Weekend Teams
This week it is Round 12 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 2 games on Friday 12 May 2017 and 5 games on Saturday 13 May 2017.
Four teams have BYE weekends this week, the Chiefs, DHL Stormers, Waratahs and Sunwolves.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Blues and Toyota Cheetahs in Auckland, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT). After that, the Brumbies play the Emirates Lions in Canberra at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
On Saturday, the action starts with a pearler of a game, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT) when the Crusaders host the Hurricanes in Christchurch.
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Melbourne Rebels host the Reds in Melbourne at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).We will NOT do this game as a live game on Rugby-Talk.com this time around.
Then a few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Vodacom Bulls host the Highlanders in Pretoria at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 NZ Time). After that, the Southern Kings host the Cell C Sharks in Port Elizabeth at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT).
Later on Sturday evening, the Jaguares host the Western Force in Buenos Aires at 23:40 SA Time (18:40 Arg Time, 21:40 GMT, Sunday 05:40 AWST).
This week it is Round 11 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 2 games on Friday 5 May 2017 and , 6 games on Saturday 6 May 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Brumbies and Southern Kings.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Hurricanes and DHL Stormers in Wellington, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT). On Friday evening at 19:00 SA Time (17:00 GMT, Saturday 05:00 NZ Time) the Toyota Cheetahs host the Highlanders in Bloemfontein.
On Saturday, the action starts early, at 07:00 SA Time (15:00 AEST, 05:00 GMT) when the Melbourne Rebels host the Emirates Lions.
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Chiefs host the Reds in New Plymouth at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT).
In Australia, the Waratahs host the Blues in Sydney at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
Then a few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Cell C Sharks host the Western Force in Durban at 15:05 SA Time (21:05 AWST, 13:05 GMT). After that, the Vodacom Bulls host the Crusaders in Pretoria at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT, Sunday 05:15 NZ Time).
Later on Sturday evening, the Jaguares host the Sunwolves in Buenos Aires at 23:40 SA Time (18:40 Arg Time, 21:40 GMT).
This week it is Round 10 of Super Rugby 2017!
There is 1 game on Friday 28 April 2017, 6 games on Saturday 29 April 2017 and 1 game on Sunday morning 30 April 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Vodacom Bulls and Hurricanes.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Highlanders and DHL Stormers in Dunedin, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT).
On Saturday, we have a bit of respite and start the games at a decent time in the morning, with the Chiefs hosting the Sunwolves in Hamilton at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 16:35 Japanese Time, 07:35 GMT)
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Reds host the Waratahs in Brisbane at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
In Western Australia, the Western Force host the Emirates Lions in Perth at 13:55 SA Time (19:55 AWST, 11:55 GMT).
Then a few hours later, on Saturday afternoon late, the Toyota Cheetahs host the Crusaders in Bloemfontein at 17:15 SA Time (13:05 GMT, Sunday 05:15 NZ Time). After that, the Southern Kings host the Melbourne Rebels in Port Elizabeth at 19:30 SA Time (17:30 GMT, Sunday 05:30 AEST).
Later on Sturday evening, the Jaguares host the Cell C Sharks in Buenos Aires at 21:40 SA Time (16:40 Arg Time, 19:40 GMT).
The last game of the Round is in Canberra on Sunday 30 April 2017 when the Brumbies host the Blues at 08:05 SA Time (16:05 AEST, 06:05 GMT).
This week it is Round 9 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 3 games on Friday 21 April 2017 and 5 games on Saturday 22 April 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Blues and Reds.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Hurricanes and Brumbies in Napier, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT). The second match of the day sees the Waratahs hosting the Southern Kings in Sydney at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
On Friday evening the Emirates Lions host Los Jaguares in Johannesburg at 19:00 SA Time (14 Arg Time, 17:00 GMT).
The action starts pretty early on Saturday, with the Highlanders hosting the Sunwolves in Invercargill at 07:15 SA Time (17:15 NZ Time, 14:15 Japanese Time, 05:15 GMT)
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Crusaders host the DHL Stormers in Christchurch at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT).
In Western Australia, the Western Force host the Chiefs in Perth at 11:45 SA Time (17:45 AWST, 21:45 NZ Time, 09:45 GMT).
Then a few hours later, on Saturday afternoon late, the Vodacom Bulls host the Toyota Cheetahs in Pretoria at 17:15 SA Time (13:05 GMT.
The last game of the Round is in Durban when the Cell C Sharks host the Melbourne Rebels at 19:30 SA Time (17:30 GMT, Sunday 03:30 AEST).
This week it is Round 8 of Super Rugby 2017!
There is 1 game on Friday 14 April 2017 and 6 games on Saturday 15 April 2017.
Four teams have BYE weekends this week, the Highlanders, Waratahs, Western Force and Cell C Sharks.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Crusaders and Sunwolves in Christchurch, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, , 16:35 Japan Time, 07:35 GMT).
