Superbru 6 Predictions: NPC Final, URC and Gallagher Premiership
I had my poorest week so far last weekend, with just 3 out of 6 correct picks, and this week doesn't look much easier.
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the 6 matches I have picked out this weekend.
The Bulls were beaten for the first time last weekend, away at the Scarlets, and that result makes this pick much trickier. Benetton have won two in a row, including a thrashing of the Sharks a fortnight ago, and they are always tough to beat. The Bulls’ record against them is good, however, having won all four meetings since the Rainbow Cup (remember that?) in 2021. I’m going with a narrow Bulls win here. Prediction: Bulls by 2
Bay of Plenty beat Canterbury in the semi-finals last weekend to secure a spot in the Bunnings NPC final in New Zealand, but they are up against it here. They have lost 11 of the last 12 against Wellington, but the hosts’ record in finals is not pretty, which may give them some hope. A home win is the sensible pick here. Prediction: Wellington by 8
Stormers v Glasgow - United Rugby Championship
Two former URC champions meet in Cape Town again this weekend, after the Stormers defeat of Munster last weekend. The home side ought to be favourites again, and indeed the home side has won all four previous meetings between these sides. Prediction: Stormers by 9
Sharks v Munster - United Rugby Championship
This is a difficult pick with Munster yet to win away from home, and the Sharks playing hot and cold depending on the lineup they choose. They were strong last week and narrowly beat Glasgow, and given Munster’s away form, I’m backing the Sharks. Prediction: Sharks by 4
Leinster v Lions - United Rugby Championship
This is a top-of-the-table clash between the only two unbeaten sides in the league, but realistically it’s only going one way. The Lions have had two narrow away wins on tour so far against the Dragons and Zebre, but those are the two worst sides in the league and Leinster are the best. It should be a comfortable home win. Prediction: Leinster by 16
Saracens v Leicester - Gallagher Premiership
In the Gallagher Premiership, this is 1st versus 3rd, and a battle between two of the most successful Premiership sides of all time. Home advantage is swaying me towards a Sarries win, given the home team has won the last 8 meetings between these teams, but it’s likely to be close. Prediction: Saracens by 6
Which picks do you disagree with here?
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the 6 matches I have picked out this weekend.
Friday
Benetton v Bulls - United Rugby ChampionshipThe Bulls were beaten for the first time last weekend, away at the Scarlets, and that result makes this pick much trickier. Benetton have won two in a row, including a thrashing of the Sharks a fortnight ago, and they are always tough to beat. The Bulls’ record against them is good, however, having won all four meetings since the Rainbow Cup (remember that?) in 2021. I’m going with a narrow Bulls win here. Prediction: Bulls by 2
Saturday
Wellington v Bay of Plenty - United Rugby ChampionshipBay of Plenty beat Canterbury in the semi-finals last weekend to secure a spot in the Bunnings NPC final in New Zealand, but they are up against it here. They have lost 11 of the last 12 against Wellington, but the hosts’ record in finals is not pretty, which may give them some hope. A home win is the sensible pick here. Prediction: Wellington by 8
Stormers v Glasgow - United Rugby Championship
Two former URC champions meet in Cape Town again this weekend, after the Stormers defeat of Munster last weekend. The home side ought to be favourites again, and indeed the home side has won all four previous meetings between these sides. Prediction: Stormers by 9
Sharks v Munster - United Rugby Championship
This is a difficult pick with Munster yet to win away from home, and the Sharks playing hot and cold depending on the lineup they choose. They were strong last week and narrowly beat Glasgow, and given Munster’s away form, I’m backing the Sharks. Prediction: Sharks by 4
Leinster v Lions - United Rugby Championship
This is a top-of-the-table clash between the only two unbeaten sides in the league, but realistically it’s only going one way. The Lions have had two narrow away wins on tour so far against the Dragons and Zebre, but those are the two worst sides in the league and Leinster are the best. It should be a comfortable home win. Prediction: Leinster by 16
Saracens v Leicester - Gallagher Premiership
In the Gallagher Premiership, this is 1st versus 3rd, and a battle between two of the most successful Premiership sides of all time. Home advantage is swaying me towards a Sarries win, given the home team has won the last 8 meetings between these teams, but it’s likely to be close. Prediction: Saracens by 6
Which picks do you disagree with here?
Superbru on X
U should get 6