The Super XV has reached its halfway stage and despite the confusion that the current log system brings, we are beginning to filter out the potential tournament hopefuls from the also-rans. Owing to the bye system and the conference setup, we have two Australian sides leading the pack, with an array of surprising results in the first half of the competition mixing the chasing pack up nicely.
We look at the weekend fixtures of the Super XV.
Match Odds
|
Match |
Home |
Away |
| Hurricanes v Stormers |
17/25 |
6/5 |
| Reds vs Blues |
2/5 |
2/1 |
| Chiefs vs Sharks |
2/11 |
4/1 |
| Brumbies vs Force |
1/5 |
18/5 |
| Bulls vs Waratahs |
2/7 |
27/10 |
| Cheetahs vs Kings |
1/8 |
21/4 |
| Crusaders vs Rebels |
1/25 |
12/1 |
This weekend’s fixtures sees a replay of last year’s final, as an injury-ravaged Sharks outfit travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs. Whereas the Sharks reached the final last year at the back end of a grueling period of travel during the playoffs, this is their first game on tour this year, having played all their games so far in the competition in South Africa. The Chiefs have looked for the most part the champions side they were last year and with a win will be looking to overtake the Blues in the New Zealand conference, who face a difficult trip to Brisbane.
In the Australian conference, the Brumbies will be hoping that the Blues can come up with the good against the Reds, as an expected victory against the Force in the Australian derby of the week and a Reds slip up will see them extend their lead in their conference.
Joining the Sharks on their first game on tour are the Stormers, who go up against an unpredictable Hurricanes side. The Cape side haven’t had the best of starts to the tournament, and points on tour will be as valuable as ever as they seek to top the South African conference for the third year running.
With regard to the South African conference, surprise second-placed side the Cheetahs will look to cement their playoff ambitions with a win against the Kings. The Kings have been very impressive in their debut season, but the first cracks and the toughness of the competition started showing last week with a heavy defeat to the Bulls. Conference leaders the Bulls host the Waratahs, in a game they will be expected to win.
Finishing this weekend’s action will be the Crusaders and the Rebels on Sunday. The Crusaders have had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season so far this year, but with a stretch of home games on the horizon, will be looking to get back on track with a professional performance against the Rebels, which would all but secure a comfortable win.
Check out the official Super XV website to keep up with the latest on the competition.
Tagged With : Chiefs • Sharks • Super XV