Friday, March 18
Hurricanes v Western Force, FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson (51) is the only player this season to make more than 50 tackles; and he's missed only three.
Line-ups
Hurricanes: James Marshall, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles (captain), Chris Eves Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Michael Fatialofa, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Willis Halaholo, Jason Woodward.
Force: Dane Haylett-Petty, Marcel Brache, Ben Tapuai, Solomoni (Junior Rasolea), Semisi Masirewa, Peter Grant, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Angus Cottrell, Adam Coleman, Ross Haylett-Petty, Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan. Replacements: Chris Heiberg, Heath Tessmann, Jermaine Ainsley, Sitiveni (Stevie) Mafi, Brynard Stander, Ryan Louwrens, Ian Prior, Albert Nikoro.
Team News
Hurricanes captain Dane Coles will make his much awaited first appearance of the season, while Chris Boyd makes four changes to the side that started last week's 23-19 win over the Blues at Eden Park. Nehe Milner-Skudder, blindside Brad Shields, prop Reggie Goodes, and hooker Leni Apisai all ruled out due to injury, with Milner-Skudder gone for the season due to a shoulder injury.
Tetera Faulkner has been named in the Force's run-on side for the clash with the Hurricanes. Faulkner has been injected straight into the starting line-up after recovering from a knee injury. Veteran fly-half Peter Grant will make his first start in the Western Force jersey after coming off the bench in the opening rounds. Grant starts for Jono Lance (pectoral injury). In further changes, Nathan Charles returns to start at hooker, Angus Cottrell has been selected for his first start of the year at blindside flanker, Marcel Brache is in at left wing for Luke Morahan and Alby Mathewson will wear No.9 against his former side.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Hurricanes are slowly getting their act together and they should have far too much class for the Force here. Hurricanes by 20.
UBET verdict: The Hurricanes are back in form, have won their last 7 against the Force, and the last 5 played in NZ. All points towards a Canes win hence the $1.11 price tag.
Waratahs v Highlanders, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Ben Smith has had the most try involvements of any player so far this season with three tries and two try assists.
Line-ups
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Matt Carraro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Zac Guildford, Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (captain), David Dennis, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Angus Ta'avao, Tolu Latu, Paddy Ryan Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Tom Robertson, Sam Lousi, Jed Holloway, Jack Dempsey, Matt Lucas, Reece Robinson.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Ryan Tongia, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Shane Christie(co-captain), Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds Replacements: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Mark Reddish, Gareth Evans, Josh Renton, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery.
Team News
Daryl Gibson has made two changes to his starting Waratahs side, both in the pack. Wycliff Palu makes his first start of the year, in the No.8 jersey, while Tolu Latu replaces hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau after the latter fractured his arm during the defeat by the Brumbies in round two. Former NRL flyer Reece Robinson has been given another chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench in what is expected to be a fast-paced spectacle of rugby.
Liam Coltman will start in his 50th game for the Highlanders, while Jamie Joseph has made four changes to his starting XV. Joe Wheeler and Dan Pryor are each ruled out by concussion, while Luke Whitelock has a knee injury; the trio are replaced by Tom Franklin, Shane Christie and Liam Squire in the back row. Ryan Tongia replaces injured Patrick Osborne in the only change to the backline
Greg Growden's verdict: I hope the Waratahs used the bye to do some scrummaging practice as its been utterly diabolical. This will be a good game to watch but I think Kurtley Beale is starting to look a bit suspect in defence, so I'm backing the Highlanders.
UBET verdict: Real danger game. The Waratahs got the bye at a bad time, and the Highlanders back with a win last week. Early money has been for the Kiwi side at $2.05, and worth remembering these sides met in the semi's last year in Sydney with the Highlanders winning 35-17.
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Bulls v Sharks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Bulls are the only team in the competition to concede a first-half try this season, though they've conceded four penalty goals in this period.
Line-ups
Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Jamba Ulengo, Jan Serfontein, Burger Odendaal, Bjorn Basson, Francois Brummer, Rudy Paige, Arno Botha, Jannes Kirsten, Roelof Smit, Grant Hattingh, RG Snyman, Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Trevor Nyakane Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka, Hencus van Wyk, Jason Jenkins, Nic de Jager, Piet van Zyl, Tian Schoeman, Jesse Kriel.
