Feb 18, 2011 Hurricanes 9 - 14 Highlanders Melbourne Rebels 0 - 43 Waratahs Sat 19 Blues v Crusaders, Eden Park, Auckland 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 19 Brumbies v Chiefs, Canberra Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 19 Sharks v Cheetahs, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 19 Lions v Bulls, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sun 20 Reds v Force, Lang Park, Brisbane
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/sports/rugby?footernavtype=-1 You want the best rugby coverage? You got it.DIRECTV brings you exclusive, LIVE coverage of some of the top rugby action from around the world. Super Rugby Tune in to Ch. 490-491 Super Rugby, the southern hemisphere's premier club rugby competition, brings together the best players and clubs teams from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Starting in February, 15 teams will take part in a three-conference format, culminating in a new, six-team finals series. Watch it exclusively on DIRECTV. View schedule Tri Nations Tune in to Ch. 490-491 Don't miss a minute of the action when rugby titans Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa clash in a round-robin tournament for southern hemisphere supremacy. Starting in July, you can watch every match of the international competition, only on DIRECTV. View schedule Six Nations Tune in to BBC America — Ch. 264 Beginning February 6, watch as the some of the biggest European rugby powers — England, Wales, Ireland, and France — try to bring home the title. Five matches from the RBS Six Nations Championship, one of Europe's biggest annual sporting events, will be broadcast LIVE and commercial-free on BBC America. View schedule
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/series/123063.html?template=results Feb 20, 2011 Reds 21 - 20 Force Feb 19, 2011 Blues 24 - 22 Crusaders Brumbies 28 - 20 Chiefs Sharks 24 - 9 Cheetahs Lions 20 - 24 Bulls Feb 18, 2011 Hurricanes 9 - 14 Highlanders Melbourne Rebels 0 - 43 Waratahs Australian 1 Waratahs 5 2 Brumbies 4 3 Reds 4 4 Force 1 5 Melbourne Rebels 0 New Zealand 1 Highlanders 4 2 Blues 4 3 Crusaders 1 4 Hurricanes 1 5 Chiefs 0 South African 1 Sharks 4 2 Bulls 4 3 Lions 1 4 Stormers 0 5 Cheetahs 0 Fri 25 Highlanders v Chiefs, Carisbrook, Dunedin 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 25 Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Fri 25 Cheetahs v Bulls, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sat 26 Hurricanes v Crusaders, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 26 Waratahs v Reds, Sydney Football Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 26 Sharks v Blues, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 26 Stormers v Lions, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
Feb 26, 2011 Hurricanes 0 - 0 Crusaders Waratahs 30 - 6 Reds Sharks 26 - 12 Blues Stormers 19 - 16 Lions Feb 25, 2011 Highlanders 23 - 13 Chiefs Melbourne Rebels 25 - 24 Brumbies Cheetahs 23 - 25 Bulls Australian 1 Waratahs 10 2 Brumbies 5 3 Reds 4 4 Melbourne Rebels 4 5 Force 1 New Zealand 1 Highlanders 8 2 Blues 4 3 Crusaders 3 4 Hurricanes 3 5 Chiefs 0 South African 1 Sharks 8 2 Bulls 8 3 Stormers 4 4 Lions 2 5 Cheetahs 1 Each team will play a total of 16 regular season matches, eight home and eight away. Each team will play all four of the other teams in their conference twice, both home and away, and play against four of the five teams in each of the other two conferences March 2011 Fri 4 Crusaders v Waratahs, Lancaster Park, Christchurch 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 4 Lions v Blues, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sat 5 Chiefs v Melbourne Rebels, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 5 Brumbies v Reds, Canberra Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 5 Force v Sharks, Perth Oval 11:05 GMT, 19:05 local Sat 5 Stormers v Cheetahs, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 5 Bulls v Highlanders, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
Mar 5, 2011 Chiefs 38 - 10 Melbourne Rebels Brumbies 25 - 31 Reds Force 12 - 39 Sharks Stormers 21 - 15 Cheetahs Bulls 28 - 35 Highlanders Mar 4, 2011 Crusaders 33 - 18 Waratahs Lions 32 - 41 Blues Australian 1 Waratahs 10 2 Reds 8 3 Brumbies 7 4 Force 5 5 Melbourne Rebels 4 New Zealand 1 Highlanders 13 2 Blues 9 3 Crusaders 7 4 Hurricanes 7 5 Chiefs 5 South African 1 Sharks 13 2 Stormers 12 3 Bulls 9 4 Lions 3 5 Cheetahs 3 Team Conference Points Sharks South African Conference Leader 13 Highlanders New Zealand Conference Leader 13 Waratahs Australian Conference Leader 10 Stormers Wildcard 12 Blues Wildcard 9 Bulls Wildcard 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reds 8 Crusaders 7 Brumbies 7 Hurricanes 7 Chiefs 5 Force 5 Rebels 4 Lions 3 Cheetahs 2 The Super Rugby finals will feature six teams made up of the Conference winners and the next three teams (Wildcards) on the Super Rugby table that ranks the sides based on total number of points. Competition points will be awarded on the following basis: Win - 4 points Draw - 2 points Losing Bonus - 1 point for loss within 7 points or less Try-scoring Bonus - 1 point for 4 tries or more Bye - 4 points March 2011 Fri 11 Crusaders v Brumbies, Trafalgar Park, Nelson 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 11 Melbourne Rebels v Sharks, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Fri 11 Stormers v Highlanders, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sat 12 Hurricanes v Chiefs, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 12 Force v Blues, Perth Oval 11:05 GMT, 19:05 local Sat 12 Cheetahs v Lions, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local
Mar 12, 2011 Hurricanes 29 - 26 Chiefs Force 22 - 22 Blues Mar 11, 2011 Crusaders 52 - 10 Brumbies Melbourne Rebels 32 - 34 Sharks Stormers 18 - 6 Highlanders Australian 1 Waratahs 10 2 Reds 8 3 Brumbies 7 4 Force 7 5 Melbourne Rebels 6 New Zealand 1 Highlanders 13 2 Crusaders 12 3 Blues 11 4 Hurricanes 11 5 Chiefs 6 South African 1 Sharks 18 2 Stormers 16 3 Bulls 9 4 Lions 3 5 Cheetahs 2 Team Conference Points Sharks South African Conference Leader 13 Highlanders New Zealand Conference Leader 13 Waratahs Australian Conference Leader 10 Stormers Wildcard 12 Blues Wildcard 9 Bulls Wildcard 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reds 8 Crusaders 7 Brumbies 7 Hurricanes 7 Chiefs 5 Force 5 Rebels 4 Lions 3 Cheetahs 2 Fri 18 Chiefs v Sharks, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 18 Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Lang Park, Brisbane 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 19 Highlanders v Crusaders, Carisbrook, Dunedin 04:30 GMT, 17:30 local Sat 19 Blues v Hurricanes, Eden Park, Auckland 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 19 Waratahs v Cheetahs, Sydney Football Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 19 Lions v Force, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 19 Bulls v Stormers, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
Fully deserving of a sticky. Especially since I'm working at many of the Rebels' home matches at AAMI Park.