The action starts pretty early on Saturday, with the Reds hosting the Southern Kings in Brisbane at 07:05 SA Time (15:05 AEST, 05:05 GMT)
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT).
In Australia, the Melbourne Rebels host the Brumbies in Melbourne at 11:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 09:45 GMT).
Then a few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Toyota Cheetahs host the Chiefs in Bloemfontein at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 NZ Time). The DHL Stormers host the Emirates Lions in Cape Town at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT).
The last game of the Round is in Pretoria when the Vodacom Bulls host the Jaguares at 19:30 SA Time (14:05 Arg Time, 17:30 GMT).
This week it is Round 7 of Super Rugby 2017!
There is 1 game on Friday 7 April 2017, 5 games on Saturday 8 April 2017 and 1 game on Sunday 9 April 2017.
Four teams have BYE weekends this week, the Crusaders, Melbourne Rebels, Toyota Cheetahs and Emirates Lions.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Hurricanes and Waratahs in Wellington, at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, , 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT).
The action starts pretty early on Saturday, with the Sunwolves hosting the Vodacom Bulls in Tokyo at 07:15 SA Time (14:15 Japan Time, 05:15 GMT)
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Highlanders host the Blues in Dunedin at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT).
Then the A few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Cell C Sharks host the Jaguares in Durban at 15:05 SA Time (10:05 Arg Time, 13:05 GMT). The DHL Stormers host the Chiefs in Cape Town at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT, Sunday 03:15 NZ Time).
The last game of the Round is in Perth, Western Australia on Sunday when the Western Force host the Southern Kings at 08:05 SA Time (14:05 AWST, 06:05 GMT).
This week it is Round 6 of Super Rugby 2017!
There is 1 game on Friday 31 March 2017, 5 games on Saturday 1 April 2017 and 1 game on Sunday 2 April 2017.
Four teams have BYE weekends this week, the Brumbies, Southern Kings, Jaguares and Sunwolves.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels in Dunedin, at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, , 17:35 AEDT, 06:35 GMT).
The action starts pretty early on Saturday, with the Blues hosting the Western Force in Auckland at 06:15 SA Time (17:15 NZ Time, 12:15 AWST, 04:15 GMT)
The first South African team to see action is the Vodacom Bulls, in Hamilton when they play away against the Chiefs, on Saturday morning 1 April 2017 at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT).
The third game of Saturday morning is when the Reds host the Hurricanes in Brisbane at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 21:45 NZ Time, 08:45 GMT).
A few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the DHL Stormers host the Toyota Cheetahs in Cape Town at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT). The Emirates Lions host the Cell C Sharks in Johannesburg at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT).
The last game of the Round is in Sydney, Australia on Sunday when the Waratahs host the Crusaders at 08:05 SA Time (17:05 AEST, 19:05 NZ Time, 06:05 GMT).
This week it is Round 5 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 2 games on Friday 24 March 2017 and 6 games on Saturday 25 March 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
The action kicks off on Friday with the game between the Crusaders and Western Force in Christchurch, at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, , 14:35 AWST, 06:35 GMT), whereafter the Melbourne Rebels host the Waratahs in Melbourne at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 08:45 GMT).
The first South African team to see action is the Vodacom Bulls, in North Harbour when they play away against the Blues, on Saturday morning 24 March 2017 at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT).
The second game of Saturday morning is when the Brumbies host the Highlanders in Canberra at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 21:45 NZ Time, 08:45 GMT, then followed by the Sunwolves who host the DHL Stormers in Singgapore at 12:55 SA Time (19:55 Singapore Time, 10:55 GMT).
A few hours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Southern Kings host the Emirates Lions in Port Elizabeth at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT). The Toyota Cheetahs host the Cell C Sharks in Bloemfontein at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT).
The last game of the Round is in Buenos Aires, Argentina where the Jaguares host the Reds at 23:40 SA Time (19:40 Arg Time, 21:40 GMT, Sunday 07:40 AEST).
This week it is Round 4 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 3 games on Friday 17 March 2017 and 5 games on Saturday 18 March 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Western Force and DHL Stormers.
The action kicks off on Friday with the big derby between the Crusaders and Blues in Christchurch, at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT), whereafter the Melbourne Rebels host the Chiefs in Melbourne at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 21:45 NZ Time, 08:45 GMT).
The first South African team to see action is the Vodacom Bulls, in Pretoria when they host the Sunwolves, on Friday evening 17 March 2017 at 19:00 SA Time (17:00 GMT).
On Saturday morning the action starts when the Hurricanes host the Highlanders in Wellington at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT, then followed by the Waratahs who host the Brumbies in Sydney at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 08:45 GMT).
A few ours later, on Saturday afternoon, the Emirates Lions and Reds meet in Johannesburg at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT). The Cell C Sharks host the Southern Kings in Durban at 19:30 SA Time (17:30 GMT).
The last game of the Round is in Buenos Aires, Argentina where the Jaguares host the Toyota Cheetahs at 21:40 SA Time (17:40 Arg Time, 19:40 GMT).
