All round, it was a pretty bad day for The Blues’ back row Luke Braid.

Not only did John Kirwan’s Blues fall to defeat against the Hurricanes, their fifth consecutive reversal of the season, but back row Luke Braid took a knee straight to the face for his troubles.

Braid can perhaps take solace in the fact that it could hardly go worse for him on the pitch.

//

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Now, this is New Zealand conference Super Rugby at it’s very finest.

With the sound of the half time hooter reverberating in their ears, both teams- Hurricanes and Blues- set upon producing a three minutes sequence of Rugby, heavy with offloads and incisive running lines, that wouldn’t look out of place in a Barbarians game.

Eventually, in a lightning counter attack Hurricanes winger Matt Proctor scored a 43rd minute try capping a sequence of Rugby that deserves to be immortalized in a museum.

Clip Credit: Loyaldogs-Daily Motion

//

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Highlanders V Crusaders

The good news for the Crusaders is that they probably can’t play any worse than they did in their opening loss to the Rebels. Their error count was through the roof in a listless display. They have made five changes to the starting side including the return of Israel Dagg while Colin Slade is at 10 with Dan Carter sidelined with a leg injury.

Hard to get a read on the Highlanders who will have seven debutants in the squad for their first outing of the season. It may take the Crusaders another week to get up to pace with the Highlanders to benefit.

Prediction

Crusaders are notorious slow starters, and the Highlanders are playing at home. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites, but I’m going to tip those from the south in a bruising encounter. Highladers by 4.

HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith (co-capt), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-capt), John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Kane Hames, Ma’afu Fia, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Jason Emery, Marty Banks.

CRUSADERS: Israel Dagg, Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd (capt), Richie McCaw, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake.

Reds V Force

All eyes will be on Reds five-eighth James O’Connor, who makes his first appearance of the season along with fellow big name recruit Adam Thomson. Queensland will be hoping the former golden boy can spark the attack, which was put under immense pressure in their drubbing by the Brumbies.

But the Force are flying high after putting the defending champion Waratahs to the sword in Sydney. They showed plenty in attack against NSW, scoring four tries, and they haven’t lost to the Reds in their last five matches. That could be extended to six.

Getting my weather girl on

This game is no certainty to go ahead, severe tropical cyclone Marcia is baring down the eastern coast line of Australia, and is expected to hit Brisbane right around kick-off on Saturday night. A call on whether or not the game will go ahead will be made at 8am local time in Brisbane (+10 GMT).

Prediction

Recent developments in regards to Karmichael Hunt, the Reds challenge is not only to shake off last week’s thrashing at the hands of the Brumbies, but also to get concerns about their vice-captain out of their heads.

On the other hand the Reds can only play better than they did last week, but the wet weather will play into the hands of the Force, who like to play a tight, forward dominated game. Force by 8.

REDS: James Slipper (capt), Saia Fainga’a, Sam Talakai, Marco Kotze, James Horwill, Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, James OConnor, Lachie Turner, Samu Kerevi, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Chris Kuridrani, 15 TBA (likey to be JJ Tuilagi).
Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.

FORCE: Zack Holmes, Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Junior Rasolea, Marcel Brache, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Angus Cottrell, Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes (capt), Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Francois van Wyk.
Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Steve Mafi, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Luke Burton, Mitchell Scott.

Stormers V Blues

It’s danger time for the Blues, as they head to the Republic for two weeks after losing their season opener at home against the Chiefs. And it won’t be a toothless Stormers outfit awaiting them either. The men from Cape Town knocked over the much-hyped Bulls last week to get their season off to a flyer.

Springbok and Stormers prop Frans Malherbe makes his return from injury, while Test flanker Siya Kolisi and winger Kobus van Wyk may also make their returns. The Blues have an exciting backline, but they failed to fire last week, and the side conceded more clean breaks, metres and offloads than any team in the comp.

Prediction

The Blues will have it tough in Cape Town. If the Stormers perform the same way they did against the the Bulls last week, the Blues will be up against it. The bookies have the Stormers as a heavy favourite, and so do I. Stormers by 12.

