Well, I wanted harder games to pick last week, and we’ve got them this week – whether we wanted them or not. I genuinely think six of the eight games could go either way, and this might be the round where a mid or lower-table team make their mark.
And speaking of upsets, who remembers this sure thing from last week?
“I reckon there’s one upset in here somewhere, and I mean one that none of us have seen coming… Stranger things have happened.”
None of us saw the Kings coming! And while it’s fair to say none of the Waratahs fans at the ground saw the Kings’ win coming, it’s also fair to say a fair chunk didn’t see the end of it, either, having left well before fulltime. But what a win it was, and what confusion it’s added to the Kings-Rebels match.
This week has that really unpredictable feel about it, so I’m calling it: Round 10 is upset week.
Last week: Digger, Nobes, and The Crowd 6; Harry and Brett 5
Digger
“She is a curly one this weekend. I do like the Stormers in Dunedin, they match up particularly well against the Highlanders up front, but I remain unconvinced of the WP lads away from Newlands and my Kiwiana prevails. Likewise, the Chiefs should have enough in the tank to get over the Sunwolves easily enough, damn it.
“Reds and Tahs? Backing the home side based on, well, just because, while I like the Lions with their pack and high paced style of play, even in Perth. And the Crusaders should add another week to their impressive unbeaten run, damn it.
“I think the Rebels will be good for a tip in PE after being in South Africa for the week and the Kings having to travel; and because I need to make up ground, the Sharks are un-tippable after last week. Add in the fact they are in Argentina, and it’s no fish for me this week.
“The Brumbies and the Blues? I don’t know which of the sides will turn up this week? I have flicked my Kiwi default setting and will opt for the Blues, based purely on the fact I like Tana, damn it.”
Tips: Highlanders, Chiefs, Reds, Lions, Crusaders, Rebels, Jaguares, Blues.
Nobes
“The Stormers will be better next week but I do not think they can take the ‘Landers at home, especially if Aaron Smith plays half as well as he did last weekend. The Chiefs, if they find a scrumhalf, will win the game against the tireless Sunwolves.
“Here it comes, Reds versus Tahs, what a difficult call. The Reds are rested and trying to make a point while the Waratahs hurt. How much this hurt will influence the high rated ‘Tahs players is a mystery to me, so I will go with the Reds. The Force will find that the Lions are very strong team and title contenders.
“The Cheetahs will have no chance against the Crusaders. Kings will continue their winning way against the Rebels.
“Then we have an early playoff game between the Jaguares and Sharks. It is do or die for the hopes of a playoff berth for the Sharks, and if they lose, they will have to fight for bonus tries for the rest of the regular games; something that have found very difficult to do until know, scoring just 17 tries. Weather looks fine in Buenos Aires and the Sharks need water to pull this one out of the hat. The Jags by small margin.
“And last, but not least, the Blues and the Brumbies. Neither team has been able to sustain their rugby for 80 minutes yet, so it is going to be a matter of the one that can do things better for a longer period, and I think that the Blues have a small edge over the Brumbies. So, there you have it.”
Tips: Highlanders, Chiefs, Reds, Lions, Crusaders, Kings, Jaguares, Blues.
Brett
OK then, this isn’t an easy round.
The Stormers will be better for the run, as they say, but I’m still not sure they’ll be good enough to get over the Highlanders under the roof. And here’s a question from nowhere: I know he missed part of last year to injury while playing in the Mitre 10 Cup, but how is it that Shaun Treeby hasn’t played since the 2015 Final? Puzzling.
Here’s me going against the grain; there’s no shortage of reasons why the Reds should beat the Waratahs, last week’s form fairly high among them. But I think there’s huge bounce-factor in the Tahs this week, and it’ all because of the fear of what happens if they lose.
If the Reds lose, well, they had they bye last week, haven’t been playing that well, etc, etc. If the ‘Tahs lose, it’s proper crisis-time and more than a few blokes will be needing new employers next season.
Gallantry won’t be enough for the Force against the Lions, especially without Dane Haylett-Petty, though how good an upset would that be! Likewise, the Cheetahs against the Crusaders, though how good an upset would that be!
The Rebels should take a lot of confidence out of last week’s draw (I think), and the Jaguares should run up a score over the Sharks. And if the Brumbies pull out their supposed ‘home game plan’ for the whole 80 minutes against the Blues, instead of only ten minutes against the ‘Canes, that should be enough on Sunday afternoon. Also, how good is afternoon rugby? Don’t ruin it, Mother Nature…
Tips: Highlanders, Chiefs, Waratahs, Lions, Crusaders, Rebels, Jaguares, Brumbies.
