Round 1 of the Super Rugby season threw up plenty of surprises, some stories we’ve heard a few times before and a whole lot of great rugby.
Here’s my tips for Round 2.
Highlanders vs Reds
The Reds haven’t beat Highlanders since Round 7 in 2016, and even that was only by one point, I doubt this time will be any different.
The Highlanders escaped a loss last week against the Chiefs by getting a try in the dying minutes of the game. I’m Highlanders all day on this one!
Prediction: Highlanders by ten points
Sunwolves vs Waratahs
The Sunwolves joined in 2016, they have win six games. That’s is six games in three seasons, and the last time they played the Waratahs, they got blown out but 52 points.
I really hope the Sunwolves can pull a win out for their sake however I honestly cannot see anything else but the Waratahs blowing out the Wolves.
Prediction: Waratahs by 21 points.
Crusaders vs Hurricanes
The 2018 semi final rematch: Crusaders got them then, and will do it again.
I believe that the last year’s Hurricanes squad is better than this year’s. They have lost players like Julian Savea, Brad Shields and Ihaia West over the off season.
It’s a new era and hopefully the young bucks can fill the shoes but unfortunately, I think the Crusaders will come away with the win.
Prediction: Crusaders by five points.
Brumbies vs Chiefs
Chiefs 100 per cent… no other outcome in this one, the Chiefs were edged out in a close one with the Highlanders last week, and will be looking for a confidence boost going forward.
The Brumbies will have to have keep an eye out for the Chiefs back line, they have a lot of potential and a lot of speed to burn them on the outside.
Prediction: Chiefs by seven points
Sharks vs Blues
Last year both the Blues and Sharks were average at best, but with the Blues injecting Ma’a Nonu into the line up next to Sonny Bill, Rieko Ioane and Otere Black, I think they will have quite a better season than their last.
I mean they couldn’t get any worse.
They almost beat the Crusaders last week, but the Reining Champs held on to a two-point victory, so they’ll be coming into this with a lot of confidence, I reckon they’ll come out and get the W.
Prediction: Blues by seven points
Stormers vs Lions
I never like to go against the Stormers as they seem to be my bogey team, however the Lions are a force to be reckoned with, and have an enormous chip on their shoulder as they have been to the last three grand finals but have not won any of them!
They’ll been looking to make a statement that they are here to win one.
Prediction: Lions by 12 points.
Jaguares vs Bulls
This’ll be a close game with the Bulls coming off a huge win over the Stormers and the Jags coming off a close loss to the Lions.
They’re both very good sides but I’m going with the Bulls. Their backline had an absolute field day last week and will be coming into this game with a lot of confidence.
It won’t be a blow out as the Argentinians defence is very good but I’m going with the Bulls in a close one.
Prediction: Bulls by three points
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