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Preview of Super Rugby round 11 matches (all times AEST).
FRIDAY, April 24
Chiefs v Western Force at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5.35pm
Head to Head: Played 8, Chiefs 6, Force 2
In Hamilton: Played 3, Chiefs 3, Force 0
Last clash: Round 6, 2014 – Force 18-15, Perth.
These two teams usually have tight tussles but unfortunately for the Force, close losses have again been the story of their season. If they go down to the fourth-placed Chiefs they’ll equal their longest-ever losing streak of nine. They have skipper Matt Hodgson back while the Chiefs have lost All Blacks playmaker Aaron Cruden out for the season with a knee injury. The home side should still have enough talent to triumph.
Tab Sportsbet: Chiefs $1.10, Force $7.00
Tip: Chiefs by 8
ACT Brumbies v Highlanders at GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7.40pm
Head to head: Played 18, Brumbies 11, Highlanders 7
In Canberra: Played 9, Brumbies 7, Highlanders 2
Last clash: Round 9, 2013 – Brumbies 30-19, Dunedin.
The Brumbies will welcome back Tevita Kuridrani and Jesse Mogg with open arms but still no Nic White (ankle) or Sam Carter, who is out on compassionate grounds. Identical prop twins Ruan and JP Smith will pack down with Test veteran Ben Alexander benched. The Highlanders have also pulled a selection surprise resting All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa. It’s a must-win game for the home side after losing three of their past four games so expect them to squeak home.
Tab Sportsbet: Brumbies $1.40, Highlanders $2.90
Tip: Brumbies by 3.
SATURDAY, April 25
Crusaders v Blues at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, 5.35pm
Head to head: Played 25, Crusaders 14, Blues 11
In Christchurch: Played 12, Crusaders 9, Blues 3
Last clash: Round 18, 2014 – Crusaders 21-13, Christchurch.
Historically a match between these Super giants would have been something to savour but both are having seasons to forget. The good news for the home side is that the Blues appear to have already surrendered, resting two of their best players in Jerome Kaino and Charles Piutau, while Patrick Tuipulotu is out with a leg injury. Another loss would equal the Crusaders’ worst-ever streak, so a home victory to come.
Tab Sportsbet: Crusaders $1.30, Blues $3.50
Tip: Crusaders by 11.
NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 7.55pm
Head to head: Played 9, Waratahs 8, Rebels 1
In Sydney: Played 4, Waratahs 4, Rebels 0
Last clash: Round 2, 2015 – Waratahs 38-28, Melbourne.
Can the Rebels tick off another milestone and notch a hat-trick of wins for the first time? If they were playing anyone but the Waratahs in Sydney then yes but the Tahs have their tails up after knocking off the ladder-leading Hurricanes on their home turf. The Rebels did very well to overcome the under-manned Brumbies in Canberra but the defending champs at home might be a bridge too far.
Tab Sportsbet: Waratahs $1.22 Rebels $4.25
Tip: Waratahs by 7
SUNDAY, April 26
Lions v Cheetahs at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, 1.05am
Head to Head: Played 11, Lions 6, Cheetahs 5
In Johannesburg: Played 5, Lions 3, Cheetahs 2
Last clash: Round 19, 2014 – Lions 60-25, Johannesburg.
The bad news has continued for the Cheetahs after their one-point defeat by the Reds. They have lost in-form flanker Heinrich Brussow for the rest of the season with a broken arm, while Springboks fullback Willie le Roux (ankle) and prop Coenie Oosthuizen (back) are out. The Lions are coming off a bye and playing at home they should be too big and strong.
Tab Sportsbet: Lions $1.33 Cheetahs $3.30
Tip: Lions by 12
Stormers v Bulls at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town at 3.10am
Head to Head: Played 23, Stormers 13, Bulls 14, drawn 1
In Cape Town: Played 11, Stormers 7, Bulls 3, drawn 1
Last clash: Round 1 2015 – Stormers 29-17, Cape Town.
The Stormers are back at home after picking up valuable points down under including last week’s tight win over the Force. They have some injury trouble on the wing with Kobus van Wyk (knee) out while Dillyn Leyds (shoulder) missed training. However they get hard-nut captain Duane Vermeulen back. The Bulls won ugly against the Sharks to rise to second on the ladder and will be tough to bring down.
Tab Sportsbet: Stormers $1.70, Bulls $2.15
Tip: Bulls by 3
Queensland Reds v Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 4.05pm.
Head to Head: Played 18, Reds 6, Hurricanes 12
In Brisbane: Played 8, Reds 4, Hurricanes 4
Last clash: Round 11, 2014 – Hurricanes 35-21, Wellington
Could they do it? The Queensland Reds suddenly have a spring in their step after snapping a six-game losing run against the Cheetahs last weekend. But the table-topping Hurricanes are a different beast. While the Waratahs last week provided the blueprint for how to beat them, whether the Reds can actually competently apply that blueprint for 80 minutes is another question entirely. The absence of Karmichael Hunt (hip adductor) is a blow, but regardless of personnel, the Hurricanes should prove a force too strong for Richard Graham’s men.
Tab Sportsbet: Reds $2.90, Hurricanes $1.40
Tip: Hurricanes by 12
BYE: Sharks
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.