetahs first to open their account with wing Raymond Rhule dotting down after some sustain pressure from the Cheetahs pack early (5th). The Force worked their way close to the line and replied with a try to Luke Morahan who was on the end of a beautiful offload from Dane Haylett-Petty (14th). The Force were dominant through the first half but could not convert on their possession, two penalties rounded the half out (Pietersen 36th and Burton 38th). The Force brought an unexpected approach to the 2nd 40 with an all in driving maul crashing that could not be stopped, Chris Alcock claiming the spoils (42nd). Pietersen took the points (46th) and a drop goal (49th) to make a 1 point game, the Force still dominant but lacking discipline. Brussow was over next with a dive close to the line (67th) and Pietersen slotting the conversion making it a 6 point game. The Force failing to capitalize on possession and opportunities gifted Pietersen another easy 3 points with a penalty (76th) which put the game out of reach for the hosts, sweet victory for the Cheetahs.

 

Force
Tries – L. Morahan, C. Alcock
Pen – L. Burton
Con – L. Burton

Cheetahs
Tries – R. Rhule, H. Brussow
Pen – J. Pietersen 3
Con – J. Pietersen

D/Goal – J. Pietersen

 

Lions (23) v (21) Sharks

The Sharks coming off a drubbing courtesy of the Crusaders and the loss of key personnel through injuries and suspension, the Lions a hard fought win over the Bulls last round. The Lions took points on offer early on after some good pressure, Jantjies (9th and 18th) but the Sharks were quick to reply with Renaldo Bothma crashing through to open the Sharks account (20th). Mvovo outran the Lions defense for their second, the speedster getting an overlap which he took full advantage of (31st). Before half time the Lions replacement wing Howard Mnisi dove over to open his account (39th). The Sharks starting slow in the second 40 leaked 2 tries inside 6 minutes to Frans de Klerk (43rd) and Harold Vorster (46th).  A quality battle resumed for the rest of the game, whilst not high scoring the game see-sawed with the Sharks getting the better of possession but unable to capitalize with the Lions showing a lot of heart on defense. Thomas du Toit did break the Lions hold crashing over (77th) with Zeilinga converting. Zeilinga did have an opportunity to convert an ambitious penalty on full time but his went wide, Lions taking the victory.

Lions
Tries – H. Mnisi, F. de Klerk, H. Vorster
Pen – E. Jantjies 2
Con – E. Jantjies

Sharks
Tries – R. Bothma, L. Mvovo, T. du Toit
Con – F. Zeilinga 3

 

Bulls (43) v (22) Queensland Reds

Loftus Versfeld hosted the Bulls and Reds, both sides coming off loses last round with the Reds injury toll climbing. The Bulls running the ball like they did against the Crusaders 2 weekends ago, Hougaard picking up the first try of the night (7th). Lachlan Turner was quick to reply as makeshift fly half Nick Frisby got a good bounce of the ball to offload pre tackle to Turner who gassed the Bulls 40 out (15th). The Bulls hot on attack replied minutes later with Spies crashing over close to the line (17th).  Hougaard added to his tally running away for another try catching the Reds asleep to round the half out (34th).  A fired up Reds outfit came out all guns blazing in early stages of the second half with Genia capitalizing on some good work from the forwards and lazy ruck time defense to crash through from 10 out (45th). Minutes later Genia put through a pin point grubber 5 out and Frisby claimed the spoils diving over (47th). The Reds losing their momentum when Adam Thompson was binned 3 minutes later for collapsing a maul and the Bulls took full advantage with Marcel van der Merwe being on the end of a man overlap to dot down (52nd). A huge bust from Samu Kerevi up the centre saw the big man run 45m only to be taken around the ankles but quick ruck time play saw Marco Kotze dive over (56th). Odendaal caught the Reds napping on the line as he darted through the fringe of the ruck to dive over (59th) and van Zyl replicated that try again catching the Reds napping (68th) to close the game out.

Bulls
Tries – F. Hougaard 2, M. Van der Merwe, B. Odendaal, P. van Zyl
Pen – J. Potgieter 4
Con – J. Potgieter 3, T. Schoeman 2

Reds
Tries – L. Turner, W. Genia, N. Frisby, M.Kotze
Con – L. Turner