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One Voice wins Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes

It was a case of another day, another big Jessica Harrington winner. On Saturday, the Moone-based handler won the Group 1 Coronation Stakes with Alpine Star, today the Commonstown Stables trainer won the Leopardstown highlight, the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Blue Wind Stakes with One Voice.

Harrington’s regular jockey, Shane Foley, was on board One Voice (16/5), who was just caught by stablemate Silence Please in a Listed race at Navan 11 days ago. The filly showed plenty determination today when stepped up into Group company, holding off a determined challenge from Aidan O’Brien’s Snow by half a length.

The Harrington/Foley combination also won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies’ Maiden for two-year-olds on Oodnadatta (5/1). Given an enterprising ride by Foley, the daughter of Australia led from the gates and saw off all comers in the home straight, with the staying-on Minaun her closest rival, finishing a length and a half behind in second.

Recent Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas-winning trainer Ger Lyons claimed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden over 7 furlongs with Ides Of August (3/1). Colin Keane always looked confident in the saddle as the Newtown Anner Stud-owned and -bred colt got the better of the Donnacha O’Brien-trained 11/4 favourite Southern Cape by half a length.

Donnacha’s father, Aidan, was also among the winners at the South Co. Dublin track this afternoon as Numen (7/1) and Séamie Heffernan recorded a highly impressive victory in the three-year-old Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden over 1m 2f.

Joseph O’Brien’s Patrick Sarsfield (6/5f) was an easy winner on debut for his new yard in the TRI Equestrian Handicap under Declan McDonogh, while 20/1 Getawiggleon gave Limerick trainer David Geary his first success when guided to victory by Conor Maxwell in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden for three-year-olds.

Seven-pound apprentice Joey Sheridan rode a well-judged race on Turbine (14/1) to win the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap, and Pádraig Roche’s Lieutenant Silver (50/1) was a surprise winner of the Leopardstown Handicap under Gary Halpin.

What Is Monster Jam: Need-To-Know Things About the Show

If you’re looking for an exciting sporting experience to watch, you want to show up to Monster Jam.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering: What is Monster Jam?

Monster Jam is an exhibition of the madness and awesome powers of Monster trucks.

Watching these Monster cars in action is exciting and attending a Monster Jam event is easily one of the most exciting sporting events that you and your family will enjoy.

If you’ve never attended a Monster Jam show before, we encourage you to do so.

What is Monster Jam and Why You Should Go

Monster Jam shows are a unique spectacle. It is an event that you, your friends, and your family will enjoy.

Here’s what Monster Jam is and why we hope to see you at the next Monster Jam event:

  1. What is a Monster Jam Event?

Most Monster Jam events will be a competition among different Monster trucks, with seven trucks being the usual number of competitors.

The trucks will engage in different activities. These include crushing and destroying cars, spinning around, jumping at great heights, and flying in the air! Judges will look at which trucks give the best performance. The loud cheers from the audience will definitely influence their decision.

Among the competitive activities, you may see between the Monster trucks you’ll see them racing from the start to the finish line. You’ll see a freestyle section where each truck is given free rein to perform stunts to impress the audience. There will also be several contents to see how far a truck can jump over a line of stationary cars.

If we’ve convinced you, we encourage you to buy Monster Energy Supercross tickets right now!

  1. What Can You Expect?

What else can you expect from attending a Monster Jam event? You can expect to meet many loyal fans of the competition.

As a first-time attendant, you may feel like you’re not part of the club. But a few minutes in, you’ll feel that you’ve been watching Monster Jam your whole life. Monster Jam fans are very welcoming and you’ll find yourself in a great family.

There will usually be pre-show activities for you and your family to attend (yes, Monster Jam events are kid-friendly) where you can meet and interact with other fans. We suggest showing up at least half an hour before the event starts so that you can mingle before the main event.

One of the best pre-show activities is the Pit Party. The Pit Party will let you see the Monster Trucks up close.

You can also meet the drivers and take photographs with them and have them sign autographs. You may need to purchase an additional ticket specifically to attend a Pit Party. We highly recommend that you do so.

  1. The Basic Things You Should Know

Before heading to a Monster Jam event, there are a few things that you need to know.

