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Super Rugby semi-finals preview panel

28th July, 2016
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Preview of Super Rugby semi-finals (all times AEST):

SATURDAY, July 30
Hurricanes v Chiefs at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 5.35pm
Head to Head: Played 27 Hurricanes 14 Chiefs 12 Draws 1
In Wellington: Hurricanes 9 Chiefs 5
Last clash: Round 9 2016 Chiefs 28 bt Hurricanes 27 at Westpac Stadium

» View the full 2017 Super Rugby draw right here

The red-hot Canes have notched six victories in a row, but have never won a playoff match against another New Zealand team. Coach Chris Boyd will wait until match day to make a call on a rib injury to captain and hooker Dane Coles. All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow returns at halfback for the Chiefs, who won earlier this year in Wellington.

Tab Sportsbet: Hurricanes $1.57 Chiefs $2.40 Draw $26
Tip: Hurricanes by 8 points

SATURDAY, July 30
Lions v Highlanders at Emirates Airlines Stadium, Johannesburg 11.00pm
Head to Head: Played 10 Lions 5 Highlanders 5
In Johannesburg: Lions 4 Highlanders 0
Last clash: Round 3 2016 – Highlanders 34 bt Lions 15 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

The Lions boast the competition’s most-potent attack and the Highlanders the stingiest defence. It will be the first day game of the season for the Highlanders, who beat the Lions earlier in the season, but have never defeated them in Johannesburg. One should never dismiss the doughty Highlanders, but the big question is whether travel fatigue will finally catch up with them after playing matches this month in four countries.

Tab Sportsbet: Lions $1.75 Highlanders $2.05 Draw $26.00
Tip: Lions by 8 points

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