Harry Jones
“Round 10. Things just got real. Nobes caught me because somehow, he knew the Force wouldn’t beat the Chiefs. And this week, there are a few toss-up games. A lot, maybe. Plenty.
“I’ll go with my little striped Stormers in Dunedin; they laid an egg in Christchurch, but they will wake up. The Chiefs will skin the Sunwolves.
“The Reds and the Tahs will conduct an experiment in how poor a game can be played before it is no longer a game. I’ll say Reds? I suppose so. I will never tip the Force again; so, Lions by a lot. The Crusaders will run wild in Bloemfontein. The Rebels will continue their African coastal odyssey, but come unstuck against the disrespected Kings (who have serious power and pace).
“I have no idea who will win in Argentina. The Jags and Guppies might just do MMA. But I think a 11-man home team might eke out the win over 12-man visitors. And then the good and virtuous Blues will give the humble and workmanlike Brumbies a good run, but I think they’ll find a new way to lose.”
Tips: Stormers, Chiefs, Reds, Lions, Crusaders, Kings, Jaguares, Brumbies.
Get your tips in now – The Crowd’s tips will be revealed before kick-off in the Crusaders-Sunwolves game on Friday.
The sure thing
The one thing we’re all absolutely certain will happen over the course of this weekend. Well, pretty certain…
Digger
“Guardians of the Galaxy 2 will entice more viewers to the cinemas in Queensland than the Reds and Waratahs at Suncorp.”
Harry
“The Reds-Tahs derby will have several skirmishes.”
Nobes
“Harry and I will not be sharing the lead any longer.”
Brett
I reckon we see some serious movement on the tipping table this week, too. Either a significant closing of a gap (mine hopefully, obviously), or a significant widening of a gap (not mine obviously, hopefully).
Got a sure thing yourself? Let us know in the comments below, and enjoy your rugby this weekend…
Pinetree
Guest
DaveR - Maybe the Kings desire to survive was greater, and the Kings have had close games too. Rebels have a diff of -201 which is the worst in the competition so far (yes even worst than the Sunwolves now!). The Kings have a diff of -30, so probably in the end it was not surprising the Kings won on home soil. Damn those Reds though for my picks so far. I swear the ref was determined to let the Tahs win at any cost, and the penalty count made it look that way, but no doubt I was looking with a slightly bias eye since I tipped the Reds to win (never again).
WEST
Roar Guru
Brumbies vs Blues should be interesting. Brumbies at home can be tough.... Or they can get a hammering. The Blues are always off and on. They've been off lately so they must be due to turn it on again, the Brumbies will be disappointed after the Hurricanes thrashing so they'll be keen to make up for it. The Blues would have studied that game and took note of the weak areas to exploite (and theres plenty). But unfortunately the Blues aren't renown for being the smartest team in the competition so chances are they'll miss plenty of opportunities. but I'm hoping the Blues limit their screw ups enough to claim a win.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Simpler than that, i have my 8 year old baby girl pick the winers for me?. Come on guys, do you think this easy? It is a hell of a job to be following 18 teams from all over the SH..Remember I am rookie and somehow I have managed so far. The time zone to deliver my picks are against me also. ?
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
No Brain, come on man admit it. After all them hours that you put in studying form and ringing up the insiders, you then throw a dart blindfolded at a board while spinning around. Even numbers are home wins, odd numbers are away wins and a dart in the dog's head or bum is a draw. :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
G'day Pine and you are dead right. Close eyes and pick a Kiwi team. And sadly it works, all year long. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
This is a tuff one to pick. I thought the Stormers looked good in the 2nd half and only a couple of intercepts blew out the Crusaders score. I guess one could also say the 'Saders relaxed. Add that Stormers are #1 in their Conference while 'Landers are #4 and have been hot and cold all year, so go the Stormers to pull off a surprise away victory. The Shujin to win the PowerPoint against the Tokyo Boyz. The HorrorTahs are missing T.Latu which will hurt their rucks but thank the Goddesses that S.Kepu is back to help the scrum. The return of the Powderpuff 2ndRower D.Mumm will help the lineouts, which were slaughtered last week, but Tahs defending mauls will be in reverse gear all night. The WAP reserve front row will cement the Red's victory in the last 15-20 minutes. A prelude to the Force match was their "get out of jail" win against the Kings 3 weeks ago. The Kings' speed merchants almost won that match but the Force piggies forced a win. However, the Lions have some good beef up front and flyers in the backline; so the Force, sans DHP, will get run off their feet and lose big time. Only teams with lots of muscle up front can take on the Crusaders. The Cheetahs are not one of them. The Rebs have spent the last week sitting in the African sun and sipping beers, while the Kings have been doing DVT exercises in cramped planes for 3 weeks. I'll take the Rebels, with some form and confidence, to overpower the tired Kings. In the battle of the yellow and red cards, I think the Sharks will throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at the boys from the Pampas. Los Jaguares at home and with that crowd behind them are a real tough nut and should win by 10. The last is anyone's game. Brumbies will be wondering what hit them while the Blues, well they are not called the Blues for nothing. How can a team with this many class players lose so many matches with gay abandon? However against all known sense and reason, (and to keep Tman and RT happy), I'll go for the Blues. To save time just read this line: Stormers, Shujin, Aka dansei (red men), Raion (Lions), Crusaders, Rebels, Jags and Blues.