The final round of Super Rugby in 2016 kicks off in Auckland, as the desperate Waratahs take on the Blues, who have lost their shot at the finals. Catch all the action from 5:35pm (AEST) on The Roar.
The Waratahs are sitting on equal points with the Australian conference-leading Brumbies, but behind due to their inferior wins and losses record.
They only need a single point to leapfrog the prancing horses – even a bonus point loss will get them ahead – but then it’s up to the Western Force to keep the Brumbies down on Saturday.
A loss, however, ends the Tahs’ campaign.
The Blues are out of the finals race, despite a big win over the Brumbies last week. Their rejuvenated side that has shown great quality since the June break, but a slow start to the season left them limping for the rest of the year.
An encouraging statistic is that Tana Umaga’s Blues hold an astonishing 8-1 winning record against the Tahs at home, as well as a 12-8 overall standing.
Team news
The Blues have no changes for the third straight week, as coach Umaga shows great faith in his squad, and rightly so.
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made some alterations to his line-up though, shifting his forward pack for the second week in a row.
Wycliff Palu goes from Number 8 back onto the bench, making way for Dave Dennis to pack in at the back of the scrum. Dean Mumm is switched back to lock after being shuffled across into flanker last week, while Jack Dempsey comes back into the starting XV at blindside flanker, after being demoted to the bench against the Hurricanes last week.
Taqele Naiyaravoro has been forced to give his spot on the wing back to Reece Robinson due to a suspension for a dangerous tackle on Canes flyhalf Beauden Barrett last week.
Young centre Jim Stewart will make his Super Rugby debut off the bench, after putting his hand up as a stand out for the Sydney Stars in the last NRC season and solid performances in recent weeks for Sydney Uni in the Shute Shield.
Prediction
The Waratahs need this win, but it’s going to be a really tough match up against a Blues side that has shown grit and determination in the last few weeks.
This could be the end of the line for the Waratahs, who have a shocking record in Auckland.
Blues to win by 9.
MH01
Guest
It's called sarcasm ...... Wow!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes good point, that wasn't happening in previous seasons...confirms the resolve they now have.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Kirwan had a lot of small margin losses, look at the state of last season, all winnable but couldn't win a trick. This year they're still not getting the rubs yet, some crucial calls such as the obvious blocking on half way and Saveas knock on, but they've risen above needing the 50/50s and gone about winning the matches without them anyway. Key now is to hold onto some key players. I can see Reiko doing a Piutau if he shines at the Olympics...and he will, the huge money to good to set him up for life at 20.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes Laurie! We're a bit greyer since the last time, but it looks like the sun will be shining a bit more up there for a while...here's hoping.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Subtlety not your fave subject huh??
P2R2
Roar Rookie
jeez are you a scientist??? there are NO MORE NZ teams playing AUS teams this weekend....wow with followers like you, is it any wonder the AUssie teams are failing
P2R2
Roar Rookie
he can always come back to NZ and have players who can execute a game plan...
Johnno
Guest
Blues 15 and 12 are future stars, there guns. Folau had a crap game.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Yesterday, my son texts me that he was busy setting up a bike that Lou Ferrigno was getting to go riding with his buddy Arnold. My son sold Arnold his bike too. he didn't want to annoy Ferrigno, who he said was very nice, as he was afraid he would turn green. My son works at a bike shop and has to deal with these type of "famous" people all the time. "I'll be back", reminded me of this.
MH01
Guest
It's what the NZ commentators were saying , why were the tahs going for a BP win, instead of trying to win first . I agree take the points and go for win first.
Daveski
Guest
ha a rugby "law". The greatest contradiction there is....
KTinHK
Roar Pro
Will Daryl Gibson make it as a coach? The jury is still out.
Mark
Guest
Yes Very much so I was very apprehensive about his appointment - didn't think he had enough of a history of achievement behind him He has really turned the Blues around Finally a forward pack that acts like a forward pack Still has some issues in the backline (some serious lack of brain power - really stupid option taking at times) And sometimes there is a real lack of composure But there is no way a Lam or Kirwan coached side would have performed in some of the games this season the way they have under Tana... And if we are really honest - some of the losses this year have been of the smallest margins - again something that never happened under Lam or Kirwan..,
Mark
Guest
Oh Dear How are the Waratahs... The Blues were just awful in this game (especially compared to there last few games) - completely lacking in composure and smartness in their play - and they still beat them... Wallabies to lose every game unless something happens and soon
Machooka
Roar Guru
The sun burns brightly in Auckland at da mo... effin' buggers!?!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Good but definitely not a great game. A bit surprised that the Tahs did not man up more than they did. Almost as though they were resigned to their fate even before the game. I will say though .... the Blues are on their way back and WILL be a force next year .. *S* ... Winning 8 games this year was a high pass mark from me (I hoped that they would record 6 wins) irrespective where they finished on the ladder. GO THE MIGHTY BLUES!!! ... Tana for Mayor!
Machooka
Roar Guru
That is so 80s ?? :))
Alex
Guest
Cant believe Skelton was capped for the wallabies this season. He would be a passable NPC player in NZ. Nothing more.
MH01
Guest
Think positive people. Oz teams cannot lose to NZ teams for the rest of the weekend
woodart
Guest
yes, Tana has made a difference, next year is going to be very interesting ,five top teams.