The race to the Super Rugby finals is heating up and with both the Chiefs and Bulls in contention a hard-fought contest is guaranteed. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST).
The Chiefs continue to hold down the top wildcard spot, but let a chance to draw closer to the Hurricanes slip last week in a gritty contest.
If you put their season in perspective they are equal second on points, but sit in fourth due to the conference system. However a loss tonight would really open up some hope for the Lions, Stormers and Crusaders.
On the flip side this shapes as a must-win game for the Bulls, who currently sit on 34 points, five points lower then their opponents tonight. A loss could see the Bulls slide from not only their conference lead, but also lose a final’s spot.
In such a tightly contested South African conference points are at a premium.
Both sides have made the changes. For the Chiefs, Mitchell Graham and halfback Augustine Pulu have been promoted to the starting side from the bench, at the expense of Pauliasi Manu and Brad Weber.
Michael Allardice and Michael Fitzgerald both suffered injuries during last week’s loss to the Hurricanes resulting in retired All Black Ross Filipo and Waikato’s Brian Alainu’uese being brought into the squad.
In more bad news for the Chiefs Sonny Bill-Williams hasn’t recovered from injury, and James Lowe has suffered cartilage damage on his shoulder and will be out for four to six weeks.
For the Bulls Adriaan Strauss is resting for Callie Visagie while Jacques du Plessis and Deon Stegmann come into the side for Lappies Labuschagne and Arno Botha.
Prediction
Both teams walking wounded but the Bulls are struggling and were dominated last week by the Blues, the Chiefs were at least respectable against the Hurricanes so I will pick them.
Chiefs by 7.
USrugger
Guest
Yup. Dumb & dumber...
USrugger
Guest
Great game by the Chiefs...but watching the Bulls is torturous! They ARE the dumbest team in the S15. So much potential. So little to show for it. Their decision making, execution (especially in the Red Zone), & general awareness is simply appalling. All muscle, sinew, gristle & bone...& little else. Duh!
Digby
Roar Guru
Agree Blades, the effusive praise was making me grumpy.
Digby
Roar Guru
Yip, same school and year and club and everything ;)
Johnno
Guest
Chiefs looking good, 4-locks out and SBW. Will be danger team if all fit come finals time, look out Canes/Stormers. Chiefs beat em at Newlands this year. Bring back Biltongbek where ever you are.
Highlander
Guest
one of yours too DC
Blades
Guest
Great second half from the Chiefs, but Rennie will be furious after that 1st half. For all the praise Pulu and McKenzie were getting their first 50 minutes were shocking. Neither will be getting anywhere near the AB squad this year. McKenzie needs to do less cutesy chip kicks and Pulu needs to pass more. Ngatai, Elliot, Cane and Messam all stuck their hands up tonight for AB selection. Really impressive stuff from all 4, Ngatai unlucky that Smith and Fekitoa are playing so well.
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers Brent. Agree Highlander, Ross was immense!!
Highlander
Guest
Cane immense, Messam v good, Elliot gets himself a black jersey for RWC - but surely MOTM has to be the legend Ross Filipo
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Don't forget to join me for the second game of the night. http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/05/22/reds-vs-sharks-super-rugby-live-scores-blog-2/
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time McKenzie misses the conversion but it's still an outstanding victory for the Chiefs here, they have punished the Bulls with some outstanding rugby! Chiefs 34 vs Bulls 20
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'80 This game is going to fizzle out and the Bulls are going to get nothing out of it despite leading 15-3 at one stage! In fact Nanai-Williams scores right on the siren to add some salt to the wounds here! Chiefs 34 vs Bulls 20
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Victor "The Traffic Cop" Matfield..
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'78 Bulls now with a rolling maul, Houggard goes on a run to half way, he offloads but his man on the outside knocks it on. Chiefs 29 vs Bulls 20
The Other Steve
Roar Guru
Charlie Ngati is class.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'77 Now Ngatai shows the Bulls how it's done with a perfect kick to 1m out. Chiefs 29 vs Bulls 20
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'77 Basson with three minutes to go and 9 points to make up decides to kick it back, coach killer! Chiefs 29 vs Bulls 20
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'76 Terrible line out throw and there goes the hopes of the Bulls... Maybe! Chiefs 29 vs Bulls 20
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'75 Bulls aren't going to die wondering, now the arm goes out, Matfield just puts one in and the penalty comes. Do they go for the three? Chiefs 29 vs Bulls 20
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Labuschangne scored the try sorry not Botha.