This week it is Round 3 of Super Rugby 2017!
There are 2 games on Friday 10 March 2017 and 6 games on Saturday 11 March 2017.
Two teams have BYE weekends this week, the Melbourne Rebels and the Vodacom Bulls.
The action kicks off on Friday with the big derby between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Hamilton, at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT), whereafter the Brumbies host the Western Force in Canberra at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 16:45 AWST, 08:45 GMT).
The first 2 South African teams to see action are the Southern Kings and DHL Stormers, in Port Elizabeth, on Saturday 11 March 2017 at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT).
But before that, on Saturday morning the action starts when the Blues host the Highlanders in Auckland at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT, then followed by the Reds who host the Crusaders in Brisbane at 10:45 SA Time (19:45 AEST, 21:45 NZ Time, 08:45 GMT).
A few other later, on Saturday afternoon, the Southern Kings and DHL Stormers meet in Port Elizabeth at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT). The Toyota Cheetahs host the Sunwolves in Bloemfontein at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT) and the last game of the Round on SA soil is at 19:30 SA Time (17:30 GMT, Sunday 00:30 AEST) when the Cell C Sharks host the Waratahs.
The last game of Round 3 is in Buenos Aires, Argentina where the Jaguares host the Emirates Lions at 21:40 SA Time (17:40 Arg Time, 19:40 GMT).
This week it is already Round 2 of Super Rugby 2017!
There is 1 game on THURSDAY 2 March 2017, then 1 games on FRIDAY 3 March 2017 and a full 7 games on SATURDAY 4 March 2017.
There are no BYE weekends for any teams this week.
The action is kicked off on Thursday by the Western Force and Reds who do battle in Perth at 12:30 SA Time (18:30 AWST, 20:30 AEST, 10:30 GMT). On Friday the Chiefs take on the Blues in Waikato at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT).
The first South African team to see action, the Cell C Sharks, take on the Brumbies on Saturday in Canberra at 10:45 SA Time (18:45 AEST, 10:45 GMT).
But before that, nn Saturday morning the action again starts early when the Hurricanes host the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington at 06:15 SA Time (17:15 NZ Time, 15:15 AEST, 04:15 GMT), whereafter the Highlanders take on the Crusaders in Dunedin at 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 06:35 GMT), then only followed by the Brumbies vs Cell C Sharks and then followed by the Sunwolves vs Southern Kings from Singapore at 12:55 SA Time (18:55 Singapore Time, 10:55 GMT).
On Saturday afternoon and evening the other South African Franchises as well as the Jaguares from Argentina are in action, firstly when the Emirates Lions host the Waratahs in Johannesburg at 15:05 SA Time (13:05 GMT), whereafter the DHL Stormers host the Jaguares at 17:15 SA Time (15:15 GMT) and the final game of the Round is when the Toyota Cheetahs host the Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein at 19:30 SA Time (17:30 GMT).
It is the 3rd and final Round of the abbreviated Rugby Championship of 2015 (Only 1 Round of matches against each side in 2015 as opposed to a double Round of matches against all sides – home and away in non Rugby World Cup years).
The last 2 games are both on Saturday 8 August.
The Action of the Round is kicked off in Sydney, Australia where the Wallabies and All Blacks dual it out for tournament honours and The Rugby Championship of 2015 concludes with the match between the Springboks against Los Pumas in Durban.
On Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney at 12:05 SA Time (20:05 AEST, 22:05 NZ Time, 10:05 GMT) referee Wayne Barnes of England is in charge in the Wallabies vs All Blacks game.
On Saturday at Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban at 17:05 SA Time (12:05 ARG Time, 10:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time) referee Romain Poite of France is in charge of the Springboks vs Los Pumas game.
The game between the Wallabies and All Blacks has all to play for and should be a thriller of note. It is hard to imagine the Wallabies pipping the All Blacks though. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has opted for a rather large number of changes to the All Blacks side, but the run-on side is a vastly experienced unit… with the return of Julian Savea, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith all in the backline alone. The Wallabies see some old hands like Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau & James Horwill return to the run-on side and also sees the pair of openside flankers of David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the looseforwards to try and dominate the ground ball situations against the All Blacks.
Both the Springboks and Los Pumas have made a number of changes to their run-on sides.
For the Springboks we see a return of Captain Jean de Villiers at No 13, with Jesse Kriel moving 1 wide to the right wing berth. Vincent Koch comes in for injured Jannie du Plessis at tighthead prop and Marcell Coetzee takes over at blindside flank from the injured Francois Louw. On the bench we see the return of Pieter-Steph du Toit from injury, as well as the return of Marcel van der Merwe, Siya Kolisi and Lwazi Mvovo.
The game between the Springboks should logically only go 1 way and that is with a comfortable win against Los Pumas.
It is Round 2 of the abbreviated Rugby Championship of 2015 (Only 1 Round of matches against each side in 2015 as opposed to a double Round of matches against all sides – home and away in non Rugby World Cup years).