First, Monster Jam is a loud event. The revving of the engines and the intensity of the Monster Trucks are incredibly loud. The only thing that can drown out this noise is the tumultuous applause and cheering from the crowd. You may need to purchase some form of ear protection to relax your ears. After attending the event, we recommend resting your ears for a couple of days to protect their health.

While many children do attend the event, if your child does get stressed or anxious from loud noises, you should not bring them along. Using ear muffs is the best protection. It is likely that you’ll be able to purchase ear muffs at the event but we suggest purchasing them beforehand just to be safe.

The event arena will usually be cold so make sure you wear a jacket and pants. You may even want to wear a scarf and gloves as some arenas can be very chilly.

As we recommended in our first tip, you should buy your tickets in advance. You’ll have a chance to buy tickets at the event but there will likely be extremely long lines.

Finally, you need to bring as much cash as you can. You will likely have to pay for parking, food, and beverages with cash. Cards may also be accepted, but you should bring cash to be on the safe side.

  1. More Things to Know

Before heading for the Monster Jam event, there are a few more things you should know.

The event will be a long one. Each of the competitive activities will occur at different times and there will often be an interval between them. Make sure you are well-rested and available to see them all. You won’t be able to take a large camera with a huge zoom lens. Stick to taking pictures with your smartphone or by using a small point-and-shoot camera.

You also want to take the time to meet the drivers. As we mentioned, this can be done during the Pit Party but you may also have an opportunity during intervals and after the event ends.

You also should not expect to see extreme damage as one would see at a demolition derby. While the Monster trucks can get damaged and part of the event might be the trucks smashing cars, most of the event will not consist of any sort of destruction. This is what many first-time attendees expect to see when they attend a Monster Jam event.

When they see that the event is not rife with destruction, they often feel disappointed. But we assure you, the wildness and magnificence of the Monster trucks and the skill of the drivers will leave you in awe.

We also suggest that you may need to wear glasses or bring some sort of protection for your eyes. The intensity of the cars, the immense heat emitting from the engines, and the dirt flying around may affect your eyes.

See You at the Jam

Now that you know the answer to, “What is Monster Jam?”, we hope to see you at the next event! We know you’ll have a great time!

Be sure to read more great news about sporting in Ireland and around the world.

Big prize-money increases for Hong Kong’s top races

Hong Kong racing will offer record prize money of HK$1.4 billion for the 2020-21 season, with the Group Longines Hong Kong Sprint and BMW Hong Kong Derby featuring prominently among the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s upward adjustments.

The Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) will regain its position as the world’s most richly-endowed Group 1 turf sprint with a value this year of HK$22 million, an increase of HK$2 million. Five other Group 1 races – Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Stewards’ Cup (1600m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) – will receive HK$2 million increases, taking their value to HK$12 million.

The historic BMW Hong Kong Derby is Hong Kong’s most important domestic contest and will be worth HK$24 million, a HK$4 million increase on the 2020 renewal. The 2000-metre contest is a key race each year, being a vital springboard for the next crop of Hong Kong’s stars, and regains its position as the second-richest Derby in the world, behind only Japan’s equivalent and ahead of the Kentucky Derby, the UAE Derby and the original Derby at Epsom.

The Hong Kong Derby is the final leg in the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series and the Club has also taken the decision to up prize money for first two legs: the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup will both be worth HK$12 million in 2021, an increase of HK$2 million to each race.

Race 2019-20 (HK$) 2020-21  (HK$) Increase (HK$) % Increase
Hong Kong Sprint 20,000,000 22,000,000 2,000,000 10
Centenary Sprint Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Stewards’ Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Gold Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Champions & Chater Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Derby 20,000,000 24,000,000 4,000,000 20
Hong Kong Classic Mile 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20
Hong Kong Classic Cup 10,000,000 12,000,000 2,000,000 20

All Group 2 and Group 3 races will also rise in value. Group 2 purses will increase by 5.9% from HK$4.25 million to HK$4.5 million, while the prize funds for Group 3 races will rise by 7.7% from HK$3.25 million to HK$3.5 million.

Total prize money for the 2020-21 season’s 88 meetings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley is up by approximately 4.9% on the 2019-20 season. This year’s lucrative purse increases span all handicap races from Class 1 down to Class 5.