http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=29366 Reds vs Rebels Super Rugby Preview Article Published: Thursday 17 March 2011 The Rebels and the Reds have never played each other so looking at past form between the teams is not possible but we may be able to get an idea of what lies ahead by looking at the Reds recent form at home. Super Rugby's newcomer's the Rebels have played four matches to date with one win. They came very close to winning their second match but experience and some cool heads in the Sharks saved the day. Some wayward passing by the Rebels didn't help matters either. The Rebels have played one match away from Melbourne and were hammered 38-10. On average they score 17 points but concede 35 points. While the Rebels have not won away from home the Reds have not lost at home since February last year when the Blues won 18-27. They are enjoying a five match winning streak at home. Last year at home the Reds average winning margin was 9 points. Pretty much everything points to the Reds winning this match which is probably why Bookies have given the Rebels a 16 point start for this match - with an offer of Bet £10 and get £ 20. We don't think it will be that big of a victory for the Reds and expect the Reds to win by 10. Reds last five games against Australian opposition in Brisbane 20 Feb 2011Reds v Force 21-20 Brisbane 14 Mar 2010 Reds v Force 50-10 Brisbane 13 Feb 2010 Reds v Waratahs 28-30 Brisbane 02 May 2009 Reds v Brumbies 13-52 Brisbane 17 May 2008 Reds v Waratahs 11-18 Brisbane Reds vs Rebels Matches Played -0 Match : Reds vs Rebels Date Fri 18 March Venue : Brisbane Kick Off local: 19.40 Kick Off GMT:09.40 Referee: Stuart Dickinson Assistant Ref 1:Ian Smith Assistant Ref 2:Stephen Hill TMO:Steve Lesczcynski Teams Reds (from fullback): Ben Lucas, Rod Davies, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Leroy Houston, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Radike Samo, Ed Quirk, Liam Gill, Michael Harris, Luke Morahan. Rebels Team : 1. Nic Henderson , 2. Ged Robinson , 3. Greg Somerville , 4. Alister Campbell , 5. Adam Byrnes , 6. Jarrod Saffy , 7. Tom Chamberlain , 8. Gareth Delve (vc) , 9. Nick Phipps , 10. Danny Cipriani , 11. Cooper Vuna , 12. Stirling Mortlock (c) , 13. Lachlan Mitchell , 14. Afusipa Taumoepeau , 15. Julian Huxley , Reserves : 16. Heath Tessmann , 17. Laurie Weeks , 18. Hugh Pyle , 19. Tim Davidson , 20. Richard Kingi , 21. Peter Betham , 22. Luke Rooney
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2011-03-17-derbies-set-to-shake-up-super-rugby/ Derbies set to shake up Super Rugby CHRIS FOLEY WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - Mar 17 2011 07:39 Derbies in South Africa and New Zealand featuring the Bulls against the Stormers and the Crusaders against the Highlanders threaten to shake up the Super 15 table this weekend. The Coastal Sharks, who are yet to be seriously tested, appear comfortable at the head of the southern hemisphere rugby championship and the NSW Waratahs should stay on top of the Australian conference. But around them are teams with a point to prove. After a week off, the Northern Bulls get their title defence back on the road, hosting the unbeaten Western Stormers on Saturday in a repeat of last year's final. After slipping up against the surprise-package Highlanders two weeks ago, the Bulls are back at full strength, boasting a side with 1 114 Super Rugby caps to play the Stormers, although skipper Victor Matfield says experience on its own is not enough. "We are experienced, yes, but that only counts if we apply ourselves properly." Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has dropped CJ Van der Linde to the bench in what he says is a tactical move to counter the Bulls strong finish. "The Bulls' bench has always made a huge impact in the last 25 minutes of a game and the opposition need to contain that strength," he said. 'The game you're thinking about' The Otago Highlanders faltered for the first time last week, paying the price for gifting too many penalties to the Stormers' Peter Grant, and they will have to tighten their discipline against a Crusaders side featuring Dan Carter, the All Blacks' all time point scoring record-holder. The Canterbury Crusaders have been the big movers since returning to the competition after the devastating Christchurch earthquake and they will take over at the top of the New Zealand conference if they win on Saturday. Both sides have pinpointed winning the breakdown as key to the outcome of the southern derby, one of the most intense rivalries in New Zealand rugby. "The Crusaders, in all the pre-season training when you're running uphills, that's the game you're thinking about," said Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh, who is injured but is bracketed to start off the bench. The Sharks, who head the competition by two points over the Stormers, start the weekend playing New Zealand stragglers the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday. There is one change to the Sharks' starting line-up, with Jannie du Plessis returning at tighthead and John Smit moving to the other side of the front row. Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira will start from the bench. The Chiefs, with one win from four matches, are living up to their reputation as slow starters and their cause has not been helped by losing All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina with a back injury. 'Not playing' The third-placed Waratahs ease back into the fray after a week off with a home game against the Central Cheetahs who languish at the bottom of the table. Injuries have effected the Australian side with flanker Phil Waugh and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau sitting out the game while Berrick Barnes returns and powerful back row Wycliff Palu makes his first start of the season. All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Ali Williams are the big names missing among six changes to the Auckland Blues side to face the Wellington Hurricanes. Williams is one of two players on the injured list while Rokocoko's omission came with a statement from coach Pat Lam that players who did not perform to expectations against the Western Force last week "are not playing this weekend". The Force, meanwhile, have travelled to South Africa to play the Golden Lions who are on a high after last week, snapping a near two-year losing streak. In the remaining fifth-round match the Queensland Rebels will likely carry too much firepower for the Melbourne Rebels and can expect to remain in second place behind the Waratahs in the Australian conference. The ACT Brumbies have the bye this weekend. -- AFP
