Super Rugby
Super Rugby Round 11 preview, line-ups, team news, tips
ESPN staff
May 3, 2016
© Martin Hunter/Getty Images

The Crusaders are back in action this week after the Round 10 bye and the seven-time champions will be chasing an eighth straight win when they kick off Round 11 against the Reds on Friday night. The Rebels, Stormers, Jaguares and Lions have the bye.

Friday, May 6

Crusaders v Reds, Rugby League Park, Christchurch

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Crusaders have won their last eight home matches against the Reds, the last time the Queenslanders travelled to Christchurch and won was way back in 1999.

Line-ups

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Jone Macilai, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond; Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Mike Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Tim Boys, Andy Ellis, Ryan Crotty, Marty McKenzie.

Reds: TBA

Team News

The Crusaders are coming off the bye and coach Todd Blackadder has shuffled his side since the Round 9 flogging of the Brumbies. In the backs, Johnny McNicholl's return pushes Jone Macilai to the left wing, with Nemani Nadolo still out serving a suspension. Up front, Wyatt Crockett and Mike Alaalatoa are rotated in for Joe Moody and Owen Franks respectively while there is also a start for Sam Whitelock ahead of Luke Romano.

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Greg Growden's verdict: The Crusaders were flying before the bye and I don't think the week off will halt that momentum. Crusaders by 15.

UBET verdict: Crusaders $1.08, Reds $8.00. The NZ sides have won 24 of 29 (82%) matches against the overseas teams, and it's hard to see that changing here. The Reds have started to show some signs of life but have lost all four away matches.

© Stefan Postles/Getty Images

Brumbies v Bulls, Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Brumbies have lost their last two matches going into this fixture; the last time they lost more than two matches in a row in was in Round 13, 2011.

Line-ups

Brumbies: TBA

Bulls: TBA

Team News

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Greg Growden's verdict: I've got no doubt the Brumbies' off-field woes have affected their on-field performance. But with that now sorted I'm tipping them against the Bulls, despite the fact their game appears a little off

UBET verdict: Brumbies $1.44, Bulls $2.80. The Brumbies have lost three of their last 4 while the Bulls have won seven in a row. However the Brumbies do boast a good home record against the Bulls (six of the last seven), but the margin has been under six points in their last four encounters. The Brumbies might win, but solid money for the Bulls at +6.0 ($1.90).

Saturday May 7

Sunwolves v Force, Chichibunomiya, Tokyo 

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Force are one of only three teams in the competition (Sharks & Stormers) to average more penalty goals (2.4) per game than tries (1.2).

Line-ups

Sunwolves: TBA

Force: TBA

Team News

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Greg Growden's verdict: Believe it or not I'm tipping the Force. The Sunwolves may have got their first win last start, but they'll be frustrated by the Force pack here.

UBET verdict: Sunwolves $2.25, Force $1.65. In Tokyo, and the home side are in off a bye following a ground-breaking win at home to the Jaguares. There looks to be a lot of points in this game, and the punters are split. Too tough to call.

Chiefs v Highlanders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Highlanders' current run of four straight victories over the Chiefs snapped a run of four straight wins for the Hamilton-based side prior to that.

Line-ups

Chiefs: TBA

Highlanders: TBA

Team News

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Greg Growden's verdict: This is clearly the game of the round and one that will be played at a furious pace. Chiefs in a tight one.

UBET verdict: Chiefs $1.50, Highlanders $2.60. The Chiefs lost the elimination final to the Highlanders last year, and the Highlanders have beaten them the last four times they've met. However, there is a perceived gap in form this season, and UBET punters are more than happy to back the Chiefs as favourites here.

Waratahs v Cheetahs, Sydney Footbal Stadium, Sydney

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Cheetahs have won three of their last four matches against the Waratahs, though two of those wins were by a single point.

Line-ups

Waratahs: TBA

Cheetahs: TBA

Team News

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Greg Growden's verdict: Maybe the Tahs sure play sick every week? I think they'll make it three in a row here on Ladies' Day; they're bound to perform under that marketing strategy.

UBET verdict: Waratahs $1.17, Cheetahs $5.00. The Waratahs have finally run into some form winning two in a row, but are flying in from Cape Town. The Cheetahs, meanwhile, only have a short trip down from Brisbane. While the home side are red-hot favourites at $1.17, it's worth noting the Cheetahs have won on their last two trips to Sydney, and perhaps the value is 14 points start.

Sharks v Hurricanes, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

Key stat (Opta Stats)

The Hurricanes have won their last eight games against teams from South Africa, more than double their next longest streak (3 games).

Line-ups

Sharks: TBA

Hurricanes: TBA

Team news

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Greg Growden's verdict: I know the Hurricanes thumped the Lions last week, but I've just got a sneaking suspicion the Sharks will frustrate them here. Sharks by a couple.

UBET verdict: Sharks $2.10, Hurricanes $1.73. The Sharks have hit a wall with only one win in their last six, but all bar one of those matches have been decided by less than five points. The Sharks have also won the last four against the Canes in Durban, so understandably there is money for the hosts at $2.10.

Kings v Blues, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth

Key stat (Opta Stats)

This will be the first encounter between the Kings and the Blues, though the South Africans have lost their last three games against opponents from New Zealand, conceding 157 points in the process.

Line-ups

Kings: TBA

Blues: TBA

Team News

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Greg Growden's verdict: Blues are improving, the Kings not so much. Blues by a cricket score.

UBET verdict: Kings $11.00, Blues $1.04.The Kings: what can you say? They continue to smash records but they're not the type you want to own! The only positive for the Kings here is that the Blues have lost their last seven matches in South Africa, but the class factor here is huge hence the monstrous line of 26.5 points.

© ESPN staff

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