2015 New South Wales Waratahs season

Last updated

New South Wales Waratahs
2015 season
Coach Michael Cheika
Super Rugby 2nd
Super Rugby Finals Series TBD
Top try scorerLeague: Taqele Naiyaravoro
Top points scorerLeague: Bernard Foley
Highest home attendance27,243 vs Brumbies
22 March 2015
Lowest home attendance15,807 vs Rebels
25 April 2015

The 2015 New South Wales Waratahs season was the club's 19th season since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996.

Contents

Players

Squad

The squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season [1]

Props

Hookers

Locks

 

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

 

Centres

Wingers

Fullbacks

(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes player is internationally capped.

Transfers

Quick Summary

RdDate and local timeOpponentScoreVenueAttendanceRef
1 Sunday, 15 February (4:05 pm)H Western Force 13–25 Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia20,271 [10]
2 Friday, 20 February (7:40 pm)A Melbourne Rebels 28–38 AAMI Park, Melbourne, Australia12,178 [11]
3 Bye
4 Saturday, 7 March (6:40 pm)A Queensland Reds 5–23 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia27,199 [12]
5 Saturday, 14 March (7:35 pm)A Flag of New Zealand.svg Highlanders 26–19 Forsyth Barr Stadium , Dunedin, New Zealand [13]
6 Sunday, 22 March (4:05 pm)H Brumbies 28–13 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia27,243 [14]
7 Saturday, 28 March (7:40 pm)H Flag of New Zealand.svg Blues 23–11 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia16,342 [15]
8 Bye
9 Saturday, 11 April (7:40 pm)H Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers 18–32 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia17,353 [16]
10 Saturday, 18 April (4:30 pm)A Flag of New Zealand.svg Hurricanes 24–29 Westpac Stadium , Wellington, New Zealand15,327 [17]
11 Saturday, 25 April (7:55 pm)H Rebels 18–16 ANZ Stadium , Sydney, Australia15,807 [18]
12 Friday, 1 May (7:40 pm)A Brumbies 10–13 Canberra Stadium , Canberra, Australia17,563 [19]
13 Saturday, 9 May (7:40 pm)A Force 18–11 nib Stadium , Perth, Australia10,115 [20]
14 Saturday, 16 May (7:40 pm)H Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks 33–18 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia18,578 [21]
15 Saturday, 16 May (7:40 pm)H Flag of New Zealand.svg Crusaders 32–22 ANZ Stadium , Sydney, Australia26,971 [22]
16 Saturday, 30 May (7:10 pm)A Flag of South Africa.svg Lions, South Africa27–22 Ellis Park Stadium , Johannesburg 28,475 [23]
17 Saturday, 6 June (3:00 pm)A Flag of South Africa.svg Cheetahs 33–58 Free State Stadium , Bloemfontein, South Africa [24]
18 Saturday, 13 June (7:40 pm)H Reds 31–5 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia26,746 [25]
SF 26–27 JuneH Flag of New Zealand.svg Highlanders 17-35 Allianz Stadium , Sydney, Australia