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/series/123063.html?template=results Mar 19, 2011 Highlanders 13 - 44 Crusaders Blues 41 - 17 Hurricanes Waratahs 3 - 23 Cheetahs Lions 15 - 27 Force Bulls 13 - 23 Stormers Mar 18, 2011 Chiefs 15 - 9 Sharks Reds 53 - 3 Melbourne Rebels http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/series/123063.html?template=pointstable Australian 1 Reds 17 2 Waratahs 14 3 Force 11 4 Brumbies 11 5 Melbourne Rebels 6 New Zealand 1 Crusaders 17 2 Blues 16 3 Highlanders 13 4 Hurricanes 11 5 Chiefs 10 South African 1 Stormers 20 2 Sharks 19 3 Bulls 13 4 Cheetahs 7 5 Lions 7 Stormers South African Conference Leader 20 Crusaders New Zealand Conference Leader 17 Reds Australian Conference Leader 17 Sharks Wildcard 19 Blues Wildcard 16 Waratahs Wildcard 14 Bulls 13 Highlanders 13 Force 11 Hurricanes 11 Chiefs 10 Cheetahs 7 Lions 7 Brumbies 7 Rebels http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/series/123063.html?template=fixtures Fri 25 Melbourne Rebels v Hurricanes, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 26 Reds v Cheetahs, Lang Park, Brisbane 04:40 GMT, 14:40 local Sat 26 Chiefs v Blues, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 26 Brumbies v Waratahs, Canberra Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 26 Stormers v Force, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 13:00 GMT, 15:00 local Sat 26 Bulls v Lions, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sun 27 Crusaders v Sharks, Twickenham Stadium, London 15:00 GMT, 16:00 local
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/story/137023.html Rebels power to comeback win ESPNscrum Staff March 25, 2011 The Rebels bounced back to winning ways with a sensational 42-25 victory over the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby clash at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne on Friday. The fledgling Australian franchise were hammered 53-3 by the Reds in their last outing and were on course for another drubbing after slipping to a 17-0 deficit midway through the first-half. But they battled back to 20-20 at the break and powered away in the second period to notch their second victory of the season. Hurricanes scrum-half Chris Eaton barged his way over to open the scores with just five minutes on the clock and flanker Victor Vito doubled the visitors' advantage soon after. Fly-half Daniel Kirkpatrick was the next to breach the Rebels' defence and his conversion put the Hurricanes firmly in control of the match. But the hosts dug deep in front of another healthy home crowd with prop Rodney Blake getting them on the board with a try from close range. Tries from lock Alister Campbell and flanker Michael Lipman offered further cause for hope before fly-half Danny Cipriani booted them level just before the break. Cipriani gave the Rebels the lead early in the second-half with a penalty before Campbell grabbed his second try to ensure a bonus point. Winger Cooper Vuna then extended the home side's advantage and scrum-half Nick Phipps notched their sixth try just short of the hour mark. The Hurricanes failed to make an impression on the Rebels' lead until three minutes before the final whistle, with a try from replacement Dane Coles only enough for a losing bonus point.
Mar 27, 2011 Crusaders 44 - 28 Sharks Mar 26, 2011 Reds 41 - 8 Cheetahs Chiefs 13 - 16 Blues Brumbies 22 - 29 Waratahs Stormers 51 - 16 Force Bulls 30 - 23 Lions Mar 25, 2011 Melbourne Rebels 42 - 25 Hurricanes Australian 1 Reds 22 2 Waratahs 18 3 Brumbies 12 4 Melbourne Rebels 11 5 Force 11 New Zealand 1 Crusaders 22 2 Blues 20 3 Highlanders 17 4 Hurricanes 12 5 Chiefs 11 South African 1 Stormers 25 2 Sharks 20 3 Bulls 17 4 Lions 8 5 Cheetahs 7 April 2011 Fri 1 Highlanders v Brumbies, Carisbrook, Dunedin 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 1 Waratahs v Chiefs, Sydney Football Stadium 08:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 2 Blues v Cheetahs, Eden Park, Auckland 04:30 GMT, 17:30 local Sat 2 Hurricanes v Bulls, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 06:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 2 Force v Melbourne Rebels, Perth Oval 11:05 GMT, 19:05 local Sat 2 Lions v Reds, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 13:00 GMT, 15:00 local Sat 2 Sharks v Stormers, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/series/123063.html?template=results Apr 2, 2011 Blues 29 - 22 Cheetahs Hurricanes 14 - 26 Bulls Force 25 - 26 Melbourne Rebels Lions 25 - 30 Reds Sharks 6 - 16 Stormers Apr 1, 2011 Highlanders 26 - 20 Brumbies Waratahs 23 - 16 Chiefs Australian 1 Reds 26 2 Waratahs 22 3 Melbourne Rebels 15 4 Brumbies 13 5 Force 12 New Zealand 1 Crusaders 26 2 Blues 25 3 Highlanders 21 4 Chiefs 12 5 Hurricanes 12 South African 1 Stormers 29 2 Bulls 21 3 Sharks 20 4 Lions 9 5 Cheetahs 8 Stormers South African Conference Leader 29 Reds Australian Conference Leader 26 Crusaders New Zealand Conference Leader 26 Blues Wildcard 25 Waratahs Wildcard 22 Bulls Wildcard 21 Highlanders 21 Sharks 20 Rebels 15 Brumbies 13 Chiefs 12 Force 12 Hurricanes 12 Lions 9 Cheetahs 8 Fri 8 Highlanders v Cheetahs, Carisbrook, Dunedin 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 9 Crusaders v Bulls, Fraser Park, Timaru 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 9 Brumbies v Hurricanes, Canberra Stadium 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 9 Force v Waratahs, Perth Oval 12:05 GMT, 20:05 local Sat 9 Stormers v Reds, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 9 Sharks v Lions, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
