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The table-topping Hurricanes play the eighth-placed but still not-too-shabby Stormers in a clash sure to knock every viewer off their feet. Join us for live commentary and updates from 5pm (AEDT).
Last week, despite a spirited performance from the Rebels, the Hurricanes showed their class by shackling the Melburnians 36 – 12.
That win has extended their winning streak and the Hurricanes will be hoping it to make seven from seven as we near the halfway point of the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Last year, the Hurricanes only managed to win eight games, so a bit of a surprise that they’ve conquered all who have come before them so far.
No team the Hurricanes have faced are title favourites, with the Highlanders and the Bulls being the only teams within the top half of the table, but the Canes did beat both of those teams away (in fact, only two of their six games have been at home so far).
Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea, and Owen Franks are coming back into the squad for this week’s clash. That sort of talent sitting out a win is just scary. They also welcome back Nehe Milner-Skudder into the fold as the starting fullback.
Last time I covered the Hurricanes, when they smashed the woeful Force in Perth 42-13, their game plan focussed on counter-attacks orchestrated by Barrett’s right peg finding space in the centre-left channel, followed by ravaging running rugby coldly executed by Savea and Milner-Skudder.
As much as the Hurricanes hope they can extend their own winning streak, the Stormers are moseying up to Wellington hoping to get a win that will propel them back to their early heights.
The Stormers flew out of the blocks at the beginning of the season with four wins, but have found themselves in the doldrums lately, having lost to the Chiefs at home and to the Highlanders in Dunedin last week.
There’s not much news for the Stormers, but big boy Duane Vermeulen is back from his enforced SARU rest and will slot in at number 8 (in place of Nizaam Carr) and will also take the captain’s armband. Eben Etzebeth is also swapping in at lock for Jean Kleyn. Future Greatest Name in the World winner Bongi Mbonambi will take a seat on the bench.
Hurricanes midfielder Ma’a Nonu will join Kevin Mealamu, Corey Flynn and Nathan Sharpe in making his 150th Super Rugby appearance in this game.
Prediction
I don’t see the respective runs of each sides to change after this game. That means a W for the Hurricanes and an L for the Stormers.
After cross-referencing each teams’ scores against the Highlanders, I’ve come up with the Hurricanes by 10.
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.