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Good afternoon and welcome to The Roar‘s live blog of today’s game between the Chiefs and Cheetahs from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Join The Roar for live coverage and a blog of the game from 2:30pm AEDT.
Both teams will be looking to make amends after disappointing performances in last weekend’s round.
The Cheetahs simply need to find an 80 minute performance. For forty minutes last weekend they competed well against the Crusaders in Christchurch including establishing a half time lead but fell to pieces in the second half, conceding a whopping 47 points in the second half. They certainly do not want to replicate that second half effort against a dangerous Chiefs side.
The tight five needs a big match this week and must match their Chiefs opposites while the loose forward trio led by Heinrich Brussow will cause plenty of issues for the Chiefs.
We have seen the Cheetahs backline is very dangerous and exciting but may struggle to create or convert opportunities with the absence of Willie le Roux a major concern. Joe Pietersen will need to take on the responsibility of guiding this backline around the park and taking on their more vaunted opposites.
The Chiefs had a match to forget last weekend, failing to take advantage of a one man advantage against the Sharks in Durban. A number of unforced errors and poor discipline permeated their performance and it is not hard to figure out where they need to improve this week as the Cheetahs will feed off their errors.
Of welcome relief for the Chiefs will be the return of Sonny Bill Williams and Charlie Ngatai to the midfield, particularly Ngatai who has been in impressive form this season.
Aaron Cruden will conduct his team from first five, and will be looking for a more composed effort from his pack around the park so he can unleash his backline.
Prediction:
The Chiefs should simply have too much firepower for this Cheetahs side but after the long haul back from South Africa and previous results this year already nothing can be taken for granted.
Strap yourself in as we kick off a Saturday bonanza of Super Rugby and don’t be shy of leaving your thoughts on the match below.
Tip: Chiefs
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.