Class 2019/20 (HK$) 2020/21 (HK$) Increase (HK$) % Increase
Group 2 4,250,000 4,500,000 250,000 5.9%
Group 3 3,250,000 3,500,000 250,000 7.7%
1 2,800,000 3,000,000 200,000 7.1%
2 2,100,000 2,200,000 100,000 4.8%
3 1,450,000 1,500,000 50,000 3.4%
4 967,000 1,000,000 33,000 3.4%
5 725,000 750,000 25,000 3.4%

Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association President Mr. Chew Fook Aun said: “At a time when prize money levels are being cut worldwide, the prize money increases announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club are very welcome news, and a testament to the strength, resilience and buoyancy of Hong Kong racing, even in these very difficult times.”

Horse Sport Ireland confirms dates & venues for HSI Premier Series

Horse Sport Ireland and Showjumping Ireland have announced the rescheduled dates and venues for the 2020 HSI Premier Series.

The HSI Premier Series, which has a prize find north of €53,000, and which is the highest level of National Show Jumping in Ireland, will begin on July 19th at Barnadown in Co Wexford. This will be followed by rounds at Mullingar (August 2nd), National Balmoral (August 16th) and Portmore Co Antrim (September 6th).

Former World Showjumping Champion Dermott Lennon said of the news:

“I would like to thank and compliment Horse Sport Ireland for their generous sponsorship in the upcoming HSI Premier Series. I think it is great for horses, riders and owners to get the opportunity under current circumstances to compete for such good prize funds with the added accolade of National Champion combined. With a lot of riders in Ireland at the moment it should make for great sport and I am really looking forward to it.”

Olympic bronze medallist at London 2012 Cian O’Connor also expressed his delight with the announcement, stating:

“I was delighted to hear about the upcoming HSI Premier Series that Showjumping Ireland have scheduled. It has been a tough time for every business during this pandemic and it’s great to see a series being organised at great venues where we can showcase our horses at 1.50m level, I have recently developed my farm at Karlswood and intend to compete on the series in preparation for the horses for international travel later in the year.”

The HSI Premier Series will have a prize fund of €12,000 at each leg along with additional breeders’ prizes, young rider prizes and grooms prizes with a total financial contribution from Horse Sport Ireland of €53,000.

Premier League TV Guide 21-27 June

With a busy week of Premier League action ahead on TV, here is Sports News Ireland’s Premier League TV guide from Sunday, 21st June to Saturday, 27th June 2020.

Sunday, 21st June 2020

Newcastle United v Sheffield United 14:00 Sky One/Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Aston Villa v Chelsea 16:15 Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Everton v Liverpool 19:00 Sky One/Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Monday 22nd June 2020

Man City v Burnley 20:00 Sky One/Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Tuesday 23rd June 2020

Leicester City v Brighton & Hove Albion 18:00 Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham 20:15 Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Wednesday 24th June 2020

Norwich City v Everton 18:00 BBC Two (first half)/BBC One (second half)

Newcastle United v Aston Villa 18:00 BT Sport 1

Wolves v AFC Bournemouth 18:00 BT Sport 2

Man Utd v Sheffield United 18:00 Sky One/Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Liverpool v Crystal Palace 20:15 Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event

Thursday, 25th June 2020

Southampton v Arsenal 18:00 Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event

Burnley v Watford 18:00 Sky One/Sky Sports Action/Sky Sports Premier League

Chelsea v Man City 20:15 BT Sport 1

Saturday 27th June 2020

Aston Villa v Wolves 12:30 BT Sport 1

Make A Challenge delivers Sole Power Sprint for Denis Hogan

On a busy day on either side of the Irish Sea for trainer Denis Hogan, Make A Challenge (11/4) gave weight all round and comfortably won the Listed Sole Power Sprint Stakes at Naas in the hands of Joe Doyle.

Hours earlier, Hogan’s stable star, Sceptical, had run an excellent race in finishing third in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, her first effort at the highest level.

Now, however, the Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, handler seems to have another star on his hands, having lifted the valuable prize at the Co. Kildare track.

Make A Challenge clearly relished the drop down to five furlongs, and travelled powerfully in the main group as My Laureate set the pace on her own on the rail. When jockey Joe Doyle asked the eventual winner for her effort, Make A Challenge put distance between himself and the remainder of the field to claim a two and a half lengths success from Flash Gordon (later placed third) and Rapid Reaction (promoted to second).

