5 Sports Matches You Need To Watch This Weekend

The rugby, cricket and football seasons are in full swing, and that means that the sporting fixture list is packed full of some epic encounters taking place over the next few days, and we got you covered with which clashes you’ve got to keep your eyes on.

New Zealand vs Australia (ICC Cricket World Cup)

Saturday, 03:00

Whoever wins at Eden Park on Saturday between New Zealand and Australia will have the inside running to take out the ICC World Cup.

New Zealand have swept aside Sri Lanka, Scotland and England in a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.

After blitzing England by 111 runs in their World Cup opener, Australia’s match against Bangladesh in Brisbane last week was abandoned without a ball bowled due to Tropical Cyclone Marcia. 

But Darren Lehmann’s men will be boosted by the long-awaited return of skipper Michael Clarke.

Chiefs vs Crusaders (Super Rugby)

Saturday, 08:35

Two of the strongest teams in the Super Rugby competition will once again meet in a match that will be full of running.

The Chiefs have had a strong start to their competition, and the Crusaders looked a much-improved team last week following their loss to the Rebels in Round 1. Sam Cane and Sonny Bill Williams were ruled out just before kick-off last week, but have returned for round three, with the Chiefs making 11 changes to their starting XV, including four positional.

The Saders will once again be without All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter, who is still recovering from a leg injury sustained in round one, while Tom Taylor starts at fullback ahead of Israel Dagg, who has a quad strain.

Lions Stormers (Super Rugby)

Saturday, 19:10

The Lions will fancy their chances as they host the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday night, but the Cape side had a relatively strong game against the Blues and will see the breakdown, an area the Lions are struggling in, as their opportunity to steal victory.

In terms of selection the Lions have made vast changes to the side and notably dropped Marnitz Boshoff and given a start to Elton Jantjies.

The Stormers have made minimal changes and Bongi Mbonambi and Nizaam Carr come into the starting line up. Mbonami comes in for Ntubeni and Carr comes in for the injured Rynhardt Elstadt in the No.6 jersey.

Liverpool vs Man City (English Premiership League)

Sunday, 14:00

Liverpool and Manchester City clash at Anfield with Premier League top four and title aspirations at stake on Sunday.

The Reds will aim to avenge the 3-1 defeat suffered in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are aiming to finish in the top four while City are chasing their third league success since 2012 and desperately need to close the five-point gap on leaders Chelsea.

Ireland vs England (Six Nations Rugby)

Sunday, 17:00

Reigning champions Ireland will play host to leaders England on Sunday in a battle that could dictate who wins this year’s title. Stuart Lancaster’s men were responsible for Joe Schmidt’s only defeat in last year’s competition, but the England coach may have to deal without Mike Brown, who suffered a setback in his recovery from a concussion suffered against Italy in Round 2.

Jonathan Joseph and Luther Burrell are the Six Nations centre partnership to watch right now, the former having scored three tries in his first two tournament appearances. However, the Irish are looking to unlock the potential of Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw, their own new-look 12 and 13 tandem.

Which matches are you most excited to see this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.