Super Rugby Predictions 2018: Round 2

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Super Rugby

The real Super Rugby action kicks off this weekend, after a brief taster in Round 1 with just two matches. The Kiwi and Aussie teams now enter the fray, and there should be plenty of exciting talent on show.

Like most people, I was two from two last weekend, and hoping to kick on from there. Here are my Super Rugby predictions for Round 2.

Highlanders v Blues
The Blues have not won in Dunedin since 2011, and it’s sensible to pick the home team in this one. Four of the last five meetings between the two sides have been settled by 6 points or fewer, and it’s likely to be another close one. Fly-half Lima Sopoaga will want a strong season before departing for the northern hemisphere, and he’ll run the show alongside scrum-half Aaron Smith. Highlanders by 7

Rebels v Reds
Big things are expected of the Rebels this year, after hoovering up most of the best Force players to build a strong-looking squad. They have to start the season winning at home, and they should be favourites for this one, even though they are missing a few first-choice players. The Reds have jettisoned Quade Cooper in favour of 19-year-old Hamish Stewart, and it will be interesting to see how he fares, but let’s go for a home win. Rebels by 4

Sunwolves v Brumbies
We should see a slightly stronger Japanese outfit this year, but until they put together some notable – and consistent – performances, I’m sticking with the policy of never picking them to win. Brumbies by 16

Crusaders v Chiefs
The defending champions beat the Chiefs home and away last season, and I think they’ll win this one too – in fact, they only lost one match all season on their way to winning the title. Damian Mckenzie looks set to play fly-half, and will take on Richie Mo’unga in the battle to be Beauden Barrett’s backup. Crusaders by 4

Waratahs v Stormers
The Stormers looked decent enough in their opening match against the Jaguares, and should have won by more than 8 points. They showed plenty of attacking intent behind their monstrous pack, and they should be able to push their Australian counterparts around. The bookies have the ‘Tahs as favourites, possibly taking travel into account, but I’m leaning towards the Stormers to get a result having had a run out last week. Stormers by 2

Lions v Jaguares
The home team has won all four meetings between these two teams, with the Lions famously choosing to send understrength sides to Buenos Aires. This is also the one match where we have last week’s form to go on for both teams – and I thought the Lions score flattered the opposition, whilst the Jaguares were somewhat fortunate to keep the winning margin to just 8. Lions by 16

Bulls v Hurricanes
Home advantage is often most felt at Loftus, where the Bulls are usually tough to beat. But they haven’t beaten the Hurricanes since 2013, and lost by 14 points at home in this fixture last season. I’m expecting the Bulls to finish behind all the other SA teams this year, whilst I think the Hurricanes will be challenging for the title. If the Hurricanes can get things clicking from the outset, they should win comfortably. Hurricanes by 23

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Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James

14 thoughts on “Super Rugby Predictions 2018: Round 2”

  1. The Bulls might surprise you this year, now that John Mitchell is their coach. On the strength of last weekend, they could overtake the Sharks (who risk finishing last in the conference unless unless they remedy their tight five ‘issue’).




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    1. I don’t think Bulls might surprise anyone. Shitty squad last year and even worse this year, specially with the departs of Van Zyl, Serfontein, Basson and the absence of Paige. I might be wrong but if weather allows I think this one will be a cricket score




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      2. To clarify, I don’t think they will surprise this weekend – I think the Hurricanes will give them a groot klap. But I don’t think they will be the lowest placed SA team – think they will finish above the Sharks, maybe even the Stormers… even in the absence of Paige!




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  3. “The Jaguares were somewhat fortunate to keep the winning margin to just 8”?? The Stormers were lucky to have Jaco Peyper as their 16 player in the field. He decided to reset the scrum over and over again instead of call a penalty try. Come on man…




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  5. The Blues have plenty of fire power from 9 to 15, but need the forward pack to supply clean front foot ball.
    Upset Blues by 4.




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