Super Rugby Pacific 2024: Round 1 Predictions

Hi Paul,

Like you, I can see that Gilbert is an excellent player. So much so that he will captain the team this year, and take kicks.

Versatile players often move. Gilbert can play fullback or centre. Last year for example McKenzie was recorded by SB as a Fullback and during the season he played both, fullback and flyhalf. This year he's recorded as a flyhalf and will start for the Chiefs at Flyhalf in their first game.

I'll help you out with my own analysis. Last year for the whole season D Mac scored 390 SB points of which 170 were kicks. Gilbert scored 230 of which 101 were kicks. D Mac averaged 24.4 pts per game and Sam Gilbert 19.2 per game.

I'm just grateful that Damian is at Flyhalf and I can play him there, leaving the back three open for the genuine flyers Stevenson, Telea and Tatatavanawai. Not Gilbert who definitely gets a look in but on average kicks less points than D Mac and who plays his rugby this year at centre. You really don't need to use up a back 3 option 22 Feb 09:38

Thanks Cliff for taking the time to write down what many of us have been cogitating on since the teams were announced, very early I might add compared to URC etc. Yes Gilbert is SO good even at 2nd 5 Eighth (No 12) as we still say in NZ, that he could be worth a punt against the team with the fewest resources, Moana Pasifika.

I've come unstuck fixating on filling the usually fruitful Outside Backs 3 spots. In really one-sided games the ball won't need to make it all the way out to the wings, the centres do the job themselves. Heck, in some matches the forwards keep it amongst themselves without even the halfback being required! But yes DMac kind of chooses himself on this occasion due to the various 'Opportunity Cost, Opportunity Lost' scenarios of the quirky SB bandings.

Cheers J-P 22 Feb 13:46

Good analysis J-P.

Will Gilbert definitely take all the shots at goal. Will Rhys Patchell kick? I'd go DMac as my flyhalf and kicker for the season and then complete the backline.

Plenty of options in the Highlanders backline there for a person thinking that they will score through the halfback and the centres. Fakatata, new signing Tanielu Telea; Tavatavanawai and Jona Nareki out wide. I have all 4 in my squad!

And the Blues likely to run up a score at Eden Park!

22 Feb 17:27

I've opted back 3 as Talea, Stevenson and Nareki from highlanders who should blow away MP 22 Feb 22:58

Ahem....The Highlanders host The B-Lose next round! That put me off having too many Otago guys. They are also rebuilding after losing Smith & Frizell & others. Whereas Auckland seem to have poached talent from The Chiefs & others. Some odd imports, Patchell was actually an initial No. 10 pick but $6M is too much if Gilbert still kicks. And what about Halfpenny signing for the Crusaders (my team) ?! It reminded me of my shouted comment from Twickenham years ago when the Baa Baas beat the All Blacks thanks to a Habana Hat-Trick! He was subbed late on, when they announced "Substitution for the Barbarians, Bryan Habana to be replaced by Leigh Halfpenny." ... to which this drunken Kiwi retorted "WE'VE BEEN SHORT-CHANGED!!" 22 Feb 23:01

Well done J-P. Petaia and Fihaki. Good use of SB “quirks” delivering some excellent results for you there! 24 Feb 20:33

Which ones do you think are close and which ones do think are by a margin? 22 Feb 09:43

Chiefs vs Crusaders and Reds vs Waratahs to be close.... Rest bigger diffence in points 22 Feb 09:56

The same as Hutch !
22 Feb 10:31

👍 22 Feb 11:24