The Hurricanes can temporarily take first spot in the New Zealand conference when they take on the struggling Reds in what is likely to be a cold and wet Wellington. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:35pm (AEST).
The ‘Canes have been superb throughout the Super Rugby season, sitting just a point behind the ladder-leading Crusaders.
Of course, most of the New Zealand teams look like they are going to secure a wildcard spot to the finals series whether they win the New Zealand conference or not, but the confidence boost of finishing first and having guaranteed home finals all the way through would be a major advantage.
The Wellington-based outfit have won nine of their ten games for the season, with their only loss coming all the way back in the opening game of the season away from home to the Bulls.
Since then, they have destroyed everyone in their path, with only less games played leaving them behind the Crusaders.
Interestingly enough, they have just been consistent. The ‘Canes haven’t gone out and absolutely belted many teams, but they are finding ways to win comfortably more often than not, piling up an impressive points differential of 152.
The Hurricanes will also be out to improve New Zealand Super Rugby teams record over Australian teams to a staggering 40 straight victories.
Where the Hurricanes have been dominating everyone in their path, it’s been a very different set of circumstances for the Queensland-based outfit.
The Reds were looking good at one point, having won three of their first four games, but the wheels have fallen off since. They have won just one of their last six, with that victory coming against the top-ranked South African team – the Lions – a fortnight ago at Suncorp Stadium.
While that game gave fans a course for hope – that maybe their side had turned things around – it was crushed last weekend with a trip to Japan ending in disaster as the lowly Sunwolves recorded their first win of the season – a 63-28 thumping.
There have been issues present with the Reds defence all year and if they can’t address it ahead of their trip to Wellington, the Hurricanes could run a number up.
Prediction
There is a stark contrast in form between the two teams and Australia’s run against New Zealand Super Rugby teams is horrendous. It could get ugly, but the Reds got belted last week and should at least put some pride in the jersey and defending their own line this time.
Hurricanes by 15.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this Super Rugby match from 5:35pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Two shades
Guest
To most of the people I was with in a Pub in Balmain the Reds were getting the rub of the green. Again, some suppprters are just so sensitive and soft!
Two shades
Guest
The reds got lapped by the sunwolves the week before by 50 points..form would say that the kiwi guy would be right...some supporters are just so sensitive and soft!
RobC
Roar Guru
Ken, Higgers! He looked to show everyone he can bring it on. Lets see next week BT? Hes doing his best
Jerry
Guest
Which one - The Barrett tackle? It was marginally late - would have been a penalty only.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Yeah, poor form from the prop no being able to defend out wide when Lam got the ball. He should have been out there, no two ways about that...
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
The right call was probably made in the end but questions can be asked how the refs came to that decision. I have a distant memory this happened in a game last year also, but I can't remember what game... ;)
Harry
Guest
Fair enough comments by the bookies. Reds were paying 15 for a win yesterday morning. I put $20 on and had my hopes up for free beer money for a few weeks for a good part of the game, though never really thought the Reds would win.
Bing
Guest
Fair and favoured the Reds according to whom?
ClarkeG
Guest
tap down or tap up ? doesn't matter Cuw. question is tap on? i.e. did the player intentionally knock (tap) the ball on. Have not seen the incident but from what I can gather a player knocked the ball up and whilst attempting to gain control of it, was held by an opponent. If there was a realistic chance that the ball would have been regathered but for being held by an opponent (which Jacko says was the way it was ruled) then sensibly that would not be an intentional knock on but simply a knock on. My understanding is that if a player has handled the ball and is attempting to regather it then he is deemed to have possession and is able to be tackled.
Frank
Guest
Thor could have been marking Lam when defending try line
Johnny Boy
Guest
The good thing about this constant carry on by your media and fans, Bing is that now Aussies can never accuse Kiwis as being the biggest whingers. You guys have proven over the last two weeks that you lot are the clear winners when it comes to whinging. Even last night where the ref was fair and if anything favoured the Reds, you chose to to act like a victim. Grow up.
Jacko
Guest
Yes huw all captains should be penalised for talking to the captain eh...how dare he do that
Jacko
Guest
Who's birthday was it Bing? Is it a musical card...i love those ones
Jacko
Guest
Spot on Mapu...Then they say it is up to NZ to fix Aus rugby up and make it a winner
Jacko
Guest
He tried to catch it...He was held back from doing so...
Jacko
Guest
Ref to the rescue 40 times in a row now
Jacko
Guest
TJ has twice corrected Gardners in past games where Gardner admitted being wrong...Im gllad the players know the rules
Jacko
Guest
All 23 canes to be cited
Jacko
Guest
Aus rugby fan.....just left the pub disappointed for the 40th time
Jacko
Guest
CUW the ruling was that he would have regained the ball before it touched the ground had he not been held back from doing so. It should have been a penalty against the REDS