Super Rugby Round 15 Predictions!

Round 14 was a disappointment, largely by virtue of picking the Chiefs to beat the Sharks. Having made picks before the lineups were announced, I was not aware of the extent of the absences, and then I considered changing it closer to kick off - I agonised for hours over the decision, or at least a few seconds, but ultimately decided that I'd be less annoyed sticking with my pick and the Sharks winning, than changing my pick and the Chiefs winning.

In the end, there were only 4 points in it, and that was the difference between red arrows and green, such are the fine margins on Superbru and given that the Sunwolves and Waratahs had put paid to most people's GSP between them.

But we'll put it behind us and move on, so here are my predictions for Round 15 of Super Rugby.

Crusaders v Hurricanes

What a prospect this is to kick us off, with both sides showing a fully green Superbru streak. The Hurricanes have won three of the last four meetings between these teams, but looking closely you can see that the home team has won 6 of the last 7 matches. Add in the fact that the Canes were run close by the lowly Reds last weekend, and I'm picking the Crusaders to win. Prediction: Crusaders by 6

Rebels v Sunwolves

It's two in a row for the Sunwolves, after stunning the Stormers with a late dropped goal last weekend. The Rebels also ended a losing run with an away win over the Brumbies, and will be confident of taking this one in Melbourne. Only two of the Rebels' matches this season have been decided by fewer than 16 points. Prediction: Rebels by 16

Jaguares v Sharks

Another fine win for the Jaguares last week on their return to Buenos Aires, and I think they'll continue their run against the Sharks, who have only managed one win on the road so far this season. Prediction: Jaguares by 13

Chiefs v Waratahs

The Tahs finally ended a 40-match run of wins for New Zealand teams over the Australians, but I think the Chiefs will restore order here as they welcome back their All Blacks contingent. Prediction: Chiefs by 18

Reds v Highlanders

Some people will pick the Reds here, who gave the Hurricanes a scare in Wellington, whilst the Highlanders were heavily beaten by the Waratahs. Don't be fooled. cPrediction: Highlanders by 16

Bulls v Brumbies

Back at Loftus against a poor Brumbies side with only 3 wins to its name, and without a victory away from home since February, the Bulls will prevail here. Prediction: Bulls by 13

Stormers v Lions

The Lions haven't lost to a South African team in 20 matches, and have won the last three against the Stormers, but this will be a tough test. They haven't looked quite as convincing this season, as defeats to the Blues, Jaguares and Reds will attest, whilst the Stormers are difficult to beat at Newlands. I'm leaning towards the home side for this one. Prediction: Stormers by 4

What do you make of these predictions? Let us know in the comments which you disagree with as there are plenty that could go either way!