Superbru 6: URC leaders Leinster visit Durban, West Country Prem derby

There is a lot of Rugby coming up this weekend, and I’ve tried to select 6 of the toughest picks from all of the tournaments we are running on Superbru.

Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the matches I have picked out:

Friday

Hurricanes v Waratahs - Super Rugby Pacific
Aussie Rugby is undergoing a resurgence, perfectly timed ahead of hosting the Lions Tour later this year. Crowd attendances are strong and there are four Aussie sides in the top 6 of the table. The Tahs will fancy an upset here, particularly with star man Joseph Suaalii back from injury, and on the basis that the Hurricanes were beaten by Moana Pasifika earlier this month. I’m still leaning towards a home win, but this could go either way. Prediction: Hurricanes by 4

Ulster v Stormers - United Rugby Championship
The Stormers have won two away games in a row, against the Bulls and the Scarlets, and will be favourites for many people in Ulster. The hosts lost to Zebre in front of their own fans back in January, and although they’ll have a stronger lineup this time, it’s hard to see past that and expect them to beat this tough South African side. Prediction: Stormers by 4

Saturday

Sharks v Leinster - United Rugby Championship
The Sharks remain unbeaten at home, and this could be their toughest test yet. Leinster were narrowly beaten by the Bulls, and remember that they do not have their full squad on tour in South Africa, so I’m leaning towards the hosts. I want these clashes to become highlights of the season, and I suspect the Sharks will be treating it like that this time. Prediction: Sharks by 6

Gloucester v Bristol - Gallagher Premiership
This West Country Derby is a tricky one to pick, with Bristol in fine try-scoring form and Gloucester unbeaten at home since October. It’s an important battle in the context of the Top 4, with Bristol in 2nd and Gloucester currently 5th. I think with home advantage, the hosts might just edge it. Prediction: Gloucester by 2

Glasgow v Lions - United Rugby Championship
The Lions have struggled recently with just two wins in they last 9 league games, and they are running out of time to press their claims for a place in the Top 8. A defeat here would likely to see the other contenders pulling away, and I can’t see how they can win this. Reigning champions Glasgow haven’t been at their best in recent weeks, but they don’t lose many at home and this is an opportunity to close the gap on Leinster. Prediction: Glasgow by 13

Sunday

Leicester v Saracens - Gallagher Premiership
Sarries have lost their last 4 matches in a row in all competitions, and they are in danger of slipping too far down the table and out of contention for the playoffs. By contrast, Leicester destroyed Northampton at Franklins Gardens last weekend and a win here will put some daylight between them in 3rd and the rest of the pack chasing 4th place.They’ve won the last two in a row against Saracens and current form says they should win this too. Prediction: Leicester by 7

How do your picks compare?