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Round 9 of Super Rugby sees last season’s beaten finalists, the Hurricanes, seeking an away victory over the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:35pm (AEST).
The Hurricanes have won four games in a row and scored the fourth most tries of any team in the competition.
The visitors appear to be returning to the form that saw them top the round-robin in 2015, suggesting this should be a straight-forward victory for the Hurricanes, but the Rebels have won four games and are a potential banana skin.
Melbourne are unchanged from the side that scored a maiden victory over the Waratahs a fortnight ago. Sefa Naivalu continues his recovery from a broken leg with a spot on the bench, while flanker and former Hurricane Scott Fuglistaller will record his 50th Super Rugby appearance should he take the field.
The Hurricanes’ only alteration is in the midfield, where Matt Procter earns his first start of the season. He will partner Vince Aso, while Ngani Laumape takes a seat on the bench.
The loose forward tussle in this game will be immense. Young Ardie Savea and Sean McMahon are two of the most promising flankers in world rugby. By contrast All Blacks Victor Vito and Adam Thomson are wily veterans. Winning the collisions at the breakdown will go a long way towards deciding this game.
Be ready to see some points scored, as both sides play ambitiously and expansively, and the Hurricanes have scored 40 or more points in their last three games.
These two sides have played each other four times in Super Rugby since 2011, and the Rebels have won once. They win 33 per cent of games against New Zealand opposition.
Prediction
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.