Super 15

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Rub of the green gets Cheetahs comfortably home in deserved win

Some impressively long kicks from both sides got play under-way until Luke Morahan made a break after which Cooper chipped ahead which was chased down by Rod Davies in goal and referred to the T.M.O who ruled obstruction in the build up to the scoring passage. The Cheetahs used this break to launch an attack through Heinrich Brussow …

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Bulls get the job done against Highlanders

Early force from the Bulls forwards won a ruck against the head allowing them to launch an attack through wide crash ball runners. After 12 high intensity phases the hosts were only five metres out. A scuffed fortuitous low-bouncing wide pass from Francois Hougaard found JJ Engelbrecht unmarked on the outside to run over for an easy …

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Tahs do Bulls a favour toppling Brumbies

At a frantic pace both sides aimed to dominate territory with the Brumbies getting the better of the hosts in the opening exchanges until they were penalized at the break down only 5 metres out. Kane Douglas was unfortunately concussed only seconds into the match running into George Smith’s shoulder. Play continued as the Tahs …

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Saders make a statement downing Blues

In sheeting drizzle the Saders hosted the Blues in what for all money was to be an epic match. We had tipped the Saders to win.   Defensively sound early on the Blues held up a Crusaders maul to earn their first attacking ball of the match. In a measured and structured fashion they hit …

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Long range tries delight

In the theme of Top 5′s thanks to Rugby HQ and FoxSportsAu here’s another well researched clip. This time they’re highlights of end to end tries that are well worth watching.   Score Forest score!

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Sharks break their tour duck against Force

The Force hosted a struggling Sharks side. With great playing conditions the hosts ran the ball whenever possible yet stumbled against impressive defence from the visitors.   Determined to run the ball out of their territory to get the match under way the Force made some impressive runs creating momentum before Alby Mathewson made a clean break now …

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Poor captaincy costs Stormers match against Rebels

In still, cool and dewy conditions the Rebels played a Stormers side with nothing to lose.   Handling errors disrupted the Stormers’ promising back-line attacking movements in the opening minutes. They were then penalized as Andries Bekker tackled Nic Stirzaker high which gave the hosts the early lead 3 – 0. – Things went from bad …

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Chiefs Super Rugby dream keeps on rolling

Both sides exchanged early penalties as the rain came down in a wet Wellington.   Early signs indicated that this was to be a brutal contest with massive tackles flying in from the likes of TJ Perenara.  Beauden Barrett and the Chiefs’ back three locked horns with the boot in a territory battle for the majority …

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The challenge that lies ahead of the Bulls

Here’s the Highlanders side to face the Bulls. Notably Jamie Mackintosh is back in the scene with Tony Woodcock warming the bench whilst Josh Bekhuis is out with a shoulder injury giving Jarrad Hoeata a start.   Highlanders   15. Ben Smith,  14. Tino Nemani, 13. Tamati Ellison,  12. Shaun Treeby,  11. Hosea Gear,  10. Colin Slade,  9. …

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Super Rugby round 14 tips

Super Rugby round 14 offers some very tight spectacles. Here’s our nutshell preview of the action.   Hurricanes v.s Chiefs The Canes turned it on against the Cheetahs last weekend causing heartbreak in Bloem in an enthralling display of rugby. Their opponents the Chiefs scraped a win against a determined Force side last round in a match …

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Unforced errors cost Stormers against Tahs

In a titanic battle the victorious Tahs from round 12 hosted a desperate Stormers side. We picked the Stormers to win after much deliberation.   Venu: Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand) Weather: Warm and overcast with a small chance of drizzle. First 20 7.5/10: . Joe Pietersen cleared to 43 metres out after receiving the kick-off. In a smoky haze …

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Bashful Blues get over the line

The Cheetahs fell to the Canes at home opening a gap for the the Blues to cruise into the play-off spots should they manage to beat the Rebels. Will the Rebels take a page out of the Canes book however and tip the apple cart?   Venu: Eden Park, Auckland. Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand) Weather: Chilly and overcast with slippery …

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Cheetahs home play-off hopes all but dashed losing to impressive Canes

A must win match for the Cheetahs they will be desperate to hit the ground running following their bye. The Canes have nothing to lose and managed to turn their poor run of form around with a very impressive victory.   Venu: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein. Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa) Weather: Cold and partly cloudy. Opening 20 7.5/10: . …

