It’s not 2021, but if Australian rugby got its way, this weekend’s trans-Tasman round of Super Rugby is what the competition would look like come the next broadcast round.
Five games, in our time zone, with our teams, and no need for alarm clocks.
Are we ready for this? Is this what the TV networks and the sponsors want?
And should we just ignore South African Roarers this week, because, you know, in the future they don’t exist?
Maybe Harry will be the one to provide some sanity on this issue…
LAST WEEK: Digger and The Crowd 5; Nobes, Brett, and Geoff 4; Harry 3.
OVERALL: Nobes 66; Geoff 65; The Crowd 63; Digger 61; Brett 60; Harry 57.
Digger
TIPS: Hurricanes, Blues, Crusaders, Waratahs, Brumbies
‘Canes by plenty. Maybe.
Blues, Rebels, Eden Park, I feel that I will get this wrong whichever way I go so will just stoke the patriotism and say Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuues. Down the old state highway, I do fancy the Chiefs, however the Crusaders are the smart bet and seem to have their defence locked down, so I will back the visitors to get it done in the Tron. Probably.
Reds and Waratahs should be a fun game, but again recent form has me siding with the Tahs here, probably too many points for the Reds while a seemingly resurgent Brumbies side of recent weeks should (should?) be too good for the travelling Sunwolves.
Or maybe the Sunwolves will make a fool out of me again. No, the Brumbies have it for sure. Maybe.
SURE THING: It definitely will not rain on the Hurricanes this week so either BLAM will break the record this week, or Naholo will make him look silly. No in between here, it will be one or the other. You can count on it.
Nobes
TIPS: Hurricanes, Blues, Crusaders, Waratahs, Brumbies.
Another weird round of Super Rugby where the African conference is taking a rest, and where we have some Derbies and important games that will shape up the final contenders.
The Hurricanes will try to come back and show that what happened last week was just a bump on their road to the title, and what a better way that challenging the Highlanders on their own turf. The weather could have an impact in the outcome of the game, but I expect the Hurricanes to win this one.
The Blues will receive the Rebels and I expect them to come out after the bye week on top of this one, which will be closely watched by the franchises from South Africa who will be strong supporters.
Will Genia of the Rebels (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
The Chiefs will have their hands full when they host the leaders of the competition, although they are in high spirits after their win against the Waratahs. I think Crusaders are a stronger team.
The Waratahs must come strong against the young Reds team and hope to come back to Sydney with this game in hand. Finally, the new Brumbies will take care of the old Sunwolves.
SURE THING: Controversies off all kind in this round.
Brett
TIPS: Hurricanes, Rebels, Crusaders, Waratahs, Brumbies
The thing that stands out for me this weekend is no Australian Friday night game, but that is partly offset by what hopefully will be a warm, sunny Canberra Sunday afternoon.
Hurricanes not by plenty, but by a few. Maybe even a fair few, with Chris Boyd’s words after the disappointing Crusaders loss still stinging their ears. And Rebels by a similar amount, not just because they have to, but because they should. They can bed down their place among the wildcards this week, and that means beating teams you just should be beating.
Crusaders will be too good for the Chiefs. I think we all think that. But just try and think of what the build-up to Round 17 will be like – in a month’s time, remember – if the Chiefs get up?!?
Crusaders (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)
Back in Australia – but not on Friday night – the Waratahs look a bit strong in the areas that count the most, and the Brumbies should be putting away a ‘Sunwolves B’ fairly comfortably, otherwise the three games after the June break might as well be optional.
SURE THING: We say this most weeks, but this week is prime upset territory. None of my five picks are safe.
Geoff
TIPS: Hurricanes, Rebels, Crusaders, Waratahs, Brumbies
Only five matches this week but a very tricky round nevertheless. The Hurricanes have entered a low patch over the last couple of weeks but will enjoy a return to a dry track. On the other hand, the Highlanders field a stronger line-up this week. The Canes, but only on potential rather than form.
