Super Rugby Predictions: 9-11 April

Barring the huge upset in Christchurch last week, which next to nobody predicted, my picks weren’t too bad, picking the other three results along with most people.

This weekend, there are some tantalising match-ups in store, with the best teams in Australia going head-to-head, the NZ fixtures are always competitive, and we kick off with...err...Rebels against the Force.

Here are my Super Rugby predictions for this weekend.

Super Rugby AU

Rebels v Force: Historically this isn’t a headline fixture in any Super Rugby tournament, but it has some spice to it this time because there’s one place in the playoffs up for grabs, and it will go to one of these teams. The Rebels won the reverse fixture last month, and picking a home win seems sensible, but matches between these sides are usually close. Rebels by 4

Reds v Brumbies: This is becoming a great rivalry, with two evenly-matched teams that can play some reasonable rugby. There were 78 points scored when the teams met in March, and this should be another entertaining game. Again, backing the home side must be the way to go, given the Reds won the away fixture, but it could go either way. Reds by 2

Super Rugby Aotearoa

Highlanders v Chiefs: Surely after beating the Crusaders away from home, the Highlanders can beat the Chiefs back in Dunedin? Moreover, they are unbeaten in 5 matches against them, and this seems like an obvious pick. Highlanders by 5

Hurricanes v Crusaders: So the Crusaders have now lost two home matches within a calendar year, after being beaten by the Highlanders last week and losing to this weekend’s opposition back in July. Should we start picking against them? I’m not ready. Crusaders by 7