There are 2 games on Saturday 25 July.
The Action of the Round is kicked off in South Africa, where the Springboks take on the old foe, the All Blacks in Johannesburg and concludes with the late night match between the Argentinian Pumas against the Australian Wallabies in Mendoza.
On Saturday at Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park) in Johannesburg at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, 12:05 Arg Time, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time, Sunday 01:05 AEST) referee Jérôme Garcès is in charge in the Springboks vs All Blacks game.
On Saturday at Estadio Malvinas in Mendoza, at Sunday 00:40 SA Time (19:40 Arg Time, 22:40 GMT, Sunday 08:40 AEST, Sunday 10:40 NZ Time) referee Jaco Peyper of South Africa is in charge of the Pumas vs Wallabies game.
The game between the Springboks and the All Blacks should be a humdinger of note and the result could go either way. Last time these 2 sides met, also at the same venue, the Springboks won by a measly 2 points. Both sides have made some bold selections, with 2 debutants on the All Blacks side and on the Springbok side we see the return of Heinrich Brüssow, who makes his 1st Springbok appearance since November 2011. One cannot help but feel that the All Blacks have ironed out most if not almost all the chinks in their armour, whereas the Springboks still seem to be a work in progress.
The Pumas and the Wallabies have each made 7 changes to their starting line-ups and the question begs whether Los Pumas could repeat their win over the Wallabies of last year in Mendoza. The Wallabies came back very strongly against the Springboks last week, so I quite fancy them for a win against the Pumas… in Argentina.
It is Round 18, the Final Open Round of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 12 June and 5 games on Saturday 13 June.
The Emirates Lions have a BYE weekend.
The action is kicked off by the Blues and Highlanders who do battle in Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT). The next game is between the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force in Melbourne on Friday at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
On Saturday early, at 07:30 SA Time (15:30 AEST, 17:30 NZ Time, 05:30 GMT), the Brumbies host the Crsaders in Canberra, whereafter the Chiefs host the Hurricanes in New Plymouth at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Waratahs host the Reds in Sydney at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
There are 2 South African derbies on the weekend, the one between the Vodacom Bulls vs Toyota Cheetahs in Pretoria at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time) and the last game of the Open Rounds between the Cell C Sharks vs DHL Stormers in Durban at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Sunday 03:10 AEST, Sunday 05:10 NZ Time).
There should logically be only 1 winner between the Blues vs Highlanders… and that is the Highlanders, but they have had many injuries lately, so it should be a close affair. In the next game, the Melbourne Rebels should have too much in the tank for the Western Force in Melbourne.
The match between the Brumbies and Crusaders should be a cracker, with the Crusaders playing for pride and the Brumbies playing for 2nd Spot on the Combined Log. The Chiefs will still be hurting after the right pumping they took against the Hurricanes in their previous encounter of the season, but this time they are at home and celebrate the return of some star players… guess the high-flyiing Hurricanes will still be too strong for the Chiefs though!
The Waratahs will also be playing for a possible 2nd Spot on the Combined Log when they face the Reds, and I make the Waratahs overwhelming favourites to take the game, quite well.
At Loftus, a decidedly ‘B’-looking-Team of the Bulls take on the struggling Toyota Cheetahs under their new coach, Franco Smith and if the Cheetahs 1st game under Smith last weekend is anything to go by, they will play spectacular rugby but also leak tries like there is no tomorrow. Whether the largely impotent Bulls would be able to exploit the Cheetahs total lack of defensive awareness is another story… Bulls by a whisker and a whimper.
The last game of the weekend and of the Open Rounds at Durban between the Cell C Sharks and the DHL Stormers ‘B’ Team will be interesting and with a few Sharks players playing their farewell game for the Sharks, I expect them to be all fired up and beat the Stormers… but not by a landslide, mind you!
It is Round 17 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 5 June and 5 games on Saturday 6 June.
The Cell C Sharks have a BYE weekend.
The action is kicked off by the Hurricanes and Highlanders who do battle in Napier at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT)
Thereafter and after a couple of hours break, also on Friday – the Western Force play the Brumbies in Perth at 13:00 SA Time ((19:00 AWST, 21:00 AEST, 23:00 NZ Time, 11:00 GMT)
Early on Saturday the Melbourne Rebels host the Vodacom Bulls in Melbourne at 07:30 SA Time (15:30 AEST, 17:30 NZ Time, 05:30 GMT). It is the Vodacom Bulls’ last game on tour.
Thereafter the Blues host the Crusaders in Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Reds host the Chiefs in Brisbane at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
In South Africa, the Toyota Cheetahs host the Waratahs in Bloemfontein at 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT, 23:00 AEST, Sunday 01:00 NZ Time). Thereafter the DHL Stormers host the Emirates Lions in Cape Town at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time).
The Hurricanes vs Highlanders match should be a cracker, as these are the 2 teams who have already qualified for the Top 6, it is anybody’s guess who will be victorious in this doozie!