Standings

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPtsQualification
1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Hurricanes 161402458288+17058319166Qualified to the Semi-finals with home advantage.
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Waratahs 161105409313+9650415352
3 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers 161015373323+5032352145Qualified to the Qualifying final with home advantage.
4 Flag of New Zealand.svg Highlanders 161105450333+11754406353
5 Flag of New Zealand.svg Chiefs 161006372299+7340274448Qualified to the Qualifying final.
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brumbies 16907369261+10845216547
7 Flag of New Zealand.svg Crusaders 16907481338+14356398246
8 Flag of South Africa.svg Lions 169163423642233412242
9 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls 16709397388+937394638
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Rebels 167093193543535423536
11 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks 167093384016337433334
12 Flag of South Africa.svg Cheetahs 16501135753117444654226
13 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Reds 16401224743418732533322
14 Flag of New Zealand.svg Blues 16301328242814629502620
15 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Force 16301324538413928433419
Source: [26] [27]
Rules for classification: Teams standings were calculated as follows: [28] 1. Conference Leaders (i.e. conference leaders will always be ranked in the top three); 2. Log points; 3. Number of games won; 4. Overall points difference; 5. Number of tries scored; 6. Overall try difference
  • Points breakdown: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less; 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
  • Qualification: The top six teams qualified to the finals, with their final positions in the overall log determining their seedings in the finals. The third-placed team (i.e. the conference winners with the worst overall record) hosted the sixth-placed team in the qualifiers, while the fourth-placed team hosted the fifth-placed team. The top two teams (i.e. the two conference winners with the best overall record) qualified directly to the semi-finals, where they had home advantage against the two qualifier winners, with the top team hosting the qualifier winner with the lower seeding and the second-placed team hosting the qualifier winner with the higher seeding. The two semi-final winners progressed to the final, with the team with the higher seeding having home advantage.
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australian Conference
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPts
1 Waratahs 161105409313+9650415352
2 Brumbies 16907369261+10845216547
3 Rebels 167093193543535423536
4 Reds 16401224743418732533322
5 Force 16301324538413928433419
Source: [26]