The Rebels have a huge opportunity to consolidate their position in the final eight, but it feels like the Blues are starting afresh, off a break, with important players returning. Happy to roll the dice and give this one to the Rebels. The Chiefs were excellent last week and will look to go on with it, but we all know that you tip against the Crusaders at your peril.
It will be fun to watch the Reds’ pack try to put it to the Waratahs, who everyone seems to agree are undersized, but who are yet to be bullied. A Reds win wouldn’t surprise but the Tahs are the better side overall, so they get the nod. In the Sunday match, the Brumbies are $1.02 for good reason.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
SURE THING: At around 3.00am on Sunday morning the switchboard at SANZAAR will go into meltdown, with hundreds of Australian rugby fans calling at the behest of Alan Jones, to express anger that there is no Super Rugby from South Africa for them to tune into.
Harry
TIPS: Highlanders, Blues, Chiefs, Reds, Brumbies
This is how it felt in Standard A in 1971. Everyone else could read. They went to kindergarten. I could only read ‘A’ and ‘I’. My mum was terribly attached to me, because of my looks and my sweetness. So, she kept me at home with her and the maid and the dog; putting me at a severe disadvantage, educationally.
There were four reading groups: the Apple group, the Banana group, the Guava group, and my group (me and the Polish immigrant, Wroclawvw).
The Apples (Nobes, Geoff) were reading The Brothers Karamazov.
I was reading my name, and almost got the middle one right.
The home teams will sweep. The Canes are not in synch. The Rebels will be too nervous. The Crusaders have to have a bad game one day. The Reds love to tackle nipples, and the Tahs have the largest nipples in the comp. The Sunwolves are tired.
SURE THING: Reading and thinking is important. In 2019, I will try to get to the Banana Group.
Brett’s note: he didn’t…
Get your votes in now – The Crowd’s tips will be revealed Friday afternoon AEDT.
Who have you got, Roarers? Who gets your tip? Got a sure thing yourself? Let us know in the comments below, and enjoy your rugby this weekend…
Brett McKay
Expert
Sorry mate, what was that? Difficult to hear you from so far back now... :-D
Harry Jones
Expert
@BrettMcKay 1/1 I'm coming for you, brother.
Harry Jones
Expert
Carlos. I will be the devastatingly handsome guy in Seat 3 of Row B of Section 104. I will have four Redskin cheerleaders carrying my drinks.
Brett McKay
Expert
Brums-Moondogs is literally win-win, the way I see it, Thugby... :D
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Speculating, but I imagine with all other things equal the paymasters (broadcasters) have the final say on kick off time.
Digby
Roar Guru
Yeah mate, should be fun under the roof. Cant wait to get there myself.
Carlos The Argie
Guest
Another cyclist! Cool! I do not race but I love the sport. What do you race? Crits? That is the craziest race.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Last week I tipped mostly on gut feeling, and came away with a pain in the guts. This week could be just as bad as you can smell upsets are coming. So here goes: - Digger's mob are not 2nd in the comp for nothing but the Highlanders are a tough gig on a tropical Dunedin night. I'll go for the Hurricanes to be like the wolf and blow the Highlander's roof down. As an aside, RT will be watching this game as his beloved ex-Blues #10 Ihaia West will likely get some time. - Read somewhere that SBW is out so I'll go the Rebels, even though its a Kiwi referee :) Blues will be smoking fire and brimstone but Rebels with R.Hodge at #10 look more dangerous. Hope RHP plays a blinder from the bench as I think he should be in the WB squad. - Siding with the Resident Saffer here and pick Chiefs. Crusaders are missing Sam Whitelock while Big Bad Brodie (BBB, not BBBB Barrett) has been playing the house down. Add a