Tipping sucks again. I’d be pretty happy to leave it there, if I’m honest, and I’d even leave last week’s results out completely if I could.
Can I leave last week’s results out completely? Maybe I can?
I probably can’t. I’d imagine Tony would want something by way of an intro and some level of acknowledgment of last week.
But why must we dwell on the past? Nick McArdle had it right on last weekend’s Stan and Nine broadcast, that perhaps we do spend too much time looking backwards in the rugby world? I mean who cares about past results?
What do they ever really tell us? I can’t think of anything meaningful, right at this point.
Anyway, I’m running out of time and space, so we probably should just move straight onto this week’s games.
And what a round it is. A super-sized round, in fact, with the addition of the Round 10 make-up game between Moana Pasifika and the Western Force on Tuesday. There are maybe only three of the seven games that feel fairly obvious this far out, and there’s no question the match of the round will be Saturday night’s top-of-the-table clash in Canberra between the Brumbies and Blues. An absolute ripper I’ll be pretty happy to see up close and personal.
If the playoffs positions were a long way off being decided before last weekend’s round, I suspect a couple of marbles will drop into holes after this weekend. Just don’t ask me which marbles though, because, you know, tipping sucks again.
Oh, and well done, Digger. Again.
Last week: Digger another bloody six, Geoff and The Crowd five, Harry four, Brett three.
Overall: The Crowd 56, Digger 54, Harry and Geoff 53, Brett 52
Digger
Tips: Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Blues, Highlanders, Force
Evidently it is true when they say it is a long way to the top if you wanna ruck and roll (approximately 14 rounds worth), though most only roll outside of the 22. That’s a little inside-joke there, backs won’t get it.
Anyway, onto the games which ‘seem’ straightforward.
Crusaders will have likely a field day and the Reds should find their first win to arrest their current losing streak, while neither of the Force or the Rebels look likely away from home.
Will Jordan of the Crusaders runs in for a try. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The two toughest to pick games look to be in Canberra and Dunedin.
The Blues have had their wobbles away from their home pitch and the Brumbies do look the style of side that can frustrate them, knock them out of their rhythm. But with key personal missing and what I perceive as the Blues having ‘bigger’ guns, I will back the Blues to squeak this out.
The Waratahs are certainly a chance in Dunedin. Their improvement from 2021 is quite staggering and it promises to be a tight affair, however they have yet to show they can front for a full 80 minutes, while the Highlanders have certainly proven that they can. That ‘Perese’ spark missing is also rather unhelpful. Clan under the roof.
In the make-up game, I really don’t know. I want to pick MP but, in the end, I have decided to go with the Force and their stronger set piece (and a little less travel in the lead up) to get them home.
Sure thing: Coaches are now, in a cunning-like-a-weasel defensive strategy, informing their players to drag the opposition in possession across their own goal lines once their momentum in the tackle has ceased, resulting in goal line dropouts to ease the pressure. Very clever.
Geoff
Tips: Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Blues, Waratahs, Force
This has the feel of one of those, ‘it all looks straightforward’ weeks that turns out to be a trap.
Which doesn’t mean that, with things so close on the tipping ladder, it’s time to start second guessing and throwing darts at the prop’s knees, Codie Taylor style. So it’s the Crusaders and Reds on Friday night and the Chiefs and Canes on Saturday afternoon.
The Brumbies vs Blues match should make for far superior viewing than what will be on all of the main channels, with the Blues likely to have too many routes to victory. Sunday is the tightest match to tip, and while the Highlanders have definitely improved, I like the Tahs to finish the whole 80 minutes off this week.
The catch-up match won’t make for such compelling viewing and things will depend on how banged up each side is from the weekend. Force to notch an overdue win.
Sure thing: Clive Palmer has spent a squillion dollars telling us that, come Saturday night, Craig Kelly will be Prime Minister. That’s as likely as Jed Holloway winning Sunday’s match with a last-minute, 40-metre drop goal.
Harry
Tips: Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Blues, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika
Each day, before the sun rises, Digger walks up a mountain. As he ascends, he digs in the dirt. He sees patterns in the earth. The sun illuminates his choices. Over time he has improved in reading the signs.
