The tipping options look relatively clear cut for round 13 with three of the four on the panel having the same selections and the other with just one game variation.
Last week saw Nick catch Christy at the top, although well done to The Crowd, who continue to outperform the four on the panel.
There’s also a battle brewing for the wooden spoon where Hamish has caught up to Tony after an impressive round 12.
Hurricanes, Chiefs, Drua, Brumbies, Blues, Force
The Hurricanes might have used their clash against Moana Pasifika to give a few stars a breather but they’ll still be far too good.
The second match on Friday evening is more intriguing as the Rebels host the Chiefs in what could be the Melbourne-based side’s final home clash.
Hopefully the Rebels turn up and give the Chiefs a shake, but I’m fearful that they’ll get run over the top and beaten out wide by the All Blacks-laden side.
Regardless of whether they win or lose, it’s shocking that it’s got to this point in the season that the Rebels don’t know if it will indeed be their last home game. The fans and current group deserve better.
The Reds fell up short in Fiji almost 12 months ago as the Drua finished over the top of Brad Thorn’s men. Les Kiss has lost a couple through injury and rested others, but it’s still a reasonable looking side.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Will it be enough? I’m not sure, with the Drua’s home record something that gets my vote.
The Brumbies will be out to win their first clash against the Crusaders since 2009. That’s a crazy record for one of the most competitive sides in Super Rugby.
It’s also 20 years since the Brumbies won their last Super Rugby title by beating the Crusaders in Canberra. I’ll back Stephen Larkham’s men to ensure it’s a reunion worth celebrating.
Despite Rob Penney welcoming back Fergus Burke, the constant changes in the halves and across the side aren’t good for their continuity.
Larkham’s Brumbies welcome back a handful of players too, including James Slipper and Noah Lolesio.
The Highlanders’ three-match winning streak will come to an end on Saturday at Eden Park. The Blues might have a slight drop-off following their important win over the Hurricanes last week, but there’s too much at stake to let a bonus point slip.
The Waratahs will get up for Jake Gordon’s 100th match but will it be enough? The Waratahs’ front-row issues will hurt them of course but elsewhere they’re still in reasonable health.
I’m backing the Force though. Their home record has always been competitive and they’ve found some stability at long last.
Hurricanes, Chiefs, Drua, Brumbies, Blues, Force
Moana have a couple of winnable games on the run home, but fixtures like this are why finals may be out of the question, despite the growth shown this season.
Even with 11 changes, this Canes side still looks solid. It is sobering to think this might be the last time the Rebels play at home, so if you are a Rebels fan, savour it as much as you can.
Hopefully, that’ll galvanise a strong performance. They’ll need it, the cavalry is back for the Chiefs and I see them winning big here.
I mean, it’s Fiji in Fiji. You gotta pick them, right? I’m honestly not as confident on this as previous fixtures given there is a lot on the line for the Reds. It’ll be closer than expected.
Fun fact – did you know this used to be one of the pinnacle rivalries of Super 12? However, the last time the Brums tasted victory against the Crusaders was back in 2009. Fergus Burke is a welcome return, but with Canberra a hard place to win in at the best of times, I back the hosts – although, not with as much confidence as I maybe should have.
The Highlanders have really done well the last few weeks and look to have a finals spot all locked in – but this is a bridge too far. The Blues are top of the ladder for a reason, and this should be an exhibition of why. Every time I tip the Force, I get told off by Force fans on Twitter for doing so – they prefer it when the boys are the underdogs.
Despite this, it’s increasingly hard to when they are winning more and more at home – and with the Tahs forward pack as wounded as it is now, I expect Hoopert, Medrano, Pearce and company to really put the foot down at scrum time.
Hurricanes, Chiefs, Drua, Brumbies, Blues, Force
Until such time as Moana Pasifika gets a level playing field to compete from, there isn’t much reason to watch them each week.
I could see the Rebels winning this one, but the Chiefs are the safer tipping option.
Potentially the match of the round. I’ll tip Drua but not with huge confidence.
Hopefully Brumbies by plenty. I’m at the point where I want things to go bad enough for the Crusaders that they have a serious look at their set up.
Would love the Highlanders to win. Can’t see it, though.
Go the Force. Injuries haven’t helped the Waratahs, but they’re in a similar spot to the Crusaders.
Hurricanes, Chiefs, Reds, Brumbies, Blues, Force
The odds show the Hurricanes paying $1.02 to MP’s $23 with the line at 28.5. I need to make up some ground on the leaders, or at least try get a break on Hamish, but this is a risk too far.
The Chiefs are back near full strength for the visit to Melbourne where the absences of Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway – who has played his last game at home as Rebel regardless of what happens to the club – will be keenly felt.
I won’t be the only one stoked if I’m wrong and the Rebels pull off a heartwarming win.
I usually opt for the Dru at home but they were touched up by the Hurricanes, and only narrowly edged the Waratahs. Les Kiss has taken some risks with his line up but I’m going for a Floyd Aubrey special and a Queensland win.
The rest seem to be straightforward, although the Force might feel some pressure with finals on the line. The bookies rate that match the tightest of the round with the Force paying $1.83 to the Tahs’ $1.98 and the line at 1.5 points.
| Round 13 | Christy | Nick | Tony | Hamish | The Crowd |
| Overall | 46 | 46 | 42 | 42 | 49 |
| Last week | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| HUR v MOA | HUR | HUR | HUR | HUR | ? |
| REB v CHI | CHI | CHI | CHI | CHI | |
| FIJ v RED | FIJ | FIJ | RED | FIJ | ? |
| BRU v CRU | BRU | BRU | BRU | BRU | ? |
| BLU v HIG | BLU | BLU | BLU | BLU | ? |
| FOR v WAR | FOR | FOR | FOR | FOR | ? |
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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