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.

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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

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There’s only been one round played, it’s a bit early to be calling it. Especially when many of the New Zealand and South African teams are resting stars.

Chiefs V Brumbies

The Chiefs are bringing back their stars, and the Brumbies have lost David Pocock, yet again, to injury. Fortunately it’s his ankle, not his knee on this occasion, and he will be back in 4-6 weeks.

Returning for the Chiefs are All Blacks forwards Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam, while flyhalf Aaron Cruden will rekindle his partnership with superstar Sonny Bill Williams. Remarkably, these two teams were the only ones who finished in the top five last year to kick off 2015 with a win.

Prediction

Sure, the Brumbies destroyed the Reds last week, but that was on the back of the work of Pocock, who almost single-handedly starved the Reds of possession. This week with Cruden back to partner with SBW, as well as the match being played at New Plymouth, it makes it impossible to go past the Chiefs. Chiefs by 6.

CHIEFS: James Lowe, Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber; Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (capt), Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons, Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Jamie Mackintosh.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu.

BRUMBIES:  Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano,  Joseph Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Ben Alexander, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio.

Reserves: Stephen Moore, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sean Doyle, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.

Rebels V Waratahs

Some interesting stats in the lead-up to this match. The Waratahs have never started a season with two losses, and the Rebels have never started with two wins. The key to this match is the back-row, with the Rebels loose three putting in a high quality performance against the Crusaders and the Waratahs’ counterparts well below par against the Force, only managing one turn over in the 80 minutes.

The ‘Tahs won’t be helped by the loss of Wallaby Cliff Palu with a knee injury. Melbourne are missing suspended halfback Nic Stirzaker but have a very capable substitute in Luke Burgess. The Tahs match up well against the Rebels and surely couldn’t play as badly as they did against the Force.

Prediction

The Rebels will be coming into this match full of confidence after their amazing performance against the Crusaders, and the Waratahs will have a point to prove after failing against the Force.

The odds at most betting agencies have the ‘Tahs, playing at home a strong favourite, but I think it’ll be a lot closer than that suggests. Waratahs by 3.

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

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

WARATAHS: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravaro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Stephen Hoiles, Michael Hooper, Jaques Potgieter, Will Skelton, David Dennis (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Pat McCutcheon, Peter Betham.

Bulls v Hurricanes

The Bulls fell way short of the lofty expectations many were expecting from them in their loss to the Stormers last week. The Hurricanes on the otherhand showed that the hapless Lions look destined for another cellar dweller season by beating them in Johannesburg.

Pierre Spies comes into the Bulls lineup as captain after replacing injured No.8 Arno Botha. Meanwhile, All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu will make his first return appearance for the Hurricanes at the expense of Rey Lee-Lo. Flanker Callum Gibbins will also make his first start for the ‘Canes ahead of much-touted youngster Ardie Savea.

Prediction

The ‘Canes can go from hot to cold at a moments notice, and playing against a higher quality team this week in the shape of the Bulls, we can expect a much closer contest.

I think the Bulls will bounce back from last weeks results to put in a much beef-ier performance. Bulls by 4.

BULLS: Jesse Kriel, Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl, Pierre Spies (capt), Lappies Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield, Jacques du Plessis, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellett.

Reserves: Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Rudy Paige, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jurgen Visser.

HURRICANES: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (capt), Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes.

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ardie Savea, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor

Happy Tipping.

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Pre season is often an arduous experience for professional Rugby players with grueling fitness sessions commonplace. However, that doesn’t mean that players can’t have the occasional moments of fun.

TJ Perenara proved exactly this with an improvised dropgoal in Hurricanes training lately.

What we wonder, though, is whether this was the first take or not?

Credit: TJ Perenara on Vine.

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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.

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With an All Black try ratio better than the iconic Jonah Lomu’s-26 tries in 26 test games-, Julian Savea is well on his way to becoming one of the best wingers in Rugby history.

In an interview with Sky Sport New Zealand, the Hurricane reminisces on his so far fruitful Kiwi career and gives us a glimpse of what drives the man known as the bus.

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Youtube Credit: Sky Sport New Zealand

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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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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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One match on tonight that will be pivotal in deciding what the ultimate shape of the final six will be.

Chiefs v Hurricanes

It’s crunch time for both these teams today, a loss here will be the end of the road for one. While the Canes be without Conrad Smith, Alapati Leiua, Andre Taylor and Victor Vito, it’s the fitness of rake Dane Coles (calf) who the Canes are sweating over amid a hooker crisis.

