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The Tight Five: This Week’s Biggest Matches on Rugby Pass
We preview the best matches to catch on Rugby Pass this weekend.
Super Rugby: Chiefs vs Crusaders
Hey, remember Super Rugby? It feels like a distant, distant memory after the long international break, but now it’s back and as finely-poised as when we left it. The first game back sees the first Super Rugby game ever played in Fiji, and it’s a battle for the New Zealand conference. With the Crusaders currently three points clear of the Chiefs at the top of the table, and just three rounds left before the playoffs, a win here would be huge for either side.
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Super Rugby: Lions vs Sharks
After spending their entire history wallowing in a metaphorical swamp of despair, the Lions have transformed into the best South African side in Super Rugby. They will test that claim against the Sharks this weekend, in what promises to be a gruelling encounter. The Sharks will be without full back Willie le Roux, who was suspended for a dangerous tackle made in the final game of the Springboks’ awkward near-loss to the depleted carcass of the Ireland national side, but they’re still a good chance of an upset.
NRL: Broncos vs Storm
A match-up between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Storm have won seven of their last nine games. The Broncos have lost four of their last five. Meanwhile, Cameron Smith appears to be playing mind games with his suddenly hapless northern foes, talking them up in the media as the “benchmark team” of the last few years. He’s probably just trying to fire up his side, who are still favourites despite possibly taking the field without three of their stars on Saturday.
NRL: Warriors vs Titans
The Warriors are number 11 on the table, but they’re on top of the league when it comes to inflicting emotional damage on their fans. Their latest foray into psychological warfare saw them losing in golden point extra time after conceding a field goal to former club stalwart James Maloney. Despite that, the team appears to be improving, with several impressive wins in recent weeks. They’ll take on the Titans, who are just ahead of them on the table, and are coming off a loss to the Canberra Raiders.
Super League: Catalans vs Wigan
He’s escaped the Warriors, and now Sam Tompkins is happy again. The full back’s Wigan side are top of the table and heavy favourites to take out the Super League title. They’ve won their last six matches running. But they’ll face a determined Catalans side coming off a bad loss to Hull in the Challenge Cup. Maybe the Dragons will be revived by the prospect of eking out the last drops of Brett Stewart’s formidable talent, starting next season.
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