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Super Rugby Saturday: Round 11

Another weekend lines up more great Super Rugby matches today, across all conferences we expect to enjoy matches involving not only New Zealand (NZ) sides, but also the Sunwolves and Waratahs, making this yet another ‘Super Rugby Saturday’.

Reflecting first on last nights action in Christchurch where hometown fans were thoroughly entertained as their Crusaders ran up a great scoreline of 38-5 over the Queensland Reds. A good display, even with some mistakes on attack that might have resulted in a 50 point scoreline, but the Reds [playing in blue?] did little to bother the home side. The Crusaders ran in a good number of tries, Jone Macilai-Tori (pictured) picking up a hatrick and it is an important result that helps the Todd Blackadder coached side gain points to hold a comfortable place near the top of the table: 37 points.

Why so important you ask? Because that is the same number as the Chiefs have (prior to their game) so if that side collect zero points in their Round 11 match, they will sit equal on competition points [even though the Chiefs would hold a points differential] Blackadder would be happy to apply pressure through good results, their eighth win in succession. That side are flying, are ‘on a roll’ and will concentrate this week on preparing for an upcoming ‘Mainland Battle’ against the Highlanders.

Meanwhile, in news this week within NZ rugby –

  • The ‘Baby Blacks’ won 10-30 in the first of two matches for the Oceania Under 20 Championship against Australia, played on the Gold Coast. The second test is today at 5:50pm (NZT) and proceeds the upcoming World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Manchester in June. Good luck to the Scott Robertson coached Baby Blacks.
  • Damian McKenzie re-signed with the Chiefs for another two years, in a coup for the Hamilton franchise and for NZ rugby. The talented back has been a revelation in his second full Super Rugby season and has excelled at fullback, leading all statistics: tries scored, defenders beaten, meters and points (120, just above Beauden Barrett on 115) Most expect his name to be read out in the All Blacks wider training squad
  • Both men’s and women’s Sevens squads are in busy preparations for the final legs in each of their HSBC Sevens Series. The men will head to Paris on 13 May, so are in final training for that tournament next weekend while the women will compete in a quadrangular series today and on Sunday where two NZ selections are matched against Samoa and a Cook Islands side, in warm-up games for the Clermont–Ferrand finale on 28 May.

Last Word On Sports wishes the Under 20’s men’s team and the women’s sevens team all the best in their matches this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SATURDAY: ROUND 11

Match of the Round: Chiefs v Highlanders, FMG Stadium, Hamilton. No doubt about it, this game will pit the current champions against the two-time champion Chiefs side and go a long way to determining which side are the ‘real contenders’. Both are quality teams, both have real claims to be at the top of NZ rugby but the Hamilton side hold the ascendancy in points while the Dunedin side hold a winning record recently, so it really is a vital game for this conference.

As mentioned, if the Highlanders can keep that recent winning trend in tact, the Crusaders will sit on the same points as the Chiefs do, as the Landers team grow there’s to 32 points; possibly 33 if they gain a bonus point. That would be a great result, but being played at FMG Stadium, in front of fullhouse, some believe the odds are stacked in the Chiefs favour. Charlie Ngatai returns, as does James Lowe and with Dominic Bird fitting into his partnership with Brodie Retallick.

The Highlanders have had to deal with injuries themselves. Losing Liam Squire, Shane Christi and Rob Thompson has meant Jamie Joseph has re-arranged the side, bringing Malakai Fekitoa in one position to second-five. He has played here for the All Blacks sure, but that experiment was not successful. This player has matured though and brings a better skillset with him now; like Ma’a Nonu, who adjusted his game over time. The confrontation with Aaron Cruden will be a great encounter, as Matt Faddes steps into the centre role, using his speed to hopefully evade big Seta Tamanivalu.

Dan Pryor re-joins the loose forward trio and there, Landers fans will not see too much loss in their match-up against Sam Cane and  Taleni Seu. The tight five will be a great contest though and the introduction of substitutes; as always, will judge how the final quarter of this game will play out. If it is close, we could see players required to play 70-80 minutes. Michael Leitch could use a rest, as could Aaron Cruden but with a bye next week, Dave Rennie might need to keep his best players out on the field to combat this intense challenge where the current Super Rugby champions will surely ‘bring it’.

It will be a colossal match-up, and Last Word On Sports will be present to report directly post-match on the result during this Super Rugby Saturday.

MATCHES PLAYED IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sharks v Hurricanes, Durban. Almost as crucial a match as the NZ local derby , it pits the returning Sharks against the ‘Canes on tour’ who achieved a top-class result the week before [17-50] so Chris Boyd has a team that are performing. A crucial point: performing, which is something the Sharks have only done on occasion and have not the consistency nor the match-winners that their guests certainly do.

Expect the Hurricanes to want to show the same defensive effort as they did in the second half against the Lions. Holding out the Sharks big centres will be key. Vince Aso and Matt Proctor will be tested, so a man like James Marshall will also have a big role. Covering the open spaces, he will link with Cory Jane and Julian Savea to counter-attack and take advantage of their second and third phase ball.

Just watch out for a fit Patrick Lambie to play his part (he did not travel to NZ) If he fires, then the crowd will get behind the Cell C Sharks--a daunting task in the cauldron of Kings Park. Definitely one for the ‘fans’ to wake-up for.

Blues v Kings, Port Elizabeth. This game will have the ‘true blue’ rugby fans excited. Why? Because it maybe the first away win for the Auckland franchise in over 2o attempts. Yes, the draw against the Reds is as close as this franchise has been to an away win, so visiting the Kings; who were beaten by 46 points by the Jaguares, will be their best chance you have to imagine. That drubbing will put the Kings players in a mood of redemption though, so Tana Umaga must have his side at 100% to secure this opportunity.

Win, and win big, the Blues will gain much more than four or five competition points. They would then be taken seriously by the opposition and next weeks match against Lions would become a real chance. That is the best result, while another loss will just remove any belief grown in their fanbase when achieving their last two victories. To lose on the road would go against all the planning that Umaga and his assistants have placed on this ‘block’ of matches but LWOS are hopeful that this match will allow the Blues to express themselves.

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And to all four sides competing, you must believe that they put a great emphasis on continuing the ‘winning trend’ that exists in NZ Super Rugby. Leading on the points table, with four sides inside the top eight is a perfect position to be in. That trend should continue, although the local derby will again rob one side of their advantage. The Highlanders need this win to stay above the ‘chasing pack’ while the Chiefs would hold a little gap over everyone [if they claim four points] and can break a losing sequence against the Southern side. It will be a huge match.

Another Super Rugby Saturday is ahead of us. Whichever game you might attend or watch, wave your flag and just enjoy the action on show!

“Main photo credit”

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