Super Rugby Predictions: 5-7 March

The South African Super Rugby sides aren’t in action until next week, so it’s just the Australians and New Zealanders in action over the next few days, and there are some tricky picks to contend with.

Here are my Super Rugby predictions for this weekend. Feel free to let me know your own in the comments.

Super Rugby Aotearoa

Chiefs v Highlanders: The Chiefs are slight favourites with the bookies, but they weren’t exactly impressive in last year’s instalment of this competition, and I suspect the Highlanders will benefit from their run-out last week. I’m going for a slight upset in the first match of the week. Highlanders by 2

Crusaders v Hurricanes: The Hurricanes won in Christchurch last June, ending the Crusaders’ 400-year unbeaten record there (or something like that), but yet I still can’t imagine predicting a Crusaders defeat at home. And after the Hurricanes lost heavily to the Blues at home, this should be a comfortable Crusaders victory. Crusaders by 11

Super Rugby AU

Waratahs v Force: Over in Australia, the Waratahs have a prime opportunity to get back to winning ways, but given their injury issues and lack of depth, I’m leaning towards the Force. It’s a stronger Force squad this year, and they’ll fancy their chances after a rest last weekend. Force by 6

Brumbies v Rebels: The Rebels fared better than I expected against the Reds last weekend, but it takes a brave man to bet against the Brumbies at the moment. It’s the same team that put 61 points past the Waratahs last time out, and I think they’ll win this one too. Brumbies by 8