Detailed season summary

Regular season

February
Round 115 February 2015 Waratahs 13–25 Force Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
16:05Try: Rob Horne Ru ball.svg 54', 77'
Con: Bernard Foley (0/2)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 24' (1/2)
Cards: Wycliff Palu Yellow card.svg 34' to 42'
Report [29]
Scoreboard [30]
Try: Chris Alcock Ru ball.svg 36'
Angus Cottrell Ru ball.svg 46'
Luke Morahan Ru ball.svg 67'
Francois van Wyk Ru ball.svg 73'
Con: Sias Ebersohn Rugby penalty.svg 47' (1/3)
Zack Holmes (0/1)
Pen: Sias Ebersohn Rugby penalty.svg 12' (1/3)
Drop: Sias Ebersohn (0/1)
Cards: Alby Mathewson Yellow card.svg 54' to 65'
Attendance: 20,271
Referee: Steve Walsh
Round 220 February 2015 Rebels 28–38 Waratahs AAMI Park, Melbourne  
19:40Try: Scott Higginbotham Ru ball.svg 12'
Lopeti Timani Ru ball.svg 40'
Luke Burgess Ru ball.svg 53'
Sefa Naivalu Ru ball.svg 66'
Con: Mike Harris Rugby penalty.svg 13', 40', 54', 67' (4/4)
Pen: Mike Harris (0/1)
Jack Debreczeni (0/1)
Report [31]
Scoreboard [32]
Try: Stephen Hoiles Ru ball.svg 22'
Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 43', 61'
Kurtley Beale Ru ball.svg 73'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 23', 44', 74' (3/4)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 4', 33', 78' (3/3)
Kurtley Beale Rugby penalty.svg 27' (1/1)
Cards: Taqele Naiyaravoro Yellow card.svg 63' to 74'
Attendance: 12,178
Referee: Angus Gardner
Round 3 Waratahs vByeN/A 
March
Round 47 March 2015 Reds 5–23 Waratahs Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
18:40Try: Marco Kotze Ru ball.svg 80'
Con: James O'Connor (0/1)
Pen: James O'Connor (0/2)
Report [33]
Scoreboard [34]
Try: Bernard Foley Ru ball.svg 25'
Peter Betham Ru ball.svg 67'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 26', 68' (2/2)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 13', 23', 50' (3/4)
Cards: Tatafu Polota-Nau Yellow card.svg 57' to 68'
Attendance: 27,199
Referee: Glen Jackson
Round 514 March 2015 Highlanders 26–19 Waratahs Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin  
19:35Try: Tom Franklin Ru ball.svg 29'
Waisake Naholo Ru ball.svg 39'
Ben Smith Ru ball.svg 44'
Patrick Osborne Ru ball.svg 47'
Con: Lima Sopoaga Rugby penalty.svg 30', 40', 45' (3/4)
Pen: Lima Sopoaga (0/2)
Report [35]
Scoreboard [36]
Try: Nick Phipps Ru ball.svg 3'
Matthew Carraro Ru ball.svg 19'
Stephen Hoiles Ru ball.svg 78'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 20', 79' (2/3)
Cards: Sekope Kepu Yellow card.svg 28' to 38'
Referee: Craig Joubert
Round 622 March 2015 Waratahs 28–13 Brumbies Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
16:05Try: Bernard Foley Ru ball.svg 26'
Israel Folau Ru ball.svg 31'
Tolu Latu Ru ball.svg 73'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 27', 32' (2/3)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 11', 16' (2/2)
Kurtley Beale Rugby penalty.svg 47' (1/1)
Cards: Tolu Latu Yellow card.svg 79'
Report [37]
Scoreboard [38]
Try: Matt To'omua Ru ball.svg 3'
Con: Christian Lealiifano Rugby penalty.svg 4' (1/1)
Pen: Christian Lealiifano Rugby penalty.svg 18', 23' (2/2)
Cards: Scott Fardy Yellow card.svg 9' to 19'
Attendance: 27,243
Referee: Craig Joubert
Round 728 March 2015 Waratahs 23–11 Blues Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
19:40Try: Nick Phipps Ru ball.svg 8'
Peter Betham Ru ball.svg 75'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 9', 76' (2/2)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 58', 61', 68' (3/4)
Kurtley Beale (0/1)
Report [39]
Scoreboard [40]
Try: Francis Saili Ru ball.svg 54'
Con: Daniel Bowden (0/1)
Pen: Daniel Bowden Rugby penalty.svg 14', 24' (2/3)
Cards: Jerome Kaino Yellow card.svg 72'
Attendance: 16,342
Referee: Jaco Peyper
April
Round 8 Waratahs vByeN/A 
Round 911 April 2015 Waratahs 18–32 Stormers Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
19:40Try: Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 13'
Rob Horne Ru ball.svg 40'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 40' (1/2)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 35', 58' (2/4)
Report [41]
Scoreboard [42]
Try: Damian de Allende Ru ball.svg 21', 71'
Kobus van Wyk Ru ball.svg 47'
Cheslin Kolbe Ru ball.svg 77'
Con: Demetri Catrakilis Rugby penalty.svg 22' (1/1)
Kurt Coleman Rugby penalty.svg 48', 72' (2/3)
Pen: Demetri Catrakilis Rugby penalty.svg 7', 17' (2/2)
Kurt Coleman (0/2)
Drop: Demetri Catrakilis (0/1)
Attendance: 17,353
Referee: Mike Fraser
Round 1018 April 2015 Hurricanes 24–29 Waratahs Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
16:30Try: Conrad Smith Ru ball.svg 21'
Beauden Barrett Ru ball.svg 23'
Brad Shields Ru ball.svg 38'
TJ Perenara Ru ball.svg 70'
Con: Beauden Barrett Rugby penalty.svg 22', 24' (2/4)
Report [43]
Scoreboard [44]
Try: Peter Betham Ru ball.svg 14', 40'
Will Skelton Ru ball.svg 34'
Israel Folau Ru ball.svg 52'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 15', 40', 53' (3/4)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 58' (1/2)
Attendance: 15,327
Referee: Glen Jackson
