Super Rugby Weekend Preview

As the Champions Cup reaches its knockout stages, Super Rugby continues to offer its usual flair. This weekend offers some very exciting games, and we at RBP can hardly contain ourselves at the thought of it. Here are the three games we are looking forward to most!

Chiefs vs Blues:

Both sides have brought plenty of size to bear up front, as the likes of Hika Elliot and Charlie Faumuina bring plenty of power to any front row. The Chiefs do have a clear edge in the second row, with former Crusader Dominic Bird and Brodie Retaillick taking the field. Both are smart locks, but are not afraid to do the hard work as well, a worrying side for a struggling Blues side. Look for big performances from the experienced Chiefs duo of Sam Cane and Michael Leitch at 7 and 8 respectively. They will face a major test from their Blues opponents, Blake Gibson and Steven Luatua. Both are very athletic, and give the Aucklanders big plays from any part of the field. Bryn Hall has been fantastic for the Blues this season, and two prospective All Blacks go head to head at 10, as Ihaia West and Aaron Cruden face off. Charlie Ngatai has been in stunning form in the twelve shirt, but he will face a major test this week, as Rene Ranger starts at 13 for the Blues. James Lowe and Damian McKenzie have both been devastating finishers this season, sitting on 5 and 7 tries each respectively. The Blues also have a very dangerous back three, with the likes of Tevita Li and Reiko Ioane giving them a very unique attacking threat out wide. Once again it seems that the Blues have all the talent, but are struggling to put together a competitive season, while the Chiefs have had no problem creating a team that is far greater than the sum of their parts. The Blues can turn their season around with a win, but that seems like it will not be the case.

Prediction: Chiefs 24- Blues 20

Hurricanes vs Jaguares:

These are two sides that love to play attacking rugby, and their willingness to throw the ball around should make this match a thrilling watch. Reggie Goodes and Dane Coles are two of New Zealand’s premier players in the front row, but they will face Agustin Creevy’s understudy Julian Montoya, as well as Argentina’s favorite at tighthead, Ramiro Herrera. The Jaguares have a dominant duo in the second row, with Guido Petti and Tomas Lavanini. These two have established themselves for Los Pumas and had huge performances at the World Cup, so they undoubtedly command the respect of their opponents. Ardie Savea and Victor Vito give this Hurricanes back row a great amount of attacking flair, but they face a powerful Jaguares back row, consisting of Pablo Matera, Rodrigo Baez, and Leonardo Senatore. Fully international halfback pairs go to battle, with the Jaguares starting Martin Landajo and Nicolas Sanchez, while the Hurricanes have gone with TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett. Matias Moroni gives the Jaguares a real X-Factor in the 13 shirt, while the Hurricanes are still adapting to life without Conrad Smith. Julian Savea and Cory Jane combine on the wings, as the Jaguares must go without their injured flyer, Manuel Montero. This match is a close call, but as the Jaguares are without the likes of Juan Martin Hernandez, Facundo Isa, or Agustin Creevy, we cannot see them winning this one.

Prediction: Hurricanes 20- Jaguares 14

Reds vs Highlanders:

The Reds are 0-5 to start this season, but they have improved every week, and their last two losses have come at a combined total of 4 points. The Reds will welcome back James Slipper at loosehead, and he, along with the impressive Greg Holmes, should give the Highlanders plenty of trouble at scrum time. Rob Simmons will give the Reds a great lineout leader, but they have had their troubles in that regard, and the Highlanders Mark Reddish and Joe Wheeler will be all to happy to pounce on their mistakes. Also back for the Reds is young flanker Liam Gill, who joins Hendrik Tui and Jake Schatz in the back row. They face an ever impressive Highlanders back row, featuring the likes of Shane Christie and Liam Squire. Nick Frisby and Jake McEntyre have been impressive this season, but they face a very real test in Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga. Smith and Sopoaga have both been forging a path towards starting spots for the All Blacks, and that is a worry for the Reds. Look for plenty of physicality in the 13 channel, as Samu Kerevi and Malakai Fekitoa go head to head. Fekitoa has been on fire this season, and he will present a major challenge for the Reds in defence. The Highlanders are without Ben Smith or Waisake Naholo in the back three, and this could be a major issue as the Reds have a trio of lethal finishers. Eto Nabuli, Chris Feauai-Sautia, and Karmichael Hunt are all fantastic counter attackers, and give this Reds side plenty of attacking prowess. The Reds will put up a big fight, after all, they need a win in a big way, but I cannot see them overcoming this Highlanders side, who will continue to ascend in the table.

Prediction: Reds 22- Highlanders 28