Apr 9, 2011 Crusaders 27 - 0 Bulls Brumbies 17 - 16 Hurricanes Force 3 - 31 Waratahs Stormers 6 - 19 Reds Sharks 27 - 3 Lions Apr 8, 2011 Highlanders 24 - 21 Cheetahs Australian 1 Reds 30 2 Waratahs 27 3 Melbourne Rebels 19 4 Brumbies 17 5 Force 12 New Zealand 1 Crusaders 30 2 Blues 29 3 Highlanders 25 4 Chiefs 16 5 Hurricanes 13 South African 1 Stormers 29 2 Sharks 25 3 Bulls 21 4 Cheetahs 9 5 Lions 9 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 30 2 Crusaders New Zealand Conference Leader 30 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 29 4 Blues Wildcard 29 5 Waratahs Wildcard 27 6 Sharks Wildcard 25 7 Highlanders 25 8 Bulls 21 9 Rebels 19 10 Brumbies 17 11 Chiefs 16 12 Hurricanes 13 13 Force 12 14 Cheetahs 9 15 Lions 9 April 2011 Fri 15 Chiefs v Crusaders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 15 Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 16 Blues v Waratahs, Eden Park, Auckland 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 16 Reds v Bulls, Lang Park, Brisbane 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 16 Lions v Stormers, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 16 Cheetahs v Hurricanes, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sun 17 Brumbies v Force, Canberra Stadium 06:10 GMT, 16:10 local
Apr 23, 2011 Crusaders 18 - 26 Highlanders Reds 19 - 15 Waratahs Force 26 - 21 Bulls Sharks 40 - 24 Hurricanes Lions 30 - 34 Chiefs Apr 22, 2011 Blues 40 - 23 Melbourne Rebels Apr 17, 2011 Brumbies 19 - 27 Force Apr 16, 2011 Blues 31 - 17 Waratahs Reds 39 - 30 Bulls Lions 19 - 33 Stormers Cheetahs 47 - 50 Hurricanes Apr 15, 2011 Chiefs 16 - 34 Crusaders Melbourne Rebels 18 - 40 Highlanders
Australian 1 Reds 39 2 Waratahs 28 3 Force 20 4 Melbourne Rebels 19 5 Brumbies 17 New Zealand 1 Blues 39 2 Crusaders 35 3 Highlanders 34 4 Chiefs 21 5 Hurricanes 18 South African 1 Sharks 34 2 Stormers 33 3 Bulls 22 4 Cheetahs 15 5 Lions 10 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 39 2 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 39 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 37 4 Crusaders Wildcard 35 5 Highlanders Wildcard 34 6 Sharks Wildcard 34 7 Waratahs 28 8 Bulls 22 9 Chiefs 21 10 Brumbies 21 11 Force 20 12 Rebels 19 13 Hurricanes 18 14 Cheetahs 15 15 Lions 10 Fri 29 Highlanders v Blues, Carisbrook, Dunedin 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 30 Hurricanes v Reds, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 30 Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels, Sydney Football Stadium 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 30 Force v Crusaders, Perth Oval 12:05 GMT, 20:05 local Sat 30 Cheetahs v Brumbies, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 13:00 GMT, 15:00 local Sat 30 Bulls v Chiefs, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 30 Stormers v Sharks, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
Apr 30, 2011 Hurricanes 28 - 26 Reds Waratahs 28 - 9 Melbourne Rebels Force 30 - 42 Crusaders Bulls 43 - 27 Chiefs Stormers 32 - 12 Sharks Apr 29, 2011 Highlanders 10 - 15 Blues Cheetahs 47 - 36 Brumbies Australian 1 Reds 10 8 0 2 1 285 190 +95 30 19 3 1 40 2 Waratahs 10 6 0 4 1 237 162 +75 28 13 3 1 32 3 Brumbies 9 2 0 7 2 201 273 -72 21 24 2 4 22 4 Force 10 3 1 6 1 208 287 -79 14 29 0 2 20 5 Melbourne Rebels 10 3 0 7 1 188 350 -162 19 46 2 1 19 New Zealand 1 Blues 10 8 1 1 1 271 204 +67 30 21 5 0 43 2 Crusaders 10 7 1 2 1 316 165 +151 36 18 5 1 40 3 Highlanders 10 7 0 3 1 217 204 +13 24 20 2 1 35 4 Hurricanes 10 3 1 6 1 212 279 -67 21 30 3 2 23 5 Chiefs 10 3 0 7 1 218 245 -27 23 22 2 3 21 South African 1 Stormers 9 8 0 1 2 219 122 +97 16 6 2 0 42 2 Sharks 10 6 0 4 1 245 199 +46 26 16 5 1 34 3 Bulls 10 5 0 5 1 240 257 -17 22 27 1 2 27 4 Cheetahs 10 2 0 8 1 235 278 -43 22 31 2 6 20 5 Lions 10 1 0 9 1 208 285 -77 19 29 1 5 14 Position Team Conference Points 1 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 43 2 Stormers South African Conference Leader 42 3 Reds Australian Conference Leader 40 4 Crusaders Wildcard 40 5 Highlanders Wildcard 35 6 Sharks Wildcard 34 7 Waratahs 32 8 Bulls 27 9 Hurricanes 23 10 Brumbies 22 11 Chiefs 21 12 Force 20 13 Cheetahs 20 14 Rebels 19 15 Lions 14 May 2011 Fri 6 Hurricanes v Blues, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Fri 6 Melbourne Rebels v Reds, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Fri 6 Lions v Cheetahs, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local Sat 7 Chiefs v Highlanders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 07:35 GMT, 19:35 local Sat 7 Waratahs v Force, Sydney Football Stadium 09:40 GMT, 19:40 local Sat 7 Stormers v Crusaders, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 15:05 GMT, 17:05 local Sat 7 Sharks v Brumbies, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 17:10 GMT, 19:10 local
May 7, 2011 Chiefs 20 - 7 Highlanders Waratahs 20 - 15 Force Stormers 14 - 20 Crusaders Sharks 34 - 16 Brumbies May 6, 2011 Hurricanes 11 - 17 Blues Melbourne Rebels 18 - 33 Reds Lions 19 - 53 Cheetahs Australian Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Reds 11 9 0 2 1 318 208 +110 34 22 4 1 45 2 Waratahs 11 7 0 4 1 257 177 +80 30 13 3 1 36 3 Brumbies 10 2 0 8 2 217 307 -90 22 28 2 4 22 4 Force 11 3 1 7 1 223 307 -84 14 31 0 3 21 5 Melbourne Rebels 11 3 0 8 1 206 383 -177 22 50 2 1 19 New Zealand Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Blues 11 9 1 1 1 288 215 +73 31 22 5 0 47 2 Crusaders 11 8 1 2 1 336 179 +157 38 19 5 1 44 3 Highlanders 11 7 0 4 1 224 224 0 25 22 2 1 35 4 Chiefs 11 4 0 7 1 238 252 -14 25 23 2 3 25 5 Hurricanes 11 3 1 7 1 223 296 -73 22 31 3 3 24 South African Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Stormers 10 8 0 2 2 233 142 +91 17 8 2 1 43 2 Sharks 11 7 0 4 1 279 215 +64 30 17 6 1 39 3 Bulls 10 5 0 5 2 240 257 -17 22 27 