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Reds too strong for Sharks

Bound to be an intense battle the Reds hosted the injury-wrought Sharks. We picked Reds to win.   Venu: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand) Weather: Warm and partly cloudy with a slight possibility of light drizzle. . Opening 20 7.75/10: . Cooper kicked out on the full to get the match under way. Meyer Bosman crashed up …

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Chiefs scrape through against Force

The Chiefs hosted a Force side in their final away match of the season. We picked the Chiefs to win but stated by less than most would expect.   Venu: Growers Stadium, Pukekohe. Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand) Weather: Cool and partly cloudy. First 20 7.25/10: Brett Sheehan put in a box kick which Lelia Masaga fumbled allowing the Force …

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Kings v.s Highlanders Super Rugby preview

In an all important overall log wooden spoon battle the Kings host the Highlanders in their first match on tour.   Venu: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. Kick-off: Sat 11 May: 17:05 (Local) Sun 12 May Aus 01:05 (Syd) Sun 12 May NZ 03:05 (Auck). Referee: Jason Jaftha (South Africa) Weather: Warm and overcast with a small chance of …

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Waratahs v.s Stormers Super Rugby preview

Certain to be a thrilling spectacle the hard done by Stormers who are starting to take shape travel to Sydney to take on a Waratahs side that is at long last beginning to click. In a rare situation where it is in both sides best interest to run the ball this could well be the …

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Blues v.s Rebels Super Rugby preview

Coming out of a three round slump with some refereeing going their way the Blues will have high hopes against a Rebels side currently sitting 12th on the log who also enjoyed the rub of the green last round.   Venu: Eden Park, Auckland. Kick-off: Sat 11 May: 19:35 (Local) Sat 11 May Aus 17:35 (Syd) Sat …

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Cheetahs v.s Hurricanes Super Rugby preview

Coming off a well earned bye the Cheetahs will be looking forward to getting back to business against the Hurricanes who suffered a massive drubbing at the hands of the Bulls in round 12.   Venu: Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein. Kick-off: Fri 10 May: 19:10 (Local) Sat 11 May Aus 01:10 (Syd) Sat 11 May NZ 03:10 (Auck). …

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Reds v.s Sharks Super Rugby preview

Two sides disappointed with their round 12 performances will meet where they did battle in last years play-offs the Sharks taking the honours 30 – 17. This time things are far different as the Reds will be looking to keep pace with the Chiefs and Brumbies whilst the Sharks have set their aim at a …

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Chiefs v.s Force Super Rugby preview

Some shocking refereeing later and the Chiefs narrowly scraped a win against the Rebels in round 12. Equally impressively the Force drew with form side the Reds in a hard-fought derby. Both of these performances bill for another dynamic challenge as Super Rugby round 13 gets under way.   Venu: Growers Stadium, Pukekohe. Kick-off: Fri 10 May: 19:35 (Local) …

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Super 15 Outright winners market analysis

Beginning to round the bend of Super Rugby 2013 some very fancied runners have already fallen too far off the pace. Let’s take stock of the main contenders before the sides get into their final sprint in a frenzy.   Odds – Team – Log points- Matches (Home/Away). Number of matches played have been omitted.   …

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Refereeing, bring in performance bonuses before more damage is done!

Now constantly debated, the decline in refereeing standards which began in 2012 yet has escalated in 2013 will only disappear from the press once the previously sufficient levels of performance are reinstated and maintained.   Through much debate key points from the paying public to rectify the current dilemma are:   – Audit all referees …

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Crusaders’ home play-off hopes still alive

Last but certainly not least of Super Rugby round 12′s fixtures the Brumbies hosted an incredibly desperate Crusaders side who had the services of star fly-half Dan Carter. For us the key to the Saders victory was surprisingly poor tactics from the Brumbies. All stats pre-match showed that they should attack when possible through their back-line yet …

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Bulls trample Canes

Flying the flag for RSA, the conference topping Bulls hosted a Hurricanes side chasing a play-off spot in an ultra competitive match where no love would be lost. We picked the Bulls to win and they did, well.   Venu: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Referee: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa) Weather: Cool and clear with a slight breeze strengthening as the …

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Tahs sweep the floor with the Kings

An exciting clash between the Kings and touring Waratahs. After the Reds dropped two points against the Force, the ‘Tahs may sense an opportunity to sneak into the play-off spots. For the hosts there is an outside chance of avoiding relegation should they take 4 log points out of this match. We thought the match odds offered …

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Force hold Reds to stalemate

An Aussie derby offering top draw entertainment as the successful Reds were certain to throw everything at the Force to continue their lengthy unbeaten run was played out. The Force’s superior defence and forward pack earned them two log points for a draw. The Red’s turned down 3 kick-able shots at goal.   Venu: NIB Stadium, Perth. Referee: Rohan …

