Super Rugby Predictions: 26-28 February
Normally at this time of year, we’d be a couple of rounds into Super Rugby, full of excitement with wall-to-wall action every weekend.
Things are a bit different this year with separate tournaments taking place across the world, but over the next few weeks I’ll make all my picks and share my predictions for Super Rugby AU, Super Rugby Aotearoa and the fixtures that make up our 'SA Preparation Series Predictor' in a combined article.
As you can see below, there's a lot of rugby this weekend!
Hurricanes v Blues: This is a really tough pick, and I was leaning towards the Blues based on the lineups. The Canes have two Saveas, with Julian back in the fold, lining up against two Ioanes for the Blues, and on paper I think the Blues lineup just has the edge in terms of strength. However, the Blues’ preparations have been hampered by a local lockdown in Auckland, robbing the team of several training days, and the Hurricanes may be better-prepared for Round 1. Hurricanes by 2
Brumbies v Waratahs: Unlike in New Zealand where both matches could go either way, the two Aussie derbies look like obvious picks. This is the best team against the worst team this year. Brumbies by 21
Stormers v Cheetahs: The Cheetahs were tough to overcome in the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament, but the Stormers managed to beat them home and away and should win this one too. Stormers by 9
Bulls v EP Elephants: I don’t know a great deal about the Elephants, but up against the multiple trophy-winning Bulls, there is surely only one winner. Bulls by 33
Sharks v Griquas: The Sharks won by 28 points when these sides met last month, and I think this is likely to be another one-sided affair. A few different personnel and some rustiness might mean the Sharks take a bit longer to get going though. Sharks by 18
Things are a bit different this year with separate tournaments taking place across the world, but over the next few weeks I’ll make all my picks and share my predictions for Super Rugby AU, Super Rugby Aotearoa and the fixtures that make up our 'SA Preparation Series Predictor' in a combined article.
As you can see below, there's a lot of rugby this weekend!
Super Rugby Aotearoa
Highlanders v Crusaders: I’m not expecting much from the Highlanders this season, and the Crusaders lineup looks very strong to me. The ‘saders have won 6 in a row against the Highlanders, and will still be the team to beat this year. Crusaders by 7Hurricanes v Blues: This is a really tough pick, and I was leaning towards the Blues based on the lineups. The Canes have two Saveas, with Julian back in the fold, lining up against two Ioanes for the Blues, and on paper I think the Blues lineup just has the edge in terms of strength. However, the Blues’ preparations have been hampered by a local lockdown in Auckland, robbing the team of several training days, and the Hurricanes may be better-prepared for Round 1. Hurricanes by 2
Super Rugby AU
Reds v Rebels: Over in Australia, the Rebels are another team hampered by local lockdowns, and they’re up against a settled Reds team full of confidence after a big win last week. This could be another big win, I think. Reds by 18Brumbies v Waratahs: Unlike in New Zealand where both matches could go either way, the two Aussie derbies look like obvious picks. This is the best team against the worst team this year. Brumbies by 21
SA Preparation Series
Lions v Pumas: Also starting this weekend is the South African ‘Preparation Series’ featuring the Super Rugby and Currie Cup sides. This fixture should make for a straightforward start with the Lions kicking off with a win. Lions by 13Stormers v Cheetahs: The Cheetahs were tough to overcome in the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament, but the Stormers managed to beat them home and away and should win this one too. Stormers by 9
Bulls v EP Elephants: I don’t know a great deal about the Elephants, but up against the multiple trophy-winning Bulls, there is surely only one winner. Bulls by 33
Sharks v Griquas: The Sharks won by 28 points when these sides met last month, and I think this is likely to be another one-sided affair. A few different personnel and some rustiness might mean the Sharks take a bit longer to get going though. Sharks by 18
25 Feb 17:17
Basically if you're a South African just ignore the kiwi's looks like they don't understand our country's current situation ???????? and looks like they're still hurt because of the 2019 world cup ???? it's 2021 already get over it ?? by the way all South Africans want to see the boks play to it's not just you guys tho ??????