Super Rugby Predictions - Round 12
Although a number of margins may have been way off – thanks mainly
to the Crusaders’ brutal ‘crusade’ at Loftus it has to be said -- rugby guru
Brenden Nel came within a single match of the perfect eight last week. Here are his Round 12 predictions.
Almost with a sense of embarrassment and hands raised in surrender, Brenden is forced on camera to admit that he predicted a Bulls victory over the rampant New Zealanders at Loftus.
Yes Brenden – the heart overrode the head on that occasion as the Crusaders created their own piece of history and had the statisticians working overtime.
Almost with a sense of embarrassment and hands raised in surrender, Brenden is forced on camera to admit that he predicted a Bulls victory over the rampant New Zealanders at Loftus.
Yes Brenden – the heart overrode the head on that occasion as the Crusaders created their own piece of history and had the statisticians working overtime.
The Cheetahs are on the road and their first assignment is against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland (Friday 09h35 SA time).
The Blues have built a fair deal of momentum following a lukewarm start and their win ratio has been steadily increasing week by week, almost unnoticed.
The Cheetahs, by contrast, have been in the losing column for a number of weeks, but if Franco Smith’s men can come up with an 80 minute performance, they might just start their overseas jaunt with a win. But the Blues look good to bag the points at home.
The Lions will be looking to end their Aussie adventure with a full house when they face the Brumbies in Canberra (Friday 11h45 SA time).
The Brumbies have been woeful this season – but then so have all the Australian contenders – and managed to harvest only 18 points in nine outings, but due to the warped conference system, are still likely to qualify for the playoffs.
Their unpredictability is probably their ally, but one has to lean towards the Lions completing a clean sweep Down Under.
The Bulls are desperately searching for answers to their woes after that colossal hiding by the Crusaders, but it gets no easier. This week they host the Highlanders (Saturday 15h05).
The stands will be very sparsely populated at Loftus this week, but the least the Bulls can offer the few who do pitch up is a much-improved performance. But Brenden’s head overrides his heart this week and he can’t see the Bulls rebounding.
Following back to back victories by the South African strugglers, the Southern Kings, there is massive anticipation around their home tie against the Sharks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Saturday 17h15).
While the score line may be a bit closer than many may predict, on pure form, it has to be the Sharks.
The Kings won’t be lacking any confidence and even with the potential Super Rugby axe hanging over their heads, there is a sense of self-belief in their ranks.
Heart vs mind again -- The heart says the Kings can spring a surprise – the mind say no. Safety first – a Sharks victory.
Then there’s the matter of a massive New Zealand derby in Wellington – the Hurricanes vs the Crusaders (Saturday 09h35 SA time) – compelling viewing even if you are a neutral.
The unbeaten Crusaders have had to travel back from South Africa this week and are admittedly the form side of the competition, but we share Brenden’s sneaky suspicion that the defending champions are going to be the first side to stop the Crusaders.
The Stormers fans need not lose sleep this week. Their team has a bye, so no fear, for now at least, of their losing streak continuing on the back of a disastrous New Zealand tour.
Other Matches:
Rebels vs Reds (Melbourne – Saturday 11h45 SA time) – Not a match to get enthusiastic about considering the state of Australian rugby right now, so no issues if you are grocery shipping or having a haircut at the time. Prediction wise – the Reds to win.
Jaguares vs Force (Saturday 23h40 SA time) – With home ground advantage, the Jaguares should win this one comfortably.