Reds looking for their first win over the Hurricanes at Wellington in 13 years
Out of the five games both teams have played in the past five years, Reds were able to defeat the Hurricanes only once.
Reds are last weeks’ Super XV leaders and after their last week win over the Waratahs, they have now defeated every team they have faced during the Super Rugby Championship 2011.
Both teams will be playing their 10th match of the Super XV competition as the Hurricanes host the Reds at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, on Saturday, April 30th, 2011.
Reds are enjoying a phenomenal form with their impressive performances on the field that have helped them achieve their record of eight consecutive wins. Reds only lost to the Waratahs during the round two encounter of Super XV.
The match is more of a mismatch when benchmarked with the teams’ current forms since 13th position team is hosting the table leaders. Hurricanes enjoy a definite edge over the Reds as they have won 10 out of 15 games played between them, in the
history of Super Rugby.
However, Hurricanes had a very poor season and they will enter the match with a demoralized and negative mindset. They have won only 2 and lost 6 games out of their nine outgoings this season. They are coming from the South African tour and they are likely
to suffer from fatigue, particularly in the second half.
Hurricanes will take confidence from the fact that they defeated the Reds the last three times they played against each other. At Wellington, Hurricanes have won their last six games while Reds last defeated the Hurricanes at Wellington in 1998. Reds with
their magnificent form in the season would be eyeing their first victory over the Hurricanes at Wellington in 13 years.
Both, Reds and Hurricanes, have made six changes for their Saturday’s clash and the Hurricanes captain is set to make his 100th appearance for the franchise.
Prediction: Games are won based on on-field performances and Reds are expected to perform better than the Hurricanes, thus, securing their ninth consecutive win and denying the hosts any point from the game.
Team squad for the weekend clash includes:
Hurricanes
Starting XV: 1. John Schwalger ,2. Andrew h**e (c) ,3. Neemia Tialata ,4. Jason Eaton ,5. James Broadhurst ,6. Faifili Levave ,7. Jack Lam ,8. Victor Vito ,9. Chris Eaton ,10. Aaron Cruden ,11. Hosea Gear ,12. Charlie Ngatai ,13. Jayden
Hayward ,14. Alapati Leiua,15. Andre Taylor
Replacements: 16. Dane Coles ,17. Anthony Perenise,18. Jeremy Thrush ,19. Mark Reddish ,20. Tyson Keats,21. Julian Savea ,22. Beauden Barrett
Reds
Starting XV: 1. Greg Holmes 2. James Hanson 3. Guy Shepherdson 4. Van Humphries 5. James Horwill (c) 6. Adam Wallace-Harrison 7. Beau Robinson 8. Scott Higginbotham 9. Will Genia* (vc) 10. Quade Cooper 11. Dom Shipperley 12. Mike Harris
13. Will Chambers 14. Luke Morahan 15. Ben Lucas
Replacements: 16. Saia Faingaa 17. Albert Anae 18. Rob Simmons 19. Radike Samo 20. Liam Gill 21. Anthony Faingaa 22. Kimami Sitauti
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