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

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It’s back! Super Rugby is finally back!

After a long Southern Hemisphere summer, with nothing better on TV than cricket, Super Rugby kicks off season 2015 with fixtures that include some massive local derby matches, such as Reds v Brumbies, Blues v Chiefs, Sharks v Cheetahs and Bulls v Stormers.

Crusaders V Rebels

The Crusaders are set to roll out the heavy artillery as the seven-time Super Rugby champions prepares to host Melbourne in Christchurch on Friday night.

Stung by three successive pre-season trial match losses, slow starts to the season is nothing new for the Crusaders. Coach Todd Blackadder has confirmed they will be playing, Wyatt Crockett, Richie McCaw, Ryan Crotty and Dan Carter against the Rebels.

However, while those four will be a boost to the Christchurch based team, they’ll still be without All Black stars,  Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Sam Whitelock and Andy Ellis.

On the other hand, Melbourne will have almost a full list to choose from as it chases its first win abroad.

The Rebels have repeatedly gone close to snaring their first scalp in both New Zealand and South Africa but are yet to break through.

While little can, or should be read into pre-season form, the Rebels have had a far better start to the season, which included a 25-18 win over the Reds, where as the Crusaders fell to the Queensland team 35-12.

However, that positive momentum may count for little against a Crusaders team which is yet to show their full-strength team.

Prediction

Lets not beat around the bush. While many pundits will try to make much of trial matches, this is the first match played in anger, you can’t really take on board any more facts than the class of the two teams, and where the match is played. Crusaders by 12.

CRUSADERS (1-15): Joe Moody, Ben Funnell, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Dominic Bird, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd (captain), Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Daniel Carter, Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Kieron Fonotia, Robbie Fruean, Colin Slade.

Reserves: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Wyatt Crockett, Scott Barrett, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Ryan Crotty, Nathaniel Apa.

REBELS (1-15): Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Laurie Weeks, Luke Jones, Lopeti Timani, Sean McMahon, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Higginbotham (c), Nic Stirzaker, Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Tamati Ellison, Dom Shipperley, Mike Harris.

Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu.

Reds V Brumbies

After the resurgence of the Reds over the seasons prior to last, many in Australia once considered this match-up to be the biggest, and most important in Australia. With the lack-lustre performance of the Reds in 2014, the gloss surrounding this match has some-what diminished for this season.

The Reds have left their bank manager a nervous wreck over the off season, with big name signings which include, Karmichael Hunt, James O’Connor, Adam Thompson, and ‘The Tongan Thor’.

With the kind of spending which hasn’t been seen in Brisbane for many years, the pressure is on Reds’ coach Richard Graham, a vast majority in Queensland seeing this year as Graham’s last chance. If he doesn’t perform in 2015, it may be the last we see of him for many years to come.

The Reds have had an up and down pre-season which included a loss to the Rebels, and a win over the Crusaders.

Much has been made over who will replace injured Reds fly-half Quade Cooper, but Rugby Leage/AFL/Rugby Union code-hopper Karmicheal Hunt has been given the nod for the opener in Canberra, after an impressive performance against the Crusaders at Ballymore last week, which left the Reds 28-0 up when he came off at half time.

So much has Hunt impressed, the Reds have handed him the vice captaincy in his first season back in rugby.

David Pocock has been named as the Brumbies’ run-on captain for the opener, although coach Stephen Larkham muddied the waters saying the entire squad was fit and available for selection.

That opens the way for Stephen Moore to make a surprising return off the bench as he makes his comeback from a knee reconstruction.

The Brumbies are coming off two losses in the pre-season trials, and this year will be a big test for the Canberra based franchise after losing stalwart forwards coach, and their co-head coach for the 2014 campaign, Laurie Fisher.

If the loss of Fisher has a detrimental affect on the Brumbies pack, it may force head coach, Stephen Larkham to change up the tried-and-true ‘Jake-Ball’ tactics, which have been the Brumbies trade-mark over the last few seasons.

