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
Mick
Guest
I missed the brumbies game lol what was the score how many points did we get thumped oh wait we one lol eat that all you haters lol
taylorman
Roar Guru
Everythings unlikely with the Blues but yes thats an apalling record. Told me that in 98 and Id have laughed.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Was kidding, Nonu isnt in the fold... yet.
Dc NZ
Guest
Good predictions all round well done. In the blues vs sharks section you did spell reining which should be reigning.
Baylion
Roar Rookie
The Jaguares/Bulls game is a tricky one to call. I don’t know what to read in the Bulls’ big margin win over the Stormers. The Stormers managed to dominate possession and territory but failed to score a single try while their defence was really poor. And even with the poor defence the Bulls only managed to score 3 legal tries (Specman’s second try should have been disallowed for a double movement) The Jaguares’s offside rush defence could prevent the Bulls backline from getting going if the ref allows it and the two packs should be on par, especially if the Jaguares decide to start with their more experienced props instead of the rookies they started with last week.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Don't think that is it, just McDonald rotating to find his best combination I suspect.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Mate do you that the Blues have only beaten the Sharks once over the past 14 years.... ? Could happen again, but unlikely.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Theyre resting the All Blacks ????
Ralph
Roar Guru
Nonu is not in the 23 for the Blues.
Jake Glastonbury
Roar Rookie
Thanks for your feedback mate, I really appreciate it, I’ll definitely work those points into the next one that I do. Yeah, I thought that it’ll be a close one between the Jaguares and Bulls but the confidence coming off that huge win will be enormous.
Slats
Roar Rookie
Good first article mate. As a suggestion, perhaps some additional detail if you keep doing it? Players to watch? Ins & Outs? I can't really disagree with any of your predictions, although I recon the biggest call is the Bulls getting over the Jaguares at home. Going to be tough. I do hope that the Bumbies upset you applecart, but I thought the Brumbies still have a ways to go to really hit their straps last week. Why no prediction on the Tahs and Rebels? Oh yeah - half the aussie teams have a bye this week. Sheesh.