STORMERS: Cheslin Kolbe, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds, Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom, Duane Vermeulen (capt), Michael Rhodes, Rynhardt Elstadt, Ruan Botha, Jurie van Vuuren, Vincent Koch, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones

BLUES: Charles Piutau, Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, Francis Saili, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (capt), Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Bowden, Lolagi Visinia.

Sharks v Lions

The Lions came into 2015 with their typical promising signs of change, but in round one they once again failed to back it up with a loss to the Hurricanes. On the other hand the Sharks – who finished third last year – fell to South Africa’s least favoured team the Cheetahs.

However they finished very strongly and it was only a knock-on over the tryline in the 79th minute that cost them a win, so expect the Sharks to dust themselves off and bounce back here. That said, if they do fall to their perennial underachieving countrymen there will be a lot of worried Sharks fans. And rightly so.

Prediction

On paper, you’d have the Sharks in an easy one, but the boot of Marnitz Boshoff may change that. The Lions will have to work for a full 80 in defence to stand a chance. Sharks by 18.

SHARKS: SP Marais, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Heimar Williams, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach, Tera Mtembu, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis (capt), Dale Chadwick.
Reserves:Kyle Cooper, Thomas du Toit, Matt Stevens, Marco Wentzel, Jean Deysel, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga, Andre Esterhuizen.

LIONS: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley (capt), Warwick Tecklenburg, Derick Minnie, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen.
Reserves: Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe, Julian Redelinghuys, JP du Preez, Ruaan Lerm, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies,  Harold Vorster

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

And after a lack-lustre performance by a majority of the teams in the South African conference, no doubt the boys from Africa will come out firing to prove they’re not the easy-beats as many labelled them 2014.

Lions V Hurricanes

Despite being perennial cellar-dwellers, the Lions finished last season with three straight wins, not to mention coming second in the 2014 Currie Cup. Yet even if they finally get things clicking in 2015, you just never know what Hurricanes outfit will show up in South Africa.

One of Super Rugby’s most unpredictable teams, the Hurricanes will have to do it without All Blacks Ma’a Nonu (birth of child) and Jeremy Thrush (calf).

The Lions, having only completed their 2015 squad last week is an unknown quantity themselves, and playing at home, are tough to beat.

Prediction

Without a game being played in anger, it’s hard to determine exactly how each team will go in their first match. The Lions’ defence will have to be at their best with the counter attacking capability of the Hurricanes back three.

A strong kick-chase game, coupled with the goal kicking boot of Marnitz Boshoff is the Lions best chance to win. However, I feel the Hurricanes have too much strike power. Hurricanes by 6.

LIONS: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronjé, Warren Whiteley (Capt), Derick Minnie, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Schalk van der Merwe.

Reserves: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Jacques van Rooyen, Robert Kruger, Warwick Tecklenburg, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Stokkies Hanekom.

HURRICANES: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (Capt), Rey Le-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dan Coles, Ben Franks.

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Reggie Goodes, Chris Eves, Callum Gibbins, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.

Blues V Chiefs

Sonny Bill Williams is back in the Chiefs’ line-up but a host of All Blacks are being rested with the World Cup in mind.

Keven Mealamu and Patrick Tuipulotu won’t run out for the Blues while Brodie Retallick, Aaron Cruden and Liam Messam are absent for the Chiefs.

Champion All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock returns from shoulder surgery to play his first Super Rugby match in eight months, while Luke Braid makes his shoulder injury comeback from the bench.

The Blues might have a solid success rate against fellow Kiwi teams at home, but the Chiefs boast a more respectable outfit – having made the finals in their three previous seasons.

Prediction

Even though the match is being played at QBE Stadium, the Chiefs are fielding a far more respectable line-up, including the massive ‘in’ of SBW, who will most likely take a lot of attention of the inexperienced Chief’s halves pairing, allowing him to play with more freedom.

The Blues are playing far from their strongest XV, resting many. Due to this fact, I find it hard to go past the Chefs. Chiefs by 8.