Prediction

The Reds have an impressive line-up this year, and I have little doubt will perform better than they did in 2014. The Brumbies look strong, but may struggle with ‘Jake-Ball’ tactics after the loss of Fisher, Reds by 5.

BRUMBIES (1-15): Scott Sio, Josh Mann-Rea, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, David Pocock (c), Jarrad Butler, Nic White (vc), Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane, Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Robbie Coleman.

Reserves: Stephen Moore, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Ita Vaea, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.

REDS (1-15): James Slipper (c), Saia Fainga’a, Sam Talakai, James Horwill, Marco Kotze, Curtis Browning, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Karmichael Hunt, Lachie Turner, Samu Kerevi, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Chris Kuridrani, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Ed O’Donoghue, Adam Korczyk, Nick Frisby, Duncan Paia’aua, Campbell Magnay.

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Legendary New Zealand fly half Dan Carter has agreed to join fly giants Racing Metro on a lucrative three year deal-rumoured to be in excess of a million euro per year- following the completion of next year’s World Cup, it has been announced.

Carter, 32, will hope that his stint with Racing proves to be more successful than his injury plagued spell at the Basque side Perpignan during a sabbatical from the All Blacks.

“It’s going to be an awesome adventure for me and my family,” he said. “Having visited France many times, including my time with Perpignan, I know what the French culture and their rugby culture is like and it’s something I really love.

“Having said that, it’s the immediate future that is exciting me at the moment. 2015 is going to be a big year and I’m looking forward to getting into it, firstly with the Crusaders and then hopefully with the All Blacks. My body is feeling really good, I’m training really hard and getting some good conditioning in so I can hit the ground running next year”, said an excited Carter.

All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen, went on the record to thank Carter for his service to the National Team.

“On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Dan on his decision and also on his career to date. He is still in the midst of a wonderful career, both as a provincial and Super Rugby player and an All Black, and will leave us as the greatest first five-eighth ever.

“Whilst he hasn’t finished yet in New Zealand, he has already set the benchmark for first five play, and we look forward to seeing him out on the paddock in 2015″, said the former Wales coach.

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Years later, we still struggle to comprehend how Dan Carter managed to pull off this kick.

To even have the self belief to try it was indicative of Carter’s greatness, but to execute the kick was mind boggle-ingly good.

As the commentator said, “Goodness gracious, that is unbelievable”

Youtube Credit: Rugby1598

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We believe the scientific term for Julian Savea’s brutal fend of his New Zealand team-mate, Israel Dagg, is ‘Smashed ‘em, bro’

During a 2013 Super Rugby game between the Hurricanes and the Saders, Julian Savea went all Jonah Lomu, smashing two players, including Israel Dagg, out of his way on the way to a try built on a foundation of freakish strength.

To be a fly on the wall when the duo met up for All Blacks duty after this..

Youtube Credit: gorillaRugbyShow

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The Tahs have recorded the most trys, most points, conceded the least, boast the competition’s top try scorer, Israel Folau and the season’s top points scorer, Bernard Foley. They are on a nine game winning streak at home and are undefeated there this season. The Sydney based team has won their last seven games by an average of 24 points and are hosting their first final.

Yet, the stat that has popped up more than any other this week is the Waratahs horror run against the Crusaders. The boys from Christchurch have defeated the Tahs in the last 11 games they have played; including the 2005 and 2008 finals played in Christchurch.

Michael Chieka says history counts for nothing, but try saying that to the Crusaders big three trio, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran Read who have made a habit of winning the big games when it matters most.

The Tahs have 14 internationals in their line-up today, with Alofa Alofa as the only in the backline never to have represented his country, so we’ll give a slight edge to the Waratahs there.

The ‘Saders have 11 test starters starting and will look to target the Waratahs in the set peice, an area of great strength for the Kiwi team this year. The Tahs gave away two penalties in the scrum against the Brumbies and their lineout has completely gone “head over biscuit” since Dave Dennis suffered a season ending knee injury.

