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The Hurricanes took an 11-point win over the Waratahs on Saturday night in a match that will have big ramifications for the finals hopes of both teams.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Waratahs 17
Hurricanes 28
The Waratahs and Hurricanes will do battle in Sydney tonight in what has shaped up to be a vital matchup for both sides with finals contention on the line. Join The Roar for all the thrilling live highlights and action from 7:45pm (AEST).
Both sides find themselves teetering on the edge of elimination, with one loss potentially ending their campaign.
The Waratahs have been fighting head-to-head with the Brumbies for top spot in the Australian conference, and a loss for the later last night means the door is wide open for the NSW side to take the lead.
With the Brumbies holding one more win and both sides on equal points, the Tahs need to win and outscore them to make top spot their own.
The Hurricanes sit in the middle of a stacked New Zealand conference, holding on to a wild-card spot in the race for the finals. A loss tonight could not only see them leapfrogged by the Highlanders in the standings, but also turn next week’s final game into a do or die situation.
Historically, the Tahs and Canes are even-Steven, holding 10 wins a piece over each other, however, it’s the Waratahs that have taken the spoils in the last two encounters and six of the last eight.
Team News
Plenty of changes, alterations and swaps all over the park for both sides, with coaches dealing with returning players and injuries.
Waratahs stalwart Wycliff Palu has been named in the side, slotting in at No.8 in a slightly altered forward pack.
Dave Dennis moves into the second row with Dean Mumm being shuffled across to flanker, meaning Jack Dempsey gets demoted to the reserves bench to start the game.
Into the back line and it’s Wallaby Nick Phipps who returns to the starting 15 at halfback, swapping with Matt Lucas who nabbed the position last week.
Along with Lucas, Reece Robinson also shifts to the bench, making way for Matt Carraro to start the game on the wing.
Mumm will play his 100th Super Rugby game, bringing up the century in his eighth season for the Waratahs. Matt Carraro will also be celebrating his 50th cap.
For the Canes, coach Chris Boyd has been forced to makes some changes with injuries to Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (broken arm) and Vince Aso (calf strain).
Chris Eves will replace Toomaga-Allen at tight head prop and Aso will be swapped out for Chris Boyd in the centres.
Ngani Laumape returns to the reserves after recovering from a groin strain, alongside Ben May who will also warm the bench for the start of the game.
Prediction
This is a tight one to call. Both sides have made plenty of changes and are in desperate need of a win to solidify a spot in the finals.
I’m tempted to lean towards the Canes on this one simply because they’ve played much better than the Tahs for most of the season, but I think the home side can steal the win.
A hungry and desperate Waratahs can win with this one in a very tight affair.
Waratahs to win by 4
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.