Sharks: Willie le Roux, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Joe Pietersen, Michael Claassens, Daniel du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Marcell Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Etienne Oosthuizen, Lourens Adriaanse, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira (captain) Replacements: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Coenie Oosthuizen, Hyron Andrews, Keegan Daniel, Cobus Reinach, Garth April, Odwa Ndungane.
Team News
Former Blitzboks flyer Jamba Ulengo will make his Super Rugby debut, thee winger who scored 11 tries in 11 matches for the Blue Bulls in the 2015 Currie Cup replacing Trevor Ismaiel in the only change to the starting backline. Roelof Smit replaces benched openside Nic de Jager, while South Africa's Young Player of the Year, Jesse Kriel, is named to return from a head injury via the bench.
Gary Gold has made six changes to the Sharks starting XV, with Philip van der Walt replacing injured Jean-Luc du Preez at No.7 jersey, Kyle Cooper replacing hooker Franco Marais, Lourens Adriaanse replacing benched tight-head prop Coenie Oosthuizen, Michael Claassens starting at scrum-half in place of Cobus Reinach, and Lwazi Mvovo replacing benched winger Odwa Ndungane. Mvovo will play left wing with JP Pietersen moving to the right. Keegan Daniel is on the bench after returning from Japan.
Greg Growden's verdict: I think the week off may have helped the Bulls a bit, so I'm tipping them to sneak home by two in what could be a pretty grim game.
UBET verdict: Sharks unbeaten this season, Bulls off the bye. Normally a lot of points around when this pair play, and Sharks marginal favourites ($1.73) on the back of the good start to the season. Real danger game though.
Saturday, March 19
Sunwolves v Melbourne Rebels, Prince Chichibunomiya Sadium, Tokyo
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Sunwolves have won the fewest total lineouts (11) and have the lowest lineout success (73percent) of any team in the competition so far this season.
Line-ups
Sunwolves: TBA
Rebels: Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Ben Meehan, Adam Thomson, Sean McMahon (captain), Jordy Reid, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: James Hanson, Cruze Ah Nau, Jamie Hagan, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Nic Stirzaker, Dan Hawkins, Sione Tuipulotu.
Team News
...
Melbourne Rebels skipper Nic Stirzaker is set to make his first Super Rugby appearance of the year having been named on the bench after shoulder issues. Melbourne also have veteran centre Tamati Ellison back in the line-up after he missed their win over the Reds with concussion. Pat Leafa is the new hooker relegating James Hanson to the bench in the only other change to the run-on side.
Greg Growden's verdict: The Sunwolves are actually going a bit better than I thought they would. The Rebels have their issues, but I think the experience of some of their senior players should see them through. Rebels by three.
UBET verdict: Sunwolves struggled in the Singapore heat last week and now back to a wet and cold Tokyo. Rebels have had a torrid travel schedule early in the season but have a couple of wins on the board, so are deserved favourites at $1.50, but there has been a good push for the Sunwolves to grab an upset win
Crusaders v Southern Kings, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
Kings flanker Chris Cloete has won six turnovers so far this season, the equal most of any player in the competition from only two games.
Line-ups
Crusaders: Ben Volavola, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Samuel Whitelock (C), Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ged Robinson, Alex Hodgman, Mike Alaalatoa, Tim Boys, Pete Samu, Leon Fukofuka, Ryan Crotty, Jone Macilai.
Kings: Jurgen Visser, Luzuko Vulindlu, Stefan Watermeyer, Shane Gates, Malcolm Jaer, Louis Fouche, Kevin Luiters, Jacques Engelbrecht, Thembelani Bholi, Chris Cloete, JC Astle, Steven Sykes (captain), Jacobie Adriaanse, Martin Ferreira, Schalk Ferreira. Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle, Sti Sithole, Tom Botha, Schalk Oelofse, CJ Velleman, Ntando Kebe, Elgar Watts, JP du Plessis.
Team News
Big changes this week for the Crusaders. Prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Ben Funnell will start at number 1 and 2 for the first time this season, having come off the bench in the previous two games. Lock Luke Romano, loose forward Matt Todd, halfback Mitchell Drummond and fullback Marty McKenzie will all play their first games of the year. David Havili will partner Kieron Fonotia in the midfield, while Johnny McNicholl and Nemani Nadolo start on the wings. Hooker Ged Robinson may earn his first Crusaders cap if he comes off the bench on Saturday night.
