Super Rugby week-12 preview panel

PREVIEW OF SUPER RUGBY WEEK 12 (all times AEST)

FRIDAY, May 4

CHIEFS v JAGUARES at Rotorua International Stadium, 17:35

Head to head: Played 1, Chiefs 1 Jaguares 0

Chiefs at home: Played 0

Last clash: Rd 4, 2016, Chiefs 30-26 in Buenos Aires

Tab Sportsbet: Chiefs $1.14 Jaguares $5.75

Tip: Chiefs by 5

MELBOURNE REBELS v CRUSADERS at AAMI Park, 19:45

Head to head: Played 6, Rebels 2, Crusaders 4

Rebels at home: Played 3, Rebels 1, Crusaders 2

Last clash: Round 14, 2017, Crusaders 41-19 in Melbourne

After a tough haul to South Africa it doesn't get any easier for the Rebels coming up against the champions and current competition leaders. While Michael Ruru held his own, Melbourne missed Test halfback Will Genia and need him to be at his demanding best to cause an upset. The Crusaders are missing injured veteran Israel Dagg but have dangerous playmaker Richie Mo'unga back in the line-up after fracturing his jaw in early March. Expect an improved performance by the home side but the Crusaders to have too much class.

Tab Sportsbet: Rebels $6.00, Crusaders $1.13

Tip: Crusaders by 11

SATURDAY, May 5

HURRICANES v LIONS at Westpac Stadium, 17:35

Head to head: Played 19, Hurricanes 15, Lions 4

Hurricanes at home: Played 9, Hurricanes 9, Lions 0

Last clash: Semi-final, 2017 Lions 44-29 in Johannesburg

Tab Sportsbet: Hurricanes $1.18, Lions $4.90

Tip: Hurricanes by 18

NSW WARATAHS v BLUES at Brookvale Oval, 19:45

Head to head: Played 22, Waratahs 8 Blues 14

Waratahs at home: Played 11, Waratahs 7 Blues 4

Last clash: Rd 11, 2017, Blues 40-33 in Sydney

Wallabies superstar Israel Folau returns from a hamstring injury for his first match in five weeks as the Waratahs look to bounce back from a 29-0 drubbing at the hands of the Lions. Folau will start at fullack after smarting coach Daryl Gibson made five changes to his run-on side. This is the start of a block of four straight games against Kiwi rivals that Gibson is predicting will be season defining. The Blues will be without dual international Sonny Bill Williams as they look to extend their winning streak over the Tahs in Sydney to six games.

Tab Sportsbet: Waratahs $1.53 Blues $2.50

Tip: Waratahs by 7

STORMERS v BULLS at DHL Newlands, 11.05pm

Head to head: Played 29, Stormers 11 Bulls 17, Draw 1

Stormers at home: Played 14, Stormers 10, Bulls 3, Draw 1

Last clash: Rd 7, 2018, Bullls 33-23 in Pretoria

Tab Sportsbet: Stormers $1.75, Bulls $2.08

Tip: Stormers by 3

SUNDAY MAY 6

SHARKS v HIGHLANDERS at Kings Park Stadium, 01:15

Head to head: Played 19, Sharks 11 Highlanders 8

Sharks at home: Played 9, Sharks 6, Highlanders 3

Last clash: Rd 9, 2016, Sharks 15-14 in Dunedin

Tab Sportsbet: Sharks $2.75, Highlanders $1.45

Tip: Highlanders by 12

Bye: Queensland Reds, Sunwolves, Brumbies