In the beginning he saw force. Now he sees Drua. Digger is our savant. He feels his picks. With his hands.
Laidlaw is lapsing. His coffee isn’t even his. He changes his name (Bread, Shawn, Biff, Pork Chop) daily. He spreads his spreadsheets all over his sheets. He collates. Indoors. He is falling.
The Crusaders are playing bully ball like the hallway pounders they are. Saders by 30. The Reds are not tackling like Queenslanders at the moment. Unfortunately for them, they welcome tackle-busting Moana who are mad about last week. I think this will come down to the last few minutes, but James O’Connor and Tate McDermott will save their blushes.
Hamilton will come alive as the zombie Chiefs lord it over the leaky Force. The leg-drive human-rights activist Hurricanes will clown the matador Rebels. The youthful Blues will prey on the aging Brumbies’ edge defence.
The Waratahs will almost provide the Aussie upset of the round in Dunedin! Coach of the year! (Get on our pod, man!) But the Highlanders have two nines now, and that’s like having a fullback at halfback.
And then the most difficult pick of all: Moana vs Force in a makeup. I’ll go with the justifiably outraged Moana who have got a screw job in their first season, for real.
Sure thing: the Kiwi hunt for a tight five to restore dominance over the Irish, French, Boks and dare I say it, the Wallabies, continues. The props are not scary. The hookers are hitting elbows and knees of jumpers. Sam is starting to resemble a Dickens character. Lord is bony. Vai’i is super, but a bit short. Who will step up?
Brett
Tips: Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Brumbies, Waratahs, Force
Right then, not over-thinking this, straight into it.
Crusaders will be too good for the Drua, ditto Queensland at home to Moana Pasifika, and double-ditto for the Hurricanes over the Rebels. Three out of seven looked obvious, remember. Bish, bash, bosh.
Less obvious is what happens in Hamilton, now that COVID has popped around for a second go. Being at home will be a big positive though, considering the distance the Force have to travel. How far, you ask? Well, there’s a suggestion they left Perth before halftime last weekend.
There’s a hint of desperation about the Brumbies this week, a determination to prove that last week’s first half was the exception rather than the rule, and to try and edge closer to the top-two carrot that’s still there in front of them. But it’s the Blues, so have no doubt that I am somewhat pooing my pants about this game.
And the Waratahs will play like the pressure is off this week, because it probably is. Darren Coleman conceded last week that fourth is probably out of reach, so now they’re just playing to see where they travel to in a fortnight’s time. Plus, the Highlanders’ attack is still a bit up and down.
And to finish on Tuesday, whoa, maybe the hardest pick of the weekend. No idea of what state either team will in after the weekend, so it’s all a bit of a guess. And I’ve landed on the Force. Because they’ll be in Auckland Sunday morning.
Sure thing: the Brumbies are playing at home, in Australia’s National Capital, on the night of a federal election. It’s going to be a terrible pun-fest: things like big swings one way or the other rather than momentum changes, landslide victories, declaring winners early, vote one, concession speeches; the lot.
| Round 14 | Harry | Geoff | Digger | Brett | The Crowd |
| Overall | 53 | 53 | 54 | 52 | 56 |
| Last week | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
| CRU v DRU | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders | Crusaders |
| RED v MOA | Reds | Reds | Reds | Reds | Reds |
| CHI v FOR | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs |
| HUR v REB | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes | Hurricanes |
| BRU v BLU | Blues | Blues | Blues | Brumbies | Blues |
| HIG v WAR | Highlanders | Waratahs | Highlanders | Waratahs | Highlanders |
| MOA v FOR (Rd 10) | Moana Pasifika | Force | Force | Force | Force |
Get your votes in now – The Crowd’s tips will be revealed Friday afternoon.
