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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 Eight Tips 1 views
06 April 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Connected with:
Wiki Player
Dan Carter
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Round 8 Super Rugby action takes place with the Crusaders hosting the Bulls in the match of the round, while three teams have the bye, so managers will need to sell some players.
Round Eight Super Rugby looks interesting with only a few local derby matches and the Crusaders returning from Twickenham to Timaru after the bye. The Crusaders host the Bulls in an important match. They will still be missing legend Richie McCaw, but they may also have to play without Daniel Carter which will be a real leveller. It must be funny for both teams playing somewhere the size of Timaru when you consider the size of the crowds they have played in front of recently. Another feature of the round is that three teams have the bye, so you will have to sell any players from the Blues, Chiefs and Rebels. I must say that the Rebels locks have been going well recently.
NOTE: Only some of the squads have been named for Round Eight. Please double check who is starting before purchasing any new player.
The Highlanders and Cheetahs are both battling sides who play with plenty of guts. The Highlanders will be confident after beating the Brumbies and will be looking for another home victory. Is this the same Highlanders team? The Cheetahs almost threw a spanner in the works at Eden Park last week and will be tough to beat.
Players to watch - Kade Poki, Adam Thomson, Sarel Pretorius, Rayno Barnes.
Teams: Highlanders vs Cheetahs
Time: 08/04/2011 19:35
Venue: Carisbrook
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Crusaders should win this match, but they are coming off the bye and could do it tough without Daniel Carter. If he doesn't play, you would think Matt Berquist would step into the starting role. The Bulls will try and rumble it up and showed against the Hurricanes that they struggle to break the line instead relying on Morne Steyn to score dropped goals and penalties. Sam Whitelock is out for two months.
Players to watch - Matt Todd, The Crusaders backline, Kieran Read, Morne Steyn, Pierre Spies.
Teams: Crusaders vs Bulls
Time: 09/04/2011 19:35
Venue: Alpine Energy Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Brumbies and Hurricanes were both disappointing last weekend, with poor goalkicking not helping their causes. Unless there is a sharp turnaround in form, the Brumbies should win this match. It is difficult to know the margin, but the Hurricanes have been awful so far. They have the personnel in the backs be competitive and have re-introduced Aaron Cruden in an attempt to run the Brumbies off the park, but the Hurricanes tight five need to front up if they are to have a chance.
Players to watch - Matt Giteau, Huia Edmonds, Ita Vaea, Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Victor Vito.
Teams: Brumbies vs Hurricanes
Time: 09/04/2011 21:40
Venue: Canberra Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Force were disappointing when they lost to the Rebels last week, but they will be fired up and have a decent chance against the Waratahs who really miss Phil Waugh. I am picking this match to be an upset this round, but a more conservative punter will go for the favoured Waratahs.
Players to watch: James O'Connor, Tatafu Polatau Nau, Kurtley Beale.
Teams: Western Force vs Waratahs
Time: 10/04/2011 00:05
Venue: ME Bank Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The only unbeaten team (Stormers) host the fleet footed Reds and should be too tough up front. The Storm have a great draw with most of their early games in South Africa. The Reds got up over the Lions, but it will be interesting to see if they can breach the Stormers amazing defence.
Players to watch - Deon Fourie, Peter Grant, Andries Bekker, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane.
Teams: Stormers vs Reds
Time: 10/04/2011 03:05
Venue: Newlands Rugby Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
This match will be very physical with some big boys upfront. The Sharks should be too strong, although it will be interesting to see if Bismarck Du Plessis plays the full game and is full value in <a href="http://www.testrugby.com/">http://www.testrugby.com/</a> or if John Smit comes off the bench. If Patrick Lambie is available select him.
Players to watch - Steven Sykes, Willem Alberts, Patrick Lambie (if selected), Doppies La Grange, Joshua Strauss (if starting).
Teams: Sharks vs Lions
Time: 10/04/2011 05:10
Venue: Shark Tank
Pick: Home team by 13 & above
Here are the Super Rugby standings. With the new system in place, it is going to be difficult for any conference to get more than two players into the finals playoffs.
Who are you picking to win this weekend? Have your say!
www.superrugbytips.com
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Tags:
Crusaders, Bulls, Daniel Carter
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