If you thought last week was an easy round to tip, you need only look as far as my Round 4 result for the proof. If I’m picking the card, then it can’t have been too hard.
Round 5 is a whole other story, though. But my reckoning, there’s at least three and maybe four of the eight games that could go either way, and from the competition’s perspective, I think that will be very welcome after weeks upon weeks of purely off-field talk. It shapes as a really tough week to tip, so do your best.
And rest assured Roarers, if I jag anything more than six this week, I won’t be waiting until next Thursday to let you know about it.
I’m really looking forward to this weekend; let’s get into it.
Last week: another perfect round for Nobes, Brett also 8, Harry, Digger and The Crowd 7
Nobes
“Round 4 was fairly easy tipping although the Kings almost pulled the upset of year.
“In round 5 we have to add the uncertainty Super Rugby in 2018 to injuries, suspensions, and travel fatigue. All the rumours and news about the future of Super Rugby has to be playing a role in the players and staff of those teams which may be facing the axe.
“Crusaders will beat the improving Force. With Bernard Foley back I will tip the Waratahs after seeing that poor kickers cost the game for the Rebels against the Chiefs. Is an excellent opportunity for the Blues to enter a winning cycle against the Bulls.
“The best from Australia against the last from NZ, hhhmmm… Highlanders. Stormers should take care of the speedy Sunwolves, the Lions over the improving and tenacious Kings, and the Sharks will have to improve to take care of the Cheetahs.
“And Jaguares will beat the timezone-zombies in th Reds.”
TIPS: Crusaders, Waratahs, Blues, Highlanders, Stormers, Lions, Sharks, Jaguares.
Brett
I very deliberately put my tips into the sheet first this week, so as not to get influenced as I read through the tips from the guys – and wouldn’t you know it, we’re all pretty close again.
The Crusaders should win at home fairly well, but the Force are playing some good rugby at the moment, and I reckon we’re due for a big upset. I’ll stick with the home side for this exercise, but look forward to being wrong. And I honestly thought I’d be alone in picking the Rebels, but it turns out I’m not alone in being underwhelmed by the Waratahs at the moment.
The Blues record in Albany is pretty solid, and I think that will continue, and I think the Brumbies’ run will continue too, with the Highlanders in a bit of a rough patch currently. The Sunwolves very nearly upset the Stormers in Singapore last year, and if they get as close as ‘nearly’ this year, they should get double points.
The Kings were really good against the Sharks last weekend, but they’ll need the game of their lives to beat the Lions this weekend. I give the Cheetahs a massive chance against the Sharks, a massive chance. And I reckon if they weren’t coming back from Argentina, I’d pick them, too.
And the Jaguares in the ‘Breakfast Rugby’ spectacular in Buenos Aires.
TIPS: Crusaders, Rebels, Blues, Brumbies, Stormers, Lions, Sharks, Jaguares.
Harry
“Here are the designated villain’s picks.
“The good Force will score in threes; the bad Crusaders in fives and sevens. The facile Rebels and the sterile Waratahs will stage a contest of mediocrity. Rebels? I suppose.
“The weak-minded Blue Bulls will be blued by the flaky Blues. The desperate Highlanders will fall short in Canberra because the Smiths aren’t on song and the Brumbies have a fully-functioning lineout. The sleepy Stormers (least penalised scrum) will vanquish the light-tackling Sunwolves.
“The improving Kings (power up front; speed in the back; a real 10 at the helm) will watch the prolific Lions take a lot of conversions. The Bloemfontein derby will be violent. Sharks win those games. The overrated Reds will get a real hiding in Argentina.”
TIPS: Crusaders, Rebels, Blues, Brumbies, Stormers, Lions, Sharks, Jaguares.
Digger
“Crusaders at home are a must pick, but the Rebels? Head says no, but my head has hardly served me well thus far, so Rebels it is. The Blues should win on form compared to the travelling Bulls.
“I should pick the Brumbies but I won’t. My bias is overriding my sense and I believe the Clan will be more desperate. The Stormers should (should) put the Sunwolves away, as should (should) the Lions over the Kings.
“From there it is the Sharks for me, while the Jaguares at home over the Reds, hopefully no cards from either side this week!”
TIPS: Crusaders, Rebels, Blues, Highlanders, Stormers, Lions, Sharks, Jaguares.
Get your tips in now – The Crowd’s tips will be revealed before kick-off in the Crusaders-Force game on Friday.
The one thing we’re all absolutely certain will happen over the course of this weekend. Hopefully…
Digger
“A team in ‘Blue’ will not fail to disappoint their fans again this weekend.”
Harry
“The Sharks’ Curwin Bosch will do something big.”
Nobes
“My sure thing failed last week so I will try another. Most matches will be close in score and not many teams will get a three try bonus point this round.”
Brett
A Smith will cross the stripe in Canberra on Saturday night.