The winner, a €6,500 purchase, may now target the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes over six furlongs at The Curragh next weekend.

In the Listed Plusvital Irish EBF Polonia Stakes, Lady Penelope (11/1) completed a Joseph O’Brien double as Capel At Dawn (20/1) had earlier taken the Abbey Electrical Services Celebrate Handicap under Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Sussex Garden (4/1) gave Jessica Harrington some domestic success, to go with the later victory of Alpha Star in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, when winning the Free Eagle Irish EBF Fillies’ Maiden, ahead of 6/4 favourite Hazel.

There was more success for trainer Johnny Murtagh as his incredible winning form continues. Shane Kelly gave Kosman (15/2) a smart ride from the front to take the Sobac Soil Health Call Tom Stapleton From Soil.ie Handicap.

Thank You To The HSE & Frontline Handicap saw Damian English’s Mokhalad (13/2) win at Naas for the third time despite having run over five furlongs at Tipperary just 24 hours earlier.

The Johnny Levins-trained Prisoner’s Dilemma (18/1) took the Sobac Healthy Soil Healthy Animal Handicap, while Aidan O’Brien, who was out of luck at Royal Ascot today, saw his Military Style (100/30) take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden from 2/1f Eastern Voice.

Credit: Photo of Make A Challenge and Joe Doyle taken by Caroline Norris, and provided by Horse Racing Ireland.

Jessica Harrington’s Alpine is Star of Coronation Stakes

The Jessica Harrington-trained Alpine Star (9/2) emulated her half-sister Alpha Centauri (the winner in 2018) when storming to victory in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot 2020.

The three-year-old Sea The Moon filly was the only Irish-trained winner on Saturday, meaning Ireland-based trainers had one winner each day of the meeting.

Owned by the Niarchos Family, Alpine Star, who was making her first start of 2020, responded well to Frankie Dettori and took up the running entering the final furlong. The filly stayed on strongly for a four and a quarter length victory over the American challenger Sharing (16/5), with Roger Charlton’s 2/1f Quadrilateral a further length and three-quarters back in third.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington, who was unable to attend Royal Ascot his year, said of today’s win:

“It is absolutely amazing because I am sitting here (at home), I can’t go racing, and watching it on the telly is very hard. I could not believe it because she was the only horse in the field that hadn’t had a run this year, but she is amazing. She is a half-sister to a complete superstar, Alpha Centauri, who gave me my first Royal Ascot winner. She was just amazing today, she did it so easy.”

The Co. Kildare-based handler continued:

“She is very laidback and nothing like Alpha Centauri, who was a great big, very imposing filly. This filly is not very big, she is not a great colour – a little bit of a mealy chestnut. If you saw her trotting around in the string, you wouldn’t pick her out, but she has the most wonderful attitude. Frankie was probably squeezing her along before she turned in but every time you give her a squeeze, she will come for you.”

Jessica Harrington was represented at Royal Ascot by her son-in-law Richie Galway who said:

“Alpine Star is a straightforward filly. Jessie sends anything that she runs at Ascot to stay with her great pal Nicky Henderson in Lambourn, he has been hugely helpful and he is going to claim credit for this! They have a fairly tried and tested routine, and the filly is straightforward – she’s very relaxed, very easy to handle, travels very well, so from that point of view the only logistical issue is that unfortunately Jessie, Emma, Kate and the Niarchos family – and Shane; Frankie Dettori, what a sub to have, and amazing that he hasn’t won a Coronation Stakes before, brilliant to get him – but the amount of work that Shane Foley has done on the filly at home has made today possible.”

The victory was jockey Frankie Dettori’s first success in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes, meaning he has now won every Group 1 race run at Royal Ascot, and incredibly only needs to win Newmarket’s July Cup to have won every British Group 1 race.

The winning rider said of Alpha Star:

“I really fancied Alpine Star. I didn’t want to jinx it, so I kept quiet. I kept it quiet and knew she was an exciting ride. Everything went to plan in the race. I had a decent draw. I hit a flat spot and I got the split on the fence and then the rest was history. She will definitely get the mile and a quarter, she did all her best work at the end, the mile and a half? I really don’t know, I will leave to Maria Niarchos and Jessie to talk about.”