The Brumbies should be too much for the Western Force in Perth, as the Brumbies are aiming at Top spot in the Australian Conference, whilst the Force is already out of the race for the playoffs.
The Vodacom Bulls have one final chance on tour to come good against the Melbourne Rebels, and so keep their playoff aspirations alive, but the Bulls play predictable and stale rugby and they will have to get a bonus point, if they were to have any semblance of a chance at the playoffs and still some other teams would have to do them favours in order to reach the playoffs.
The Crusaders are also close to playoff contention and will attempt to put the Blues to the sword in Auckland and they might well achieve that feat.
In Brisbane, the Chiefs will attemp to ressurrect their season, after some poor form in the last few Rounds and thus qualify for the playoffs, whereas a resurgent Reds team will try to salvage some pride after a dismal season. My guess is that the Chiefs will get their needed win.
The Waratahs should put Franco Smith’s new team to the sword and earn their bonus point in Bloemfontein. My expectation is that the Cheetahs midfield will be brittle and let through a few of the tries on the day.
The last game of the weekend is one I am particularly looking forward to, where No 1 and No 2 in the SA Conference do battle in Cape Town. The Lions chances of making the playoffs are very, very slim and only really a mathematical consideration, but the men from Joburg play passionalte and intense rugby, if not somewhat “Run-at-all-costs” and naiive rugby, but they make for a grand spectacle and the Stormers defences will be tested all afternoon in Cape Town. The Stormers on the other hand can sow up the SA Conference and will go hell-for-leather at the Lions to achieve that. I predict a relatively good win for the Stormers.
It is Round 16 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 3 games on Friday 29 May and 4 games on Saturday 30 May.
The Blues have a BYE weekend.
The action is kicked off by the Crusaders and Hurricanes who do battle in Nelson at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT)
There are 2 South African teams in action on Friday – the Vodacom Bulls who play the Brumbies in Canberra at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT) and on Friday evening the Cell C Sharks host the Melbourne Rebels in Durban at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Saturday 03:10 AEST, Saturday 05:10 NZ Time). It is the Vodacom Bulls’ 3rd game on tour and it will be the Cell C Sharks 1st game back after their overseas tour.
On Saturday morning the Highlanders host the Chiefs in Invercargill at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Western Force host the Reds in Perth at 11:40 SA Time (17:40 AWST, 19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
There is only 1 South African derby on the weekend, that between the DHL Stormers vs Toyota Cheetahs in Cape Town at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time). Thereafter the Emirates Lions host the Waratahs in Johannesburg at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Sunday 03:10 AEST, Sunday 05:10 NZ Time).
The Crusaders vs Hurricanes match should be a cracker, but the destructive form the Hurricanes are commanding at present should see them victorious against the Crusaders in the Saders’ backyard. The Brumbies should have far too much firepower for a strangely selected and miss-firing Vodacom Bulls side in Canberra. The evening game on Friday should go in favour of the Cell C Sharks as the Melbourne Rebels have NEVER beaten a side in South Africa.
The game between the Highlanders and Chiefs is very difficult to call and could well deliver the game of the weekend.
The game in Perth between the bottom-dwelling Western Force and equally abhorrent Reds is a toss-up and I suppose one would have to fancy a win for the Home side.
The DHL Stormers should slaughter the Toyota Cheetahs at DHL Newlands, but then again, I said the same about the match between the 2 foes in Bloemfontein. I simply think the Stormers have far too much to lose, being Top of the SA Conference, to go down to the lowly Cheetahs, in the last match where Naka Drotske and Os du Randt will be in charge at the Cheetahs.
I would like to see the Emirates Lions turn the losing table on the Waratahs on the weekend, as they have never beaten the Tahs, but somehow I doubt they will, as the Waratahs would also want to cement their Aussie spot on the Log… but the guts and passion the Lions have shown this season keeps proving me wrong.
It is Round 15 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 22 May and 5 games on Saturday 23 May.
The Brumbies have a BYE weekend.
There are 2 South African teams in action on Friday, one in each game of the day – the Chiefs against the Vodacom Bulls in Rotorua at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT) and thereafter the Reds vs Cell C Sharks in Brisbane at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT). The battling Sharks play their last game on tour, whereas it will be the Bulls 2nd tour match.
On Saturday morning the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Waratahs host the Crusaders in Sydney at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
In Perth, Western Australia at 13:45 SA Time (19:45 AWST, 21:45 AEST, 23:45 NZ Time, 11:45 GMT) the Western Force host the Highlanders.
There is only 1 South African derby on the weekend, that between the Toyota Cheetahs vs Emirates Lions in Bloemfontein at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time). Thereafter the DHL Stormers host the Melbourne Rebels in Cape Town at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Sunday 05:10 NZ time, 03:10 AEST).