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Phantom
Roar Rookie
It is interesting looking at the picks that the crowd is superior to all the experts. I wonder what % of the crowd are Australian rugby supporters vs kiwi/others.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
That’s some impressive alumni. Sir B.G. Williams still comes to a lot of games and events. He has grandkids there now. I have worked there for two and a bit years and really enjoy the school. Keeps their traditions but still adaptable for modern day. Students are very respectful and the staff is a reasonably high calibre.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Hi Carlin, yes enjoying the rugby very much and looking forward to the internationals. Yes I was at MAGS, great school. Murray Nairn was Head Master, John Mowlem was FirstXV skip in thise days and Mr Ernie Cheriton the Science teacher was FXV coach. Peter Snell, Brian and Kenny Williams were also there when I was there. So was Roy Lydiard, Roy’s father Arthur perfected in those days the running show for Peter Snell, Murray Halberg. That was a long time ago Carlin!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
True RT, but in truth, we do know there was a slight improvement, IMO, before, Joe came on the scene, then his great international experience, just stood out, with quite a few players. Even that winger, come center, has looked a lot better, as now it's his vision, & awareness that still needs work.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Thanks RT. I do not often get called wise. Lets hope they come through. Blues vs Brumbies will be good. Hope all is well at your end and your enjoying the rugby season. From memory you are an ex-MAGS student. Was a big day there last Saturday. Big sports day as part of the Centennial Celebrations. 1st XV put a good display on beating Grammar 37-10.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Haha! Mate I’m pulling your leg! But having said that in spite of you not being a fan of MacDonald the Blues have been slowly improving and if at all there is any coincidence I put it to the time when NZR bought back the shares for Bolton Securities and ‘planted MacDonald in as head coach. I don’t know the guy but I would not suggest that Schmidt’s brief time with the Blues is the be all and end all of their revival .. that started before Joe came on the scene
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't say, weren't good enough RT, it was just the way they failed in accumulating the necessary compiling of points to get there, Bro.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Rank underdogs, Foxie??? Hardly Bro!! Lol :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Hope your sounding hasn't gone amiss, Bro, as we all know whose up in the top of the board. Yep as it happens, we all, including my Landers, have our injury problems, along with suspensions, but we all tackle the job ahead.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Well I tried but Them Noble Tahs blew a good lead to bring me crashing down to 5 from 6. A nice lesson is how to come from behind and take the biscuits. Worse still is I have to read the Leg's prose as he revels in his and Digger's 12 big ones from a dozen. :silly: Now tbh the MUST SEE video I want to see is that of our guru Geoff as he watches the last 4 minutes of that match against the Chiefs. 74 min - Rebels leading by 1, 75 min card to L.Jacobson and penalty to The Burn now up by 4. Video close up on Geoff as his brain twirls "did the Rebels watch how the Highlanders closed out the Tah's match?" Sadly they didn't ! Geoff's face take on 4 seasons within 30 seconds as his beloved Mellll-BURN do multiple dumb plays and panic attacks. Surely the Roar can find that video and show it 24/7 for the rest of SRP22. :laughing: On to the matches. - Crusaders might have a reserve/ageing front 5 but the other ten blokes don't look too bad. Fijian Drua will get a couple of tries but the Borg will get 6+. Saders by 20. - If the Reds can't win this one, they should take up Morris Dancing as their sport. - Apparently Chiefs may lose 9 starters to the plague. That would be enough to say the Force, but they have copped some injuries also. B.Gatland and Quinn Tupaea will be licking their chops looking at the defence lines of J.MacIntyre and R.Pasitoa. Chiefs by 12 - Rebels almost have their best team. Ardie is having a sook somewhere cause he is either wounded or rested. I doubt if the referee will allow the shenanigans of O.Franks against A.Bell from last week and tbh I reckon the Rebels have a far better two front rows than the Tahs from last week's starters and reserves. Will the Rebels blow it again? Have you ever jumped out of a plane with no parachute but someone tosses it out just before you jump and you have to catch up to it and put it on as gravity pulls ya down to your doom? Well I just did as I am tipping the Rebels in a boilover. Now was it the blue pill or the yellow pill I should have taken this morning? And who allowed that fluoro-coated dragon in the lounge room eating all those magic mushrooms I picked this morning? - This game should be a cracker but RT will be smiling at the 80th min. There