hungry Sam Cane off the bench and this is the value punt of the round. Nice to see I.Dagg back as some Roar posters of late have suggested his playing days may be over. - Tahs belted the Reds in Sydney and should win by 10 in Brissie also. An interesting match-up between B.Foley, K.Beale and C.Rona against H.Stewart, D.Paia’aua and S.Kerevi. My main interest will be comparing Moses Sorovi parting the Red sea with his snappy passing with the Roarer's fav whipping boy and energiser bunny Nick Phipps. - I am so disappointed in Brett and Geoff, no love for the Tokyo Boyz in Das Capital. So just to stay in Brett's good books, am going the Brumbies to beat SunnyWolves B side. Sure Thing: At least once in the Reds-Tahs match, we will see WB teammates throwing handbags at each other. Cross-border bragging rights are at stake here. :)
Harry Jones
Expert
They will get better because they got a big fright And the coaches now see who is up for this
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Some interesting games on the weekend. I didn't want to put in my tips until I knew who was playing, or more who was MIA for these games. Strangely enough not too many AB being rested for the upcoming test series. Here are team lists as per websites late Thursday. Sorry about the order (too lazy to change how they are listed) but have put numbers on players. Highlanders: 1. Daniel Lienert-Brown 2. Ash Dixon (cc) 3. Kalolo Tuiloma 4. Jackson Hemopo 5. Tom Franklin 6. Liam Squire 7. Dillon Hunt 8. Luke Whitelock 9. Aaron Smith 10. Lima Sopoaga 11. Tevita Li 12. Teihorangi Walden 13. Rob Thompson 14. Waisake Naholo 15. Ben Smith (cc) Res: 16. Liam Coltman 17. Aki Seiuli 18. Tyrel Lomax 19. Shannon Frizell 20. Elliot Dixon 21. Josh Renton 22. Josh Ioane 23. Richard Buckman Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder 14 Julian Savea 13 Jordie Barrett 12 Ngani Laumape 11 Ben Lam 10 Beauden Barrett 9 TJ Perenara 8 Blade Thomson 7 Ardie Savea 6 Brad Shields (c) 5 Sam Lousi 4 Michael Fatialofa 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen 2 Ricky Riccitelli 1 Toby Smith Res: 16 James O'Reilly 17 Chris Eves 18 Ben May 19 Murray Douglas 20 Reed Prinsep 21 Finlay Christie 22 Ihaia West 23 Jonah Lowe Blues: 15. Michael Collins, 14. Matt Duffie, 13. Orbyn Leger, 12. Sonny Bill Williams or Terrence Hepetema, 11. Tumua Manu, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 9. Augustine Pulu ©; 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papalii, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Matiaha Martin, 4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. Matt Moulds, 1. Alex Hodgman Rebels: 1. Fereti Sa’aga 2. Anaru Rangi 3. Jermaine Ainsley 4. Matt Philip 5. Adam Coleman (capt.) 6. Angus Cottrell 7. Colby Fainga’a 8. Amanaki Mafi 9. Michael Ruru 10. Reece Hodge 11. Marika Koroibete 12. Billy Meakes 13. Tom English 14. Jack Maddocks 15. Dane Haylett-Petty Res: 16. Jordan Uelese 17. Ben Daley 18. Sam Talakai 19. Geoff Parling 20. Ross Haylett-Petty 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Tayler Adams 23. Lopeti Timani Chiefs: 1. Karl Tu’inukuafe 2. Nathan Harris 3. Angus Ta’avao 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Michael Allardice 6. Luke Jacobson 7. Mitchell Karpik 8. Liam Messam 9. Brad Weber 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Sean Wainui 12. Charlie Ngatai 13. Anton Lienert-Brown 14. Toni Pulu 15. Solomon Alaimalo Res; 16. Liam Polwart 17. Sam Prattley 18. Jeff Thwaites 19. Jesse Parete 20. Sam Cane 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 22. Marty McKenzie 23. Shaun Stevenson Crusaders: 1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor (VC) 3. Michael Alaalatoa 4. Scott Barrett 5. Quinten Strange 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 7. Matt Todd (C) 8. Jordan Taufua 9. Bryn Hall 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. George Bridge 12. Jack Goodhue 13. Seta Tamanivalu 14. Israel