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Super Rugby round 11 preview panel

5th May, 2016
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Preview of Super Rugby Round 11 matches (all times AEST):

Friday, May 6

Crusaders v Queensland Reds at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch 5.35pm

Head to Head: Played 22 Crusaders 16 Reds 6

In Christchurch: Played 10 Crusaders 9 Reds 1

Last clash: Round 13 2015 – Crusaders 58 bt Reds 17 at Christchurch Stadium

It’s one step forward, one step back for the Reds – despite notching their second win of the year last week, it came at the enormous cost of Samu Kerevi, who has a broken hand and will miss the next month. Without him on deck, arguably Super Rugby’s toughest assignment becomes mission impossible. Queensland are improving, but not quickly enough to legitimately challenge the in-form Crusaders on their own home turf, where the Reds have only won once, back in 1999.

Tab Sportsbet: Crusaders $1.07 Reds $8.50 Draw $51.00

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Tip: Crusaders by 21 points

Brumbies v Bulls at GIO Stadium, Canberra 7.45pm

Head to Head: Played 18 Brumbies 11 Bulls 7

In Canberra: Played 8 Brumbies 7 Bulls 1

Last clash: Round 16 2015 – Brumbies 22 bt Bulls 16 at GIO Stadium

The Brumbies will be without inside centre Matt Toomua but welcome back Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore for this crucial clash. Having lost four of their past six matches, a win will keep them in touch with the Melbourne Rebels whom they play next week and lead the Australian conference. The Brumbies have won three of their past four matches against the Bulls, but the South Africans have not lost a game since round one and are on a five-game winning streak. A win on Friday would be their fourth straight on the road and longest streak in club history.

Tab Sportsbet: Brumbies $1.43 Bulls $2.80 Draw $31.00

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Tip: Brumbies by 5 points

Saturday, May 7

Sunwolves v Western Force at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 3.15pm

Head to Head: First meeting

The Force will become the second Australian side to play a Super Rugby match in Japan when they take on the Sunwolves. The expansion side are riding high after beating the Jaguares for their historic first win two weeks ago, although they were 26-point losers the only other time they faced an Australian franchise, the Melbourne Rebels. They shouldn’t be written off, especially at home and coming off the bye. But the Force should get it done.

Tab Sportsbet: Sunwolves $2.60 Force $1.50 Draw $26.00

Tip: Force by 12 points

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Chiefs v Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton 5.35pm

Head to Head: Played 26 Chiefs 15 Highlanders 11

In Hamilton: Played 13 Chiefs 8 Highlanders 5

Last clash: Qualifying Finals 2015 – Highlanders 24 bt Chiefs 14 at Forsyth Barr Stadium

It might be one versus four on the NZ ladder but this is the game of the round and could signal a changing of the guard. While the champion Highlanders have taken the points in their recent meetings, the Chiefs have shown plenty of grit to win the close ones of late and should be too tough for the Highlanders in a tight one at home.

Tab Sportsbet: Chiefs $1.43 Highlanders $2.80 Draw $26.00

Tip: Chiefs by 3 points

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NSW Waratahs v Cheetahs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney 7.45pm

Head to Head: Played 9 Waratahs 5 Cheetahs 4

In Sydney: Played 5 Waratahs 3 Cheetahs 2

Last clash: Round 17 2015 – Waratahs 58 bt Cheetahs 33 at Toyota Stadium

Veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is back however there’s a question mark on Israel Folau, who is still suffering the “Dean Mumm” stomach bug that spread through the team. The Cheetahs match up well against the Tahs but the home side are high on confidence after edging the Stormers and should make it three straight.

Tab Sportsbet: Waratahs $1.13 Cheetahs $6.00 Draw $41.00

Tip: Waratahs by 9 points

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Sharks v Hurricanes at Kings Park Stadium, Durban 11.00pm

Head to Head: Played 17 Sharks 8 Hurricanes 8 drawn 1

In Durban: Played 8 Sharks 5 Hurricanes 3

Last clash: Round 13 2015 – Hurricanes 32 bt Sharks 24 at Westpac Stadium

The Hurricanes have an impressive record against South African teams, winning their past eight. However, the Sharks beat the defending champion Highlanders and only just fell short against the ladder-leading Chiefs last round. They have also beaten the Canes in their past four in Durban so, while the visitors have been in sparkling form, a home victory is in the offing.

Tab Sportsbet: Sharks $2.30 Hurricanes $1.62 Draw $26.00

Tip: Sharks by 7 points

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Sunday, May 8

Kings v Blues at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 1.10am

Head to Head: First meeting

It’s proving a brutal re-introduction to Super Rugby for the hapless Kings. Seven days on from copping a pasting in Argentina, in which they conceded a club-record 73 points, they have to back up against the hungry Blues. The Auckland side might be bottom of the New Zealand conference, but they’re still light years ahead of the Kings and will relish the chance to book their third consecutive win. The only question is by how much.

Tab Sportsbet: Kings $13.00 Blues $1.02 Draw $101.00

Tip: Blues by 35 points

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