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Only three points separates’ the Hurricanes and Blues from the sixth wildcard spot and they’ll be looking to grab as many points on offer as they can to sneak into a playoff position. Join The Roar from 5:35 AEST for all the live scores and game updates.
Wins at last. The Hurricanes spent the first six rounds of the competition scratching their heads. They tried, tried and kept trying to find wins but none came.
They were handed the short end of the stick when this year’s Super Rugby Draw was finalised. They begun their season in South Africa of all places, and it set the tone for a poor start. Since then they’ve fumbled and bumbled their way through the early rounds.
While it has been a terrible struggle for the men from New Zealand’s capital they finally broke their duck. In Round 6 they came so agonisingly close to their first win only to be get beaten by the game clock and a lack of luck.
That proved to be the momentum builder they needed; the one turn to give them direction. The ‘Canes followed that close call up with back-to-back wins against the Crusaders and Bulls and that has placed them in contention for the playoffs. Now, after a week off they’re ready to roll against the Blues.
A playoff spot is also in sight of the men from Auckland. Like the Hurricanes they are coming off the bye weekend, and it came at a pretty good time.
It was a horror showing from them against the Brumbies in Canberra prior to the bye, and they will not want a repeat of that performance. Aiding their fresh start this week the Blues will see a return of several key players and some of their veterans are expected to start from the bench.
The question remains, though, whether the Blues are good enough to feature in the postseason. Their attack at times has lacked any real offensive punch, and their defence can leave a lot to be desired. When they beat the Highlanders it was through domination and capitalising on the mistakes the Highlanders made.
Against the Brumbies they weren’t allowed to play their own game and there was little they could do to penetrate the defence to get any momentum. It’ll be important for the Blues to get points on the board early, and not rely too much on waiting for the Hurricanes to gift them freebies.
Tip: Blues
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.