|
|
Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Round 15 - Preview - Who will win? 16 views
01 June 2012 by HarleyCollett
|
| |
|
These teams will...
Last week another 7 from 7 correct winning team picks and, more spectacularly, 7 from 7 correct margin picks. A pat on the back to all of you that heeded the Formula’s advice. For those of you who didn’t – tisk fricken tisk! My stats now stand at 34 from 39 wins and 18 from 28 correct margin predictions.
CRUSADERS VS HIGHLANDERS
Can the Highlanders win 3 in a row against the mighty Crusaders? Nope. But this won’t be a hiding either. The Highlanders have quality in key positions, and they’re just a Nonu or two away from seriously vying for their first Super Rugby title. The Crusaders are fresh off the bye, and while this generally means it will take some time to hit their straps, no one can seriously expect a team with Carter, McCaw, Franks, Read and Dagg to lose at home at this stage of the competition. Looking at the team lists, I feel the Crusaders are better in every facet of the game by 5-10%, and this should be reflected on the score line. But how much will they win by? This will be a typical bruising battle between the rivals, where the scores should stay fairly close throughout and the Highlanders will fight until the end. I like the CRUSADERS BY 12 AND UNDER here.
REBELS VS BRUMBIES
With Beale at 10 you might at least consider the possibility the Rebels will win this. Without him they don’t have a hope in hell. The Brumbies will want to win this with a bonus point as the Reds are closing in, looking very dangerous, and shouldn’t lose any more of their remaining games as the opposition are all fairly weak. So then, this should be an open, attacking sort of a game. The outside backs are too close to call, while Huxley is underrated in his ability to put the ball in the right places on the field from the back. The Brumbies only just edge the midfield battle, as they do in the halves positions. The Brumbies are much better in the loose and locking positions, and the front row is all Brumbies too. The Rebels will want to keep ball in hand and score tries, but the Brumbies pack is just so much better that I can’t look past the BRUMBIES TO TAKE THIS OUT BY 13 AND OVER, no matter what the conditions.
BLUES VS CHIEFS
Well, the Blues have the better outside backs – does that count for anything? Poor Wulf, he’d make it into any other national team; he’s such a class act, but there’s too much competition in the land of the long white cloud, my friend. The midfield battle is too close to call, and I can’t wait to see Sonny and Nonu go head to head. The Chiefs are far more capable in the halves, while they are also better in the loose and locking positions. Woodcock should at least be able to stop the Blues front row from being blown away. The Blues are just so desperate for a win, and they have some very good backs returning to the starting line-up. They’re also at home. Not sure why the hell everyone’s expecting such a comfortable win for the Hamilton boys. If the Braid’s stand up to their classier counterparts like I expect them too, I’m betting the CHIEFS WILL EDGE THIS BY 12 AND UNDER.
LIONS VS SHARKS
Daaam the Sharks are looking good. Wouldn’t want to play those boys anywhere on the planet at the moment – the poor old Lions are only going to extend that impressive losing streak of theirs. They’re a bit like the Force, but without the brilliant back row. Let’s keep this quick. It’s a day game so expect some big points scored. The Sharks will be looking to secure the bonus point to climb the ladder so expect some running rugby. They have better outsides, centres, halves, loosies, and a better tight 5. It’s a SA derby, sure, where contests are typically tight affairs, but who cares when one of the teams is so hapless it makes the Force look good? SHARKS BY 13 AND OVER.
BULLS VS STORMERS
Oh, yes please. Two great teams under two great coaches. This is what a real SA derby looks like. No point droning on here, and I’m not even going to bother crunching the numbers; a quick glance at the team lists will suffice. Home ground advantage is everything in these kind of games, and you’re as stupid as Liaki Moli looks if you think this will be a blowout. BULLS BY 12 AND UNDER, with Morne’s boot to see them home
HURRICANES VS WARATAHS
The toughest game of the round to pick for me. If the Hurricanes had a Bismark or a Bekker they would be so much more effective and really, until they do, they can’t look beyond a semi’s spot at best. You can define the Tah’s as a team that lost to injuries this year; and I still think they’re class. This one is so close that I think if the Tah’s had Elsom at 6 they would take this. But without him… hmm. The Hurricanes do have the better team, but not by much. If the home ground advantage makes both teams even, lets look at outside factors. The Tah’s have had to travel all the way from SA, and their team morale is surely at an all time low. They lack leadership without Elsom there, and the Cane’s are coming off a smashing of the Rebels, and are flying high. I’m going to say HURRICANES BY 12 AND UNDER HERE.
http://formularugbypredictions.blogspot.kr/2012/05/super-rugby-round-15-predictions-who.html
|
|
|
➜ Previous Story
Next Story ➜
|
|
Tags:
super 15 preview betting tips
|
|
|
|
|
|