Waratahs vs Hurricanes Predictions & Tips - Hurricanes backed to cruise to victory

Hurricanes should be too strong for a Waratahs side that have struggled all season. I am backing the Canes to cover the -22 handicap.

The Hurricanes have been victorious in five of their last seven matches against the Tahs. When they met in 2019 the Canes won 20-19 in Sydney.

The Waratahs have endured an atrocious season in Super Rugby AU where they suffered defeat in all eight matches. This was aided by most of their top players leaving prior to the start of the tournament.

It has not been an enjoyable season for the Sydney-based outfit. They have had a number of huge defeats and a change of coach. During their eight Super Rugby AU matches the Tahs’ only managed to score 138 points whilst conceding a mammoth 292 points.

In their last match the Waratahs went down 36-25 at home to the Rebels. 

In a surprising move the Waratahs have dropped one of their few star performers in Carlo Tizzano. He was the leading tackler in Super Rugby AU but he’s replaced by Charlie Gamble for this match.

Flyhalf Will Harrison has recovered from his injury and returns to the bench. Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf. James Ramm is also out after dislocating his shoulder last time out. Mark Nawaqanitawase starts on the wing.

The Hurricanes will be disappointed with how their season has gone thus far. They finished bottom of the Super Rugby Aotearoa table with two wins from their eight matches.

While the performances have not all been great, the Hurricanes have been somewhat unfortunate. A number of defeats have come by very slender margins so confidence won’t be too low in Wellington.

The Hurricanes did manage to end their season on a high with a 41-22 victory at home against the Highlanders. After a tight first half, the Canes pulled away in the second stanza with some scintillating rugby. 

Inside centre Ngani Laumape has been rested for this match with Peter Umaga-Jenson coming into the side. The recently signed TJ Perenara is unavailable at the moment as he has yet to return from Japan.