Super 12 Rugby Tips and Predictions for Round 9

Hurricanes v Highlanders
This is going to be a very close contest and will be the match to watch this weekend. The Highlanders have been the surprise package for me as they do not have so much talent around, but I think they have shown a lot of heart and that is why they are one of the leading teams in this year’s tournament. It is starting to remind me of days gone by when Jeff Wilson and Josh Kronfeld were still around.

The Hurricanes are led by the NZ captain and when the captain leads his team on the field in the Capital, which is incidentally also his home ground, it must count for some points.

This can really be a good spectacle to watch and I think the home advantage is going to give it to the Hurricanes by 5. Tana loves scoring close to the end!

Crusaders v Cats
The Crusaders will be jetlagged and the Cats are a beaten side that has long ago given up on survival. The only thing on their minds will be to get on the plane home.

The Crusaders come off a high after thrashing the Stormers in SA and will, although the jet lag will let them tire, still be far to strong for the woeful Cats. I think the Crusaders will take this one by 30 and that is only because they will be jetlagged.

Reds v Sharks
The Reds are also going to feel the flight in their legs and the Sharks had a fair outing against Blues last week. They were in the lead after 70 minutes and just let it slip at the end.

The Reds are busy sinking and will be on a low after losing both matches in SA and I think they will struggle to save this one. The return of the experience Elton Flatley will be a massive boost to the side that has only won a single match so far. My heart says they may just pull this one off, but my head says the Sharks will take this one by 5.

Bulls v Chiefs
The Chiefs are playing their first match in SA and I feel sorry for them. They may just have a false sense of security after beating the Cats and the Sharks, but the Bulls on their loved Loftus is a much different story. The Bulls have destroyed their opposition in their last two outings and it will be a surprise if the same is not going to happen here. The pack is too powerful for the Chief and I think the Bulls will pull this one off by about 30 or maybe even 40!

Stormers v Blues
The Stormers have dropped Bok center Marius Joubert to the bench to make room for the talented Jean de Villiers in the midfield. Gert Smal recalled the speedy Zimbabwian, Tonderei Chavanga, for duty on the wing. I think it is a case of putting some pace out wide to counter the flying Doug Howlett as I think Chavanga will beat him in a foot race.

All of this does still not bring me any closer to getting a result in this match. I have no idea who will win this one, so I am going to go with the Stormers by 10 as it is their home ground. I have, however, been disappointed so many times this season by the Stormers that it may just be 10 the other way! Have your pick!