Super Rugby: Canes to edge New Zealand derby

Angus Watt
11 May 2017

This New Zealand derby looks set to be a close affair but the Canes look the obvious value

Join

View market

Twitter

Facebook

Angus Watt previews the latest round of Super Rugby and thinks the Kings will hold their own in the South African derby...

"The Canes' backline has looked untouchable this year and, with Julian Savea starting to creep back into form, I think they will have too much for the Crusaders"

Crusaders v Hurricanes
Saturday, 08:35

What a game we have in store here. These are undoubtedly the top two teams in Super Rugby at the moment. I tipped Crusaders to win the outright ante-post and feel vindicated after ten wins from ten. However, I think this run will end this weekend.

It's a little simplistic but it would be fair to say that the Crusaders have the edge up front, whilst the Hurricanes boast supremacy in the backs. The Canes' backline has looked untouchable this year and, with Julian Savea starting to creep back into form, I think they will have too much for the Crusaders.

It's also worth considering that the Crusaders have had to travel from South Africa this week. This might prove telling in the latter stages of the game as fatigue creeps in.

Kings v Sharks
Saturday, 16:15

Confidence will be high in the Kings' camp with two impressive wins on the trot. Last week's performance demolition job on the Rebels was particularly eye-opening.

In true South African style, they boast a strong forward pack. This said, they've been free-scoring this year and have utilised their rolling maul game. This should cause the Sharks some problems.

The reverse fixture between these two finished only 19-17 to the Sharks and I'm expecting a similarly tight game here. Whilst the Sharks' form is good, this is a tough assignment.