Tips and Predictions for round 8

Chiefs v Cats
After the big hiding the Chiefs gave the Sharks, anything is possible in this match. If the Cats continue on their form of last week against the Blues, I reckon that they are in with a chance.

This is a real bottom of the table clash with no real impact on the tournament. If the Cats can control Lauaki and the very accurate boot of Hill, they will be in with more than a shout and could take this one by 5.

Bulls v Reds
The Bulls are flying high after their destruction of the Crusaders last week. The Reds had a very average display against a very average Stormers side, but I cannot see them stand up against the Bulls. The Bulls pack should control this match from the first whistle and with the young Morne Steyn on flyhalf there in new life in the Bulls backline. The Reds will rely heavily on Chris Latham to perform some magic, but I cannot see it being enough. The Bulls are on a high and will blow over the Reds by 15.

Blues v Sharks
The fortunate thing for the Sharks is that they cannot really drop lower than they are at the Moment. Their last outing was an absolute disaster when they went down heavily against the Chief. Now the Blues in Auckland must look like a new Tsunami to them. The Blues have slowly improved, but is still not firing on all their cylinders. Their big danger is in their backline and any aimless kicking on the likes of Howlett and Rocokoco will be severely punished from the back. The Sharks are in turmoil and have shown that they are the most unreliable team in te tournament. It must however, be remembered that they are still a very talented team and if they get it all together they can definitely win this one. My final note on this is that I don’t think they will get it together and that the Blues will take this one by 25!

Brumbies v Waratahs
The clash of the two main teams in Wallaby land is something to look forward to. The answers to the following questions will more than likely control the outcome of this match: which of the Wallaby locks are going to come out on top in the lineouts? Can George control Phil and visa versa? Will this finally show that Whitaker is better Gregan or will the old veteran prove that he still has it? Has Peter Hewat’s unbelievable luck in the tournament run out and is Mat Rodgers 100% fit? Will the Larkam/Gitteau paring in the midfield cut the Waratahs to pieces?

Give me the answers to all these questions and I shall give you the winner! Personally, I think the Brumbies are taking some strain at the moment and I reckon that this will be the day that the Waratahs are going to be glorious and win this one by 2.

Stormers v Crusaders
This is a very difficult one to call. The Stormers still have not played to their potential this year and yet they have not performed all that badly. Apart from the 15-point margin against the Brumbies, their losses have all been very close affairs and they have also not lost on Newlands this year.

The Crusaders got the fright of their life last week against the Bulls and will still feel the pain after they were hit by the Bulls pack. The loss of Richie McCaw can have a very big impact, as he is one of their prime sources of good turnover ball. He is also their captain.

Goggie van Heerden has been spending time with the Stormers to try and improve their nightmare kicking, as this has been a very sore point to the Stormers supporters. We all know what the monster touch kicks of a Gaffie du Toit can do to a pack of forwards.

I think this is going to be very tight and suspect that the Stormers will defend their “last outpost” and take this one by 6.