Another GSP last weekend, making it 5 full-houses out of 13 rounds – I’m at or near the top of most of my Superbru pools, so I hope you are too. All 18 sides are in action this weekend, with quite a few tricky predictions.
Blues v Chiefs
The Chiefs have won the last 11 meetings between these two sides, and given that the Blues are just returning from their South Africa tour, I’m leaning towards the Chiefs. They also have more to play for, with the Blues unlikely to make it out of the strongest conference. Chiefs by 4.
Reds v Force
The Force have had a tough schedule, which included a surprise win in Buenos Aires, following by a drubbing from the Highlanders in Perth. It could go either way, but let’s go with home advantage here. Reds by 6.
Sunwolves v Cheetahs
Just three wins between these two sides all season, and it’s very tricky to call. I’m leaning towards the South African side, that hasn’t yet lost to the Sunwolves. Cheetahs by 4.
Highlanders v Waratahs
This should be a straightforward home win in Dunedin, so it’s all about the margin. Highlanders by 23.
Rebels v Crusaders
It seems unlikely that the unbeaten Crusaders will come unstuck here, and they may rest a few as the All Blacks have one eye on the Lions Tour. Crusaders by 26
Bulls v Hurricanes
Another team having a shocker this season – I can’t see the Bulls winning this one. Hurricanes by 21.
Sharks v Stormers
With home advantage and slightly more motivation – the Stormers are walking the Africa 1 conference despite winning fewer games so far than the Sharks in Africa 2 – let’s pick the Sharks. Sharks by 2.
Jaguares v Brumbies
Losing to the Force at home really put paid to my ‘pick the Jags to win in Argentina’ philosophy, and the Brumbies are stronger than the Force. Still, I think we should stick with the Jaguares this time. Jaguares by 13.
Lions v Kings
Only one defeat for the Lions so far this season, when they sent a second string side to Buenos Aires, and this will be another victory. Lions by 28.
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James
I’m picking the Sunwolves to beat the Cheetahs at home; even in spite of the solitary win, there are still some positive embers in their performances, whereas the Cheetahs just look defeated and have been hopeless on defense.
I think the Lion King game will be a lot closer than Hutch’s prediction, though no upsets to match what happened in Kings v Sharks.
Otherwise my picks were very similar and, full disclosure, I made them before I read the blog ;).
I intend to agree with you Guy.