2.25pm Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

1 Alpine Star Jessica Harrington 3-9-00 Frankie Dettori 9/2
2 Sharing Graham Motion USA 2-9-00 Oisín Murphy 16/5
3 Quadrilateral Roger Charlton 3-9-00 Jason Watson 2/1f

7 ran
Distances: 4¼, 1¾l
Time: 1m 42.21s

AFL game postponed as former GAA player tests positive for Covid 19

The AFL game between Essendon and Melbourne this weekend has been postponed after former Tyrone GAA senior player Conor McKenna tested positive for Covid 19. Buzz.ie report that it is the first case of the virus since the AFL resumed earlier last week.

McKenna who returned home to Ireland during the lockdown was expected to feature for the Essendon Bombers in the round three game with Melbourne at the MCG. However, the 24 year old who was tested on Friday had a positive result, despite not having any symptoms forcing the AFL to postpone the game.

The Chief Executive of the AFL, Gill McLachlan, said in a statement on Saturday “Essendon player Conor McKenna returned a low-grade irregularity yesterday after being tested as part of our COVID-19 protocols,”.

McLachlan continued,The health department has been notified as per the protocols and we will be working with (them) to identify close contacts and isolate them.“At the moment all players and football department staff have been told to isolate until that work is done.” Essendon also released a statement regarding the news on their website. They said, “All Essendon players and staff were tested on Friday afternoon, with McKenna since returning the positive result. The players and staff have today been advised to isolate until further notice”.

The CEO of Essendon said McKenna will receive full support from the club. He said, “The priority is also to provide our full support for Conor and ensure his health and welfare during this difficult time for him.“Further, the club is now closed and will be thoroughly cleaned as per the Health Department requirements until further notice”.

It has yet to be revealed whether the game will be played at a later and when Essendon will be back in training.

Massive shock as 150/1 Nando wins at Royal Ascot

There was a massive shock at Royal Ascot on Saturday as Nando Parrado won the Coventry Stakes at odds of 150/1.

Nando wasn’t given a chance in the race which had some big hitters in it including Admiral Nelson for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore and Qaader for Jim Crowley and Mark Johnston. However, it was Clive Cox’s horse ridden by Adam Kirby that stormed home to win by a length ahead of the aforementioned Qaader. In third place Saeqia for Martin Dwyer and John Gosden.

Nando Parrado was beaten on debut at Newmarket finishing way back in fifth but showed plenty of improvement. Clive Cox was overjoyed with the win he told Racing TV, “I was just saying it is not a shock – the price was a shock. He is a proper horse and we loved him from the start”. Mr Cox continued, “It was always the plan to come here, it was just a sideways step on his first run. He came home and thrived from there”. He continued,

” he knew the rain earlier this week helped his horse, he said,”When the rain came earlier in the week, I knew he would be better on good or slower ground than quicker ground”

Chiefofchiefs won the opener for Charlie Fellowes and William Buick at odds of 25/1. Campanelle took the second race with the in form Frankie Dettori on board for Wesley Ward. The win bringing in nearly £30,000 for the winner.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>A superb performance from Campanelle from stall one as she quickens smartly to land the Queen Mary Stakes 🏆<br><br>An 11th Royal Ascot winner for US trainer Wesley Ward 🇺🇸<br><br>And a fourth winner of the week for <a href=”https://twitter.com/FrankieDettori?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@FrankieDettori</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalAscot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#RoyalAscot</a> <a href=”https://t.co/SO34IfYTFC”>pic.twitter.com/SO34IfYTFC</a></p>&mdash; Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Ascot/status/1274317626290966529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>June 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

In the Coronation Stakes Dettori also won. However, this time for Ireland trainer Jessie Harrington with Alpine Star at odds of 9/2. Back in second came Oisin Murphy with Sharing and in third Quadrilateral for Jason Watson and trainer Roger Charlton. Frankie Dettori got his third winner of the day through Palace Pier for trainer John Gosden at odds of 4/1. In second came Pinatubo for Will Buick and Charlie Appleby and in third came Wichita for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien.

Trainer Kevin Ryan and jockey Kevin Stott then combined for a quickfire double. Firstly, winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes aboard Hello Youmzain at odds of 4/1. Dream of Dreams was back in second Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. Stott then went on to win the next race, the Wokingham Stakes aboard Hey Jonesy at odds of 18/1. Summerghand was in second for James Doyle at 15/2 and Spanish City in third for Andrea Atzeni at 16/1. The final on the card went the way of the favourite Who Dares Wins for Tom Marquand and Alan King at evens, with The Grand Visir in second at 11/4 for Richard Kingscote.

