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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Super Rugby Round Five - The Travel Factor 14 views
17 March 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Can teams overcome the travel factor to win some of these local derbies in Round Five Super Rugby?
Round Five throws up some interesting matches where the ability of teams to conquer the jet-lag will be tested. Both the Blues and Highlanders return to their home grounds after mixed performances overseas and will be met by their fresh opponents, the Hurricanes and Crusaders. This will be a challenge for the returning teams. The Highlanders also return to face a fired up Crusaders team who will be smarting after receiving the bad news that AMI Stadium won't be ready to host matches for a year and there will be no Rugby World Cup matches in the garden city. I love local derbies!
There are some other epic local derbies with the Bulls hosting the Stormers in a repeat of last year's final. The Reds play the Rebels in another local derby.
The Chiefs will be hoping for dry conditions as they attempt to run rings around the beefy Sharks. This match is difficult to predict, especially with the Chiefs reputation as a jekyl and hyde outfit. I am picking the Chiefs to sneak in.
Teams: Chiefs vs Sharks
Time: 18/03/2011 19:35
Venue: Waikato Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Reds should be too strong for the Rebels, but the Reds have been a disappointment so far this season. Last years surprise package did enough to beat the Brumbies two weeks ago and should do enough against the Rebels who aren't as good away from home, but could improve for the local derby.
Teams: Reds vs Rebels
Time: 18/03/2011 22:40
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Pick: Home team by 13 & above
My favourite team, the Highlanders will be up against it at Carisbrook in front of a bumper crowd. This match will draw a big crowd as the Highlanders have shown fight this season rarely seen in the last decade. The Crusaders are a quality outfit with a dangerous midfield. Hopefully the thrill of the derby keeps it close.
Teams: Highlanders vs Crusaders
Time: 19/03/2011 17:30
Venue: Carisbrook Pick: Away team by 12 & under
Can the Blues find that winning feeling again? Keven Mealamu will be hoping his boys can maintain composure this week and stick to the game plan. This match will also be a beauty and could go either way. I am going for the Blues home ground to get them home.
Teams: Blues vs Hurricanes
Time: 19/03/2011 19:35
Venue: Eden Park
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Waratahs had the bye last week and will be too strong for the Cheetahs who are the bottom South African side. This is the only certain pick of the weekend.
Teams: Waratahs vs Cheetahs
Time: 19/03/2011 21:40
Venue: Stadium Australia
Pick: Home team by 13 & above
The Lions have been gutsy this season but have only won one match. The Force will struggle away from home without David Pocock. I am going for the Lions to make it two in a row.
Teams: Lions vs Western Force
Time: 20/03/2011 04:05
Venue: Coca Cola Park
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
This is going to be a beauty. I am going for the home team, but wouldn't be surprised if the Stormers get up.
Teams: Bulls vs Stormers
Time: 20/03/2011 06:10
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
Who are you picking to win this week?
testrugbytips.com
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