After a perfect tipping result last week, obviously built on luck, I felt it important to provide the winners to this week’s games.
In an attempt to assist those in doubt, before Brett McKay gets in his expert tips, let’s get started.
Crusaders versus Force
The Force gave traditionally done well against the powerhouse Crusaders team. Let’s be realistic though, three continents in three weeks will leave the Force well short. Nothing to be ashamed of and with the Test break coming up, the Force will still feature come finals.
Tip: Crusaders by 21.
Reds versus Highlanders
The Highlanders lost last weekend and I am sure they are all about getting those competition points back against the hopeless Reds. Suncorp is Suncorp though and as much as I would like to see Richard Graham continue his losing form… Nah, the Highlanders will win a close one.
Tip: Highlanders.
Chiefs versus Waratahs
Season defining stuff for both teams. I’ve not seen inspiration from the Chiefs as I have from the ‘Tahs in the last few weeks. It must help that this game is not at Hamilton, so this may be where the ‘Tahs do something well and finish the Chief’s season.
Tip: Waratahs by more than 12.
Blues versus Hurricanes
I understand that the Blues are playing another new five-eighth, but it won’t matter, because the ‘Canes are far superior this year.
Tip: Hurricanes by more than 40.
Brumbies versus Rebels
Tough trip for the Brums, and the Rebels were unlucky last weekend to face a rampant ‘Tahs side with much to prove. My bias is getting involved here as it is probably better for the Force if the Brums lose, but I think that will happen in a close game.
Tip: Rebels win.
Elsewhere the Bulls will beat the Lions – easy – and the upset of the week will be the Stormers beating the Sharks at home after a long tour.
Let’s see how we go.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
:)
sittingbison
Guest
Force by 3 ;) hehe gotta be positive :)
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes, my mistake. I would settle for more than 30 ;) I must admit, I erred on the side of caution with my tips here, being that the favourites will confirm their status heading into the playoffs and with national jerseys up for grabs also
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I think there are definitely some close ones this week Shop, unfortunately I don't think the Force is one of them!
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Tongue planted firmly in cheek! Can't believe you are tipping against our beloved Western Force. Oh I did too :) I've got a few others different, Chiefs, Brums and Sharks. Oh I didn't say 40.... I said more than 40 :)
Digby
Roar Guru
Not sure whether thats a serious question or not ;) My picks this week - Crusaders PP Highlanders Chiefs GO CANES!! Brumbies Bulls Sharks
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Who'd you pick in that one Digger?
Digby
Roar Guru
Haha ;) Nice El. Loving the by 40 bit, would settle for a measly 30 personally :D
Andrew Ng
Guest
I think this is how I'd tip if I was tipping with ny heart and trying to forge the tags way to number 1. I'd probably gave thrown in a reds upset to try abd get three aussies in the six more securely.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
With the Chief's back to the wall too...should be a cracker!
Stu. B.
Guest
El Gamba,may have it together again this week,not so sure Tahs/Chiefs,Tahs haven't had the blowtorch applied for a few games now and if the chiefs click may just disrupt their rhythm,looking forward to a cracker game.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Hi Riccardo, yes I am probably leveraging off a clean sheet to have a bit of a laugh, at least with margins. You raise good points though, the Stormers Sharks should be a great game, I love the irony of potentially playing a game with 15 to lose! The tahs is a bullish tip against a wounded chiefs side though I feel I haven't seen much from the Chiefs this year against good opposition. Are the tahs good enough? It may be closer. The Rebels over the Brumbies is my upset, but yes, the Brumbies should probably be too good, tough travel though. 40 is a lot at Eden Park, perhaps I should have checked venue on this one though I still expect the 'canes to have a comfortable win. It's all a guess :)
Riccardo
Guest
The Stormers may be playing better football now but it's at home. While the travel for the Sharks could be a factor I can't see them capitulating at home after the sheer guts they have showed on tour. They may be less likley to lose a man to the bin at home which, ironically, may count against them though. Waratahs by 12 or more is enterprising. Yarrow Stadium is still a home ground and the Chiefs are rebounding from a horrific loss last week. Add in Cruden's return to the tiller and I'm prepared to go the other way, or at least see it as a closer finish. The Rebels were good aganst the Reds but they till should have lost. Brumbies will be tired after their trip but should still be too good for the Melbournians. In fact a return to Canberra stadium may lift them to atone for some average results in the Republic. And the Hurricanes by 40+? The Blues unbeaten run at Eden Park may well fall depending on which Hurrcianes side turns up but I think you may be having a laugh EG. I'm not prepared to write off any of your predictions though after last week's clean sheet. Well done. :D
Michael
Guest
"Tip: Hurricanes by more than 40." This made me laugh so hard. But anyway, good luck with your picks, El Gamba.
Shop
Roar Guru
I can see why you are favouring the Stormers, but after getting stung by the Sharks last week I don't have the nads to back against them this week. Would love the see the Force upset the Saders as they have often caused more trouble than expected but not with Read in and McCalman out.