1 2 31 4 Cheetahs 11 3 0 8 1 288 297 -9 27 34 3 6 25 5 Lions 11 1 0 10 1 227 338 -111 22 34 1 5 14 Position Team Conference Points 1 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 47 2 Reds Australian Conference Leader 45 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 43 4 Crusaders Wildcard 44 5 Sharks Wildcard 39 6 Waratahs Wildcard 36 7 Highlanders 35 8 Bulls 31 9 Chiefs 25 10 Cheetahs 25 11 Hurricanes 24 12 Brumbies 22 13 Force 21 14 Rebels 19 15 Lions 14 May 2011 Fri 13 Highlanders v Hurricanes, Carisbrook, Dunedin 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Fri 13 Reds v Blues, Lang Park, Brisbane 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 14 Chiefs v Stormers, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 14 Brumbies v Lions, Canberra Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 14 Bulls v Melbourne Rebels, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 16:05 BST Sat 14 Cheetahs v Crusaders, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 18:10 BST
May 14, 2011 Chiefs 30 - 23 Stormers Brumbies 20 - 29 Lions Bulls 47 - 10 Melbourne Rebels Cheetahs 33 - 20 Crusaders May 13, 2011 Highlanders 13 - 6 Hurricanes Reds 37 - 31 Blues Australian Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Reds 12 10 0 2 1 355 239 +116 38 26 5 1 50 2 Waratahs 11 7 0 4 2 257 177 +80 30 13 3 1 40 3 Force 11 3 1 7 2 223 307 -84 14 31 0 3 25 4 Brumbies 11 2 0 9 2 237 336 -99 24 32 2 4 22 5 Melbourne Rebels 12 3 0 9 1 216 430 -214 23 57 2 1 19 New Zealand Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Blues 12 9 1 2 1 319 252 +67 35 26 6 1 49 2 Crusaders 12 8 1 3 1 356 212 +144 40 22 5 1 44 3 Highlanders 12 8 0 4 1 237 230 +7 26 22 2 1 39 4 Chiefs 12 5 0 7 1 268 275 -7 28 25 2 3 29 5 Hurricanes 12 3 1 8 1 229 309 -80 22 32 3 4 25 South African Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Stormers 11 8 0 3 2 256 172 +84 19 11 2 2 44 2 Sharks 11 7 0 4 2 279 215 +64 30 17 6 1 43 3 Bulls 11 6 0 5 2 287 267 +20 29 28 2 2 36 4 Cheetahs 12 4 0 8 1 321 317 +4 30 36 3 6 29 5 Lions 12 2 0 10 1 256 358 -102 26 36 2 5 19 Position Team Conference Points 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 50 2 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 49 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 44 4 Crusaders Wildcard 44 5 Sharks Wildcard 43 6 Waratahs Wildcard 40 7 Highlanders 39 8 Bulls 36 9 Chiefs 29 10 Cheetahs 29 11 Hurricanes 25 12 Force 25 13 Brumbies 22 14 Rebels 19 15 Lions 19 May 2011 Fri 20 Blues v Stormers, Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 21 Crusaders v Chiefs, McLean Park, Napier 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 21 Waratahs v Lions, Sydney Football Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 21 Force v Brumbies, Perth Oval 20:05 local, 12:05 GMT, 13:05 BST Sat 21 Cheetahs v Melbourne Rebels, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 16:05 BST Sat 21 Sharks v Bulls, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 18:10 BST
May 21, 2011 Crusaders 25 - 19 Chiefs Waratahs 29 - 12 Lions Force 13 - 13 Brumbies Cheetahs 41 - 21 Melbourne Rebels Sharks 23 - 32 Bulls May 20, 2011 Blues 26 - 28 Stormers Australian Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Reds 12 10 0 2 2 355 239 +116 38 26 5 1 54 2 Waratahs 12 8 0 4 2 286 189 +97 35 15 4 1 45 3 Force 13 3 2 8 2 264 354 -90 18 36 0 4 28 4 Brumbies 12 2 1 9 2 250 349 -99 25 33 2 4 24 5 Melbourne Rebels 13 3 0 10 1 237 471 -234 26 62 2 1 19 New Zealand Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Blues 13 9 1 3 1 345 280 +65 37 29 6 2 50 2 Crusaders 13 9 1 3 1 381 231 +150 41 23 5 1 48 3 Highlanders 12 8 0 4 2 237 230 +7 26 22 2 1 43 4 Hurricanes 13 4 1 8 2 263 337 -74 26 35 4 4 34 5 Chiefs 13 5 0 8 1 287 300 -13 29 26 2 4 30 South African Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Stormers 12 9 0 3 2 284 198 +86 22 13 2 2 48 2 Sharks 12 7 0 5 2 302 247 +55 32 19 6 1 43 3 Bulls 12 7 0 5 2 319 290 +29 31 30 2 2 40 4 Cheetahs 13 5 0 8 1 362 338 +24 35 39 4 6 34 5 Lions 13 2 0 11 1 268 387 -119 28 41 2 5 19 Position Team Conference Points 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 50 2 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 49 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 44 4 Crusaders Wildcard 44 5 Sharks Wildcard 43 6 Waratahs Wildcard 40 7 Highlanders 39 8 Bulls 36 9 Chiefs 29 10 Cheetahs 29 11 Hurricanes 25 12 Force 25 13 Brumbies 22 14 Rebels 19 15 Lions 19 May 2011 Fri 27 Hurricanes v Force, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 28 Highlanders v Lions, Carisbrook, Dunedin 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 28 Brumbies v Stormers, Canberra Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 28 Sharks v Waratahs, Kings Park Stadium, Durban 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 16:05 BST Sat 28 Bulls v Cheetahs, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 18:10 BST Sun 29 Reds v Crusaders, Lang Park, Brisbane 16:10 local, 06:10 GMT, 07:10 BST
Who says Oz won't support Rugby Union? Go Reds! http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/story/140485.html Reds down Crusaders in Brisbane ESPNscrum Staff May 29, 2011 The Reds' Anthony Faingaa is wrapped up by the Crusaders in front of a record Australian Super Rugby crowd in Brisbane The Reds closed in on a home semi-final with a narrow 17-16 win over the Crusaders in their Super Rugby clash at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday. A controversial late penalty from fly-half Quade Cooper sent a record Australian Super Rugby crowd of 48,301 home happy after an enthralling see-saw contest. With 58 points the Reds have bolted four points clear of the Blues, who had a bye this week, at the top of the overall standings with three rounds remaining, while the Stormers are third on 52 points and the Crusaders fourth, a further three points adrift after suffering their fourth loss of the campaign. Crusaders fly-half Dan Carter gave the visitors the lead before the Reds struck back with a try for centre