The Chiefs vs Bulls match should go the way of the home team but the game between the 2 bottom-dwelling sides, the Reds and Cell C Sharks, it is difficult to predict a winner… my money, strangely enough is on a Sharks win.
The game between the Blues vs Hurricanes should only ever go one way, and that is heavily in favour of the Hurricanes, even although it is away from home for them.
The Waratahs vs Crusaders game should be a cracker, with both teams rather desperate to get or hold a position in the Top 6, but it could go either way… so I would lean towards the home team for this one.
The Highlanders should properly dispatch the Western Force in perth.
The Lions are strong favourites to beat the Cheetahs, specially in light of the fact that it was announced that both Naka Drotske and Os du rand will leave the franchise at the end of May as well as considering the Cheetahs dismal form in 2015.
The DHL Stormers should outlast and out-defend a gutsy Melbourne Rebels side in Cape Town in the last match of the weekend.
It is Round 13 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 8 May and 4 games on Saturday 9 May.
The Vodacom Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs and Chiefs have BYE weekends.
There are 2 lip-licking South African games against overseas teams on the weekend, between the Emirates Lions vs Highlanders in Johannesburg as well as between the DHL Stormers vs Brumbies in Cape Town. The battling Cell C Sharks is on tour and will be in action in their 2nd tour match against the table-topping Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday morning.
On Friday, the Crusaders host the Reds in Christchurch at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT) before the Melbourne Rebels host the Blues, in Melbourne, at 11:40 SA Time (19:40 AEST, 21:40 NZ Time, 09:40 GMT).
On Saturday morning the Hurricanes host the Cell C Sharks in Wellington at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Western Force host the Waratahs in Perth at 11:40 SA Time (17:40 AWST, 19:40 AEST, 09:40 GMT).
Over to South Africa and next up, at 15:00 SA Time (13:00 GMT, Sunday 01:00 NZ Time), the Emirates Lions host the Highlanders in Johannesburg, before the DHL Stormers host the Brumbies in Cape Town at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, Sunday 01:05 AEST).
The Crusaders should dispatch the Reds on Friday, but the Melbourne Rebels vs Blues is a difficult game to pick.
The game between the Hurricanes and Cell C Sharks is one where the Hurricanes are firm favourites, although the Hurricanes are resting some players whereas the Sharks have tried to pick their strongest possible combination. The Waratahs should take the game away from home against the Western Force.
The 2 games in South Africa could easily be seen as the games of the weekend and the Emirates Lions would have to play hell-for-leather to beat a very strong Highlanders team. In Cape Town, the DHL Stormers vs Brumbies game could also go either way, with both teams having aspirations to finish top of their respective Conferences… accordingly it is a difficult one to pick and one supposes that the home team therefor has the advantage.
It is Round 11 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 24 April, 4 games on Saturday 25 April and 1 game on Sunday 26 April.
The Cell C Sharks have a BYE weekend.
There are 2 lip-licking South African derbies on the weekend, between the Emirates Lions vs Toyota Cheetahs as well as between the DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Bulls, and no South African side is on tour at the moment.
There are no more unbeaten sides left in the tournament, since the Hurricanes lost against the Waratahs last weekend.
On Friday, the Chiefs host the Western Force in Hamilton at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 15:35 AWST, 07:35 GMT) before the Brumbies host the Highlanders in a slightly later match than usual due to the Anzac Day Centenary celebrations, in Canberra, at 11:55 SA Time (19:55 AEST, 21:55 NZ Time, 09:55 GMT).
On Saturday morning the Crusaders host the Blues in Christchurch at 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT), whereafter the Waratahs host the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney at 11:55 SA Time (19:55 AEST, 09:55 GMT).
Over to South Africa and next up, at 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT), the Emirates Lions host the Toyota Cheetahs in Johannesburg, before the DHL Stormers host the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town at 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT).
On Sunday morning at 08:05 SA Time (16:05 AEST, 18:05 NZ Time, 06:05 GMT) the Reds host the high-flying Hurricanes side in the last game of the Round.
The game between the Chiefs and Western Force should see the Chiefs aesily beating the Force whereas the game between the Brumbies and Highlanders a bit later on Friday is extremely difficult to call.
On Saturday one would suspect that the Crusaders will beat the Blues but the Crusaders seem to be on the downhill slope, whereas the Blues seem to be improving.
The Waratahs should take care of the Melbourne Rebels.
The Emirates Lions should have too much firepower and also too much depth for the struggling Cheetahs side but the duzy of the weekend between the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls is another difficult one to predict for, however if this year’s prior form is anything to go by, the Stormers should have this one in the bag.
The Hurricanes should beat the struggling Reds in Brisbane on Sunday… and convincingly so, as the Reds have truly been diabollically bad in 2015!
It is Round 6 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 20 March, 3 games on Saturday 21 March and 1 game on Sunday 22 March.
The Blues, Reds & DHL stormers have a BYE weekend.
There are no South African derbies on the weekend, with 2 SA sides currently on tour, the DHL Stormers on a bye and both the Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks envolved in games on South African soil against Anzac counterparts.