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Sharks turn down draw losing by 3 to Highlanders

On paper the Sharks look to have the edge taking on bottom of the table Highlanders. Will their current run of poor form continue however, to become the Kiwi’s first scalp? We thought the bookies had it spot on so offered no prediction and the Highlanders had just enough to take the victory. Again the …

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Chiefs sneak home against 24 men

In the second of round 12′s matches the Rebels hosted the Chiefs in Melbourne. With victory for the visitors being crucial, as the Blues climbed to 36 points having beaten the Stormers, one point off the pace in the New Zealand conference the Chiefs did just enough. We picked the Chiefs to win and they …

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Stormers turn down 4 shots at goal losing by 1 point

Getting Super Rugby round 12 under way the Blues hosted last years semi finalists the Stormers, with both teams enjoying this game in hand. Poor decision-making from the Stormers and poor refereeing cost the boys from the Cape the match. We took Stormers with a 2 point head start (they could lose by 1 point, draw or …

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Brumbies side to face Saders

Rotation in the front row is the only change to this Brumbies side which tore the Force apart. Upon taking to the field George Smith will become the most capped Brumby in history.   Their match against the Crusaders closing out Super Rugby round 12 is likely to be the game of the weekend.   …

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Worst try mess-ups

  Lets hope this doesn’t happen to any of your favourite sides this weekend! Hot  off the press the latest Rugby HQ video, this time the theme being fluffed tries. Robbie Fleck/Deon Keyser comes to mind but we weren’t in charge.   5 tries shamefully squandered   Big thanks to Rugby HQ and hjtvsports1 for the material.

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More solid Sharks side to take on Highlanders

The Sharks must win to keep their play-off hopes alive. Hopefully for Natalians, Plumtree’s tactic of resting several key players pays off as the Chiefs were surprisingly off their game for the last 50 minutes of that encounter and were definitely there for the taking.   As you’ll note both JP Pietersen and Lwazi Mvovo are back in action …

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Dan Carter starts against log leading Brumbies

Although rotation has been applied to the hilt Dan Carter starts outside of Andy Ellis giving the ‘Saders an excellent opportunity against the Brumbies! Keep an eye on Luke Romano who is in red hot form!   Crusaders 15. Tom Taylor,  14. Tom Marshall,  13. Robbie Fruean,  12. Ryan Crotty,  11. Zac Guildford,  10. Dan Carter,  9. Andy …

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Super Rugby injuries homework round 12

Here’s a recap of how the squads are fairing availability wise. Some of the listed players may return in Super Rugby round 12  as they are currently “maybes” as not all sides have been officially confirmed. The majority of injury lists are accurate however.   Blues - Bryn Hall (scrummy) fractured jaw; Charlie Faumuina (prop) calf strain; James …

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Brumbies v.s Crusaders Super Rugby preview

Closing out round 12 the log leading Brumbies host 7 times champions Crusaders in a match that is a must win for the visitors if they are to keep any home play-off hopes alive. A win for the boys from Canberra would place them as firm favourites to end the log stage of the competition …

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Bulls v.s Hurricanes Super Rugby preview

Two of the form sides of the competition meet in Pretoria in one of round 12′s most highly anticipated fixtures. At 16/1 to win the competition we are loving the Bulls right now as we see them making the semis which would allow you to sell off your bet to double your money (likely that …

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Kings v.s Waratahs Super Rugby preview

Having received a brutal welcoming by other South African conference sides since returning from their successful tour the Kings are likely to be looking forward to foreign opposition with hopes that they can get their season back on track. The travelling Aussies will be looking for nothing less than 4 log points from this encounter as …

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Force v.s Reds Super Rugby preview

Having suffered a bruising at the hands of the Brumbies the Force must now get up to face a Reds side that are currently tearing the Super 15 competition apart.   Venu: NIB Stadium, Perth. Kick-off: Sat 4 May: 17:40 (Local) Sat 4 May Aus 21:40 (Auck) Sat 4 May RSA 11:40. Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia) Weather: Warm and partly …

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Highlanders v.s Sharks Super Rugby preview

Coming off a bye the South Islanders will be looking to create a new line of form if they can manage to defeat the Sharks who have now lost three matches on the trot.   Venu: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Kick-off: Sat 4 May: 19:35 (Local) Sat 4 May Aus 17:35 (Syd) Sat 4 May RSA 09:35. …

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