Scotty Donaldson previews Super Rugby Round 1, who are you picking this week?
Super Rugby 2013 starts tomorrow and with only two matches being
played in Round 1, it makes selections easier for managers. The key
with these two games involving four of the Australian teams is selecting
players who are worth keeping for later in the competition. This
situation has been brought about by the British and Irish Lions tour to
Australia later in the year and this requires an increased late season
international test match window for Australian teams.
The
early rounds and derby matches of Super Rugby are usually closer as
teams have plenty to prove and still have a fresh squad. Here are my
picks of teams and players to pick for www.testrugby.com There are still some teams to be named.
Brumbies vs Reds
The
Reds have only named their preliminary squad for this match and will be
missing the household names like James Horwill and Will Genia through
injury. Plenty will depend on Quade Cooper and Mike Harris who will
call the shots. The Reds will definitely miss Scott Higginbotham's go
forward too and will struggle. The Brumbies will be tough to beat at
home and have some great experience in Stephen Moore, David Pocock and
Christian Lealiifano to call on.
Players to buy - Stephen Moore, Saia Faiangaa, Adam Wallace Harrison, Christian Lealiifano, Ben Mowen, Peter Kimlin.
My pick - Brumbies by 6.
Rebels vs Force
The
Rebels have a handful of superstars who will make life difficult for
the Force. Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor are must purchase players
this week, despite both being listed as outside backs in
www.testrugby.com . They will carve up on attack and kick goals. Scott
Higginbotham will add some fuel to the fire, while the Rebels locks are
usually good for some points. The Force are yet to be named, but on
past seasons will struggle without their usual points scoring earners
like Nathan Sharpe and David Pocock. On previous seasons Nick Cummins
has been a good value earner, but only if you can't afford Beale and
O'Connor.
Players to buy - Scott Higginbotham, James O'Connor, Kurtley Beale, Caderyn Neville, Hugh Pyle.
My pick - Rebels by 7.
Who are you picking to win Super Rugby 2013 Round 1 matches?
Have your say!
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/02/super-rugby-2013-round-1-preview-who.html
For updated Super Rugby 2013 Round 1 team lists go to
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-2013.html
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