Yahoo, it’s rugby season! Go the Bulls, and go South Africa!
Week 1 of the Super 14 shall let us see the interpretation of the laws from the referees and set the tone for the season.
It’s a big week for all sides as losses here hurt at the business end of the season. Grab a bonus point victory and the job is done.
Blues v Hurricanes – Eden Park, Auckland
The Blues beat the Hurricanes by a small margin in their pre-season game, but this is the real deal. The Hurricanes have a poor record at Eden park, but I’m picking the Canes to have too much experience and nous for a Blues side that just lacks a certain something.
Could be close, but Hurricanes by 8.
Force v Brumbies – Subiaco, Perth
The Force don’t have a great record at their home ground, and these two sides often have a point to prove each other. The Brumbies man for man are a better side, and that’ll see them home. The lack of a genuine controller at flyhalf will cripple this Force side.
Brumbies by 10.
Cheetahs v Bulls – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
The Bulls always get a tough game travelling to Bloemfontein, and the Cheetahs will want revenge after their defeat in the Currie Cup final.
The Cheetahs have gas out wide, and a pack they’ll use to dominate up front so their wings have space to move in. However this Bulls side is confident, primed and ready to deal with the added pressure of defending their title.
Man for man, the Bulls are a class above, and have game breakers galore. Look for Fourie du Preez and Pierre Spies to produce when it counts.
Bulls by 10.
Crusaders v Highlanders – AMI stadium, Christchurch
The Crusaders generally always start slow and haven’t been convincing pre-season. Neither have the Highlanders however.
For that reason, and given home town advantage, I’m picking the Crusaders by 8.
Reds v Waratahs – Suncorp stadium, Brisbane
There is a lot of rivalry between these sides, and games often get ugly. I don’t see this being any different, no matter what the ARU has promised.
The Reds upset the Waratahs pre-season, but this is where it counts.
Waratahs by 12.
Lions v Stormers – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
The Lions are lacking in confidence and face a Stormers side they haven’t beaten in a long time. Initially it’ll be tight, but after the early exchanges the Stormers should be able to dominate.
The Lions through Carlos Spencer may be able to score tries of their own, and an open, high scoring game could ensue.
Stormers by 10.
Sharks v Chiefs – Kings Park, Durban
The Sharks are in disarray in my opinion, and whereas the wheels fell off mid-season last year, I see the wheels falling off very early this time round. In fact it’s already started in the courtroom.
The Chiefs may struggle with the humidity in Durban, but they have a pack that can match the Sharks, and have a better flyhalf to control the game. I’m picking a major upset here.
Chiefs by 8.
