An up-and-down week, it has to be said, in Round 12. We all started reasonably well, even with some differences in the Brumbies-Tahs slugfest, but it came tumbling down from the Rebels on Saturday night.
Some of us never recovered, in what turned out to be a harder round to tip that perhaps it first appeared
Paddy remains in the lead – just. A different Powerplay saw Digger peg him back just slightly.
The big Round 13 questions: Is this the last chance for the Crusaders in 2015? Can the Rebels begin an unlikely run to the playoffs? Will the Hurricanes send the Sharks in again by halftime?
Do the Waratahs really believe the Force is the bogey team they say they are? Can the Highlanders cement their playoffs spot on tour? Who has the more to lose in Cape Town? And what happened to the other game?
Diggercane
Tips: Crusaders, Rebels, Hurricanes (PP), Waratahs, Highlanders, Stormers.
“Paddy will have a kink in his neck as the chasing pack inevitably closes in on his frail lead and this week should be some good pickings.
“Friday night is all about the home teams for me, with the Crusaders and Rebels to get the points over the coloured teams.
“I’m backing the Waratahs to continue their run to the playoffs while I think the Highlanders will win at Ellis Park for my away team picks while I expect the Stormers to bounce back hard at home after a disappointing last outing.
“For the important game, the Hurricanes can have my powerplay against the Sharks in Wellington.”
Brett McKay
Tips: Crusaders, Rebels, Hurricanes, Waratahs (PP), Highlanders, Stormers.
This looks like another easy week to me, which is immediately worrying. Lock us in for twos and threes again this week, for sure.
Crusaders and Rebels feel self-explanatory. Hurricanes even without Barrett will be too good for the Sharks. In fact, Chris Boyd could run the Wellington Lions out and still get the four points. Maybe even the five points. Geez, I’m annoyed with the Sharks this year.
The Force will fancy themselves, but the Waratahs need to win and win well. And they need to win when the pressure’s on, so they can have my Powerplay, too.
The Lions will be hard to beat, but I think the Highlanders can do it. And I wrote it month ago, I wrote it a fortnight ago; the Brumbies are facing a tough run in the next few weeks. And I’ve seen nothing in that time to change my mind. Season’s on the line for them at Newlands.
Paddy Effeney
Tips: Crusaders (PP), Rebels, Hurricanes, Waratahs, Highlanders, Brumbies.
“Another one of the bye rounds eh? Well, at least the tipping’s easier this week. Right, guys?
“Guys?
“Nah, I actually think it is easier. Crusaders pick themselves. Rebels pick themselves. ‘Canes pick themselves. ‘Tahs pick themselves.
“Lions pick… No Highlanders pick… *Flips coin*. Coin picks Highlanders!
“Stormers… No Brumbies… I don’t really know with this one. I’ll go with the Brumbies.
“Powerplay goes on whoever’s playing the Reds.
“Now, how good was that Rebels match on the weekend? Plenty of starch was shown by the lads, as it has been all season. My brother’s a convert, and I can see why. Heckling’s never been so much fun.”
Elisha Pearce
Tips: Crusaders, Rebels, Hurricanes (PP), Waratahs, Lions, Stormers.
“I enjoyed that round of tipping until Saturday night. My first loss of the round coincided with me getting soaked, walking from the Strawberry Hills Hotel to Central Station in the pouring rain. I don’t know if that’s a metaphor or a warning, or what.
“Crusaders to wipe the Reds, one they have to win to stay alive. Then the Rebels to sneak home against the Blues by a closer margin than beating the Chiefs the week before would suggest. Take the Hurricanes at home and put a powerplay on it (the Sharks deserve to lose after signing away Potgieter from the ‘Tahs as far as I’m concerned).
“The Waratahs to get another ugly win in Perth, sending more writers into premature raptures. Give the Lions a home win against the Highlanders – sneaky game of the round prospect here. And the Stormers also at home over the Brumbies.”
Spiro Zavos
Tips: Crusaders, Rebels, Hurricanes, Waratahs (PP), Lions, Stormers.
“I took a hammering last week, even though I picked what looked like the obvious outcomes. It just goes to show that this is a competition where any team, or almost any team, can beat another Super Rugby side on a particular day.
“Last week, too, was a triumph for home sides, with the exception of the Waratahs win over the Brumbies. I am going, without a great deal of confidence, in a similar series of home wins, with one exception, for this round.”
