Lions
17
Match Complete
Hurricanes
37
| 75 |  | D. Coles | ||
| 65 |  | J. Barrett | ||
| 64 | | D. Coles | ||
| S. Reynolds | | 59 | ||
| A. Dyantyi | | 58 | ||
| 47 | | B. Lam | ||
| 46 |  | J. Barrett | ||
| 41 | | J. Barrett | ||
| 40 | | B. Lam | ||
| 39 | | J. Barrett | ||
| S. Reynolds | | 20 | ||
| S. Reynolds | | 10 | ||
| A. Dyantyi | | 9 | ||
| 7 | | J. Barrett | ||
| 6 | | N. Laumape |
| 2 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Hurricanes will look to keep building towards their guaranteed home final in the first week of Super Rugby finals as they complete their long overseas road trip in Johannesburg against the Lions, who are still in a virtual must-win position. Join The Roar for live scores from 11:05pm (AEST).
The Hurricanes have had a ridiculously good season, and would be leading any other conference. Unfortunately for them, they are in New Zealand, and that’s a task designated to the shoulders of the Crusaders in said conference.
They are, however, so far ahead of every other second-place team that they have already locked up the top wildcard spot and will have a home finals spot in the first week of action.
The ‘Canes have already been on the road for two weeks, which is an adequate preparation for the finals, frankly, and came away with a really hard-fought, strong win over the Sharks last week in Durban.
Overcoming a turgid forward pack, they ran on 30 points to take the victory, bouncing back from a loss to the Jaguares in their first clash away from home.
On the other side of the park, this is the Lions last game for the year in Johannesburg, and there is a real feeling that they desperately need a win before facing the Bulls next week.
The Lions finals standing may directly be impacted by the results of the Sharks in the later clash away to the Jaguares should they lose, but if they win, they create an almost unassailable gap to sides outside the top eight with one week left to play.
Like the rest of the South African conference, inconsistency has shaped the season for the Lions, but they have just started to piece things together at the right end of the season, with three wins from their last four games, with strong performances against the Waratahs, Highlanders and Stormers in their last outing.
If they are going to beat the ‘Canes, then it all comes down to their forwards and whether they can win the battle of the ruck or not.
Prediction
The Hurricanes were really good against the Sharks last week, and while an in-form Lions present a slightly different, and potentially tougher challenge, the ‘Canes should finish up with another win as they continue their build of momentum towards the finals.
Join The Roar for live scores of this Round 17 Super Rugby match from 11:05pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Neel
Roar Guru
Dane Coles. An amazing player. Greatest ‘wooker’ ever. The Canes were just too clinical and they were too much for the men from Gauteng. Canes have a home final and they will be really hard to beat at home.
Neel
Roar Guru
It’s amazing to think the Chiefs are still in with a chance of making the playoffs after the terrible start to the season they had. I thought the Highlanders would have been gone by now but that just shows the difference between the top four and the rest. There’s a huge gap in quality and skill set between the top 4 and the rest of the pack.
Mark
Guest
Its getting worse and worse every game All times miles offside - hardly ever called - unless in 22 (and then they often get it wrong)
Mark
Guest
If that had been the other way round - we would have seen an instant red card
Digby
Roar Guru
Always have the belief Viking but you are right, at least we look able to mount a decent challenge.
Digby
Roar Guru
No, I didn’t like the reshuffle and thought they may struggle today but all good! To be honest I thought the Lions were better than that also.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Lions don't deserve to make the finals being gifted 2 wins by Egon Seconds. The table would be quite different with Rebels on 37 and Tahs on 33 with Lions on 29. That is ignoring the highlanders game with a different ref. If Lions don't get at least 1 point against Bulls and Chiefs beat a depleted Tahs side then they drop out and only 2 SA teams are on the road. As it is both Highlanders and Chiefs CAN still make the finals. Both win with bonus points against Tahs and Rebels. Quite possible with Tahs resting their players now. This means Lions and Rebels drop out and Highlanders and Chiefs make it.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
This should give you a little belief that the Canes can beat the Saders in CHCH? The last two games the Canes pack has really stepped up IMHO. A Jags-Canes final in BA would be special. It could happen (not likely, but not impossible).
Piri
Guest
so long as ref allows for both teams
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
So that's it, basically. Crusaders, Brumbies and Canes confirm home quarters and the Jags can do so tonight with a win against the Sharks. Probably even a bonus point loss would be enough. No quarters in South Africa!! But three of their teams like to be on the road.
Cal
Guest
What hapenned to "canes by plenty"? Nah to be honest i thought the lions forwards would've had our edge..lineouts, scrums etc...Nice to be surprised. They held their own and i guess that's all they needed to do. The backs did the rest. I reckon we may able to get the qf squared away and i would like to think our forwards can front up in the semis/final if necessary..still not convinced :/
Cal
Guest
We get it
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Maybe Seconds? Surprise!
Jimmy
Roar Rookie
Another strong performance by the Canes! Very happy.
Digby
Roar Guru
Happy days, egg on my face! Great SA tour this year, well done boys!
75
Andrew Johnson
Guest
No wonder the lions record in South Africa is so good!!
70
65
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
Seen yellows given for less before. I did like the comment about a talking to.