Hurricanes vs Chiefs
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REPLACEMENTS:
- James O’Reilly
- Pouri Rakete-Stones
- Pasilio Tosi
- Justin Sangster
- Du’Plessis Kirifi
- Devan Flanders
- Richard Judd
- Peter Umaga-Jensen
The starting 15 is as expected (and is clearly our best 15). As are 16-20 although I'm unsure why Mafileo is out of favor and not getting much game time.
But 21 to 23 are odd selections. I guess they just want to get Flanders involved in some way after being so good at 6 last year. Judd I can sort of understand but I would prefer Viljoen. And the limited PUJ is preferred to Higgins.
I hope Viljoen starts next week (vs FD) as does Higgins. And Barrett and TJ are rested for the game a week later
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@Duluth Mafileo brought a house up in Auckland with his partner at the end of last year so good chance he’ll end up at the Blues, maybe why he’s not getting game time.
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@Winger agree with your sentiments - think Higgins should be in the 23. Viljoen is certainly a better bet late in a game to create something too compared to Judd. This will be tight though so presumably they are playing it "safe" with Judd.
Still unclear on what Sullivan's status is - does anyone know?
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs:
@Duluth Mafileo brought a house up in Auckland with his partner at the end of last year so good chance he’ll end up at the Blues, maybe why he’s not getting game time.
How many would that be now if he moves
One quality hooker. a HB (who I never really rated) and first, Could be 4 potential starters next year
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@foobaNZ Sullivan has been the water boy the last two games for the top side which means he’s not far. Hopefully he’s named in the Hunters side to play in the curtain raiser.
Likely backline for that game is Vijoen, Morgan, Rayasi, Higgins, Sullivan, Sinkinson and Godfrey which is pretty damn good. Punivai might start instead of Sinkinson though.
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Tight 5. Adv Canes
Backrow. Even
HB 1st Adv Chiefs
Midfield Adv Canes
Back 3. Adv Canes
Forward reserves Canes
Backs ChiefsBut the margins are very small. It should be a great game. And good to see both team at close to full strength
All it needs now is a good crowd
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs:
Vijoen, Morgan, Rayasi, Higgins, Sullivan, Sinkinson and Godfrey which is pretty damn good. Punivai might start instead of Sinkinson though.
VG backline. As long as Morgan doesn't revert to last year's form.
Sinkinson is far and away better than last year too. Bulked up a lot.
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The next three games for the Canes - Chiefs (H), Drua (A) and Brumbies (A) were all games that were lost last year so I'm sure the Canes will want to start this next block of their campaign with a win. Really looking forward to this one on Saturday, a real shame the weather may ruin the spectacle a bit but it should still be a blockbuster.
The conditions may actually suit the 2024 Canes when you look at the way they defend and how their tight five has performed so far this year. The conditions may also be a factor in the 6-2 split on the bench aswell.
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@Winger said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs:
Tight 5. Adv Canes
Backrow. Even
HB 1st Adv Chiefs
Midfield Adv Canes
Back 3. Adv Canes
Forward reserves Canes
Backs ChiefsBut the margins are very small. It should be a great game. And good to see both team at close to full strength
All it needs now is a good crowd
Interesting - not sure I'd give any advantages to the Hurricanes to be honest.
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@Mr-Fish on form the Canes have the best front row in the comp. Defs advantage in that department.
If you break it down more I’d go:
Front row - adv Canes - form front row in the comp.
Locks - even
Loose forwards - adv Canes purely because Sititi hasn’t been involved in big games yet so is unproven.
Halves - adv Chiefs
Centres - adv Canes - ALB at 12 is yuck for me.
Back three - even
Reserve forwards - adv Canes
Reserves backs - adv Chiefs -
@Bovidae said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs:
https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/vaai-reaches-half-century-for-gallagher-chiefs
Amazing....hardly noticed him.
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Interestingly, the Chiefs have won the last five matches between these two sides. Prior to that, the Hurricanes won five of the previous six (with one draw in there too).
The Hurricanes are also one of only three Super Rugby teams with a positive win record over the Chiefs (alongside Crusaders and Brumbies), but a win for the Chiefs this weekend would shift it to a 50-50 split.
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@Mr-Fish the Canes are a totally different beast this year compared to last year so hopefully they can turn the tide a bit. Last year they were winning this match at the half but then the Chiefs stormed home with three tries. Really not sure how this one is going to go but I'm hoping we can get the job done and bank four points. If the Chiefs win, it will likely mean that four teams will be on 27 points at the top of the standings.