BLUES: Lolagi Visinia, Charles Piutau, George Moala/Hamish Northcot, Francis Saili, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (Capt), Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Akira Ioane, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Hamish Northcott/Ben Lam.

CHIEFS: Tom Marshall, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul, Mike Fitzgerald, Matt Symons (Capt), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Allardice, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Marty McKenzie, Bryce Heem.

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Despite not converting the score, Adam Jones’ recent attempted drop goal against Munster may well go down in Rugby folklore.

So, it is no surprise that the legendary former Wales, British & Irish Lions and Ospreys, tight-head prop decided to exhibit to the world his drop kicking prowess and put on a veritable drop goal masterclass.

I don’t know about you, but this is a truly special early Christmas present.

*Denote* Contained almost poisonous levels of sarcasm.

Clip Credit: Sky Sports.

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Adam Jones releases his statement about his lucrative move to the Cardiff Blues. 

IT is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, explaining why I am leaving my home region and thanking you all for your support over the years.
I don’t say that glibly. Every player goes through bad times as well as good during his career, and the brilliant thing about Ospreys’ supporters is that they have always been there for me when things haven’t been going as well as I might have wanted. I will appreciate that for the rest of my career and beyond. It has been quality all the way.
I’ll cut to the chase and tell you how I have ended up joining the Blues.
As pretty much the whole world and his wife will know by now, I had been waiting for a deal to be struck between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union, over a new participation agreement, so the Ospreys could conclude a fresh contract with me.
I haven’t been getting any money, but I was just hoping that the row that has blighted Welsh rugby for so long could be finally settled and I could pull on the black shirt again.
Then on Sunday morning I received a call from the Blues asking whether I fancied a move there. I had to think long and hard about their proposal because I know all about regional rivalry and how much it matters in Wales.
But my circumstances were such that I didn’t feel I could turn Cardiff down. I haven’t been paid for two months and the season is barely a fortnight away. I need to be properly attached to a team and training with a group of players in readiness for the new campaign.
I couldn’t wait forever. The contract with the Ospreys has been on the table since January but without signatures it meant only so much.
No-one is to blame. Andrew Hore and Steve Tandy have been straight down the line with me throughout the negotiations. They haven’t messed me about and I don’t think I have messed anyone about, either.
Like I say, the region have meant the world to me. I want to thank Mike Cuddy and Roger Blyth for helping to set up the Ospreys in the first place and then doing so much to drive them forward. It has been a privilege to play alongside such great players as Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Filo Tiatia and many others. There have been great times and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and I count people like Tandy and Andy Lloyd as my best mates as well.
The Ospreys’ result will always be one I look out for before any others.
They are going through a rebuilding phase, but with someone like Alun Wyn there, an immense presence in every respect, I still expect them to be pushing for a play-off place in the Pro12.
There are also a lot of young players at the region who are going to make Welsh rugby sit up and take notice in the years ahead.

But a new chapter starts for me now and I’m just glad I’ll be able to focus on rugby again.
The Blues had a tough season last time but they have made some new signings, have a highly respected director of rugby from New Zealand and are determined to go places. They have beefed up the front five, which was important, and I think Josh Turnbull’s signing in the back row could prove huge for them.
On the negative side I am going to have to put up with Gethin (Jenkins) again. Only kidding. He is a great player and it will be good to figure alongside him and Smiler (Matthew Rees) in the front row.
I am not taking my place for granted, though. The Blues have brought in Craig Mitchell and have depth throughout the front five. I know I will have to hit form quickly if I am to play.
It has been a pleasure to feature for the Ospreys over the years and, as I have said, I sincerely want to register my appreciation to all concerned. The Liberty is a big stadium that is hard to fill, but the fans are brilliant and I hope everyone will understand why I have arrived at my decision.
All the best for the future.

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Penalty shoot-outs are something we readily associate with our cousins in football, but it is rarely needed as a means to separate teams in Rugby and it’ frequency is extremely rare.

The most famous penalty shoot out in Rugby history was the 2009 Heineken Cup semi final shoot-out between Cardiff and Leicester at the Millennium Stadium.