The summary
| Round 13 | Diggercane | Patrick Effeney | Brett McKay | Elisha Pearce | Spiro Zavos |
| Overall | 62 | 63 | 56 | 59 | 58 |
| Last week | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| CRU v RED | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders |
| REB v BLU | Rebels | Rebels | Rebels | Rebels | Rebels |
| HUR v SHA | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes |
| FOR v WAR | Waratahs | Waratahs | Waratahs | Waratahs | Waratahs |
| LIO v HIG | Highlanders | Highlanders | Highlanders | Lions | Lions |
| STO v BRU | Stormers | Brumbies | Stormers | Stormers | Stormers |
| POWERPLAY | Hurricanes | Crusaders | Waratahs | Hurricanes | Waratahs |
| BYE | Bulls, Cheetahs, Chiefs |
Phantom
Roar Rookie
and the force
Utah
Guest
He is right in implying that they both have similar games!
Patrick Effeney
Editor
As an aside, I was at that game, and it was some of the best fun I've had at the rugby in my life. Great game! Great stadium, great atmosphere.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
I'll only be happy if by some miracle I'm proved right... albeit belatedly! OK you've twisted my arm. Here's we've you all gone wrong this week. There has been a disturbance in the Force and I have felt it. The Waratahs will not win in Perth. You heard it here first. Nobody expects the Blues to win with Kaino out and that is exactly why they will this weekend. The Highlanders will lead the whole game only to be pipped just before the final whistle with a penalty goal from half way. As you can see, there's a reason why I'm languishing at the bottom of my Super 15 tipping comp but if this should all come true, I will change my username to The Oracle. Stay strong - against the flood of abuse surely to come my way after these ludicrous picks - seems more appropriate though. :)
Brett McKay
Expert
It would be an ugly win for the Stormers over the Stormers, KD... :-P
Brett McKay
Expert
Ok, that's a fair variation! Good luck with that, Akari, sincerely..
Brett McKay
Expert
Very definitely, Rob. Lealiifano has been doing a good job, but he's essentially been playing his 12 game at 10, which feels like it's compressed the attack somewhat. I think they've missed Toomua's direction up in middle corridor, and as an extra front line kicker too. White back this week will help to a degree..
Digby
Roar Guru
:D
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Crusaders by a huge margin over the Reds. Thinking 30+. Carter and McCaws last super rugby game in Christchurch and the boys will be up for this and send them off in style. They are the lock of the week Rebels to continue the Blues misery away from home in a tight ugly contest. Score will probably be something like 17-15. Hurricanes to lay waste to a disappointing Sharks outfit. Last weeks loss would have resigned the Sharks to the fact they are not playoff bound this year and this should be a long tour for them. The Canes could find themselves 10 points clear at the top with a 4 try win. That should be almost unassailable. Waratahs should do the business against the Force but I think this might be closer than people think. Going for Highlanders over Lions. The New Zealand teams have sized up well against the South African sides and the Hurricanes are right up there with the best NZ teams. Reckon this could be a scorefest. Stormers to win in an ugly one against Stormers. Neither side inspire great confidence in attack and both play a stagnant game relying on defence and errors. The home ground advantage of the Stormers gets them my nod
Akari
Roar Rookie
After last week's disappointment (and the one before that) and the accompanying falls, I am going all out for Crusaders (PP), Blues, Canes, Force, Highlanders & Brumbies and hope that I don't stumble and fall further back down the ladder.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Blues all the way against the Rebels. Better side, better backline, Akira Ioane to win the day- watch out for this boy. Better coach... ...scratch that last one...
Brett McKay
Expert
So anyone got any massive differences this round?
Akari
Roar Rookie
Have you lost the faith, RT? I need to start climbing back up the ladder and there is no point in sticking with the seemingly 'obvious' home team winners. I am therefore putting my faith in the Blues and the Brumbies to cause upsets.
Brett McKay
Expert
I've picked two of your three - so if you're happy, I'll be happy!
Brett McKay
Expert
Happiness through gritted teeth... :D
Akari
Roar Rookie
You've lost the faith, Brett. Obviously, the pressure, the pressure is dragging you down unlike DiggerCane. What would be your take when that Effing Patrick comes out the winner with the Brumbies?
Dubaikiwi
Guest
By the way just mentioning 12 weeks.....number 1
Dubaikiwi
Guest
Away tips this week are Waratahs and Highlanders, its a sad day when the style of play of the Rebels makes them the favourite but the Blues are a rabble and with key players out cant see them winning. Stormers Brumbies, toss of coin for home team advantage is all. Others pick themselves. Pp on Crusaders
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
We'll compare Monday then, Brett. ;)
Brett McKay
Expert
I won't say 'I told you so', promise...