Super 12 Rugby Tips and Predictions for Round 10

Predicting the outcome of matches has definitely proved in this Super 12 that it is not my strongest point. I really missed the target last week again by only predicting 50% of the winners! For what it is worth, here are my tips for this week – maybe this is my week!

Crusaders v Sharks
The Sharks have made some changes to bring Brent Russell closer to the play, which makes a lot of sense. The choice of Adrian Jacobs in a very inexperienced position at fullback may however just backfire. They are facing the very educated boot of Dan Carter and Jacobs may just find himself running around a little.

The Crusaders should have dropped their jet lag and even after a very average performance last week I cannot see them dropping this one and not getting the full house of five points. I reckon they will take this one by 15 against a hard onslaught from the Sharks.

Reds v Cats
If the Reds play the way they played against the Sharks and the Cats play the way they did against the Crusaders, the Reds may just find the going tough. Not that the Cats will give anyone sleepless nights, but let's face it, neither do the Reds.

Like last week this will be another bottom of the table clash and I once again expect this one to be full of errors. With Jaque Fourie a doubtful starter, the Cats may just lose their only strike force in the midfield and with the return of Ben Tune, the Reds may just find an unexpected gap open up. I think the Reds will hold out the Cats by not more than about 4.

Bulls v Blues
The Bulls pack against the Blues back three could be very interesting. If Morne Steyn does not kick too many down the trio’s throats, the Bulls should be strong enough to whip the Blues well into shape. I cannot see the Blues pack stand the onslaught from the Bulls and if the Bulls keep the Loftus crowd entertained for the full 80 minutes, the score may just run away from the Blues.

The Blues will counter attack all afternoon and they will hope that the try scoring machines like Howlett and Rocokoco will keep them in the picture. A win is basically non-negotiable for both teams as they both still have an eye on a semi-final spot. The Blues are currently in a better position, but one game can change it.

The question that will be answered after the eighty minutes may not just be if the Bulls could contain the Rocokoco/Howlett/Mulliaina trio, but if they contained Bryan Habanna! I think the Bulls will be too strong at home and take this one by 12.

Highlanders v Waratahs
The Highlanders have been one of the surprise packages this year and they have done their work clinically on the field week after week. The freezing Dunedin (even on a hot day!) is their playground and the Waratahs will find the going tough.

The Waratahs have had a good season and a few kind bounces in a match or two helped. Their luck is bound to run out. This is their last match away from home and they will be hoping for a victory or at least a bonus point.

I think the Highlanders are the more settled side and their win away last week against the Hurricanes would have done wonders for their confidence. I give this one to the Highlanders by 10.

Hurricanes v Brumbies
The Hurricanes are slowly starting to become undone the longer the Super 12 carries on and the Brumbies are a very unsettled side at the moment. The Canes are playing at home and that has to count for something, but the way they lost the match last week will give the Brumbies a lot of hope for this clash.

The Brumbies had a rest and may have just found their confidence in training. They have been heavily hit by injuries and this year’s tournament may be one of their toughest, but they still have a lot of pride to play for and can still sneak in with a semi-final spot. Never write them off or underestimate them as it could be to your own detriment. I think they may just sneak this one with a margin of 9.

Stormers v Chiefs
Last week the Stormers played 19 minutes of the most beautiful rugby we have seen in the Cape and then went off the field to a pub somewhere. Well, not quite, but they might as well have done it as they were no longer on the field.

The Chiefs had a good comeback against the lack-lustre second half Bulls, but they are not exactly what I would call a terrifying outfit.

The Stormers have lost Jean de Villiers as his face have not healed up enough after last week’s punch, but they do have the brilliant Schalk Burger back on the side of the scrum. That may just secure more ball and the Stormers may just kick into gear to win this one. I know it is like blowing in the wind to tip the Stormers, but they do have the potential to win and if they do not win this one, I cannot see them win any more matches this year. I do, however, like all the other weeks where I missed the mark, still go with the Stormers and may shock you by saying that I think they will take this one by 15.