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.
Old Bugger
Guest
Congrats Digsy - a good solid win that certainly adds some more fizz, for next week's match.
Arni
Guest
The game changed right here, when Dom Shipperley went off with a knee injury. Despite many people not realising, he does a lot of the backline and defensive organising.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Quite an amazing stat where the Rebels are joint first in the oz conference with a -31 differential, and all sides bar the Brumbies have a - differential. When has that ever happened?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Nice
Harry Jones
Expert
Barrett is one of those players (like Willie le Roux) who'll win a game by himself and he can also lose it
Digby
Roar Guru
That's the test mate. Can't wait!
ebop
Guest
Yeah true. It's uncanny how the ball bounces his way some times. Ardie had a blinder. He seems a little more abrasive these days, I like it!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
MOTM for me was Ardie Savea ......... I think commentators might choose Barrett ??
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
congratulations Digby and Canes supporters... you guys are the real deal ... another test v Chiefs at home ... that's going to be a bewdy!
Lara
Guest
Rebels really had no idea how to play the Canes tonight.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
yep in first half a try from a kick that hit the post, then one from a missed kicked thru... still they still have to be scored
Digby
Roar Guru
Cool. Thanks Adam.
AJ
Guest
I watched for the first half, Rebels competed for the first 20 odd and then were on the back foot. Could have scored some more points early like the Reds last week, but the lack of intensity was telling. Wake up call for all Australian teams ( and probably other nations), you are not matching up physically.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Hurricanes: 38 v Rebels: 13
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
79min: Hurricanes: 38 v Rebels: 13 Good hands and try for Crawford.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep gotta pay that ... nice try
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
haha! commentators suggesting how brilliant that try was but it came of a mistake by Barrett .. his kick through missed the gap!... lol
ebop
Guest
Beaudie is a jammy bugger
Digby
Roar Guru
That's tinny
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
48min: Hurricanes: 38 v Rebels: 8 Barrett second try and converted.