Super Rugby fixtures on Friday, 18 May

All kick-off times are SAST.

Hurricanes v Reds

The Reds will be looking to recover from a huge hiding dished out by the Sunwolves last weekend when they face the Hurricanes in Wellington. The hosts, meanwhile, will have a new captain in TJ Perenara who will replace Ben Shields who is being given an opportunity to come off the bench after starting 39 games in a row. The fourth-placed ‘Canes are chasing their 10th win from 11 starts while the Reds, currently placed 12th, are looking for win number five.

Kick-off: 09:35

Super Rugby fixtures on Saturday, 19 May

Sunwolves v Stormers

The Stormers will want to bounce back after their narrow defeat to the Chiefs at home last weekend while the Sunwolves will be looking for only their second win of the campaign after thrashing the Reds. Travelling isn’t something the Newlands-based team particularly enjoy having lost six matches, including three derbies. But Robbie Fleck’s side will want to move off the bottom of the South African conference stopping the Wolves in their tracks.

Kick-off: 07:15

Blues v Crusaders

The mighty Crusaders maintained their hold on the overall summit with a stunning comeback victory over the Waratahs last weekend. Like the Hurricanes, teams have struggled to get the better of the Crusaders who will be targeting their 10th win this season from 12 games. The Blues, rooted to the bottom of the New Zealand conference, have lost eight of their 11 games and are in dire need of some rapid improvement.

Kick-off: 07:15

Waratahs v Highlanders

It’s number three versus number five on the overall log in what should be a cracker of an encounter as the ‘Tahs look to register their first win since beating the Reds at home more than a month ago. The Highlanders will fancy their chances after downing the Lions 39-27 as the New Zealanders chase win number eight this season.

Kick-off: 11:45

Sharks v Chiefs

If there was ever a good time to face the Chiefs it would be now. With more than 20 first choice squad members missing through either injury or All Blacks training camp duty, the men from Waikato will be stretched to the max in Durban on Saturday. The Sharks will want to follow up their last home win to the Highlanders after being edged by the Bulls at Loftus last week while the Chiefs aim to pile further misery on South African opposition after edging the Stormers 15-9.

Kick-off: 15:05

Lions v Brumbies

The Lions will be happy to be home after a rather dismal Australasian tour which saw the Joburg-based team lose to the Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders on the trot. The 2016 runners-up will want to get their South African leg off to a winning start before travelling to Newlands and Kings Park. Things haven’t been much brighter for the Brumbies who last won against the Reds way back on 7 April.

Kick-off: 17:15

Jaguares v Bulls

Bulls coach John Mitchell is well aware of what his team is up against this weekend.

“We are very aware of the importance of this trip. We will be facing a team playing with massive confidence and having their best run in the competition, so it will be a massive task to beat them at home. That said, we have set ourselves some targets this year and winning in Buenos Aires will take us a step closer to achieving those. So, we know what is at stake,” Mitchell said.

The Jaguares are currently ranked second on the South African conference and are enjoying a four-match winning streak, while the Bulls, ranked ninth overall and third behind the Argentines, must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Kick-off: 23:40