Superbru 6: Saints head to South Africa and Harlequins host Stormers
It was the South African teams that let me down in Round 1, and now I’m thinking twice about backing them again.
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the games I have picked out this weekend.
The Bulls were well-beaten by Saracens last weekend, but they should be a different beast back at Loftus Versfeld. Their visitors had an impressive win in Round 1, but are likely to find it tough on their first trip to Pretoria. Prediction: Bulls by 6
Leicester v Sharks - Investec Champions Cup
The Sharks beat Exeter in their opening match last weekend, but they are much stronger at home than they are away. I’m going for a home win in the first meeting between these two great teams. Prediction: Leicester by 4
Leinster v Clermont - Investec Champions Cup
This is a huge clash between two European giants, and whilst Leinster will be favourites to win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, it would be quite a statement if Clermont were to beat them. The French side has won the last 3 meetings between these teams, but I’m predicting a home win. Prediction: Leinster by 7
Harlequins v Stormers - Investec Champions Cup
The Stormers lost at home to Toulon in their opening match, which already means they are up against it, and this is not an easy trip to play Harlequins. The hosts are tough to beat at the Stoop and know how vital it is to win your home games in this competition. Prediction: Harlequins by 4
Saracens managed a bonus point win over the Bulls at home last weekend, and this will be another stern test of their European credentials this season. Stade were thrashed in Limerick, but they are also a different prospect in Paris where they have beaten Racing and Clermont in the last few weeks. I’m tentatively backing an Away win here. Prediction: Saracens by 2
Toulon v Glasgow - Investec Champions Cup
Both of these teams got off to a great start last week, particularly Toulon who won away from home in Cape Town. As Glasgow showed in their run to the URC final last year, they are certainly capable of winning away, but not many teams beat Toulon at the Felix Mayol. Prediction: Toulon by 9
How do your predictions compare?
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the games I have picked out this weekend.
Saturday
Bulls v Northampton - Investec Champions CupThe Bulls were well-beaten by Saracens last weekend, but they should be a different beast back at Loftus Versfeld. Their visitors had an impressive win in Round 1, but are likely to find it tough on their first trip to Pretoria. Prediction: Bulls by 6
Leicester v Sharks - Investec Champions Cup
The Sharks beat Exeter in their opening match last weekend, but they are much stronger at home than they are away. I’m going for a home win in the first meeting between these two great teams. Prediction: Leicester by 4
Leinster v Clermont - Investec Champions Cup
This is a huge clash between two European giants, and whilst Leinster will be favourites to win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, it would be quite a statement if Clermont were to beat them. The French side has won the last 3 meetings between these teams, but I’m predicting a home win. Prediction: Leinster by 7
Harlequins v Stormers - Investec Champions Cup
The Stormers lost at home to Toulon in their opening match, which already means they are up against it, and this is not an easy trip to play Harlequins. The hosts are tough to beat at the Stoop and know how vital it is to win your home games in this competition. Prediction: Harlequins by 4
Sunday
Stade Francais v Saracens - Investec Champions CupSaracens managed a bonus point win over the Bulls at home last weekend, and this will be another stern test of their European credentials this season. Stade were thrashed in Limerick, but they are also a different prospect in Paris where they have beaten Racing and Clermont in the last few weeks. I’m tentatively backing an Away win here. Prediction: Saracens by 2
Toulon v Glasgow - Investec Champions Cup
Both of these teams got off to a great start last week, particularly Toulon who won away from home in Cape Town. As Glasgow showed in their run to the URC final last year, they are certainly capable of winning away, but not many teams beat Toulon at the Felix Mayol. Prediction: Toulon by 9
How do your predictions compare?
Superbru on X
I like these tournaments but don't approve of the drop down second chance offered. If yer oot yer oot imho
Got entry to URC, and now the ICC and Challenge Cups - all tournaments displaying the creme of NH rugby, yet the SA don't appear as interested as we are. Why is that ?