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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Round 8 - predicted winners... 17 views
13 April 2012 by HarleyCollett
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Who will win:
Blues vs Sharks: Man for man I find the Sharks to have a slight edge, especially when form is taken into account. However, this edge becomes redundant due to Blues home advantage and the fatigue factor the Sharks will be facing after a long Australasian trip. The Blues have also been under enormous pressure from the media - even coach Pat Lam shed a few tears in front of them - and they will be out to smash back the detractors. Sir Henry has also been helping them with training this week. Add to that the fact the Sharks best players - Du Pliess and Alberts - are out, I can conclude that the BLUES SHOULD TAKE THIS ONE BY A FEW
Crusaders vs Stormers: Game of the round. The best of all time vs the best this time round. Man for man I find the Stormers have the edge - just. Though the Crusaders have home advantage, they have had to come all the way from SA while the Stormers have simply spent a few hours on a bus. The Crusaders are finding their feet now but the Stormers found them in round one, and with their bullet-proof defense the Crusaders should struggle here. I think the Stormers have one more round in them to keep up their unbeaten run. I'm going against the grain on this one and saying Stormers by a few - but this one will be close...
Lions vs Bulls: A crap team vs a good one. And despite the Lions being at home, having a good coach in Mitchell, and having a star fly-half to back up up captain Strauss, the Bulls are just too strong on paper, too structured. Not a lot of need to babble on with this prediction; but is worth noting that I doubt it will be the runaway victory many pundits are predicting for the Bulls. Still - they'll take it reasonably comfortably.
Rebels vs Brumbies: The Rebels are starting to hit their stride, and they have an awesome back line. Pity their forwards are the shittest in the comp. Without ball you have to rely on rare moments of brilliance - intercepts and such, like we saw last week from Beale. The Rebels got up over the Blues at home, but I don't think they'll get up over the Brumbies away from it - especially with the best coach in the competition - White - devising the Brumbies victory. Sorry Ben. Man for man I also have the Brumbies as the better team. Brumbies to close down O'Conner and co and see out victory at home
Force vs Waratahs: This one is tough. My gut says Waratahs - they're coming off a bye, they'll be refreshed and determined - but with such a good forward pack, and with a decent kicker now under their belt - the fabled formula and myself have to go with the Force. The Force have also found a solid centre pairing, and with Pocock, Brown, Sharpe dominating in front of a home crowd they should be too good. All the Force need to do is hold onto the ball and close down the space out wide for the more talented Waratah backs. Easier said than done, sure, but I'm going with the Force on this one-
Chiefs vs Cheetahs: This is taking fucking ages, glad I'm on my last prediction. And it's the most controversial of the round, no doubt. Yehp, I'm going with the Cheetahs. They've looked excellent on attack and their defensive patterns looked extremely good away from home (albeit against the Lions) last weekend. The Chiefs have had to travel all the way to SA for this one, and with Kane and Robbonson out - two of their most solid players this year - I have to go with the fastest land animal for this one. Man for man the Chiefs are superior, and their coaching outfit is too, but that's where the edge ends for them. Cheetahs by a few!
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