The Crusaders have one of the lowest tackle success rates of the competition this year (85%) and missed a whopping 21 tackles in their semi-final victory against the Sharks, something they cannot allow against a team which boasts Folau, Beale, AAC and Foley.

The Crusaders have given away the second lowest amount of penalties throughout the season but lost discipline against the Sharks, giving away 13. Similar ill-discipline could prove costly against the Tahs.

Key Players

Waratahs: Every player in the Waratahs line-up has had a huge impact at one time or another throughout the year, and their relatively unchanged team list throughout the season is testament to that.

Kurtley Beale, Israel Folay and Bernard Foley have been their bread and butter in the winning formula this year.

Folau has topped the charts for tries (12), offloads (47) and clean breaks (26) this season, and the Waratahs will look for him to play a key role having been shut out of the game by the Brumbies; look for him to seek involvement in fresh areas of the game – a Plan B – if the Crusaders succeed in shutting down the supply line.

Beale has played some of his best rugby this season, creating a strong combination with Foley and Folau, and he has scored/assisted in 18 tries (eight of which he scored), made 12 line breaks and 225 carries; his link play with Foley, the top points scorer this season, is essential for the Tahs.

Michael Hooper also will be essential in the Waratahs’ game. Taking over the captaincy from Dennis, he leads the side from the front with a cool head and stays calm under pressure. Hooper is a top tackler – making 10 last week – as well as a strong ball runner; he beat two defenders and made 15 metres against the Brumbies.

Crusaders: Despite the side facing a few hiccups throughout the season, the Crusaders returned to their best in time for the finals with several players key on the rise.

Nemani Nadolo has been a revelation for the Crusaders, scoring 11 tries, making 61 tackle busts and 25 clean breaks in his 13 appearances this year; he made a huge 111 metres last week against the Sharks. He is a potent figure in the Crusaders backline, and his ability to find the try line could be the making or breaking of the Crusaders.

Working closely alongside Nadolo, Colin Slade will also play a huge part in the Crusaders game. Slade has led his backline to the finals and, alongside Dan Carter last week, provided a fly-half masterclass; his strong kicking game will be an instrumental part in the Crusaders’ plans.

Despite missing a fair chunk of the season through injury, Kieran Read is sure to play a huge part in the Crusaders game. A dominating figure up front, a strong ball runner and link player, the 2013 IRB Player of the Year is sure to take charge early. He ran 62 metres last week alone, and he will be a huge threat in broken play.

Prediction

It all revolves around peaking at the right time, and the Crusaders current form is ominous. They strangely spluttered at times this year, but have come into the finals in fine form.

Waratahs will certainly irritate and threaten – especially if their attack gets enough quality possession to unleash Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa and Kurtley Beale on a regular basis. But the Crusaders will do all they can to fragment the Waratahs’ ball – focusing on what are clearly their weak points of a faltering lineout and a scrum that is above average but can occasionally be exposed.

Many in the press have beat-up and rubbished the Waratahs set piece, and because of that I have little doubt the Tahs forwards will be fired up for a big performance, and they have shown they can get it right…at times. If the Tahs scrum and lineout manages to hang tough, the Crusaders may find themselves struggling.

Both teams love to play entertaining rugby, and I’m tipping plenty of points being scored. But the Waratahs have the luxury of being able to have test stars on the bench. Because of this depth, and a record Super Rugby crowd getting right behind the Tahs, that should be enough to scrape across the line. Tahs by 4.

Teams

Waratahs
Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (capt), Stephen Hoiles, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tola Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbon, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Peter Betham (two to be omitted).

Crusaders
Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Dominic Bird, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl.

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Crusaders Vs Sharks

A heavyweight tussle between the Crusaders and Sharks kicks of four hours of griping rugby today. While the Crusaders have flexed their muscles since the June international break, the Sharks have struggled to find their early season form.

While the Sharks struggled to get past the Highlanders at home, they demonstrated set piece strength. However, the Crusaders are a step up in class and will need tighter back line defence is they are to stand any chance.