Extremely entertaining for the neutrals eyes, the shoot-out was surreal as forwards were called upon to take kicks with Martyn Williams, cruelly, missing the decisive kick to send the team he served so well for so many years, Cardiff, crashing out and helped Leicester advance to the final in Murrayfield, where they were eventually beaten by Leinster.

Youtube Credit: rallyfreakwrc

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

With nine teams still in contention for the finals, most teams find themselves in a must win situation. Over the next two days, we find out who plays on and who goes home.

 Blues Vs. Chiefs

The first of four games with massive finals ramifications. Expect a high-octane affair, the Blues MUST win by at least 38, scoring a minimum of five tries along the way. There will be no holding back by the Blues, they’ll certainly have a tries at all costs mentality. Yet, the Blues will still be knocked out if the Chiefs or the loser of Brumbies v Force jag a bonus point.

The equation for the Chiefs is simple, win. A win will guarantee them finals birth, if they don’t win, they MUST gain two bonus points to have any chance. One bonus point for the Chiefs will not be enough to get ahead of the Hurricanes, who have a far superior for and against (63 vs. 3).

Making life tough for the Blues will be the absence of Luke Braid and Tony Woodcock. The Chiefs have made just one change, with centre Bundee Aki replacing the injured Charlie Ngatai.

The only home game the Blues have lost all year was against the Sharks in North Harbour, and the Blues are yet to drop a game at Eden Park this season. Because of the Blues form in Auckland, I’m tipping them to take it out.

Blues to win by 12 in a highly entertaining match.

 Brumbies Vs. Force

The finals scenario is the same for both these teams, they’re both locked on 40 points and the same amount of wins. The winner of this match will be hot favorites to finish in 4th and secure a home qualifying final.

Even in a losing team, a bonus point should be enough to get the loser through – if my tip in the previous game (Blues v Chiefs) holds true. A losing bonus point will put them equal on points with the Hurricanes (41) but both the Brumbies and the Force have a superior number of wins, and will thus move higher on the table.

Wallabies Matt Toomua and Sam Carter are back for the Brumbies after their last-start loss to the Waratahs – not to mention third-string hooker Josh Mann-Rea. The Force have lost powerful flanker Hugh McMeniman to a one-week suspension for kneeing. In the visitors’ favour is the fact the Brumbies haven’t won a last-round match since 2007, with the Force beating them last year and in 2008.

Even though last round form is against the Brumbies they should still be too strong at home. The Brumbies will no doubt look to secure a win before going for a bonus point, meaning a lot of penalty goals being traded. Because of this, the Force should have an easy-ish time in hunting a losing bonus point.

I’m tipping the Brumbies by 4.

 Bulls Vs. Rebels

One of only two ‘who cares’ matches of the final round. There is little to play for, for these two teams other than pride. Both teams are out of finals contention, but it’s likely the Rebels will be more desperate than the Bulls.

Only a win for the Rebels will give them a chance of avoiding the wooden spoon following last weeks loss to the Lions. They’ll have to do so without skipper Scott Higginbotham, who has received a one-game suspension for repeated yellow cards this season.

The Bulls haven’t lost at their high-altitude home all year. They’ll be hurting after last week’s 16-0 loss to the Stormers and will want to avoid finishing the season with three straight defeats.

The Rebels really have had a season to forget, and the Bulls will want to finish on a high, because of this and the Bulls home ground form, I’m tipping the Bulls to win by 14.

What’s your predictions?

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Table as it stands after round 18

Let’s take a look.

Firstly, we should take into consideration how SANZAR separates teams who are locked on the same total points at the end of the season:

1.  Most wins
2. Highest aggregate points difference
3. Most tries
4. Highest aggregate difference between tries scored and tries conceded
5. Toss of the coin

Crusaders possible finishing position: 2nd – 4th

For the Crusaders to keep second place on the table they must win, preferably with a bonus point. If the Sharks get a win, they’ll be on the same points. But they’re only eight behind in terms of for and against.