The Kings have made two changes to their side with hooker Edgar Marutlulle moved to the bench after a fantastic game last weekend, with Martin Ferreira moving into the No.2 jersey. While scrumhalf Kevin Luiters, who would have been considered the Kings first choice at the start of the season before his foot injury, will replace Ntando Kebe.
Greg Growden's verdict: Crusaders by 70. Next.
UBET verdict: A blowout looks on the cards here. Interest only in the handicap line which has been set at a high 32.5 points. From what we have seen of the Kings so far, UBET customers think that the Crusaders will have no trouble winning by the required 33 points or more.
Queensland Reds vs Blues, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
George Moala made eight offloads for the Blues in Round 3,double that of any other player over the weekend to leapfrog straight to the top of the season table for offloads.
Line-ups
Reds: Karmichael Hunt, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Faingaa, Eto Nabuli, Jake McIntyre, Nick Frisby, Jake Schatz, Waita Setu, Hendrik Tui, Rob Simmons (capt), Caderyn Neville. Greg Holmes, Andrew Ready, Sef Faagase. Replacements: Matt Mafi, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ben Matwijow, Curtis Browning, Scott Gale , Sam Greene, Ayumu Goromaru
Blues: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Jerome Kaino ©, Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua; Bryn Hall, Ihaia West, Tevita Li, George Moala, Male Sa'u, Rieko Ioane, Lolagi Visinia. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Hoani Matenga, Kara Pryor, Akira Ioane, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan.
Team News
The Reds have made one change to the side that lost narrowly to the Melbourne Rebels, with Ben Daley's pectoral injury seeing Brisbane City prop Pettowa Paraka come into the 23 for the first time this year. Daley tore a pectoral muscle in last weekend's match. He had surgery this week and will be sidelined for four months.
Blues lock Josh Bekhuis will earn his 100th Super Rugby cap when he runs out for the Blues on Saturday, while the only change to the side is the return of Patrick Tuipulotu to start at lock with Stephen Luatua moving back to No 8 and Akira Ioane to the bench.
Greg Growden's verdict: This will be an interesting game. It was good to see the Reds play with some more passion last week but they remain short on playing talent. The Blues have a good pack on the other hand and should win this one by seven.
UBET verdict: Reds winless, but the Blues travel to Brisbane on the back of 2 losses after a good win in round 1. The Reds hold a good record against the Blues including wins at their last 3 meetings in Brisbane, but punters have written them off this week as they are the $2.60 outsiders.
Lions vs Cheetahs, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Lions have starved their opposition of possession allowing them an average of just 12 minutes and 15 seconds of time in possession, the least of any team.
Line-ups
Lions: Andries Coestzee, Ruan Combrink, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnal Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf Der Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Ruan Ackermann, Andries Ferreira, Julian Redelinghuys, Malcom Marx, Dylan Smith Replacements: Armand Van Der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Lourens Erasmus, Cyle Brink, Dillon Smit, Jaco Van Der Walt, Rohan Janse Van Rensburg
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter (captain), William Small-Smith, Raymond Rhule, Neil Marais, Shaun Venter, Henco Venter, Uzair Cassiem, Paul Schoeman, Lodewyk de Jager, Carl Wegner, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais. Replacements: Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche, Johan Coetzee, Francois Uys, Hilton Lobberts, Boom Prinsloo, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga.
Team News
Lionel Mapoe, Andries Coetzee, Dylan Smith and Malcolm Marx are all back in the starting line-up for the Lions while Ruan Ackermann will get his first start for the side with Warwick Tecklenburg out on suspension.
Cheetahs vice-captain Lood de Jager returns to the team having been rested from the squad that defeated the Sunwolves in Singapore, while Charles Marais, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Maks van Dyk and Clayton Blommetjies replace benched Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche, Johan Coetzee and Francois Uys.
Greg Growden's verdict: It's good for South African rugby that the Lions are finally doing something in Super Rugby, including a win here over their local rivals.