Got a sure thing yourself? Let us know in the comments below, and enjoy your rugby this weekend…
Akari
Roar Rookie
The Crowd will live to regret that call to back the Landers, Chooks,,,
Harry Jones
Expert
Scoring tries again
Machooka
Roar Guru
Geez Brett... no Brumbies love! Do I change it or do I stay put. Bugger... clock's on only 10 mins to go.
Brett McKay
Expert
No more bets... The Crowd's tips are in... Crusaders Waratahs Blues Highlanders Stormers Lions Sharks Jaguares
Jock Cornet
Guest
No reds supporters supporting the conference leaders the much improved all conquering reds. Jaguars by plenty and you can't blame the coach.
woodsie
Guest
AMEN!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Hi Thugby... yep it's time for da Tahs to do or die methinks. Let's hope it's a do... a big massive emphatic do do! :)
jeznez
Roar Guru
Big game tonight Woodsie - I care less about the Tahs winning or losing this one and like you mention above, just want to see my boys play to their capability. Fingers crossed for a good game of rugby and not another round of the dross that the Aussie teams have mostly served up this season.
Machooka
Roar Guru
I'm glad you've qualified the 'tackle' thingy... 'cause when my wife read your comment the other day she was disturbed that you thought his tackle was a bit rubbish! :)
Machooka
Roar Guru
Mmmm Riccardo... that comment leaves me cold.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Looks like coach Stiles has done a "Lions" and conceded a loss in Argentina is better than travel weariness of two stars in R.Simmons (who could be injured) and G.Smith. I'm starting to like the jib of the Reds IC, Duncan Paia'aua. Very tough defence (it's not often I see Ryan Crotty of 'Saders and AB fame put back on his butt in a front-on tackle by a SR newbie), good runner with the ball and an almighty kick. Am not too sure of his short kicking game, but E.Nabuli and S.Kerevi are having the time of their lives with his good read of the game and hard running. We just have to keep the NH heathens off his tail for the next 2-3 years, this bloke could be really good.
woodsie
Guest
It was that Cheetahs game in 2011 that that sealed the deal to stop following the Tahs and become a Rebels member and support the fledgling club Jeznez. I had moved to Vic in the process as well. The first two games by the Rebels this season nearly had me back out the door. They managed to redeem themselves against the Chiefs and play to the capability everyone expected. I think the Rebs have been doing a good job of talent ID and integration with local grass roots rugby. Hopefully we will see it pay off in the future (Unless SANZAR do their usual job and stuff it all up).
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
It only gets worse for the Tahs. Jack Dempsey out from 8-12 weeks on an ankle injury. At the ground on Saturday it looked like a broken lower leg, the way they promptly put splints on his leg. Bad but I feel worse for James Slipper of Reds and WB, who did his Archilles tendon. We likely won't see him at all until next year. Anyway to the tips I go. Crusaders on a roll and at home = way too strong for a plucky Force. Heart says Tahs, head says Rebels heart wins as will the Tahs. The Battle of the Blues Brothers will be willing but TMB, after an almighty rocket from Mr Umuga, should win at home. The Knackered Ponies vs Feeling Low Highlanders is a tough one, Brumbies on the basis of home game and the 'Landers are out of form. The Suntory Boys will feel a Storm and be washed away. Lions just too good and will steal All the King's horses and men. A Cheetahs win would not surprise but I'll go for the guppies. The Reds have lost Captain Slipper and High Arms Cooper, as well as spent last two weeks fighting off DVT and horrible overcooked chicken in planes, and will be eaten alive by the Jaguares. In short, 'Saders, Tahs, Blues, Brumbies, Storm, Lions, Shorks and Jags. Power Play to the Storm
DLKN
Guest
I'm not so sure. I recall a few years ago, the Force were often referred to around (my) rugby circles as the Western Reds, and the Waratahs were known as the Smurfs. I believe that the Smurfs nickname is still around, and is also used to refer to the Sydney soccer team.
piru
Roar Rookie
I hope he gets his mum's brain personally - His tackling's still a bit rubbish, I stepped right past him in the lounge this morning, and I'm not fast.
Brett McKay
Expert
yep, because none of your "the tahs will destroy the rebels by 40" have been wrong this year, have they. You're always entertaining, Jock, thanks for yet more insight..
Brett McKay
Expert
Big swing toward the Waratahs now, since the changes have been named. Rebels held upwards of 55% most of yesterday, now the Waratahs hold around 53% and have a gap of about 40 votes, with more than 500 received. Big swing. Highlanders look like they'll hold the pick over the Brumbies too..
Akari
Roar Rookie
Thanks davSA; I was wondering why I have been thinking that the Cheetahs can do it all week and this post nails it for me. I just hope the travel factor doesn't wreck it for them, of course. I liked the Sharks but with Curwin Bosch at 10 with Lambie out.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Well I got a response didn't I?.... LOL
Perverted Tango
Guest
Thanks SANZAR for accept Jaguares. God bless all ur countries