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I make up for it Nobes .... I tip 'em every week!..... lol
Marto
Guest
^^ As I said earlier, but it seems it still hasn't sunk in yet.. 229 minutes of Quality Trumps 10 games of rubbish ..Quality should win anyday of the week.... Not under MC HAMMERHEAD it seems.. Cheikas conversation to his backline defence coach ( Secretly recorded by the ALL BLACKS ) " UMMM ERR ARR , Props mate ? Need one quick mate, who we got Greysey ?? , Oh err ... Sam Tala who ?? Never heard of him.. Who else we got mate?? Oh yeah him, love him, met him at Tah training last night, well yeah, i bedda pick the fat kid who plays for me Tahs.. Mate yeah i know Greysey, he hasn't done much, yeah , haha mate, but form doesn't matter to me, you know that,.its like your "defence is easy to fix" ya know mate, hahaha...He`s a good kid mate, he`s a Tah mate, he`ll go good .. He`s looks like a Wallaby to me mate. Thanks Greysey " Slam Dunk Chekas minions..
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Hahaha I will just be upset if I see another second half like last week.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Is the Blues beating the Brumbies an upset? No. Cos I wont be upset if they do.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
You have to have faith T. I wish to tip them more often.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I was in South Africa last year davSA and our friend Mr Jones suggested we do exactly that ... visit a Sangoma ... Regretfully time ran away with us as so we (3 of us) took to prayers to the Rugby God before the test match in Durban .... Those prayers were answered in emphatic fashion ... I've been trying to pray to the same god now for some time to reward the Blues ... there hasn't been any response .... yet! :)
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Haha! Nobes ... Oh, my way is much, MUCH simpler .... I merely read tea leaves! .................. Err ..that's why my tipping is crap .... I dunno how to read tea leaves ... :(
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Ha, Marius, it's a bit like that ... we have a few injuries in key positions at the moment BUT when the Blues awaken, the world will tremble! ..................... or sumthin' like dat!
taylorman
Guest
The thing for me is if not for the screen the try would probably not been scored, at least it would definitely have been different!. Probably no harm in that but I'd hate to see a World cup final decided like that- it effectively gives the player eyes in the back of his head. I suppose if hes skilled enough to be able to look at the screen and make sense out of it in terms of his own position relative to the screen then theres a lot to be admired- not easy to do in the heat of the moment at pace. Its also 'another' difference between the pro game and 'normal' rugby where in club games youre not fortunate enough to look at a mile wide screen!. Still hilarious, his smile after looking up and seeing the guy fall behind him on the screen was pure gold!
JRVJ
Guest
Highlanders (but it could be close), Chiefs, Reds, Lions (but it could be close), Crusaders, Kings, Jags, Blues. I can’t fail to notice that I don’t have any Australian side winning other than the Reds (in a game against another Australian side). I really would like to favor the Brumbies against the Blues, but current form has been very disappointing. And as Nobes may have said (haven't read the comments yet), it's "LOS TIBURONES" (not "EL TIBURÓNS").
taylorman
Roar Guru
Nobes picking the Blues! Gotta be something in that. Stormers in Dunedin Harry, you must be a Blues supporter in a past life, oh wait... anyway...whew, such faith. Good luck.
Baylion
Roar Rookie
Ackers will try and control Faf's Ritalin dose but will replace him when that wears off. :) With Faf de Klerk and Kwagga Smith starting I expect the Lions to start with a high paced game, hoping to pick up the pace even more when the bench comes on
Baylion
Roar Rookie
Ackers will try and control Faf's Ritalin dose but will replace him when that wears off. :) With Faf de Klerk and Kwagga Smith starting I expect the Lions to start with a high paced game, hoping to pick up the pace even more when the bench comes on
Marius Ciliers
Roar Guru
OB. ? In the words of Loki out of some movie: There wont be peace !! ONLY...THE WAR !!!! Kinda summs up the canes chiefs saders situation..nevermind that the final may very well be decided with the 2 canes vs saders and the chiefs vs saders and canes vs chiefs games....some blood letting is afoot?