While the Sharks completely dominated the Highlanders scrum, it’ll be a different story against the Crusaders who boast half the All Blacks starting pack, and on percentages owns the most successful scrum in the competition this year.

The Sharks are the only team to have beaten the ‘Saders at home this year, but that match was arguably the Crusaders worst performance all year. No doubt the home team will be looking for revenge.

All Blacks captain McCaw makes a timely return to action after missing the Crusaders’ past three games with a rib injury he picked up while on Test duty. The superstar flanker’s availability will boost an already in-form pack boasting a stack of All Blacks talent, including skipper and No. 8 Kieran Read who looks to be back to the form that saw him crowned IRB world player of the year in 2013.

But McCaw will have his hands full against Coetzee, who has been in great touch himself and was a powerhouse against the Highlanders last week. The burly back-rower, who has been the leading ball-carrier for the Sharks this season, made nine bruising runs for 65m and crossed for an important try.

Sharks winger Mvovo looks set to be handed one of world rugby’s most unenviable tasks — shutting down Fijian flyer Nadolo. The Australian-born winger has been a revelation in his first season of Super Rugby, crossing for 10 tries to trail only Waratahs star Israel Folau (12). At 194cm and 125kg Nadolo is particularly hard to stop if he’s given time to hit top gear, and Crusaders playmakers Colin Slade and Dan Carter will be looking to do as often as possible.

Mvovo is no slouch in attack himself and leads the Sharks this season for run metres (920), tackle busts (40) and linebreaks (13). But he lacks Nadolo’s try-scoring prowess, crossing for only two five-pointers in 17 games.

The Crusaders and Sharks have met in two Super Rugby playoffs matches, with the New Zealanders winning both clashes, each time on home soil. They won their 2011 qualifying final 36-8 on their way to reaching the decider, and triumphed 36-32 in a 1998 semi-final before taking out the title.

The Sharks are trying to shake off a tag as one of Super Rugby’s biggest bridesmaid. They have made the playoffs on nine separate occasions but have failed to win a title in their four grand final appearances.

If any team is capable of causing an upset against the Crusaders at home, it’s the Sharks, however, there’s too much to play for. Because of this, I’m tipping the Crusaders to win by 6.

Waratahs Vs Brumbies

What a cracking semi-final this looms to be. Last time the bitter rivals met in Sydney for a top-four play-off, the Brumbies blew the Tahs out of the water. Little chance this time as a tight, yet entertaining, spectacle is promised.

Although NSW romped to the minor premiership and are title favourites, the Brumbies know what it’s like to win – and lose – big play-off games. They’ve produced their best performances of the season in wins over the Force and Chiefs and are playing with great pace and skill.

The Waratahs would have enjoyed a week’s rest and a chance to fix the worrying lineout problems the Reds exposed. But talk by some players they’re “unstoppable” and yet to hit their peak wouldn’t have been missed by their opponents. Expect a few news clippings pinned up on the Brumbies’ dressing room wall. It’s been a long time since the Tahs were in a tight one so the mental battle could be telling.

Last week against the Chiefs, the Brumbies surprisingly moved away from their old “Jakeball” game plan and played running rugby, to much success. The Tahs will have to be prepared for a team that could come out with two different tactics, and if the Brumbies resort to their long kicking game, how Folau handle’s it at the back will go a long way to determining a winner.

Both teams hate each other and are playing in a Super Rugby semi final in front of what should be close to a full house at Allianz Stadium. Need any more convincing to turn on the TV? How about 22 Wallabies facing off against each other?

These two sides split their regular season clashes. Stephen Larkham’s men got up 28-23 in Canberra in Round 5 but the Waratahs atoned with a 39-8 smashing of the injury-ravaged Brumbies in Sydney four weeks ago. The Brumbies are closer to full-strength this time around and have won four of their last six meetings with the Tahs, but their record in Sydney is atrocious. They have won just twice in 13 trips to the Harbour City, although one of those wins was a 51-10 triumph in the 2002 semi final.

