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Bill Pulver predicts three Aussie Super Rugby finalists

28th January, 2015
39

Australian Rugby union chief executive Bill Pulver has boldly predicted three local teams will make this year’s Super Rugby finals.

Last year, Pulver predicted an Australian team would win the competition and NSW Waratahs delivered on that, earning their maiden title.

Australia has had two Super finalists on a few occasions, but Pulver’s optimism for 2015 is based on the performances of the five franchises last year and the quality of their recruiting for the coming campaign.

“2014 was the strongest year of Super rugby we’ve ever had, we won more games in 2014 than ever before,” Pulver said at the Australian Super season launch in Sydney on Wednesday.

“If you look through the five squads, there’s been some very interesting new players coming forward this year and I have no question they are all going to perform well again.

“I think the real prediction is that in a finals series where you only have six teams Australia will get three in the finals series this year and that would be a superb outcome.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who also coaches the Waratahs, didn’t feel Pulver’s prediction would put added pressure on his defending champion side and the other Australian franchises.

“That’s the marketing department working overtime,” Cheika said with a chuckle.

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All five Australian teams will play a trial match this weekend, with the season starting on February 13.

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