Winning will be made even more difficult by the fact the Chiefs’ destiny remains in their own hands. Despite losing their last three, including a 37-point hiding by the Canes, the defending champions can still sneak into the finals with two wins.

I’m tipping the Chiefs, as long as they can get their wayward lineout together and keep the penalty count low.

Chiefs by 8

Lions v Rebels

Only die hard Lions and Rebels fans will really care about the outcome of this dead rubber. Although in the cellar, both proud teams should come out firing as the loser could very well end up with the dreaded wooden-spoon.

Expect Rebels hooker and Japanese international Shota Horie to be full of confidence after re-signing earlier this week. That said, the Lions have surprised all by winning four of their six home games this season. And those two losses were to the conference-leading Sharks and Crusaders.

The Rebels are yet to win outside Australia and Rebels coach Tony McGahan blasted his side for their “soft” performance against the Reds. The Rebels have made four changes for the clash and they’ll need to harden up quickly and keep their discipline to have any chance.

I’m tipping the Lions to get there on the boot of Boshoff, Lions by 6.

Good luck, good tipping!

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Hurricanes Vs Crusaders

The Hurricanes have proven themselves to be one of the most entertaining teams in this years competition in an up and down, roller coaster ride of a season. But it will all be for nothing if they can’t manage to get on top of the conference leading Crusaders today.

With the Chiefs and a last-round bye to follow, victory is essential. They’ve taken a hit with skipper Conrad Smith (broken thumb) sidelined until the play-offs.

The Crusaders are also without their inspirational captain as Richie McCaw is nursing broken ribs. The third-placed visitors are also without giant winger Nemani Nadolo but have big guns Dan Carter and Kieran Read set to make long-awaited returns from the bench.

While we think the Hurricanes will have the edge in the back line, the Crusaders should to too strong up front where it counts. The Crusaders’ defense has been impressive this season where as the Hurricanes’ has been near non existent at times.

We’re tipping the Crusaders in a close one.

Waratahs Vs Brumbies 

Victory today for the Waratahs will see the end of the Sharks reign, looking down on the rest of the competition from high aloft the table.

The Brumbies have won just twice in Sydney but must overcome an horrific injury toll to make it a third. Last year’s runners up must do without Stephen Moore, Sam Carter, Matt Toomua and Pat McCabe while the Waratahs have the luxury of using Wallabies starter Will Skelton off the bench.

For the Brumbies, no.12 fill-in Andrew Smith is in his run-on doubt. Moore’s loss is huge with Laurie Fisher forced to convert Irish prop Ruaidhri Murphy into a hooker.

In contrast, the star-studded Tahs look the real deal. Despite a three-week break, their momentum has continued with NSW’s big guns carrying their form through the Wallabies’ series whitewash over France.

Three straight wins over the Brumbies, Highlanders and Reds will ensure a home semi-final and, if they are good enough, grand final.

If this was a full strength Brumbies line-up playing today, this would be a hugely difficult game to predict. However, it’s not. With the lack of star players, we can expect the Brumbies to resort to their go to game plan – territory and capitalizing on mistakes.

The Brumbies defense will have to be at it’s best to stand a chance today. However, the Tahs playing at home should be too strong. We predict the Waratahs to win with a 10-15 point margin.

Force Vs Blues 

John Kirwan will be delighted to have all six of his All Blacks returning for a tough trip to Perth on Saturday night as the Aucklanders look to keep their faint play-offs alive against a side who won’t hand the ball over lightly.

The Blues have a tough run to the finish line, and will need to rediscover their mojo on the road if they are to have a chance.

The Force may be seventh on the standings but with three teams ahead having byes, their destiny is in their own hands; two wins out of three likely enough for a maiden finals berth. Victory over the Blues will be crucial to that equation.

Michael Foley welcomes back key trio Alby Mathewson, Hugh McMeniman and Marcel Brache for a tough clash with the inconsistent Aucklanders.  The Blues have put big flanker Steven Luatua back into their back-row and boast a talent-laden backline the Force will be hard pressed to contain. Young gun Ihaia West has kept his spot at no.10.

The Blues are yet to win away from home this season, and we can’t see that trend changing tonight. While at times the Force seem like they’re struggling, they always manage to find a way to hold on.

Because of that, we predict the Force to win in with a 10 point margin.

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