Only 4 rounds to go until the playoffs but surprisingly there are few interesting match ups from the log point of view. Here are my predictions.
First here is a link to my review of the last round.
How did you predictions go last round?
3 from 6, is poor on the surface but could have been much worse after I got the first two wrong!
Chiefs v Bulls
The Bulls are on a long losing streak when playing overseas. Last week they lost to the Blues and this week it gets a lot harder. The Chiefs might be without key players but they will still have enough to comfortably win at home.
Chiefs by 10
Reds v Sharks
Both these sides are having a poor season, the Sharks are getting their players back from injuries and suspensions. That hasn’t helped their results and being on tour is always a hard place to turn around. The Reds pulled off a TBP win last weekend and with the feel good factor of new coaches I expect that to take them to a narrow win.
Reds by 3
Blues v Hurricanes
The Blues have won all their games at Eden Park this season, unfortunately they have lost all the other ones. That has included wins over the top teams of the other two conferences. This weekend they attempt to complete the set but I really can’t see them beating the runaway log leaders when with Smith missing. I set the margin before I knew that it was forecast as being a wet game so it could be closer than the 15 points I have put below. So I’m guessing I’ll be huddling for cover under the East Stand again if you’re coming to the game.
Hurricanes by 15
Waratahs v Crusaders
I’m following my theme of considering the Crusaders as flat track bullies. Last time out they got a decent win over the Reds. Unfortunately for them this week they are facing a serious side. So I’m going for a narrow home win to the Tahs.
Waratahs by 5
Force v Highlanders
I have gone with a comfortable Highlanders win. But I’m not so confident now, the Force only have 2 wins this season but they are both over the same team. It’s a team that they have a good record against and seem to know how to beat. The same can be said about their record against the Highlanders having won the last 6. How ever the Highlanders ar ea much improved side this year and I’m still confident they’ll get a good away win.
Highlanders by 15
Cheetahs v Lions
The Lions have stumbled after their good run of victories climbed them into contention. They still have a shout and know that this is a must win. The Cheetahs confidence will be much improved with a couple of recent wins. However as the Lions need it more I’m expecting them to take a narrow win, which all their wins have been this season.
Lions by 3
Stormers v Rebels
Finally the Rebels on tour to South Africa. A couple of weeks ago on the #RugbyChat several of us were feeling positive about the Rebels chances of making the playoffs. A reverse against the Reds and seeing this fixture has dampened those feelings. The Stormers are looking favourites to top the South African conference with only one loss against non-NZ sides. I think they will take a narrowish win here.
Stormers by 7
Junior Rugby World Championship
The JRWC kicks off at the beginning of June and I’ll be doing my usual predictions and reviews for that as well. Please join in the fun with my SuperBru prediction league.
