|
|
Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
The Formula - Super Rugby Round 2 Predictions 16 views
22 February 2013 by HarleyCollett
|
| |
|
Let the games begin.
Started with: $20
Current Balance: $20.90 (yipee)
Correct margin predictions: 1 from 2 - 50%
Well, a Jesse Mogg intercept try in the 79th minute against the Reds killed any hope of the Formula maintaining its 100% record last week, but that's life innit? And the Formula's really going to be put to the test this week with so many unpredictable derby games on the cards. After crunching every statistical possibility I could get my hands on, I've come up with this week's predictions. I decided not to analyse the Kings-Force game because, quite honestly, the only Kings players I've heard of are Watson, Strauss, and a couple of others hardly (and therefore not) worth mentioning, and I need to take a look at them before I can whip up some percentages. S'go.
Highlanders vs Chiefs
The Highlanders and the Chiefs get things cracking in Dunedin, and like the Reds, the Chiefs are looking a bit flaccid without some of their stars. The Chiefs success last year was built around an excellent halves combination, a hard-working pack, and a strong midfield. With that midfield gone - and only being adequately filled at best - they look very beatable, particularly by a Highlanders team that looks the goods under Jamie Joseph. The problem the Highlanders might face is their lack of a good kicking game - both out of hand and at the sticks - and Cruden is excellent in both of these facets. However, with the retractable roof providing good running conditions, and the Highlanders boasting the far-superior backline, their less imposing forward pack shouldn't pay too heavy a price. A home crowd baying for Chiefs blood should see the Highlanders home, and the Formula has the HIGHLANDERS AT 12 AND UNDER.
Rebels vs Brumbies
I hold little doubt the Brumbies will top the Aussie conference this year. Pocock is just such as massive acquisition and if they can somehow land someone like Beale or O'Conner to slot in at 10 next year they could possibly go all the way. The Rebels are really going to struggle to break through the Brumbies defense, and they just have too many no-names lacking power and x-factor to trouble them. In saying that, the names they do have are pretty good ones, and the Formula has home ground advantage and James O'Conners right foot keeping them from being utterly trounced. It's the BRUMBIES BY 12 AND UNDER here.
Bulls vs Stormers
One of the really tough ones to call this week. The Stormers have the better team, there's no doubting that. They have x-factor sprinkled throughout their side - and in key positions - but they're missing a few very big names in De Jongh, Burger and Etzebethen... Etzebeth... however you spell it.... the lock. And with these derby matches being so often won in the eight, the Bulls claw their way right back into contention to win this one, particularly as they're playing at home. The other big difference is in the halves. Assuming Morne has got his hands back on that golden boot of his, he and Hougaard should upstage the inexperienced Jantes and win the territory battle, which will be crucial in an undoubtedly low-scoring affair. Morne should also land a higher percentage of kicks at goal than his counterpart. If the Bulls can close down the Stormers attacking weapons out wide they should take this. The Formula and I are going against the grain here, with a WIN FOR THE BULLS AT 12 AND UNDER. But I ain't putting the house on it.
Cheetahs vs Sharks
Well I'll be damned if the Sharks haven't assembled yet another very impressive squad this year. There can only be one winner come Saturday for this one, but these teams know each other inside in out, the Cheetahs have the Goose at 10, and they're playing at home. So providing Goose doesn't succumb to injury, home ground advantage and familiarity should keep the Cheetahs in check for the most part. SHARKS BY 12 OR LESS.
Reds vs Waratahs
It's predictably cruel making predictors predict predictions to these kind of games so early into a comp. Whose gonna win? The Formula has the Reds by a single point, and to give you an idea of how close this is, numbers run into the hundreds on each side. The reasoning behind why the Formula is giving the better Waratahs side lower odds is that the Reds have won 21 of their last 24 games at home, they have a superior kicking game, and they have a fantastic coach on their side. But bloody hell. Roll a dice and give me a few games to see these teams in action before taking my word for it. REDS BY 12 AND UNDER.
HURRICANES VS BLUES
The Blues will be fielding Hollywood's equivalent to Chris Farley this weekend - a team with a decent reputation that everyone will be having a chuckle at. Ranger stands alone as the only "star" unless you want to throw the expiring Weepu into that category. But look, they have the best coaches behind them in the comp, they'll be massively desperate to prove they're not as pathetic as they appear, and they're playing a Hurricanes team that are rusty and haven't had time to hit their straps. So it's the HURRICANES BY 12 AND UNDER for me.
Happy watching.
|
|
|
➜ Previous Story
Next Story ➜
|
|
Tags:
super rugby predictions, super rugby round 2 predictions 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|