This is the start of the second half of the regular season so we should have a good idea where all the teams sit by now. Here are my round 10 predictions.
First here is a link to my round-up of last weekend’s action.
How did your round 9 predictions go?
6 from 8, not great but I don’t think that many people thought that the Landers would lose.
My 30 second One Line Predictions with the reasons written below.
Chiefs v Sharks
Put simply the Chiefs are looking the form team in the tournament and at the moment the favourites to go all the way. That doesn’t mean too much as the playoffs are so long in the future but it does mean something for this week. The Sharks will be feeling tired as this is their third game on the tour. Even though they pulled off a shock one point win over the Landers I can’t see them winning here.
Chiefs by 10
Force v Bulls
This is a really difficult one to call. On the one hand the Force are poor and have only managed one win all season. On the other the Bulls can’t tour for toffee. The Bulls should win this one comfortably but I’m going for the home win as their overseas record is so poor.
Force by 3
Highlanders v Brumbies
The Landers are coming off the back of two losses which has out a big dent in their playoff hopes. If you look a little closer both those losses have only been by one point and could easily have gone the other way. That Brumbies looked so promising coming into this season but have had three big losses recently. This could be due to all the off field distractions as the CEO and board fight it out in the courts. So with all that in mind I’m backing the Landers to bounce back.
Highlanders by 5
Blues v Rebels
Another intriguing clash and I will be tweeting from this one so if you are going to be there give me a shout via @DrivingMaul. The Blues are much improved this season and so far have only lost to New Zealand opposition. They are still far from the finished article but can keep the ball well and put opposition under pressure. The Rebels are having the best season ever and are top of the Australian conference. However even though they got their first overseas win last season, I still think that this trip will be a little too far for them.
Blues by 5
Reds v Cheetahs
The Reds have seen an upturn in their fortunes with their interim coaches even if that hasn’t shown in results during their tour to South Africa. Now that they are back home and against easier opposition we should see them pick up some points. The Cheetahs are one of the weak links in Super Rugby and their two wins have come against the Sunwolves. So nice moral boosting easy home win.
Reds by 7
Lions v Hurricanes
This is going to be a real test of the Lions who are looking like a playoff side that could do some damage. The Canes have recovered well after the opening two losses of the season but falling to the Chiefs last weekend, means that this tour could define their season. I think that the Lions who will be playing a similar style of rugby will win it due to home field advantage.
Lions by 5
Stormers v Waratahs
The Stormers are going well but could fall into that flat track bully category. Their two losses have come against some of the better opposition that they have faced. Lucky for them this weekend they are not facing that though. The Tahs have been very disappointing and it will take more than a big win over the Force to change my opinion of them. I’m expecting a relatively easy home win in this one as the travel also has it’s impact.
Stormers by 10
Jaguares v Kings
This was another one that I found really hard to call. The Jags looked a mess last weekend and that loss to the Sunwolves saw them look dejected off the pitch as well. At least they are finally back home and hopefully that’s a tonic for them. The Kings are another of the weak links with their only win over the Sunwolves. In this bottom of the table clash I’m expecting home advantage to be the difference.
Jaguares by 3
This season I’m competing with Rugby Numbers, check out his algorithmic predictions.
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