The big advantage for the Crusaders, if they end up on the same total at the end of the week as the Sharks, the Crusaders are a long way ahead of the Sharks on tries scored. But the only way to guarantee a second place finish, is to get a big win over the Highlanders.

However, if they do lose, they are still guaranteed a home qualifying final.

Sharks possible finishing positions: 2nd – 3rd

The Sharks will realistically need to win convincingly, and with a bonus point against the Stormers to claim second. They are 11 tries behind the Crusaders over the course of the season but are only eight behind on points difference. Because of this, we may see the Sharks break out of the penalty goal mentality this weekend.

The good news for the Sharks is they are that far ahead on the South African conference they can’t possible finish any lower than where they currently are.

Highlanders possible finishing positions: 2nd – 7th

For the Highlanders to finish second, they need to win with a bonus point, and hope neither the Sharks or the Crusaders gain anything out of their last round matches.

While the Highlanders have scored more tries than either the Crusaders or the Sharks, they are too far behind on wins and points for and against to get ahead of either of them, if they end up locked on equal points.

A bonus point of any kind will be enough for the Highlanders to finish in the top six. But if they fail to gain a bonus point in a loss to the Crusaders, and a scenario where the following two things all play out; The loser of the Force v Brumbies match gaining two bonus points, and the Chiefs beat the Blues, they will find themselves out of the top six all together.

Hurricanes possible finishing positions: 6th – 9th

The Hurricanes are in a position that no team ever wants to be in. They have to rely on other results to keep them in the race.

For the Canes to remain in the top six, the need the Blues to beat the Chiefs by no more than 37, while hoping the Chiefs gain no more than one bonus point, max. As well as praying that the loser out of the Brumbies v Force don’t take any bonus points home.

I’m afraid to say, that when I shook the magic 8-ball, it came up “out look, not good” for Hurricanes fans.

Brumbies possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

The Brumbies are in a good position to claim 4th spot at the end of next week. They’ll only need to get a win against the Force at home and hope the Crusaders beat the Highlanders (which they are strong favorites to do). With the Chiefs being two wins behind the Brumbies, that should be enough for them to claim 4th.

However, if they do lose, they NEED to get a bonus point. Any bonus point will put them ahead of the Hurricanes, but even that may not be enough to keep them in the top six. If they gain two bonus points in a loss to the Force and the Highlanders lose, then that will be enough for the Brumbies to stay in the finals race. If they lose with only one bonus point, then they need to pray the Blues beat the Chiefs.

In the event where the Brumbies draw against the Force, that will also be enough to get them through, and still possibly claim 4th if both the Highlanders and the Chiefs go down.

Force possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

With the Force and the Brumbies both locked on 40 points and playing each other in the final round, the Force are in the same boat as the Canberrans in terms of possible outcomes.

The only difference is, if they draw with the Brumbies, without gaining a four-try bonus point, the Force couldn’t possibly take 4th.

Chiefs possible finishing positions: 4th – 9th

The Chiefs pretty much need to win to keep their title defense alive. Any win will be enough to get them into the top six, but a bonus point victory, while hoping the loser of the Brumbies v Force game don’t gain a bonus point, and at the same time, if the Highlanders lose to the Crusaders, we will see the Chiefs finish 4th and secure a home qualifying final.

If the Chiefs do go down against the Blues, they’ll need to take two bonus points out of the match, as well as praying the loser of the Brumbies v Force only gain one bonus point, max. In that scenario, the Chiefs will finish 6th. Same result if they draw with the Blues.

Lastly, I’m only mentioning this to cover all bases, this is the most improbable outcome of all the hypothetical situations I have, and will cover; If the Chiefs draw with a bonus point, and the Brumbies and Force draw without a bonus point, as well as the Highlanders losing, in that scenario, the Chiefs would finish 4th.

Blues possible finishing position: 6th – 9th

There is no more than one situation where the Blues can make the play-offs. They need to win BIG, and with a bonus point.

They’ll need to beat the Chiefs by at least 38 points, as well as praying the loser out of the Brumbies v Force don’t gain any bonus points out of their match.
If the Brumbies, Force or Chiefs gain a bonus point in a losing match, their season will be over.