Ben Tapuai that was converted by Cooper. But their lead was short-lived with Crusaders winger Brent Ward crossing on the half hour with Carter's conversion giving the Kiwis a 10-7 lead at the break. Reds scrum-half Will Genia scooted over early in the second half with Cooper adding the extras before two penalties from Carter edged his side ahead once more. But when Australian referee Stuart Dickinson contentiously pinged Crusaders captain Richie McCaw for hands in the ruck in the final minute, Cooper was able to win the game. The Lions triumphed in Dunedin for the first time by coming from behind to defeat the Highlanders 26-22 in a dramatic encounter at Carisbrook on Saturday. After a bye last weekend, the home side looked rusty during the opening 40 minutes but they still managed to reach the interval 16-9 to the good, with a converted try from centre Shaun Treeby proving the difference between the two sides. However, within ten minutes of the restart the Lions had drawn level. Fly-half Elton Jantjies, who kicked terrifically all night, added the extras after No.8 Josh Strauss had driven his way over from close range. Jantjies then edged the visitors into the lead with a penalty but two successful strikes on goal from opposite number Limo Sopoaga, who ended with 15 points to his name, meant that it was the Hurricanes who led by three as full-time approached. However, Sopoaga then failed to find touch with a late clearance and that enabled the Lions to launch a series of attacks, which eventually led to lock Wikus van Heerden forcing his way over to claim a famous win for the Lions, which leaves the Highlanders' play-off hopes in serious jeopardy. The Stormers maintained their drive for a home draw in the play-offs with a hard-fought 16-3 win over the Brumbies in Canberra later in the day. Centre Christian Lealiifano opened the scoring for the Brumbies with a long-range penalty 10 minutes in but the Stormers had the better of the opening period, showing the greater attacking menace throughout, and it was they who reached the interval with a slim advantage thanks to the boot of fly-half Kurt Coleman. The Stormers stretched their advantage six minutes into the second half when flanker Francois Louw powered through two tacklers on his way to the line. The Brumbies enjoyed plenty of possession thereafter but they just could not find a way through a superbly well-marshalled Stormers defence and the visitors sealed their maiden victory in the Australian capital when Gio Aplon landed a penalty with just over 10 minutes remaining. The Bulls bolstered their play-off hopes with a 32-21 victory over the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The hosts lead 11-0 at the break following centre Bjorn Basson's second minute try and two penalties from fly-half Morne Steyn. The Cheetahs came back into the game after the break with a try from flanker Ashley Johnson, which was converted by fly-half Sias Ebersohn. But the Bulls responded two tries from replacement Daine Roussow, both of which were converted by Steyn, to open up a 25-7 lead. The Cheetahs refused to give in and rallied again with Johnson's second try before Ebersohn scored a try of his own to end the game with a personal haul of 11 points. With the Cheetahs trailing just 25-21 the Bulls were reduced to 14 men as Deon Stegmann saw yellow. But scrum-half Francois Hougaard's injury time try sealed the win for the Bulls and ended the Cheetahs' run of four successive wins. The Sharks consolidated their place among the wildcard places with a 26-21 victory over the Waratahs at Kings Park. Young Springbok fly-half Patrick Lambie was the hero for the home side, scoring 21 points to confirm second spot, behind the Stormers, in the South African conference. Kurtley Beale landed the opening points with a fourth minute penalty, but Lambie crossed for the opening try five minutes later to edge the hosts ahead, having capitalised on his side's scrum platform. The No.10 kicked two further penalties before the break, but Wallabies winger Lachie Turner breached the Sharks' defence after good work from Dave Dennis to ensure that there were two points in it at the break, Beale having landed another penalty. Six minutes into the second-half the 'Tahs stole the initiative with a try to playmaker Dan Halangahu, who beat Meyer Bosman and Louis Ludik to score. Beale converted and added another penalty after Jean Deysel was shown a yellow card for clearing out Tom Carter by the neck. Sharks wing JP Pietersen scored the decisive try in the corner after 55 minutes and Lambie's touchline kick made it a one-point game. He landed two further penalties as the clock ticked down, with the Waratahs unable to find another score. The Hurricanes kept their slim hopes of a top-six finish alive with a 34-28 bonus-point victory over the Western Force in Palmerston North on Friday night. The Hurricanes found it difficult to combat the visitors' regimented and disciplined approach, with their only try of the opening spell, to centre Ma'a Nonu, owing everything to a clever offload from Conrad Smith following a break by halfback Chris Eaton. The Force hit back with two of their own, the first to centre Rory Sidey after wing David Smith was dragged down just short of the line, and the second to Shepherd after a patient build up through 11 phases of play. All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu was injected into the game at the start of the second-half and nine minutes later the Hurricanes were back in the game. Again it was Nonu who crossed the line, his second try coming when he ripped the ball from Smith, whose footwork had taken him close to the line before he was held up. The Force hit back moments later when sweet stepping fly-half James Stannard eluded two tacklers to lay on a try for No.8 Ben McCalman but Hurricanes playmaker Aaron Cruden came into his own as the match wore on, his running game being employed to telling effect in the last 10 minutes when he set up tries for lock James Broadhurst and fullback Corey Jane through a combination of snappy footwork and quick hands. His goalkicking was tidy as well, as the Manawatu product enjoyed returning to his home ground by nailing six from six in a personal haul of 14 points. May 29, 2011 Reds 17 - 16 Crusaders May 28, 2011 Highlanders 22 - 26 Lions Brumbies 3 - 16 Stormers Sharks 26 - 21 Waratahs Bulls 32 - 21 Cheetahs May 27, 2011 Hurricanes 34 - 28 Force Australian Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Reds 13 11 0 2 2 372 255 +117 40 27 5 1 58 2 Waratahs 13 8 0 5 2 307 215 +92 37 17 4 2 46 3 Force 13 3 2 8 2 264 354 -90 18 36 0 4 28 4 Brumbies 13 2 1 10 2 253 365 -112 25 34 2 4 24 5 Melbourne Rebels 13 3 0 10 2 237 471 -234 26 62 2 1 23 New Zealand Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Blues 13 9 1 3 2 345 280 +65 37 29 6 2 54 2 Crusaders 14 9 1 4 1 397 248 +149 42 25 5 2 49 3 Highlanders 13 8 0 5 2 259 256 +3 27 24 2 2 44 4 Chiefs 13 5 0 8 2 287 300 -13 29 26 2 4 34 5 Hurricanes 13 4 1 8 2 263 337 -74 26 35 4 4 34 South African Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Stormers 13 10 0 3 2 300 201 +99 23 13 2 2 52 2 Sharks 13 8 0 5 2 328 268 +60 34 21 6 1 47 3 Bulls 13 8 0 5 2 351 311 +40 35 33 3 2 45 4 Cheetahs 14 5 0 9 1 383 370 +13 38 43 4 6 34 5 Lions 14 3 0 11 1 294 409 -115 30 42 2 5 23 Position Team Conference Points 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 58 2 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 54 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 52 4 Crusaders Wildcard 49 5 Sharks Wildcard 47 6 Waratahs Wildcard 46 7 Bulls 45 8 Highlanders 44 9 Cheetahs 34 10 Chiefs 34 11 Hurricanes 34 12 Force 28 13 Brumbies 24 14 Lions 23 15 Rebels 23 June 2011 Fri 3 Highlanders v Force, Carisbrook, Dunedin 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Fri 3 Melbourne Rebels v Stormers, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Fri 3 Bulls v Waratahs, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria 19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 18:10 BST Sat 4 Hurricanes v Lions, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 17:30 local, 05:30 GMT, 06:30 BST Sat 4 Blues v Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 4 Reds v Brumbies, Lang Park, Brisbane 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 4 Cheetahs v Sharks, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 16:05 BST
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/story/140893.html Reds and Blues slip to shock defeats June 4, 2011 The Brumbies pulled off only their third victory of the season as they upset Super Rugby leaders the Reds 22-14 in Brisbane on Saturday. Brumbies fly-half Matt Giteau kicked 17 points while fellow Australia international Stephen Moore barged over for a try as the Brumbies finally found some form to rock the Reds' hopes of finishing top of the table. Giteau kicked three early penalties for the Brumbies while opposite number Quade Cooper notched two three-pointers for the Reds as the visitors put the hosts under huge pressure. The Brumbies' ambitions to flood the breakdown and generate quick ball for Giteau and scrum-half Patrick Phibbs paid dividends when Moore burst over under the posts after 17 minutes. Giteau added the conversion before slotting another penalty. The Reds hit back when Cooper fed fullback Ben Lucas on the blindside and he struggled his way to the tryline to reduce the Burmbies lead to 19-11 at half time. Cooper missed the conversion but kicked a penalty early in the second half to edge closer to their rivals. But the Brumbies showed a ferocious fighting spirit, which has been lacking so far this season, as their aggressive and relentless defence held the Reds' star backline at bay. In the dying moment the Reds conceded a penalty which Giteau kicked to cost the Reds a losing bonus point. New Zealand conference leaders the Blues also slipped to a shock 16-11 defeat to the Chiefs at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday as they lost their third game on the bounce. Luke McAlister, again operating a fly-half in favour of Stephen Brett, gave the Blues a steady start with two early penalties as they looked to bounce back from defeats to the Reds and the Stormers. But veteran centre Tana Umaga burst through the Blues' defence to reduce the deficit before Chiefs fly-half Stephen Donald converted to give them a 7-6 half time lead. Donald overcame some erratic kicking from the tee to add a penalty before Jared Payne crossed for the Blues to put the hosts back in front. But some strong defence from the Chiefs in the second half, wayward kicking from McAlister and two further penalties from Donald ensured they closed the gap on the Hurricanes at the foot of New Zealand conference. The Bulls climbed above the Waratahs in the Super Rugby standings with a hard-earned 23-17 victory over the men from New South Wales at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening. The Waratahs were on top for long periods of the first half and twice took the lead courtesy of penalties from fullback Kurtley Beale. However, Morne Steyn's boot promptly restored parity on both occasions before the Bulls shocked their vistors with a fine try right on the stroke of half-time from Wynand Olivier. After a clean take by Victor Matfield at a lineout some 40 metres from the Tahs' line, Francois Hougaard fed the onrushing Gerhard van den Heever, who, with the aid of a fantastic line, scythed through the visitors' defence before leaving Olivier with a simple finish. The Bulls were over again within four minutes of the second half, Bjorn Basson cruising over for his ninth try of the season after a terrific move by the home side which had started inside their own 22 and featured some fast hands from van den Heever, Zane Kirchner and Jaco Pretorius. Beale kept the Waratahs in touch with a penalty on 51 minutes before replacement Atieli Pakalani drew the Aussies right back in to it when he dived over unopposed in the right corner on the hour mark. Beale failed to convert but he landed a penalty six minutes later to