Super Rugby Restart: Round 8 Predictions

Having said last week that nothing less than a full-house of picks would be sufficient, I was always heading for a fall! The Crusaders losing at home, and the Rebels thrashing the Waratahs left me with a paltry 2 out of 4 with room for improvement this week.

This week looks quite tough to me, and here are my picks.

Force v Rebels

I’m going with the Rebels here, on the basis that they won convincingly away at the Waratahs last weekend, and the Force are not nearly as good as the Tahs. Seems logical. Rebels by 16

Chiefs v Crusaders

This looks like an obvious pick, but I’m sorely tempted to pick the Chiefs. They’ve been unlucky in their last few matches suffering narrow defeats, whilst the Crusaders’ defeat at home will give the Chiefs confidence. The visitors are also missing a host of star names, such as Joe Moody and Braydon Ennor, and it’s not as straightforward as the bookies and Superbru community would have you believe. I’ve talked myself into it. Chiefs by 2

Brumbies v Reds

This one looks fairly straightforward, with the best Australian team at home to the Reds. Both teams are unbeaten, but I can’t see the Reds winning this one. Brumbies by 13

Highlanders v Blues

The Blues have not won in Dunedin since 2011, but yet the bookies have made them favourites to win here. Teams aren’t out yet, so I won’t be locking anything in yet, but for now I’m leaning towards a home win for the Highlanders. Highlanders by 4