With all that said, there won’t be much in it this weekend. The Tahs deserve to enter as favourites based on recent form and the Brumbies’ poor record in Sydney, but the men from Canberra know they’ve beaten the Tahs before this season and are perfectly capable of doing it again. But, I don’t think they will, however, it’ll be close. Waratahs by 7.

All I know is, both these games should be belters! If you choose not to watch either of them for what ever reason, there’s something wrong with you, and you should feel bad!

What’s your tips?

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The Highlanders and Crusaders will be battling over the top of the New Zealand conference and the Sharks hoping to jag second place, there’s still plenty to play for.

Crusaders Vs. Highlanders

Depending on results between the Stormers v Sharks, a win should be enough to secure second place and a home semi-final for the Crusaders. The Highlanders need a bonus point win to have any hope at all of taking second overall and top place in the Kiwi conference.

The winner of this game should have next week off before hosting a sudden death play-off at home. Both teams are without key players, with All Blacks fullback Ben Smith still laid low by an infected leg which had him on a drip in a Sydney hospital for three days after Sunday’s loss to the Waratahs. The Crusaders will also be without their skipper, with Richie McCaw given another week to recover from a rib injury suffered in last month’s Test series against England.

The Crusaders are one of the form teams at the moment and will be difficult to beat at home, where as the Highlander’s away form has been poor, recent heavy defeats at the hands of the Reds in Brisbane and the Tahs in Sydney does not fill us with confidence when it comes to picking a winner in today’s match.

Because of this we’re tipping the Crusaders to win by 14.

Reds Vs. Waratahs

The Tahs have already locked up the minor premiership, and the Reds have no hope of making the finals. Either way, no team is taking is as a dead rubber. As much as the Brumbies fans try to argue it, this is still the biggest rivalry in Australian rugby with 131 years of history behind the fixture.

As a sign of how seriously both sides take this match, even with top place on the table sewn up, the Waratahs said they will not rest any players for the clash. However, injury got in the way of those plans with Israel Folau out with a corked thigh.

The Reds will be keen to keep their record against the Tahs (one loss in the last four years) where as the Sydney siders will want to keep their momentum up leading into their home semi in a fortnight with their seventh straight win.

The Tahs will be keen to dispel the tag that they’re nothing more than Israel Folau with 14 others on the field, having only won, one of three games without him this year and lost just two out of 11 with him.

Despite a loss last week to the Force, the Reds have still found a rare patch of form for themselves at the back end of this season, and playing at home in their last match of the season will no doubt give them a boost. However, even without Folau, the Tahs still have an extremely strong backline, because of this we’re tipping the Tahs by 8.

Lions Vs. Cheetahs

One for only the die hard rugby fans. Second last plays third last, however the pressure of avoiding the wooden spoon is off with Rebels getting thrashed by the Bulls yesterday.

However, motivation won’t be in short supply, the new Super Rugby format with 18 teams doesn’t come into effect until 2016, so the team with the conference wooden-spoon in their pot will end up in a promotion/relegation match against the Kings later this year.

The Lions surged late to down the lowly Rebels last week, while the Cheetahs lifted after the return of their Springboks to stun the conference-topping Sharks. The Lions have won five of their seven home games this year – only losing to the conference-leading Crusaders and Sharks – and that fact alone should help them scramble over the line.

Because of this, we’re tipping the Lions to get there on the boot of Jantjies and Boshoff, Lions by 6.

 Stormers Vs. Sharks

After a blazing start to the season, the Sharks have gone of the boil losing their last two games to surrender the competition lead.

The Jake White coached team is guaranteed play-off action and can still re-take second place, but need to realistically win with a bonus point, while hoping the Crusaders fall short of the same feat at home to the Highlanders to nab a home semi-final and next week off.

They shouldn’t expect any South African favours, with the Stormers finding a purple patch of form at the back end of the season, running high on a four match winning streak, which includes beating the Sharks in Durban just before the June international break.

With the Sharks coming off the boil, and the Stormers in red hot form, we think this game will be extremely close. I’m tipping the Stormers at home by 3.

What’s your predictions?

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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?

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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.

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