Rugby
ESPN staff 4y

Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 2 Line-ups, tips, odds, results everything you need to know for the weekend

Rugby, Super Rugby

Round 1 of Super Rugby Aotearoa was played before record crowds and this weekend's match-ups in Hamilton and Wellington are both likely to draw plenty of spectators once again.

We also get to see the Crusaders in action for the first time since March, the three-time Super Rugby champions had built a 5-1 before the competition was suspended and then cancelled.

Read on for fixtures, team lists and odds.

Saturday, June 20

 Chiefs vs. Blues, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm AEST

Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sean Wainui, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber; Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'l, Nepo Laulala, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross.

Replacements: Bradley Slater, Reuben O'Neill, Ross Geldenhuys, Adam Thomson, Dylan Nel, Lisati Milo-Harris, Kaleb Trask, Solomon Alaimalo.

Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Sam Nock; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Akira Ioane, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Ofa Tuungafasi, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman.

Replacemements: Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Sione Mafileo, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Matt Duffie

Odds [tab.com.au]:  Chiefs $1.70, Blues $2.15; Chiefs -2.5 $1.90, Blues +2.5 1.90

Verdict: The Chiefs were unlucky not to come away with the win last week, having been pipped at the post by a Bryn Gatland drop-goal. That will have stung, particularly given they had taken the lead themselves in similar fashion only moments earlier. But there was a lot to like about their first outing regardless, and they are further strengthened with Aaron Cruden's ascension to the starting side. There is still no Sam Cane however. For the Blues, Akira Ioane and Dalton Papali'i come into the back-row, giving the visitors a massive ball-carrying threat when you consider just how impressive Hoskins Sotutu was last week. The visitors appear to have the edge up front and with Beauden Barrett better for last week's run, the upset is on. Blues by three.

Sunday, June 21

Hurricanes vs. Crusaders, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 1:35pm AEST

Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomaz, Dane Coles, Fraser Armstrong.

Replacements: Ben May, Alex Fidow, Scott Scrafton, Gareth Evans, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Kobus Van Wyk

Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Billy Harmon, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor , Joe Moody.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, David Havili, Leicester Faingaanuku.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $3.10, Crusaders 1.38; Hurricanes +7.5 1.90, Crusaders -7.5 $1.90

Verdict: Downed 30-20 by the Blues last week, the Hurricanes will be desperate to rectify the lineout issues that plagued their game last week and will be eager to find some sting in attack. The return of Ardie Savea to the starting side as well as Vaea Fifita will bolster the forward pack and should help with the side's lineout wobbles, but the loss of Jordie Barrett for a second week will sting. After sitting out the opening game of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Crusaders will be raring to get onto the paddock but how well they adjust to the referees' attention at the breakdown could be the game changer. The loss of Scott Barrett definitely hurts the side, but Sam Whitelock is certainly a handy replacement, while their stacked backline will be ready to produce some attacking magic. Crusaders by 14

BYE: Highlanders

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