Horrorcanes v Islanders

Surprisingly the Horrorcanes lost at home last week, but they should bounce back against a very poor Islanders team. Depending on the weather in Wellington, there may not be many tries on score which suits me just fine to see no bonus points for theses 2.

Worrytahs v Chiefs

The Worrytahs almost always start the competition well without being that noticeable as they are not star-studded nor flamboyant. In another game of attrition, i’m picking the Worrytahs by about 7-10.

Force v Cheaters

Another game between 2 teams that will not feature in the top half of the competition. The Cheaters do have a good pack and the backs on both sides are of a similar class. It will be up to the Cheaters pack to dominate and players such as Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussouw and co. have to ensure they go forward, win the set pieces and produce their first win away in years. If they don’t this tour will turn into a nightmare as psycholgically the scars will run deep. For the Farce it doesn’t really matter, it just helps determine how far down the bottom they will end up this season.

Stormers v Reds

A massive game for the Stormers at home after already losing 1 home game. The return of Jean De Villiers will help give direction and leadership, but in reality it is the tight five and loosies who must stand up. The tight five must dominate the scrums, and this week they must ensure they win their own ball in the lineouts. That must become a given if this team genuinely wants to be finals contenders. Then the talented back row must come to the party by making the hard yards with ball in hand and scavenging around the breakdowns and effecting at least 4 or 5 turnovers. I thought none of the Stormers loosies really did enough last week, even though they had to do plenty of defending. I’m picking the Stormers by about 12-15.

Brumbies v Crusaders

The Brumbies started off well with an away win, but the quality of opposition improves here. I think this game will be pretty even. The bounce of the ball, or a reffing decision could decide this one but i’ll go with the Crusaders by not many.

Bulls v Blues

The Bulls tried to demonstrate they have learnt lessons from last year and have introduced more variety to their play. Against the reds however they executed poorly and should have won by many more. Even a game with width and air still requires the same basics and dominance, the Bulls don’t need to change everything. Wynand Olivier’s try showed that running into a gap and changing the angles is often all that is required. One doesn’t have to complicate things more than that.
Without captain courageous Matfield however the direction of the team may suffer, and we unfortunately have a habit of making home games closer than they ever need to be. This means the Bulls should win by about 7.
One thing I was thinking prior the Bulls/Reds game was the fact that Matfield rarely misses games or gets injured. I put the mockers on him, but at least it’s not serious and he will only miss 3 games.

Sharks v Lions

Many have been talking up the Lions, but I still think they’ll end up near the bottom. The Sharks simply have to win these sorts of games and they’ll win this one too. They only looked to be getting better and better in their match with the Stormers.
The one thing I still don’t like is the excuse of the humidity and the wet ball not making bonus points easy. These guys are professionals and it is no different to playing in Brisbane or New Zealand in the wet (except for the temperature difference). However you don’t hear them making so many excuses. Sharks to win by 12.