Super 14 semi-finalists still unclear
Roar Pro By kynang, 25 Apr 2010 kynang is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Bulls, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Rugby Union, Stormers, Super Rugby
After 10 games, there’s still only one clear semi-finalist. Five points clear of the chasing pick, with two home games to come, you’d have to back the Bulls to at least make the semis.
Home advantage is by no means certain though, with the Sharks, Crusaders and Stormers still to come. The Bulls heavies are looking tired and a hard match-up against the Sharks next week is going to leave them vulnerable to a desperate Crusaders team.
And then an away trip to Newlands to face the Stormers in what could be a do-or-die game for the Capetonians… but Morne Steyn at Loftus is a beautiful thing. Who can bet against that?
I have a nagging suspicion one of the Stormers or Crusaders is not going to make the final four… they both have a nightmare run home. The Crusaders can very easily drop both their remaining away games – their record at Loftus is terrible of late and the Stormers should be able to stop the red and black machine at home.
That being said, the Sharks and Bulls both know how to beat the Stormers and do so more often than not, which means the Stormers and Crusaders could be in sitting tied for 4th place with points differential making up the difference.
I’m backing the Reds and Waratahs to fill the other two spots. Everyone else is just too far off the pace, much as I’d like to see the Sharks surprise everyone. The odds are just too long on the front runners losing them all.
So, through a very muddy crystal ball I see…
1. Bulls.
2. Reds.
3. Waratahs.
4. Stormers.
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- Explore:
- Bulls, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Rugby Union, Stormers, Super Rugby
April 25th 2010 @ 9:06am
Gary said | April 25th 2010 @ 9:06am | Report comment
Don’t write off the Crusaders. They were beaten by their nemisis the Force but will bounce back.
I think:
1. Bulls.
2. Reds
3. Stormers
4. Crusaders
April 25th 2010 @ 9:32am
Who Needs Melon said | April 25th 2010 @ 9:32am | Report comment
I think the Bulls, Stormers and Reds are all great teams and thoroughly deserve finals spots. I could watch those 3 teams play each other every week and not get bored.
The rest seem to be doing their best to NOT make the finals at the moment.
April 25th 2010 @ 10:52am
Rugby1 said | April 25th 2010 @ 10:52am | Report comment
I’m going to be optimistic
Reds
Bulls
Waratahs
Stormers
With last 3 rounds, bulls, crusaders, stormers play each other throw in the sharks to pip a game off one of them, reds and waratahs have a easier run to the finals. Best oz result in years!
April 25th 2010 @ 1:14pm
Wawnout said | April 25th 2010 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
Yeah. I’m hoping our blokes can spend all the time they will have not competing in finals sorting themselves into some sort of decent AB team. Oh yeah, I forgot, Henry and co. Anybody wants me I’ve gone fishin.
April 25th 2010 @ 1:15pm
jiggles said | April 25th 2010 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
If the Reds don’t make the finals they only have themselves to blame. as a matter of fact with there run home they should make the top 2.
I dont like the Tah’s but with there run home they will probably make it in.
As for the stormers, Crusaders and Bulls. those three all play each other so I have a feeling one of them and maybe even 2 might miss out.
1. Bulls
2. Reds
3. Stormers
4. Any one but the Tahs
April 25th 2010 @ 1:55pm
ohtani's jacket said | April 25th 2010 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
If the Rugby Gods are smiling then the Tahs won’t make the finals. They shouldn’t even be at the hunt at this point with the tinny wins they’ve had and I don’t see why anyone would want their boring style of play contaminating the finals just because they’re Australian. Too bad the Highlanders and Chiefs are too useless to do anything about it.
April 25th 2010 @ 4:11pm
jiggles said | April 25th 2010 @ 4:11pm | Report comment
I would like to see the sharks or blues make it but it won’t happen
April 25th 2010 @ 2:14pm
Scotty in South Devon said | April 25th 2010 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
Tinny wins??? They playing for beers, what a fine old concept!
April 25th 2010 @ 2:18pm
ohtani's jacket said | April 25th 2010 @ 2:18pm | Report comment
It’s doubtful that would improve their performance.
April 25th 2010 @ 3:43pm
Who Needs Melon said | April 25th 2010 @ 3:43pm | Report comment
A few before the game perhaps? Couldn’t hurt.
April 25th 2010 @ 2:55pm
cookie said | April 25th 2010 @ 2:55pm | Report comment
Bulls
Reds
Stormers
Tahs
It would be great to have a semi final in both SA & Aust. More so if its Bulls vs Tahs & Reds vs Stormers or likewise.
The Tah’s aren’t pretty nor entertaining but they seem to get the job done but I can’t see them winning the comp…
The crusaders are only here on paper because of the draw…. All the good teams to play against yet so tah tah
The Brumbies just don’t cut the mustard so forget about them…
April 25th 2010 @ 4:14pm
kiwisunshine said | April 25th 2010 @ 4:14pm | Report comment
Yes, I tend to agree that the top 4 will be the Bulls,Reds,Tahs and the Stormers. I do think the Bulls will come 1st and secure home finals rights and I think who will come 2nd is a lottery. It will be awesome if the reds or tahs can secure a home semi by coming 2nd. I feel the loss by the Crusaders in Perth has really put them in a difficult position. Before the game they were pushing for a home semi, now after the loss they may be lucky to make the Top 4. Im sure its been a long time since there was no NZ side in the Super 12 or Super 14 semis.
My Tip If you like watching open running rugby, watch the remaining round robin games the H,Cannes have to play. They need 5 point wins to even have a remote hope of making the semis. And they will go for four tries in every game. The game against Otago on the w/kend was a thriller.
April 26th 2010 @ 7:53am
Justin said | April 26th 2010 @ 7:53am | Report comment
I hope the Crusaders miss, that 10-1 I got last week is looking sweet after their loss to the Force….