Super Rugby starts on Thursday this year, just to make the first round of predictions even harder. Teams aren’t yet announced, and there’s not much form to go on, it’s a lottery anyway, but here we go.
Rebels v Blues
The last 5 matches have been won by the home side, and that’s the safest bet in Round 1. Hopefully we’ll see a very open game, and there’s some exciting attacking talent on show. Rebels by 6.
Highlanders v Chiefs
Any New Zealand derby is an exciting prospect, and you’d expect these two teams to be contenders at the end of the season. Leaning towards home advantage again, particularly as the Highlanders have won the last 6 meetings, but it could go either way. Highlanders by 2.
Reds v Sharks
The Sharks will fancy their chances in this year’s competition, on the easier side of the draw against the Aussie teams, and it’s probably an advantage to head straight off on tour. Sharks are stronger on paper and should start with a win. Sharks by 8.
Sunwolves v Hurricanes
The Japanese are likely to be the whipping boys again, and the schedulers have given them a tough start against the Champions, and it could get ugly if the Canes get off to a flyer. Hurricanes by 43.
Crusaders v Brumbies
I fancy the Saders this year, and this should be a fairly straightforward home win. Famous last words in Super Rugby. Crusaders by 18.
Waratahs v Force
The Tahs should be decent, and the Force will probably be average again, so I can’t see past a home win in Round 1. Waratahs by 23.
Cheetahs v Lions
Last year’s finalists will hope to be contenders again this year, and although the Cheetahs are tough to beat at home, the Lions have the measure of them having won the past 6 meetings. Lions by 13.
Kings v Jaguares
The Kings won’t win many, but it’s the games against the Jaguares and the Sunwolves in which you need to be careful. The safe pick is still Kings to be beaten easily, so let’s stick with that for Round 1. Jaguares by 23.
Stormers v Bulls
The Bulls haven’t won at Newlands since 2011, and have only won 1 of the last 5 matches between the two sides, so the home team is the safe pick once again. Stormers by 16.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
Highlanders by 3
Blues by 5
Waratahs by 7
Reds by 6
Bulls by 5
Hurricanes by 35
Cheetahs by 5
Crusaders by 18
Los Jaguares by 21
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Blues 13
Highlanders 10
Reds 14
Hurricanes 33
Crusaders 15
Waratahs 15
Lions 20
Bulls 9
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Kings and Jaguars?
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buhahaha
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Reds to beat Sharks and Blues to beat Rebels
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So here we go again: One of my favourite rugby competitions is back. Not sure who’ll be up there this year but the Highlanders and the Hurricanes won’t be too far away I don’t think.
Predictions:
Rebels v Blues – Close but I go with the Blues by 5
Highlanders v Chiefs – Landers at home good for the win here by 7
Waratahs v Western Force – The Force are crap, Waratahs by 15
Reds v Sharks – Not sure but I’ve seen the Reds starting team and it looks decent, Reds by 9
Sunwolves v Hurricanes – The Canes are my team, they’ll win this by 45 points!!.
Crusaders v Brumbies – Brumbies aren’t as good this year, Crusaders by 17
Cheetahs v Lions – Easy away win. Lions by 21
Kings v Jaguares – Going for a shock, Kings by 6!!.
Stormers v Bulls – Will be boring but Stormers by 12
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Some further predictions:
Conference Winners:
Hurricanes
Waratahs
Lions
Stormers
Wooden Spoon: Southern Kings or Western Force
Surprise package: Jaguares/Reds
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What a terrible start for my Superbru picks so far. Hoping the rest of the round goes slightly better!
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