Only 1 undefeated team remains prior to the start of the weekend, the Hurricanes, and they will be up against the hard-hitting Highlanders, away from home, in the 1st game of the weekend (08:35 SA Time on Friday 20 March).
The Vodacom Bulls take on a struggling Western Force side on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld and the Cell C Sharks are up against it against a rampant Chiefs side, who just this past weekend took care of the DHL Stormers at Newlands.
This weekend, to predict winners are maybe even more difficult than normal, where at least 4 of the 6 games could go either way. It also does not help to select the home team as your bankers, seeing as away wins have been more predominant than home wins so far in 2015!
Round 6 will have us rivited to the TV screens and marching to the stadia again!
The Friday games are: Highlanders vs Hurricanes in Dunedin as well as the Melbourne Rebels vs Emirates Lions in Melbourne.
On Saturday the action starts at 08:35 SA Time, with the Crusaders hosting the Toyota Cheetahs in Christchurch. Thereafter there will be time to play with the children and go shopping with the wifey before the Vodacom Bulls host the Western Force at Loftus at 17:05 SA Time, before the Cell C Sharks battle the Chiefs at 19:10 SA Time in Durban.
Once again 6 Nations Rugby, well 2 of the 3 games in that competition’s finale is on at the same time as the 2 Super Rugby games on South African soil… so the PVR will be busy again in my household!
On Sunday morning early, 07:05 SA Time, the derby between the Waratahs vs Brumbies takes place in Sydney.
It is Round 5 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 13 March and 5 games on Saturday 14 March.
The Vodacom Bulls have a BYE weekend.
The first 4 Rounds were very unpredictable and the local South African derbies in Round 4 had some stunning results.
2 Undefeated teams remain in 2015, all of whom are in action this weekend. Will these undefeated teams simply kick on and retain their unbeaten status, or will they be pegged back this weekend.
In the South African derby this weekend, between the Toyota Cheetahs against the Cell C Sharks, once again picking a winer is a difficult task… The game between the DHL Stormers and the Chiefs in Cape Town will also be a biggie!
Round 5 promises so much!
The Friday games are: Hurricanes vs Blues in Palmerston North and Western Force vs Melbourne Rebels in Perth. On Saturday the action starts at sparrow fart, SA Time, with the Crusaders hosting the Emirates Lions at 05:30 SA Time in Christchurch, whereafter the Highlanders take on the Waratahs in Dunedin and then it’s the Reds hosting the Brumbies in Brisbane, before the Action shifts to South Africa. thew DHL Stormers take on the Chiefs in an earlier than normal time, at 15:00 SA Time in Cape Town, after which the Weekend’s Super Rugby concludes with the derby between the Toyota Cheetahs and Cell C Sharks in Bloemfontein.
The earlier than usual Super Rugby starts in SA gives us the opportunity to also do a Live Game Article for some SIX Nations action on Saturday, when England and Scotland play in the Clacutta Cup game at 19:00 SA Time and then on Sunday we will also feature the Italy vs France game at 16:00 SA Time.
It is Round 4 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 2 games on Friday 6 March and 4 games on Saturday 7 March.
The Crusaders, Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels have a BYE weekend.
The first 3 Rounds were very unpredictable and the local South African derbies in Round 3 went right down to the wire.
4 Undefeated teams remain in 2015, of which 3 are in action this weekend. Will these undefeated teams simply kick on and retain their unbeaten status, or will they be pegged back this weekend.
In the 2 South African derbies, picking winers is a difficult task this weekend… and in my case “Gut Feel” determined where my SuperBru picks fell.
Round 4 promises to deliver more surprizes!
The Friday games are: Chiefs vs Highlanders in Hamilton and also the Brumbies vs Western Force in Canberra. On Saturday it’s the Blues vs Emirates Lions in North Harbour, the Reds vs Waratahs in Brisbane, the Toyota Cheetahs vs Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein and lastly the DHL Stormers vs Cell C Sharks in Cape Town to finish off Round 3.
It is Round 2 of Super Rugby 2015 this weekend.
There are 3 games on Friday 20 February and 4 games on Saturday 21 February.
The Toyota Cheetahs of South Africa have a BYE weekend.
Unlike in 2013 and 2014, all countries started Super Rugby on the same weekend a week ago, so we will not have skewed Logs to deal with. A team also does not pick up ANY POINTS during a BYE weekend, which is very refreshing for a change!
Super Rugby has no June break either in an attempt to make it finish early enough to fit in an abridged Rugby Championship before Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off on 18 September 2015.
Round 1 had some real upsets and some of the teams who were touted as Tournament winners lost badly, as there were no less than 6 away wins from the 7 weekend matches.
Will everything revert back to normal in Round 2 or will there be similar surprizes to offer?