UBET verdict: Strange game to access. The Lions fly in from NZ, the Cheetahs fly in from Singapore. The Lions impressed on their 'away' tour, but wins have been shared 3-3 from the last 6 meetings. While the Lions are red hot favs ($1.27), there will be plenty of points on offer here, so a high game total is expected.
Stormers vs Brumbies, Newlands, Cape Town
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
The Brumbies have scored 15 tries in their opening three matches this season, the equal most of any team in the competition. The Stormers, meanwhile, have conceded just three tries this season, the fewest of any team.
Line-ups
Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Kobus van Wyk, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh (co-captain), Dillyn Leyds, Kurt Coleman, Nic Groom, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe (co-captain), Bongi Mbonambi, JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: Scarra Ntubeni, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, JD Schickerling, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Louis Schreuder, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Leolin Zas.
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane, Christian Lealiifano (c), Tomas Cubelli, Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (c) Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin, Tom Staniforth, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, Robbie Coleman, Nigel Ah Wong
Team News
The Stormers have beefed up their back three after they were exposed by the Sharks last weekend. Kobus van Wyk will make a start on the wing with the Stormers hoping his bulk will shrink any weaknesses out wide, and Leolin Zas moving to the bench. While Nic Groom will move off the bench into scrumhalf to replace the injured Jano Vermaak.
Buoyed by a strong win against the Western Force in Perth, and David Pocock's recent re-signing, the Brumbies have named an unchanged side for the clash against the Stormers at Newlands.
Greg Growden's verdict: This will be the big test for the Brumbies. They're playing fantastic football and I think they'll be too strong for the Stormers.
UBET verdict: Brumbies unbeaten, title favs, and thrashed the Stormers here 39-19 in the elimination final last year, so the ground holds no fears. UBET customers agree as the Brumbies have been the best backed side this week.
Jaguares vs Chiefs, Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Key Stat (Opta Stats)
James Lowe has made seven offloads this season, the equal second most of any player and one more than Chiefs teammate Charlie Ngatai who is ranked equal fourth.
Line-ups
Jaguares: Jaoquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Juan Martin Hernandez, Emiliano Boffelli, Nicolás Sánchez, Martín Landajo, Leonardo Senatore, Juan M Leguizamón, Pablo Matera, Tomás Lavanini, Guido Petti, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustín Creevy (captain), Santiago García Botta Replacements: 16 Julián Montoya, 17 Roberto Tejerizo, 18 Felipe Arregui, 19 Matías Alemanno, 20 Facundo Isa, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Santiago González Iglesias, 23 Matías Moroni
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Tom Sanders, Johan Bardoul, Michael Allardice, Hiroshi Yamashita, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu, Siate Tokolahi, Taleni Seu, Maama Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Seta Tamanivalu, Glen Fisiiahi.
Team News
Juan Martin Hernandez and Juan Manuel Leguizamon each make their Super Rugby debut among six changes to the Jaguares side to face the Chiefs. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro comes in for Ramiro Herrera, Tomás Lavanini is replaced by Matías Alemanno and Leguizamon comes in for Rodrigo Baez in the pack, while Hernandez partners Jeronimo de la Fuente in the centres with Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias and Matias Moroni named on the bench. Santiago Cordero moves from fullback to the wing and Jaoquin Tuculet slots in at number 15.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made six changes to the team that defeated the Kings, with tight-head Hiroshi Yamashita and veteran hooker Hika Elliot returning to the front-row and Tom Sanders wearing the No.6 jumper alongside co-captain Sam Cane and Michael Leitch in the back-row. There are three changes in the backs also, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow getting the nod at halfback and Sam McNicol set to make his first start for the Chiefs on the right wing. Anton Lienert-Brown has earned his first start of the season at centre with Seta Tamanivalu ready to add impact off the bench.
Greg Growden's verdict: I think this is the match of the round; it'll be a wild atmosphere in Buenos Aires. The Chiefs are a good team but I think the travel factor will hurt them here. Jaguares to win - cue the mayhem.
UBET verdict: Very tricky game hence the closeness of the prices, with the Jaguares holding the edge at $1.77. This will be there fist home match, so they will be in front of a big parochial crowd. The Chiefs have a good travelling record having won 7 of their last 13 away from home, but this will be a big ask. Again looks to be plenty of points on offer here, early money, albeit on the small side, has been for the Chiefs at $2.10.