Round 1125 April 2015 Waratahs 18–16 Rebels ANZ Stadium, Sydney  
19:55Try: Michael Hooper Ru ball.svg 9'
Adam Ashley-Cooper Ru ball.svg 20'
Rob Horne Ru ball.svg 60'
Con: Bernard Foley (0/3)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 16' (1/2)
Report [45]
Scoreboard [46]
Try: Bryce Hegarty Ru ball.svg 74'
Con: Jack Debreczeni Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/1)
Pen: Jack Debreczeni Rugby penalty.svg 40', 50', 58' (3/3)
Cards: Sefa Naivalu Yellow card.svg 27' to 37'
Attendance: 15,807
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
May
Round 121 May 2015 Brumbies 10–13 Waratahs GIO Stadium, Canberra  
19:40Try: Joe Tomane Ru ball.svg 8'
Con: Christian Lealiifano Rugby penalty.svg 9' (1/1)
Pen: Christian Lealiifano Rugby penalty.svg 28' (1/2)
Report [47]
Scoreboard [48]
Try: Adam Ashley-Cooper Ru ball.svg 14'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 15' (1/1)
Pen: Kurtley Beale Rugby penalty.svg 48' (1/1)
Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 58' (1/2)
Cards: Rob Horne Yellow card.svg 65' to 75'
Attendance: 17,563
Referee: Glen Jackson
Round 139 May 2015 Force 18–11 Waratahs {{{s}}}, [[{{{slan}}}]] 
17:40Try: Ryan Louwrens Ru ball.svg 19'
Matt Hodgson Ru ball.svg 63'
Con: Luke Burton Rugby penalty.svg 20' (1/2)
Pen: Marcel Brache (0/1)
Luke Burton Rugby penalty.svg 31', 40' (2/4)
Sias Ebersohn (0/2)
Cards: Matt Hodgson Yellow card.svg 70'
Report [49]
Scoreboard [50]
Try: Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 52'
Con: Bernard Foley (0/1)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 24', 27' (2/3)
Kurtley Beale (0/1)
Cards: Sekope Kepu Yellow card.svg 33' to 43'
Attendance: 10,115
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Round 1416 May 2015 Waratahs 33–18 Sharks Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
19:40Try: Adam Ashley-Cooper Ru ball.svg 1'
Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 53'
Bernard Foley Ru ball.svg 79'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 2', 54', 80' (3/3)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 21', 29', 63', 70' (4/4)
Report [51]
Scoreboard [52]
Try: Odwa Ndungane Ru ball.svg 49'
François Steyn Ru ball.svg 58'
Con: François Steyn Rugby penalty.svg 59' (1/2)
Pen: François Steyn Rugby penalty.svg 18', 36' (2/2)
Attendance: 18,578
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Round 1523 May 2015 Waratahs 32–22 Crusaders ANZ Stadium, Sydney  
19:40Try: Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 7', 52'
Rob Horne Ru ball.svg 24'
Bernard Foley Ru ball.svg 77'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 8', 25', 78' (3/4)
Pen: Kurtley Beale (0/1)
Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 21', 44' (2/3)
Cards: Tolu Latu Yellow card.svg 18' to 30'
Report [53]
Scoreboard [54]
Try: Nemani Nadolo Ru ball.svg 2'
Richie McCaw Ru ball.svg 56'
Matt Todd Ru ball.svg 66'
Con: Dan Carter Rugby penalty.svg 57', 67' (2/3)
Pen: Dan Carter Rugby penalty.svg 12' (1/1)
Cards: Richie McCaw Yellow card.svg 71'
Attendance: 26,971
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Round 1630 May 2015 Lions 27–22 Waratahs Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg  
19:10Try: Ruan Combrinck Ru ball.svg 6', 34'
Harold Vorster Ru ball.svg 48'
Con: Elton Jantjies Rugby penalty.svg 7', 35', 49' (3/3)
Pen: Elton Jantjies Rugby penalty.svg 28', 43' (2/5)
Report [55]
Scoreboard [56]
Try: Stephen Hoiles Ru ball.svg 18'
Adam Ashley-Cooper Ru ball.svg 52'
Rob Horne Ru ball.svg 58'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 19', 59' (2/3)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 9' (1/1)
Kurtley Beale (0/1)
Cards: Rob Horne Yellow card.svg 27' to 37'
Jacques Potgieter Yellow card.svg 45' to 55'
Attendance: 28,475
Referee: Jaco Peyper
June
Round 176 June 2015 Cheetahs 33–58 Waratahs {{{s}}}, [[{{{slan}}}]] 
15:00Try: Francois Venter Ru ball.svg 11', 80'
Cornal Hendricks Ru ball.svg 14', 55'
Boom Prinsloo Ru ball.svg 28'
Con: Coenie van Wyk Rugby penalty.svg 12', 15', 29' (3/3)
Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 56' (1/2)
Cards: Rayno Benjamin Yellow card.svg 60' to 70'
Report [57]
Scoreboard [58]
Try: Israel Folau Ru ball.svg 4', 38', 60'
Michael Hooper Ru ball.svg 8'
Matthew Carraro Ru ball.svg 19', 76'
Taqele Naiyaravoro Ru ball.svg 40'
Adam Ashley-Cooper Ru ball.svg 41'
Bernard Foley Ru ball.svg 72'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 9', 40', 61', 73', 77' (5/9)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 65' (1/1)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Round 1813 June 2015 Waratahs 31–5 Reds Allianz Stadium, Sydney  
19:40Try: Dave Dennis Ru ball.svg 53'
Jacques Potgieter Ru ball.svg 57'
Brendan McKibbin Ru ball.svg 68'
Dean Mumm Ru ball.svg 73'
Con: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 54', 58', 69', 74' (4/4)
Pen: Bernard Foley Rugby penalty.svg 18' (1/1)
Report [59]
Scoreboard [60]
Try: Quade Cooper Ru ball.svg 78'
Con: Ben Tapuai (0/1)
Pen: Quade Cooper (0/1)
Cards: Adam Thomson Yellow card.svg 50' to 61'
Attendance: 26,746
Referee: Nick Briant