The Friday games are: Chiefs vs Brumbies in New Plymouth, Melbourne Rebels vs Waratahs in Melbourne and the Vodacom Bulls vs Hurricanes in Pretoria. On Saturday it’s the Highlanders vs Crusaders in Hamilton, Reds vs Western Force in Brisbane, DHL stormers vs Blues in Cape Town and the Cell C Sharks vs Emirates Lions in Durban to finish off Round 2.
It is Round 1 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend, at last the season gets underway for us poor, suffering rugby degenerates in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are 3 games on Friday 13 February, 3 games on Saturday 14 February and 1 game on Sunday 15 February.
The Highlanders from New Zealand have an immediate BYE weekend.
Unlike in 2013 and 2014, all countries start Super Rugby in the same weekend, so we will not have skewed Logs to deal with. A team also does not pick up ANY POINTS during a BYE weekend, which is very refreshing for a change!
Super Rugby has no June break either in an attempt to make it finish early enough to fit in an abridged Rugby Championship before Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off on 18 September 2015.
The season starts with a weekend of some great derbies and some great cross conference battles. The first up season game will be between the Crusaders and Melbourne Rebels, followed by the big Aussie derby between the Brumbies and Reds and a humdinger of running rugby between the Emirates Lions and the star-studded Hurricans side. On Saturday it’s the Blues vs Chiefs followed by 2 South African derbies, the first in Durban between the Cell C Sharks and the Toyota Cheetahs, followed by my choice of match of the weekend, the derby clash between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Sunday sees a lone match between the Waratahs and Western Force to finish off Round 1.
It is the Semi-Finals of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have only the 2 Semi-Final games in this Round, as all the other 11 teams have now been dispatched. Both games take place on Saturday 27 July 2014.
It is crunch time, as only the winners advance to the Final on 2 August 2014.
The Crusaders and Waratahs host the Semi-Finals, as top contenders on the Combined Super Rugby Log. The challengers are the Cell C Sharks and the Brumbies, who have had to travel in order to see if they can advance against strong home ground advantage, for the Final.
Only 3 Super Rugby games for 2014 remain!
Bonus points for tries and losses within 7 now does not matter anymore, all that is needed is a win.
Let the games continue….
It is Round 17 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend, the first Round after the June Test break! We have 5 games in Round 17, with 2 game on Friday and 3 games on Saturday.
All 5 the South African sides sits out this weekend, still in the last week of their June Test window, however this at the same time makes up for the fact that the South African sides started a week earlier than the rest in February.
After this Round it will mean that the Antipodian teams will have caught up in played games with the South African counterparts.
As a result, the Logs and Combined Log will no longer be skewed and will reflect a much more accurate accont of the Super Rugby season thus far.
One has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 14 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 6 games in Round 14, with 1 game on Friday, 4 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday.
The Blues, Vodacom Bulls & Chiefs have BYE weekends.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 13 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 7 games in Round 13, with 2 games on Friday, 4 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday.
The Waratahs have a bye weekend.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 12 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 7 games in Round 12, with 2 games on Friday and 5 games on Saturday.
The Western Force have a bye weekend.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 9 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 6 games in Round 9, with 2 games on Friday and 4 games on Saturday.
The Blues, Hurricanes & DHL Stormers have bye weekends.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 7 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 6 games in Round 7, with 2 games on Friday and 4 games on Saturday.
The Lions, Toyota Cheetahs & Western Force have bye weekends.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 6 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 7 games in Round 5, with 2 games on Friday and 5 games on Saturday.
The Crusaders have a bye weekend.
In June / July 2014 the Antipodian teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
It is Round 5 of Super Rugby 2014 this weekend! We have 7 games in Round 5, with 2 games on Friday and 5 games on Saturday.
The Vodacom Bulls have a bye weekend.
In June / July 2014 the Antipion teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
Super Rugby is already in Round 2, with the Antipodion teams also taking part this weekend. We have 7 games in Round 2, with 2 games on Friday, 4 games on Saturday and 1 game in the early hours (SA Time) on Sunday morning.
The Melbourne Rebels have a bye weekend, right at the outset, but of course Bye Points fall away in 2014.
In June / July 2014 the Antipion teams will catch up in played games with the South African counterparts, when the South African sides sit out for 1 Round.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.
(The Weekend Teams are also up under the Main Menu, Super Rugby, 2014, Weekend Teams.)
Super Rugby is finally upon us, with Round 1 of the 2014 season starting this weekend. Only 2 games are played in Round 1, and only 4 South African sides are involved in Round 1.
The DHL Stormers have a bye weekend, right at the outset, but of course Bye Points fall away in 2014.
The New Zealand and Australian sides will only join up as from Round 2, as the South African sides will only be hauled in in June when the New Zealand and Australians play a Round where the South African sides sit out.
The Combined Log will therefore be skewed for the majority of the competition and one has to question why individual countries are allowed to start such a long competition ahead of it’s rivals. In 2013 the Australian sides started a week early, but at least they had the excuse that they needed an extra week in the middle of the year to prepare for the British & Irish Lions series, which they lost.