draw his side to within three points but then team-mate Pat O'Connor was given a straight red card for a headbutt Flip van der Merwe at the base of a ruck. Steyn nailed the resulting penalty and the Bulls survived some late Waratahs pressure to claim a vital victory. The Sharks completed a decent weekend for South Africa's play-off hopefuls with a hard-fought 23-18 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon. John Plumtree's side remain on course for a top six spot despite a scare at Free State Stadium, where the home side raced out of the blocks to snatch an 11-6 half-time lead. Fly-half Sias Ebersohn landed two penalties either side of a try to the excellent Sarel Pretorius, his halfback partner. The Sharks mustered two penalties of their own through playmaker Pat Lambie, who added a third just after break as the visitors wrestled control of the contest. Springbok winger Lwazi Mvovo bagged their first try after 48 minutes, with the conversion giving his side a five-point cushion. JP Pietersen increased that advantage just before the 70-minute mark, with Cheetahs winger Riaan Viljoen snatching a losing bonus point with a late try. A second-half fightback lifted the Hurricanes to a resounding 38-27 Super Rugby victory over the Lions in Wellington on Saturday. Trailing 20-8 after tries by Jaco Taute and Doppies La Grange cancelled out an early five-pointer by Aaron Cruden, the Hurricanes looked to be in trouble as defensive lapses and an inability to control the ball hampered them. But a Hosea Gear try just before half-time sparked the home side and they kept up the pressure in the second spell with Ma'a Nonu adding a third try and Gear completing his double to give the Hurricanes back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Cruden continued his fine goal-kicking form with four penalties and three conversions for an 18-point haul. The Stormers routed the Melbourne Rebels 40-3 at AAMI Park on Friday to keep alive their healthy lead at the top of the South African conference. Allister Coetzee's side secured a prized bonus point in the dying embers of the game thanks to two tries in the last two minutes. Replacement back-rower Nick Koster crashed over on 78 minutes, with Springbok centre Jean de Villiers adding a fifth score on the hooter. Stormers playmaker Kurt Coleman opened the scoring with the second-minute penalty, Julian Huxley responding for the hosts 10 minutes later to establish parity for the last time in the game. Bryan Habana bagged the first try soon after but the Stormers were forced to wait until 15 minutes into the second-half for their second, when Coleman crossed to cap a fine individual performance. Moments later, Springbok midfielder Jaque Fourie was celebrating a further score, with the Rebels' hopes of at least denying the visitors a full five points disappearing late on thanks to Koster and De Villiers. Also on Friday, the Highlanders were left cursing a late double from winger David Smith as they blew an 11-point half-time lead to lose 21-14 to the Western Force in Dunedin. Jamie Joseph's side, playing their final game at Carisbrook before next year's move to the Forsyth Barr Stadium, sported a controversial new lime green playing strip for a clash with a Force side ravaged by injuries. They were comfortable at the break following fullback Ben Smith's try - following a wayward Nathan Charles lineout throw - and three penalties from Limo Sopoaga. A 10th minute penalty was all the visitors had to show for their first-half efforts and they looked to be heading for another defeat as the game moved into the final quarter. Smith's first try arrived on 65 minutes and was converted by the superb James Stannard, who added two late penalties to his winger's second try, a mesmerising break from halfway on 74 minutes, to ensure that the Highlanders' last memory of the House of Pain was just that. Jun 4, 2011 Hurricanes 38 - 27 Lions Blues 11 - 16 Chiefs Reds 14 - 22 Brumbies Cheetahs 18 - 23 Sharks Jun 3, 2011 Highlanders 14 - 21 Force Melbourne Rebels 3 - 40 Stormers Bulls 23 - 17 Waratahs Australian Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Reds 14 11 0 3 2 386 277 +109 41 28 5 1 58 2 Waratahs 14 8 0 6 2 324 238 +86 38 19 4 3 47 3 Force 14 4 2 8 2 285 368 -83 20 37 0 4 32 4 Brumbies 14 3 1 10 2 275 379 -104 26 35 2 4 28 5 Melbourne Rebels 14 3 0 11 2 240 511 -271 26 67 2 1 23 New Zealand Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Blues 14 9 1 4 2 356 296 +60 38 30 6 3 55 2 Crusaders 14 9 1 4 2 397 248 +149 42 25 5 2 53 3 Highlanders 14 8 0 6 2 273 277 -4 28 26 2 3 45 4 Hurricanes 14 5 1 8 2 301 364 -63 30 38 5 4 39 5 Chiefs 14 6 0 8 2 303 311 -8 30 27 2 4 38 South African Pos Team P W D L Bye F A PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts 1 Stormers 14 11 0 3 2 340 204 +136 28 13 3 2 57 2 Sharks 14 9 0 5 2 351 286 +65 36 23 6 1 51 3 Bulls 14 9 0 5 2 374 328 +46 37 34 3 2 49 4 Cheetahs 15 5 0 10 1 401 393 +8 40 45 4 7 35 5 Lions 15 3 0 12 1 321 447 -126 33 46 2 5 23 1 Reds Australian Conference Leader 58 2 Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 54 3 Stormers South African Conference Leader 52 4 Crusaders Wildcard 49 5 Sharks Wildcard 47 6 Waratahs Wildcard 46 7 Bulls 45 8 Highlanders 44 9 Cheetahs 34 10 Chiefs 34 11 Hurricanes 34 12 Force 28 13 Brumbies 24 14 Lions 23 15 Rebels 23 June 2011 Fri 10 Chiefs v Hurricanes, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Fri 10 Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels, Canberra Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 11 Crusaders v Blues, Fraser Park, Timaru 19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST Sat 11 Waratahs v Highlanders, Sydney Football Stadium 19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST Sat 11 Force v Reds, Perth Oval 20:05 local, 12:05 GMT, 13:05 BST Sat 11 Lions v Sharks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg 16:05 local, 14:05 GMT, 15:05 BST Sat 11 Stormers v Bulls, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town 18:10 local, 16:10 GMT, 17:10 BST