Finals

As the Waratahs came second on the overall standings, they directly qualified for the semi-finals bypassing the first week of qualifying finals.

Semi-final
26/27 June 2015 Waratahs 17-35 Highlanders Allianz Stadium, Sydney  

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Rugby</span> Rugby union club competition

Super Rugby is a men's professional rugby union club competition involving teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It has previously included teams from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa. Super Rugby started as the Super 12 in the 1996 season with 12 teams from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, building on competitions dating back to the South Pacific Championship in 1986. The Super 12 was established by SANZAR after the sport became professional in 1995. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the competition to split into three, the reformed competition in 2021 only included teams from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ACT Brumbies</span> Australian rugby union team

The ACT Brumbies is an Australian professional rugby union team based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), The team competes in Super Rugby and named for the feral horses which inhabit the capital's hinterland. The team represents the ACT, as well as the Far South Coast and Southern Inland regions of New South Wales (NSW).

The 1996 Super 12 season was the inaugural season of the Super 12, contested by teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The season ran from February to May 1996, with each team playing all the others once. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams entered the playoff semifinals, with the first placed team playing the fourth and the second placed team playing the third. The winner of each semifinal qualified for the final, which was contested between the Auckland Blues and Natal Sharks, with the Blues winning 45–21 to win the first Super 12 title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Ashley-Cooper</span> Australian rugby union player

Adam Ashley-Cooper is a former Australian rugby union player who last played for the LA Giltinis of Major League Rugby (MLR). He has played in 121 matches for Australia, the third most of any Australia player at the time of his retirement. His nickname is "Mr. Versatile". He is currently the senior assistant coach for backs with the LA Giltinis.

The 1997 Super 12 season was the second season of the Super 12, contested by rugby union teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The season ran from 28 February to 31 May 1997, with each team playing all the others once. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams entered the play-off semi-finals, with the first-placed team playing the fourth and the second-placed team playing the third. The winner of each semi-final qualified for the final, which was contested by the Auckland Blues and the ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, Auckland. The Blues won 23–7 to win their second Super 12 title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Kings</span> South African professional rugby team

The Southern Kings were a South African professional rugby union team that competed in Super Rugby and Pro14. They were based in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province and played their home matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. They were created in 2009, and had their first match against the British & Irish Lions during their 2009 tour. After competing in Super Rugby in 2013, 2016 and 2017, they joined Pro14 prior to the 2017–18 season, along with the Cheetahs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Super 14 season</span> Rugby championship

The 2010 Super 14 season kicked off in February 2010 with pre-season matches held from mid-January. It finished on 29 May. The 2010 season was the fifth and last season of the expanded Super 14 format. The schedule, which covers 3½ months, featured a total of 94 matches, with each team playing one full round-robin against the 13 other teams, two semi-finals and a final. Every team received one bye over the 14 rounds.