RBP’s prediction

How do we think the table will finish up I hear you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked.

1. Waratahs
2. Crusaders
3. Sharks
4. Brumbies
5. Highlanders
6. Force
7. Hurricanes
8. Blues
9. Chiefs

What’s your final table predictions?

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Crusaders v Blues

The Crusaders have well and truly wheeled out the heavy artillery for what looms as another blockbuster Kiwi derby.

The Cantabs are never more menacing than when they “welcome” their arch-rivals to Christchurch and have returned Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Israel Dagg and Nemani Nadolo to their starting side for the occasion.

The Blues, coming off a six-try blitz of the Force, have put fit-again fullback Charles Piutau on the wing, with the irrepressible Lolagi Visinia holding on to the No.15 jersey after a dominant performance against the Force.

Both sides have knocked over an average of almost 30 points a game this season, and Friday night’s match could well see a basketball score with both sides treating the match as an eliminator. It’s a crucial match for both teams as a loss will end the Blues’ reignited finals hopes while the Crusaders must win to stay in the hunt for a top-two finish.

The Crusaders at home have been almost unstoppable this season, only racking up a loss to the Sharks at home. The Blues away form has been inconsistent to put it gently, the Aucklanders have only picked up one away win in 2014, coming last week at the expense of the Force.

Because of this we’re tipping the Crusaders to get the win in a high scoring, entertaining encounter. ‘Saders by 12.

Force v Reds

There will be of emotion surrounding this match as it looks likely this will be the Honey Badgers’ last home Super Rugby game for a while. We can expect a big crowd to turn out to farewell one of the most loved in the west.

While the Reds have little to play for, it’s fair to say they will relish the chance to play the role of spoilers in this one. The Force are in must-win territory when they host the Reds.

The Force have become Queensland’s bogey side by upsetting them with niggle and muscle at the breakdown for three upset wins and a draw from their last four meetings. Now with the WA side needing a win to stay in the finals hunt, the Reds have ramped up the pressure.

Queensland have six regular starting backs on the sidelines but their pack continues to thrive in the set-pieces. The loss of prop Greg Holmes is a blow, as well as defensive linchpin Ant Fainga’a. The Force will miss big-kicking five-eighth Sias Ebersohn and star halfback Alby Mathewson but will have Honey Badger Nick Cummins back.

There is no way the Force could possibly play as poor as they did last week and this is a must win for the Force to keep their title hopes alive.

Because of that, we’re tipping the Force in a close one. Force by 4.

Stormers v Bulls

The Stormers haven’t played the most enterprising style of rugby in 2014, but they do offer a miserly defence, and will make life hard for the visiting Bulls.

The side from Pretoria will need to build off the back of their impressive set-piece, and chip away at the scoreboard if they are to take home the points.

The Stormers will wish the competition had started two months later. Dead last after nine rounds, the injury-hit Cape Town outfit have won five of their last seven, including a last-start upset of the Sharks. They’re still missing skipper Jean de Villiers but have star duo Schalk Burger and Gio Aplon back. The kick-happy Bulls stuffed their finals chances with their upset loss to the Lions.

This game is one for the purists, the Bulls are yet to win away from Pretoria this year, which has ultimately been their downfall, because of that, we expect the Stormers to add to the Bulls’ heart-ache.

We tip the Stormers by 8.

Cheetahs v Sharks

The Sharks dropped the ball in their loss to the Stormers before the June break. It cost them their spot at the top. The Sharks must beat the Cheetahs to keep the pressure on the Waratahs in the race for top spot on the ladder.

Jake White knows all too well the importance of finishing in the top two. His 2013 Brumbies lost the grand final after tripping up in the last round to finish third. He’ll have his eyes set on the cellar-dweller Cheetahs for a juicy five points.

It won’t be easy, however, with the Cheetahs at home and bringing back eight Springboks, including Willie le Roux, Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen and Johan Goosen.

The Cheetahs have a potent attacks but a leeky defense, because of that we expect the Sharks to come away with the points.

We tip the Sharks by 15.

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon