Super Rugby Round 1 Preview

This is like Christmas eve. With Super Rugby underway tomorrow and the 6 Nations back on Saturday as well as the Americas Rugby Championship and the U20s 6 Nations, we at RBP can barely contain ourselves. With so much great rugby to choose from picking which games to watch and when will be nearly impossible, so we thought we’d break it down for you.

Games to Watch:

Auckland Blues vs Highlanders:

Auckland have been reborn under Tana Umaga, and they will want to make a big statement taking on last seasons champions. Steven Luatua and Patrick Tuipulotu give the Blues a lot of physicality in the pack, and there is more on the bench with Akira Ioane and Charlie Faumuina waiting to come on. The Highlanders may not have the big names in their forwards, but the amount of graft that their side goes through is immense. Players like Elliot Dixon make the hard yards, clean, and tackle all day long to keep the Highlanders’ playmakers going forward. Bryn Hall and Ihaia West face a big test, against the electric pairing of Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga. Malakai Fekitoa and George Moala will provide a physical test in midfield, and there is no end of excitement in the back three. Two future all back stars in Tevita Li and Waisake Naholo will go to war in what should be a fascinating encounter.

Brumbies vs Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes exploded out of the gates last season, and never looked like slowing down. Their dominant backline and explosive pack saw them scoring tries in spades, but it wasn’t until they met the Highlanders in the final that the wheels came off. Now, having lost Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith they will face a major challenge in Bruce as they take on a well drilled Brumbies side. Dane Coles will not be available for the Highlanders, but Ardie Savea and Victor Vito give them a dominant ball carrying back row. With the Brumbies likely to return fire with David Pocock and Ita Vaea, it will be crucial for the Canes to keep the ball of the ground, something they are already proficient at. The Brumbies will look to make ground in the midfield, where Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua will give them a playmaking edge. The biggest worry for the Brumbies will be stopping this explosive Hurricanes back three, featuring devastating All Blacks Cory Jane, Julian Savea, and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Cheetahs vs Jaguares:

There is no doubt that the Jaguares, the Argentinian addition to Super Rugby, are the closest side to being a full national team. The pride that the Pumas have in their clubs led many of their best to return home, making this side a dangerous prospect for any of the clubs they will face. Argentina captain Agustin Creevy is at the heart of a huge Jaguares pack, which features names like Thomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Pablo Matera, and Leonardo Senatore. The Cheetahs will be looking for a big day from their physical pack, and in particular Boom Prinsloo, whose name is enough to startle most halfbacks. Lodewyk De Jager was instrumental in South Africa’s 3rd place finish at the World Cup, and he is rapidly emerging as a leader in this Cheetahs side. Out wide, the Cheetahs will need a big performance from Barbarians center Francois Venter, who faces a massive challenge in Jeronimo De La Fuente and Matías Moroni, who came out of nowhere to demolish Ireland in the World Cup. Santiago Cordero gives the Jaguares a major scoring threat on the wing.

Score Predictions:

Blues 24- Highlanders 20
Brumbies 17- Hurricanes 28
Sunwolves 12- Lions 15
Crusaders 19- Chiefs 24
Waratahs 35- Reds 10
Force 22- Rebels 20
Kings 12- Sharks 24
Stormers 17- Bulls 27