The 2012 Super Rugby season was the second season of the current 15-team format for the Super Rugby competition, which involves teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For sponsorship reasons, this competition is known as FxPro Super Rugby in Australia, Investec Super Rugby in New Zealand and Vodacom Super Rugby in South Africa. Including its past incarnations as Super 12 and Super 14, this was the 17th season for the Southern Hemisphere's premier transnational club competition. The conference games took place every weekend from 24 February until 14 July, followed by the finals series, culminating in the grand final on 4 August. While its three main broadcasting partners are Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sport and SuperSport, Super Rugby can be viewed in many countries throughout the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Super Rugby season</span> Rugby competition

The 2013 Super Rugby season was the third season of the new 15-team format for the Super Rugby competition involving teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The tournament was won by the Chiefs, who defeated the Canberra-based Brumbies 27–22 in the competition final. For sponsorship reasons, this competition is known as FxPro Super Rugby in Australia, Investec Super Rugby in New Zealand and Vodacom Super Rugby in South Africa. Including the past incarnations as Super 12 and Super 14, this was the 18th season of the Southern Hemisphere's premier domestic competition. Conference matches took place every weekend from 15 February until 13 July – with a break between rounds 17 and 18 for internationals games – followed by the play-offs series that culminated in the final on 3 August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Super Rugby season</span> 2014 rugby league season in New Zealand

The 2014 Super Rugby season is the fourth season of the 15-team format for the Super Rugby competition involving teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For sponsorship reasons, this competition is known as Asteron Life Super Rugby in Australia, Investec Super Rugby in New Zealand and Vodacom Super Rugby in South Africa. Including its past incarnations as Super 12 and Super 14, this is the 19th season for the Southern Hemisphere's premier transnational club competition. The conference games will take place every weekend from 15 February until 12 July, followed by the finals series, culminating in the grand final on 2 August. The winners of the 2014 Super Rugby Season were the New South Wales Waratahs.

The 2016 Super Rugby season was the 21st season of Super Rugby and the first season featuring an expanded 18-team format. It was also the first season that teams outside Australia, New Zealand and South Africa featured, with the Jaguares from Argentina and the Sunwolves from Japan taking part. This season also saw the return of the Kings, who competed just once before, in the 2013 Super Rugby season. The round-robin games took place every weekend from 26 February to 16 July 2016, followed by the finals series at the end of July and culminating in the final on 6 August.

The 2015 Super Rugby season was the 20th season of Super Rugby and the fifth season featuring an expanded 15-team format. For sponsorship reasons, this competition was known as Asteron Life Super Rugby in Australia, Investec Super Rugby in New Zealand and Vodacom Super Rugby in South Africa. The round-robin matches took place every weekend from 13 February until 13 June, followed by the finals series and culminating in the final on 4 July. This was the final season that featured a 15-team format.

The 2014 New South Wales Waratahs season was the club's 18th season since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996. The Waratahs defeated the Crusaders in the final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney to be crowned champions for the very first time.

The 2015 Super Rugby Final, was played between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders. It was the 20th final in the Super Rugby competition's history and the fifth under the expanded 15-team format. This was the first Super Rugby final between two New Zealand teams since 2006 when the Hurricanes were beaten by the Crusaders.

The 2016 Rugby Championship was the fifth edition of the annual southern hemisphere Rugby Championship, featuring Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The competition is operated by SANZAAR, a joint venture of the four countries' national unions. New Zealand won their first four matches with bonus points to gain an unassailable lead, winning the title for the fourth time.

