ROUND 5, 2024. FRIDAY 22nd, March
CENTRAL ENERGY AREENA PALMERSTON NORTH NZ
We have completed just over a quarter of the 2024 Super Rugby regular season and it has been a combination wildly unpredictable, entertaining and frustrating to figure out.
Assessing Team Performances: Super Rugby 2024 Season So Far
As each team competes in four games, the distinctions between the strong, average, and weaker teams are beginning to become clear.
Emergence of Contenders: Reds and Brumbies Shine
Perhaps the best storyline to emerge so far is the face two Aussie sides are shaping up as legitimate title contenders in the Reds and Brumbies.
Hurricanes Make Changes Ahead of Clash with Rebels
After securing four wins, Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has implemented numerous alterations to his team, opting for 13 personnel changes in the starting 15 alone and granting several key players a well-deserved rest.
Tyrel Lomax and Devan Flanders are the only two starters from last week’s win over the Crusaders, while Jordie Barrett makes his awaited return following suspension and TJ Perenara makes his first start of the year. Clearly Laidlaw views the clash with the Rebels as a chance to test out some of his younger stars including rising star Harry Godfrey who’s been handed the No.15 jersey in Ruben Love’s absence.
Rebels Gear Up to Challenge Hurricanes’ Undefeated Streak
Super Rugby’s last remaining unbeaten side will be seeking to make it five from five when they host the Rebels to kick off Round 5.
While the beleaguered Melbourne based side has picked up a pair of wins over the Force and Moana Pasifika, we saw exactly how they stack up against good teams in Round 1 and 4.
Taking on the Brumbies and Reds at AAMI Park, the Rebels were blown out 30-3 by the ACT and 53-26 by the Reds.
Now they have to head to New Zealand to take on a well drilled Hurricanes side that has just come through a three week test with flying colours.
The Rebels will need to rectify their slow starts if they’re to test the Canes. Smashed out of the blocks early by the Reds last week, Kevin Foote has made several changes of his own swapping out his props with Sam Talakai elevated to the starting role and Taniela Tupou relegated to the bench, while Angelo Smith will get a start in the tight-five alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Rebels’ Strategy and Adjustments for the Upcoming Match
Foote has enlisted Lukas Ripley in the centres, while young talents Jack Maunder and Mason Gordon await on the bench. The Rebels must exhibit considerably more determination than their previous showing if they aim to halt the Hurricanes’ remarkable undefeated streak.
Team Lineups for Hurricanes vs. Rebels Clash
Hurricanes
Pouri Rakete-Stones, James O’Reilly, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields (c), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Ngane Punivai, Daniel Sinkinson, Harry Godfrey
Reserves. Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, James Tucker, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Josh Moorby
Rebels
Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Lukas Ripley, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Reserves. Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
Prediction and Analysis
This is a very different Hurricanes side with multiple players rested so I think there will be lots of mistakes as most of these guys have not played together very often. Also the travel to Palmerston North in the middle of the North Island of NZ is not helpful, worse for the Rebels, and the weather in this part of the country, at kick off will be around a beautiful 8 degrees. This won’t worry the Rebels that much.
The Rebels have been poor this year, and have lots going on financially in the club, with Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu not playing after an unpaid debt from the club, incurred when he paid his own relocation costs from Brisbane to Melbourne, and has still not been paid. The amount is $7000.00.The club said he pulled out of playing for personal reasons. You read the truth here. No BS. He is owned money. Full stop. He pulled out against the Reds as well last week.
Now the Bookies say the Canes will win, and win easy. I think they will win but not by much, so don’t go throwing your money on a, points minus bet, for the Canes. Be careful. I have played at this ground and it will be wet, cold and slippery, and horrible to watch. I think the Canes by only 6-7 points.
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