Dagg 15. David Havili Res: 16. Andrew Makalio 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Donald Brighouse 19. Luke Romano 20. Ethan Blackaddern 21. Mitchell Drummond 22. Mitchell Hunt 23. Jone Macilai Note that Sam Cane is reserves for the Chiefs, just in time for the French matches. Reds: 1. JP Smith 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa 3. Taniela Tupou 4. Izack Rodda 5. Kane Douglas 6. Angus Scott-Young 7. George Smith 8. Scott Higginbotham (C) 9. Moses Sorovi 10. Hamish Stewart 11. Jordan Petaia 12. Duncan Paia’aua 13. Samu Kerevi 14. Izaia Perese 15. Jono Lance Res: 16. Alex Mafi 17. Sef Fa’agase 18. Ruan Smith 19. Harry Hockings 20. Caleb Timu 21. Liam Wright 22. Ben Lucas 23. Jayden Ngamanu Tahs: 1. Tom Robertson 2. Damien Fitzpatrick 3. Sekope Kepu 4. Jed Holloway 5. Rob Simmons 6. Will Miller 7. Michael Hooper (C) 8. Michael Wells 9. Nick Phipps 10. Bernard Foley 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro 12. Kurtley Beale 13. Curtis Rona 14. Cam Clark 15. Israel Folau Res: 16. Tolu Latu 17. Harry Johnson-Holmes 18. Shambeckler Vui 19. Tom Staniforth 20. Brad Wilkin 21. Jake Gordon 22. Lalakai Foketi 23. Bryce Hegarty Interesting the Reds halves to M.Sorovi and H.Stewart (M.Chieka has also asked Stewart to train with the WB) and Jono Lance to fb. A better mix as Stewart looked a fish out of water at fullback. Tahs have punted T.Staniforth to the bench (I thought he went pretty ok against the H'Landers 2 weeks ago) and promoted Jebediah Holloway to lock. No news on Brumbies or Sunwolves teams. :)
Kiwikrs
Guest
I'm not sure if they all are but Aust, NZ and Ireland were all on fox sports at 0500 this morning
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
G'day Paul and Fionn, I hate Canberra's winter nights and I would have to be guaranteed a fabulous match before I would brave the cold elements of a Canberra night. I don't have numbers to compare but surely they get better crowds at afternoon games. But what's even more strange in my view of the whole Sunday Brumbies game is, if it was realised that it would be a rush to get players showered, rested, fed and on a plane to Brissie on Sunday night, then wtf is that game starting at 4:05pm? Start the match at 2:30 or 3:00pm and surely things would get a lot easier for the logistics and WB players. You never know; the earlier warmer weather might also attract more parents and kids to the game. Is there a reason that I am unaware of why the Brumbies people start the match at 4pm? Its like amateur comedy hour, surely people in Canberra and RA have a brain between them?
cinque
Roar Rookie
I see the Tahs have actually improved their run-on, with Holloway at lock instead of Staniforth, as someone suggested ....
taylorman
Roar Guru
I will say it again. Why are Aucklands white boys not playing rugby? Theyre really leaving it to Pacific Islanders to lock and prop scrums. Tell me Im wrong.
Brett McKay
Expert
If I don't address any of your concerns Moa, they can't become subliminal issues... :eek:
Baby Boks were cocky and arrogant, tried to be flashy with no look offloads, the backline players tought they could step 3 players every time from a standing start. The Right wing Green is the most selfish player I have seen in a long time, thinks he is the alpha and omega with ball in hand. thought they can just come and show off and not take Georgia serious. The Georgian team were motivated and highly committed to the match. I can't stand an arrogant rugby team.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
They don’t have three top players .
KiwiHaydn
Guest
And David Smith, an unsung speedster on the wing.
Faith
Guest
To add to Blues non-ranking with this round's choices SBW, Ioane and Parsons are out. I think other than Parsons that gives Rebels a real chance and a second win for Aus SR out of 42 games ...
Baz
Guest
would have picked Perese ahead of Kurandani who is not the same player this year.