Super Rugby Round Sixteen Predictions!

In Round 15 I managed 6 out of 7, which was slightly better than the community average, but I missed all the margin ranges, and with 21,717 people winning Grand Slam Points, I can see some red arrows.



Congratulations to Kobus Grobler who had the Yellow Cap in my 'Challenge Hutch' pool last weekend. Kobus had a GSP with a MP in every game other than the Rebels' hammering of the Sunwolves in Tokyo.

Just like last week, this round's picks appear to get tricker as the weekend goes on. Here are my Super Rugby predictions for Round 16.

Blues v Bulls

With Handre Pollard still absent for the Bulls, and no Duane Vermeulen this week either, they are a different prospect to the side that has beaten the Lions, Sharks and Rebels away from home this season. The Blues have won the last two against them at Eden Park, and I think they'll win this one too. Blues by 9

Rebels v Waratahs

The 'Tahs have won 9 of the last 10 against the Rebels, but yet my instinct is to pick the home team here. The Rebels need a win to keep up with the Brumbies in the Aussie conference, whilst a defeat for the Waratahs would likely end their playoff hopes. Rebels by 6

Sunwolves v Brumbies

Three thumpings in four matches doesn't bode well for the Sunwolves, and now they face the best Aussie side in the competition. How many will it be? Brumbies by 28

Chiefs v Crusaders

This one is taking place in Suva, so home advantage won't be a factor, and given the Chiefs are having such a tough season and haven't beaten the Crusaders in their last 5 meetings, I can only see another win for the champions. Crusaders by 13

Reds v Jaguares

The Jaguares are enjoying a very successful tour, with wins over the Hurricanes and the Waratahs in the past fortnight. One last push here against the weakest of their tour opposition should see them return home in pole position for the playoffs. Jaguares by 8

Sharks v Hurricanes

This is a tricky one to call, not least because the Sharks this season have been outstanding one week and awful the next. The Hurricanes lost to the Jaguares at home before a bye week, and haven't won in Durban since 2005, but instinct is saying pick them anyway. Hurricanes by 2

Lions v Stormers

The Lions have two home games in their last three, which are looking like must-win fixtures if they are to qualify for the knockout stages. The loser of this game will be unlikely to make it, and with 4 wins in the last 5 meetings between these teams, I'm backing the Lions. Lions by 9

Follow Superbru on Twitter: @Superbru for Super Rugby updates throughout Round 16.