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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Super Rugby Round 15 Preview 18 views
22 May 2013 by The Swede Eaters
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Super Rugby 2013 is getting towards the business end with some crucial matches in Round 15. Who are you picking to win? Which game are you most looking forward to?
Super 15 Rugby is reaching the business end with some crucial fixtures in Round 15 with the Chiefs vs Crusaders the most anticipated match for yours truly, while the Blues vs Brumbies, Stormers vs Reds, Sharks vs Bulls the other matches that will affect the Top Six placings with both teams mathematically still in the hunt. Results mean double in many ways for teams in contention with victory not only securing the spoils for the victor, but it stops the other team getting points too (excluding bonus points). The other matches should still be interesting with the Waratahs and Cheetahs both still in the hunt, but they face potential local derby banana skins in the form of the Rebels and Kings. The Force host my Highlanders on their way back from South Africa. This match could be the battle for the wooden spoon. There are so many tough to pick games this round that if anyone picks every single winner deserves the SuperBru Grand Slam Point. I have picked my margins based on SuperBru.
For updated Super Rugby Round 15 Team Lists go to
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-2013.html
Super 15 Rugby Round 15
The Chiefs are struggling with injuries, but are still managing to get the results when needed. The Crusaders humbled the Blues last weekend and have superior players in most positions to the Chiefs. Can a team of champions beat the champion team who have quality coaches in Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith? The Crusaders are starting with Israel Dagg at fullback but will be missing usual hooker Corey Flynn for this one with the fresh Codie Taylor starting. The Chiefs won the last match between these two teams which was the Super 15 Rugby 2012 semi final. The Crusaders did win the match before that. I am picking the Crusaders to overpower the Chiefs assuming both teams can replicate their form from last week, we should have a cracker of a match.
The Rebels have been difficult to beat recently even without James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale with captain Scott Higginbotham and lock Hugh Pyle in great try scoring form . The Waratahs are on a hot streak having just beaten the Brumbies. The Waratahs have a great chance of making the Top Six, but can't afford to slip up here. Both teams have been named. It will be interesting to see how the Waratahs cope without Polatu-Nau at hooker. The Waratahs backs have actually been in good try scoring form, with Israel Folau, Peter Betham and even the recent returning Berrick Barnes dotting down recently. I think the Waratahs will win, but the Rebels have plenty to play for with the British and Irish Lions tour nearly here.
Both the Blues and Brumbies will be looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats in Super Rugby Round 14. They are both sitting in the Top Six at the moment, but whoever loses this match will be in danger of slipping out the back door and miss out on the finals. The Blues won the last two matches between these two teams. I am picking the Blues to bounce back and get a win at home, but it will be close.
The Force vs Highlanders match is the wooden spoon battle with both of these teams at the bottom of the table. The Force have had a far more promising season and given that the Highlanders will be returning from a torrid time in South Africa, the home team has a good chance of picking up a win. I am picking the Force to narrowly beat my Highlanders. I am sick of picking the star studded Highlanders to win and being disappointed.
The Southern Kings have been a surprise package this season and are desperately trying to avoid the relegation match against the Lions. The Kings are coming off a win over the Highlanders and the bye and so it will be interesting to see how they go against the high flying Cheetahs. The Cheetahs will be wanting to put pressure on the Bulls and desperately need the win to stay in the Top Six. The Cheetahs have also been a revelation this season and humbled the Reds last week. I am picking the Cheetahs to win, but I think the Kings will put up a fight.
While the Stormers are at home and have a superior record head to head against the Reds, they will really miss the man mountain Andries Bekker. He is out for the season and this will make things difficult this weekend. The Reds will be hurting after losing to the Cheetahs last week after some rough TMO decisions and will be wanting to salvage something from their trip to South Africa. I am picking the Reds to beat the Stormers and keep pushing for a finals spot. The Stormers have been disappointing this season.
The Sharks still believe that have a chance of making the Top Six finals, but they will have to beat the leading South African team to do it. Mathematically the Sharks have a chance, but even the most ardent supporter will realise the magnitude of the challenge. The Bulls are in a prime position on 46 points and if other results go their way, like defeats for the Chiefs and Brumbies this weekend, then a Bulls win could take them to the top spot overall. I am picking the Bulls to win away, but it will be tough. There is usually plenty of feeling when these two teams meet.
Who are you picking to win Super Rugby Round 15? Which game are you looking forward to the most?
Super 15 Rugby Round 15 picks
Crusaders by 2
Waratahs by 7
Blues by 2
Force by 2
Cheetahs by 6
Reds by 6
Bulls by 3
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/05/super-15-rugby-round-15-business-end.html
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