Hurricanes vs Blues Westpac: Super Rugby Preview
The under-performing Hurricanes will take on the conference and Super Rugby 2011 table leaders Blues at Westpac Wellington over the weekend. The Friday, May 6, encounter is the second time both teams have played against each other in super xv.
Both teams have so far played 16 matches with the Blues winning 10 and losing five. Both teams played their single draw in Super Rugby competition in 2004. Out of the last eight clashes, the Blues have won just two with their last win coming during round
5 encounters of the Super XV. Blues and Hurricanes played eight matches between 1996 and 2003 and the Blues won all of them.
In the last five years, Hurricanes have won four out the six games both sides have played. Blues secured victory in 2008 (19-17) and in 2011 (41-17).
Blues on average has scored 29 points against the Hurricanes who scored 25 points. Even without the stats, the match has the ingredients of being a thriller as Hurricanes, who earlier defeated the Crusaders, will be looking to repeat their performance against
the Blues.
Both teams have made changes in their squad with some key players from both teams missing Friday’s encounter due to injuries. Blues match preparation suffered a major blow as their tournament top scorers, Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava, are ruled out of
the match.
Luke McAlister sustained an injury to his ankle during their last weekend’s match against the Highlanders. However, Isaia Toeava hip fracture re-appeared which has ruled him out of the rest of super XV games. Benson Stanley and Lachie Munro are included
in the teams for the Hurricanes encounter.
Hurricanes will be without the services of Charlie Ngatai and Piri Weepu. Charlie Ngatai is ruled out of rest of the season with a broken ankle and Piri Weepu has not recovered from his injury. Daniel Kirkpatrick will replace Charlie Ngata.
Blues will be looking forward to retain their top spot while the Hurricanes would like a win to give their fans something to cheer about in an otherwise very disappointing season.
Prediction: A close match is expected while Blues will start as favourites. However the fact that Blues haven’t won a game in Wellington in the past six years will give the Hurricanes the confidence to go all out.
Squads
Hurricanes
Starting XV: John Schwalger , Andrew h**e (c) , Neemia Tialata , Jason Eaton , James Broadhurst , Faifili Levave , Jack Lam , Victor Vito , Chris Eaton , Aaron Cruden , Hosea Gear , Daniel Kirkparick , Jayden Hayward , Alapati Leiua, Andre
Taylor
Replacements: Dane Coles , Anthony Perenise, Jeremy Thrush , Mark Reddish , Tyson Keats,. Julian Savea , Beauden Barrett
Blues
Starting XV:Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Lachie Munro, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saiili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Chris Lowrey, John Afoa, Keven Mealumu (captain), Tevita Mailau.
Replacements: Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, James King, Sean Tolwart, Chris Smylie, Aaron Bancroft, Sherwin Stowers.
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