will be nowt in it at the 65 min then Old Man Luke (Romano cheese) hobbles on, wins all the lineouts so (a) Brumbies are starved and (b) Beaudie Beaudy unleashes his tricks + Blues flyers. Blues by 8 - The Penguins are missing their gun prop E.deGroot, Sam Caird wants to show Them Noble Tahs (TNT) he shouldn't have been tossed out and the head-hunter is looking for card #33 this comp. I feel a card or two in this game, the Zoo will go ballistic but TNT to win by 6. My biggest interest (and fear) is will the new kid on the block, Sam Gilbert, play as well as last week? Surely he has Aussie heritage so D.Rennie can give him a call. - Next Tuesday match, well the Force boys can enjoy the fun at the Entertainment Centre of the planet while the bruised Moana Pasifika boys need to catch planes and mess about with travel. The Force need this win more, so Force by 6. In Short: Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Rebels, Blues, Tahs and Force. Sure Thing: The biggest cheer of Saturday night at GIO will be when Dave Pocock rocks up at full time. :stoked:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
One way is to click on Super Rugby Tipping (top right) and add up your tally round by round. Or you can go a step further and click on Super Rugby Tipping Ladder (middle, at top of page) and scroll down to number 341 and there you are, But there might be another way because that ladder doesn't seem totally up to date. I don't know how the margin system operates.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
True the Blues did win the Trans Tasman, ( & good on them ) but not against their true adversaries the Saders. Yes it was a pity that the Crusaders were not good enough to make the final Muzzo :silly: :silly:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Got it, at last! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Congratulations on all tips Carlin .. they choices of a very wise man :happy: :happy:
Tez
Roar Rookie
Here in the Philippines it is 7.15pm and I still don't know who is in or out for the Chiefs. Yeah I know sickness makes it hard but surely on Thursday evening you know who is fit and who is not.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Crusaders will win well as long as they do not get caught up in trying to play too wide to early like they have a couple of times this season. This can happen especially against a Fijian team. The Reds will have too much for Moana Pasifika but will be an enjoyable game. The Chiefs beat the Force as they wont be happy with their get out of jail card last week and will want to put in a more convincing performance. The Brumbies vs The Blues should be a cracker. No doubt this is Bretts biggest game of the year. I have gone the Blues because of bias and the confidence they are playing with at the moment. In saying that the Brumbies are very equipped to beat them and at $2.90 at the NZ TAB will lure punters. I thought long and hard with the Landers and Tahs. Highlanders in a close one as they will enjoy playing back home in the Glasshouse. Hurricanes will beat the Rebels as last weeks hard fought win will do them the world of good. The makeup game. The Force win a close dogged affair.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree RT, but this Blues squad has depth and I am excited about their backline if the forwards get go forward ball. Anton Segner I hope he goes well, coming to NZ for a Rugby Scholarship from Germany and could not have his parents to watch the Marko’s and him win the NZ competition. He has ambitions to become an All Black, he wears his heart on his sleeve.
Double Agent
Guest
Actually make that two hours. I'd have to step into the Royal and knock back a few to get over the shock!! :laughing:
Double Agent
Guest
"began an interrogation on the subject of lipstick colours, followed by costume changes." If my wife indulged in this kind of extraordinary behaviour firstly I'd wonder if she'd lost her mind and secondly I'd be in the solicitors office within the hour!! :shocked: :shocked:
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Dunno about brilliant, Blues m are without Akiri Ioane, Reiko Ioane and Diggers favourite energy bunny, Tom Robinson. Poor Leon MacDonald has had to scrap the bottom of the barrel to come up with Darry I. The 2nd Row, young Anton Segner to replaced the injured Tom and Bryce Heen to replace the injured Reiko … Brums have Lolesio back but I think they’ll miss Valatini although with rookie Segner, the back row battle will be interesting. Personally I believe the Blues backline had some interesting match ups too among the centres but am happy with the Blues back three (as long as Clarke if he rushed out of the D line he actually tackles his man!. Possible the toughest match of the year for the Blues as to win this match they retain home ground for all their matches. I think a big plus when the KO’s start in a few weeks ..
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
While on the topic of questions, I picked a couple of matches correctly back in Round 9, and one in Round 11. How would I find out where I stand in the aggregate rankings? I click on the Tipping page and see only the rarefied gods of the Top 20.