Dettori was crowned top jockey at Ascot for the second year in a row. He had 6 winners over the course of the few days. John Gosden was crowned top trainer.

Super Rugby Aotearoa Week 2 on Sky Sports

Blues start week two at the top of the table ahead of Highlanders, who don’t play this weekend. Crusaders will play their opening game in the competition on Sunday when they play Hurricanes who lost out 20-30 to Blues in week 1.

Saturday, 20th June 2020: Chiefs v Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, kick-off 8.05am Irish time.

Officials: Ben O’Keeffe (referee), Mike Fraser (AR1), Paul Williams (AR2), James Doleman (TMO).

Match Stats

The Chiefs have lost only one of their last 17 Super Rugby games against the Blues (W15, D1) and earned a 37-29 win when they met in the opening round of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

The Chiefs have won their last eight home games on the bounce against the Blues; however, five of those eight wins have been by a margin of seven points or fewer.

The Chiefs have lost their last two home games in Super Rugby; the last time they lost more home games in succession was a four-game stretch across the 2001 and 2002 campaigns.

The Chiefs have trailed at half-time in each of their last eight Super Rugby games against New Zealand opposition; although, they have picked up three wins and a draw in that time (L4).

The Blues have won their last four away games in Super Rugby; a fifth consecutive win on the road would set a new record for the Auckland club.

The Blues have won their last five Super Rugby games on the bounce; the last time they won more was a seven-game streak in 2011.

The Chiefs have conceded the opening try of the game in two of their last three Super Rugby games hosting fellow New Zealand opponents; however, they have managed to bounce back and win twice in that span (L1).

The Blues won 10 turnovers in their opening round clash of Super Rugby Aotearoa, their most in a game since Round 16, 2018 (11 v Rebels); the Auckland side haven’t won more than 10 turnovers in a game against the Chiefs since Round 8, 2015 (11).

Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) has been directly involved in nine tries in his last nine Super Rugby appearances (3 tries, 6 try assists) and has scored 104 points in that span.

Rieko Ioane (Blues) has scored three tries in his last three Super Rugby appearances against the Chiefs, including a brace in his most recent game against them.

Sunday, 21st June 2020: Hurricanes v Crusaders at Sky Stadium in Wellington, kick-off 4.35am Irish time.

Officials: Brendon Pickerill (referee), James Doleman (AR1), Ben O’Keeffe (AR2), Mike Fraser (TMO)

Match Stats

The Crusaders have won their last five Super Rugby games on the bounce against the Hurricanes; the last time they won more in succession against them was a seven-game stretch from 2005 to 2008.

The Hurricanes have won five of their last six Super Rugby games at home to the Crusaders; however, their sole loss in that span came in their most recent home meeting against them.

The Hurricanes will be aiming to avoid back-to-back Super Rugby defeats at home for the first time since Round 4, 2014 after losing 24-15 to the Blues in their most recent game on home turf.

The Hurricanes have lost two of their last three Super Rugby games (W1) and will be out to avoid back-to-back regular season defeats for the first time since June 2018.

The Crusaders have won nine of their last 10 Super Rugby games (L1), including their last four on the bounce; those nine wins have come by an average margin of 23 points per game.

The Crusaders have lost two of their last three games in Super Rugby away to fellow New Zealand opponents (W1), scoring an average of just 22 points per game in that stretch.

The Hurricanes players beat a combined 42 defenders in their last Super Rugby encounter with the Crusaders; only once in the last decade has any Hurricanes squad beaten more in a single game (43 v Sunwolves in Round 1, 2017).

The Crusaders conceded just six first-half tries during the 2020 Super Rugby season, the joint-fewest of any team in the competition.

Ben Lam (Hurricanes) has crossed for a try in each of his last five Super Rugby games – the longest streak of his career in the competition; he has also bagged four tries in his last four games against the Crusaders.

David Havili (Crusaders) made a competition-high 14 offloads throughout the 2020 Super Rugby season; it is as many as he had made throughout the previous 29 games of his career in the competition.

 

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