In 2016, the Sunwolves participated in the 2016 Super Rugby competition, their first ever appearance in the competition. They were included in the Africa 1 Conference of the competition, along with the Bulls, Cheetahs and Stormers.

The year 2014 was a challenging year for the Chiefs rugby team as they looked for their third straight super rugby title. They won eight of their Super Rugby games and finished fifth overall on the table, and second behind the Crusaders in the New Zealand Conference. Playing the Brumbies in the qualifying finals, they had a narrow loss, losing 32-30, which ended their super rugby season.

2015 was another tough year for the Chiefs rugby team. They won 10 of their Super Rugby games and finished 5th overall on the table for the 2nd year in a row, and 3rd behind the Hurricanes and Highlanders in the New Zealand Conference. Playing the Highlanders in the qualifying finals in Dunedin was always going to be tough losing 24-14.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Waratahs - Player Profiles". Waratahs. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  2. "ROUND 16 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT". Waratahs.com.au. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  3. "Tahs back in action for 2015". Waratahs. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  4. "Mumm returns for 2016" (Press release). Waratahs. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  5. "Round 15 team announcement". Waratahs. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  6. "Leinster Rugby confirm signing of Kane Douglas" (Press release). Leinster Rugby. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  7. "Sydney Stars Rugby Club : Michael Hodge". Sydney Stars. Archived from the original on 17 August 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
  8. "Recrutement : 3 Signatures" (Press release) (in French). Atlantique Stade Rochelais. 6 June 2014. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  9. "RaboDirect Rebels sign Cam Crawford" (Press release). Melbourne Rebels. 18 June 2014. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  10. "Waratahs Game Day Information". Waratahs.com.au. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  11. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  12. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  13. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  14. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  15. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  16. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  17. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  18. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  19. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  20. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  21. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  22. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  23. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  24. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  25. "Match Centre - Official SANZAR Site". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  26. 1 2 "SA Rugby Log – 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  27. "Super Rugby - Official SANZAR Site". SANZAR. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  28. "Team with "Most Wins" will finish higher in Super Rugby". SANZAR. 12 June 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  29. "Force rock the defending champions". SANZAR. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  30. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 13–25 Force". South African Rugby Union. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  31. "'Tahs hold on in eight-try thriller". SANZAR. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  32. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Rebels 28–38 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  33. "Reds blitzed by champion 'Tahs". SANZAR. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  34. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Reds 5–23 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  35. "Highlanders impress in beating of 'Tahs". SANZAR. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  36. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Highlanders 26–19 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  37. "'Tahs rise to the challenge". SANZAR. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  38. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 28–13 Brumbies". South African Rugby Union. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  39. "Waratahs earn scrappy victory in Sydney". SANZAR. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  40. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 23–11 Blues". South African Rugby Union. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  41. "Stormers back on track with bonus point triumph". SANZAR. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  42. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 18–32 DHL Stormers". South African Rugby Union. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  43. "Hurricanes finally beaten". SANZAR. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  44. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Hurricanes 24–29 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  45. "Waratahs grind to victory over Rebels". SANZAR. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  46. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 18–16 Rebels". South African Rugby Union. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  47. "Waratahs edge Brumbies in brutal derby". SANZAR. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  48. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Brumbies 10–13 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  49. "Force stun Waratahs for third time in a row". SANZAR. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  50. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Force 18–11 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  51. "Waratahs withstand Shark attack". SANZAR. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  52. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 33–18 Cell C Sharks". South African Rugby Union. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  53. "Champs resist Crusader challenge once again". SANZAR. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  54. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 32–22 Crusaders". South African Rugby Union. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  55. "Combrinck sees Lions topple the champs". SANZAR. 31 May 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  56. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Emirates Lions 27–22 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  57. "Defence optional as 'Tahs overwhelm Cheetahs". SANZAR. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  58. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Toyota Cheetahs 33–58 Waratahs". South African Rugby Union. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  59. "Waratahs confirm home semi-final". SANZAR. 13 June 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  60. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 31–5 Reds". South African Rugby Union. 13 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2016.