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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 10 Picks - Managers Beware 16 views
26 April 2012 by The Swede Eaters
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Connected with:
Wiki Player
Richie McCaw
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Scotty Donaldson looks at Super Rugby Round 10 action including players to watch and who will win. Do you agree?
Super Rugby Round 10 is just around the corner, but with an escalating
number of bodies in the casualty ward and three teams having the bye
along with one of the other top sides having the bye next week, it is
enough to cause headaches for managers. To compound issues there will
be some squad rotation this week with some of the other sides, so www.testrugby.com managers must be on-guard.
The cream is starting to rise to the top of the Super Rugby 2012
competition with the Crusaders looking ominous, while the Stormers also
look threatening. The Brumbies and Chiefs have been two of the
improvers, while the Reds have been disappointing, but injury ravaged.
Matches are getting easier to pick the winners of compared with the
opening rounds.
The closest matches this weekend will probably be the Blues vs Reds,
Cheetahs vs Highlanders and I think the Force may give the Stormers a
fright.
For updated Super Rugby Round 10 team lists go to
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html
Super 15 Rugby Round 10 picks
Game 1 - Blues vs Reds
The Blues have nothing to lose anymore with their season gone. They
have so many X Factor players, but have been disappointing/unlucky this
season. I think they were improved against the Highlanders and could
have drawn it. Watch for them to win at home over the Reds. Will the
curse of the Number 10 jersey continue for the Reds? They do welcome
back Digby Ioane and Anthony Faainga into the squad, but I am picking
the Blues to win a tight one. Can Ma'a Nonu finally get things
happening in midfield? I think the Blues can win, it will be tight.
Digby Ioane who usually scores heaps of points, is back, although he has
been less effective this season, but could be worth a shot. Mike
Harris tackles his old team-mates. Both goal kickers are bargains but
only if they are kicking points as they aren't great runners.
Players to buy - Ma'a Nonu, James Horwill, Digby Ioane.
Bargains - Charlie Faumuina, James Hanson, Gareth Ansombe, Mike Harris.
My pick - Blues by 3.
Game 2 - Lions vs Brumbies
John Mitchell's Lions are done this season and could get relegated at
the expense of the Southern Kings next season. The Brumbies have
improved this season under Jake White, although they will be missing
loose forward Ben Mowen. This game should be winnable for the Brumbies,
assuming the Lions continue to struggle with their injuries. The
Brumbies need to hold on to their top position in the Australian
Conference and will be targetting a win here.
Players to buy - Christian Lealifano, Stephen Moore,
Bargains - Michael Hooper, Elton Jantjies, Callie Visagie, Franco Van Der Merwe, Jaco Taute.
My pick - Brumbies by 7.
Game 3 - Chiefs vs Hurricanes
The Chiefs will look to emulate several other teams this season and
return home with a victory. They have been impressive under coach Dave
Rennie and their defence is one of the best in the competition. The
backline battle will be amazing, while it will be interesting to see if
the Hurricanes can handle the exciting Chiefs tight five. I think the
Chiefs are one of the top dogs this year and the Hurricanes will
struggle after a useful start to the season. It should be an
entertaining game with so many exciting backs.
Players to buy - Victor Vito, Aaron Cruden, Sonny Bill Williams, Andre Taylor.
Bargains - Brodie Retallick, Alex Bradley, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett.
My pick - Chiefs by 7.
Game 4 - Force vs Stormers
The strong Stormers outfit have plenty of injury worries against the
Force team who are coming off the bye. This Force team are tough to
beat at home, but to be honest, the Stormers should still have enough
class even with their third choice Number Eight, to win. They lose one
big lock, but get the other Andries Bekker (at his cheapest) back. His
battle with Nathan Sharpe will be brilliant. The Force are yet to be
named.
Players to buy - Andries Bekker, Peter Grant, Tiaan Libenberg, David Pocock, Nathan Sharpe.
Bargains - Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi, Nathan Charles.
My pick - Stormers by 10.
Game 5 - Cheetahs vs Highlanders
Prepare for a cricket score as the Cheetahs play the Highlanders. The
Cheetahs are fun to watch and could easily tip up the kiwis over there.
The Highlanders have given up the booze for a month, so they mean
business. This match is the toughest to pick of the round, so I am
picking my beloved Highlanders by 1 point. I am hoping new recruit Mike
Delany can reproduce his fine performance from last week. The
Highlanders haven't been named yet, but they see this as must win for
their future chances. Adriaan Strauss is back for the home team and his
battle with Andrew Hore will be brilliant.
Players to buy - Adam Thomson, Mike Delany, Adriaan Strauss, Hosea Gear.
Bargains - Johan Goosen, Willie Le Roux.
My pick - Highlanders by 1.
Game 6 - Waratahs vs Crusaders
We have to wait until Sunday afternoon to see the Crusaders in action
this weekend. They have rotated out some of their tight five for this
match, but even without Sam Whitelock and Wyatt Crockett in the starting
lineup they should be too strong for the Waratahs. Just when things
can't get tougher for the Waratahs, the Crusaders have Mr Richie McCaw
on their bench, although he won't be worth considering just yet for
managers. The Waratahs haven't named their starting 15 yet, but could
welcome back a star of their own in Rocky Elsom.
Players to buy - Corey Flynn, Israel Dagg, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Robbie Fruean, Kieran Read.
Bargains - Brendan
McKibbin, Tom Kingston.
My pick - Crusaders by 12.
Who are you picking for Super Rugby Round 10? Which players should stand out this week?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/04/super-rugby-round-10-managers-beware.html
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