Super Rugby Predictions - Round 11
Rugby scribe Brenden Nel offers his Super Rugby predictions in Week 11 of the southern hemisphere's marquee franchise rugby competition.
Our rugby fundi Brenden Nel paid the price for backing the Stormers again, the Sharks came up trumps in Buenos Aires and the Waratahs got the better of the Reds in an Aussie derby.
Brenden's haul in Week 10 - 5/8.
Let's see what his predictions look like this week:
The Tah's pipped the Reds 29-26 in Brisbane, the Stormers came unstuck for a second consecutive week in New Zealand and were clobbered 57-14 by the Highlanders and the
Sharks surprised us all in Buenos Aires following that shocker against the Rebels the previous week in Durban.
The Stormers have really fallen apart since their pre-tour defeat by the Lions and that unbeaten run after seven weeks has seemingly disappeared into the New Zealand autumn mist.
The Capetonians enter week three -- thankfully their last -- on a tour from hell and after two successive hidings against Kiwi opposition, they make their last stopover in Wellington this week against the Hurricanes (Friday 09h35 SA time).
Two heavy losses on the bounce, all sorts of rumours about disharmony and management differences in the camp and one could forgive Brenden for predicting another loss by a sizeable margin for the Stormers.
But if the players raise the bar significantly and take responsibility on the field, then maybe that tunnel isn't so dark after all.
Much like the Stormers, the Cheetahs seem to also suffer from defensive lapses at critical times and get punished from turnover ball and a plethora of missed tackles.
Despite being on the road, after tearing the Stormers apart, one can't help backing the Highlanders to do some more damage in Bloemfontein on Friday evening (Kick-off 19h00).
While appealing to the Cheetahs to prove us all wrong, one cannot help predicting another runaway victory to the New Zealanders in the chilly Free State autumn air.
The Rebels host the Lions in Melbourne on Saturday (07h00 SA time).
There are huge problems in the Rebels set-up and having the possible Super Rugby axe hanging over their heads, isn't making it any easier.
The Aussie side were trumped by the Kings in PE last time out and factor the journey home and one sees a hugely deflated side whose race is all but run.
The Rebels' plight is perhaps reflective of the state of Australian rugby right now and home ground advantage may not even be an ally. We have to fancy the Lions to make it two from two on tour.
Brenden feels it's time to really start taking the Sharks seriously after grinding out that win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last weekend.
Being back to home comforts again should make them even more of a threat when they face the Force at Kings Park on Saturday afternoon (15h05 kick-off).
The Force are prone to be spoilers and very disruptive, but the Sharks should have more than enough in the tank to see them off and keep themselves in contention for a playoff spot.
The burning question - How do the Bulls stop a Crusaders side unbeaten in nine matches? (Loftus Versveld 17h15 Saturday afternoon)
One gets the impression the Kiwi kingpins are still in neutral and it is scary prospect to think what they may be capable of if they do change up a gear.
Statistically, the Crusaders haven't fared well at Loftus and haven't claimed a win since 2008.
No Sam Whitelock (suspended), no Kieran Read (broken thumb), but still a complete side. Matt Todd takes the leadership responsibility at Loftus.
The Bulls have ground out two 'ugly' wins over the Jaguares and the Cheetahs and picked up some degree of momentum, but still don't appear to be hitting the right notes quite yet.
All points to a Crusaders victory and they are rightfully installed as favourites -- but there would be no better time to find that missing mojo than against the rampant Crusaders.
Other games:
Chiefs vs Reds (09H35 SA time Saturday) -- The Chiefs not quite firing on all cylinders, but should be too good for struggling Reds on home turf.
The Waratahs vs Blues (Saturday (11h45 SA time) -- The Blues have been grinding out some victories after a poor start and the form books suggest that New Zealand dominance over Aussie teams looks set to continue.
Late night game (Saturday 23h40 SA time) Jaguares vs Sunwolves -- Barely a match we are likely to stay awake for but important for the Jaguares to retain a stake in the competition.
The gruelling travel schedule that the Japanese outfit are subjected to is likely to catch up with them and there may be some tired legs. The Jaguares should win comfortably.