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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 16 Preview - Who Will Upset? 8 views
30 May 2013 by The Swede Eaters
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Who are you picking to win in Super Rugby Round 16? Do you think there will be an upset?
Super 15 Rugby Round 16 sees some crucial matches with players having their last chance to impress national selectors before the June International test match window begins, while the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks selectors will be hoping that it is an injury-free round!
Three teams have the bye in Super Rugby Round 16 with the Chiefs, Force and Sharks having the week off, while there are only four Australian teams playing next week. It is the rugby silly season with the British and Irish Lions tour starting their tour with a match against the Barbarians, while the All Blacks and Springboks are involved in the June International test match window which starts next weekend.
There is always an upset or two each round with the Rebels being the major surprise packages over the last few rounds and potentially the likely source of another upset in Super Rugby Round 16.
There haven't been many Grand Slam Points for tipsters in SuperBru who pick every winner in a particular round, this shows the unpredictability of Super Rugby 2013.
For updated Super 15 Rugby Round 16 Team Lists go to
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-2013.html
The Crusaders and Waratahs are both backing up after disappointing defeats in Super Rugby Round 15. The Crusaders go in as heavy favourites since they are playing at home and have won the last ten matches between the two teams. The Waratahs have been competitive this season, but injuries have forced them to start usual loose forward/lock Dave Dennis at Number Eight. I am picking the Crusaders to win comfortably at home.
The Brumbies are the top Australian side and should be too strong for the Hurricanes who are back from the bye. The Brumbies have won the last two encounters between the two teams and are tought to beat in Canberra. I think the Hurricanes have the X Factor to ask some questions and have won four of the last six matches between the two teams, but I think they will come up short. The Hurricanes will have Dane Coles and Conrad Smith back and despite the Hurricanes needing to win every game to make the playoffs, I think they will struggle to beat the top Australian team. I am picking the Brumbies to win a close match.
The Highlanders return from an unsuccessful trip to South Africa and face the hurting Blues who have lost their last two games in damp conditions. Ironically, because the Highlanders now play at the indoor Forsyth Barr Stadium, they have given up their home conditions and this will play into the hands of the Blues who are hurting and who love dry conditions suitable for running rugby. The Blues don't play the territory game very well.
Interestingly on Rugby Re:Union on SKY Television two former All Blacks, Richard Kahui and Jeff Wilson both picked the Highlanders for an upset home win. The Highlanders are playing at home and have the personnel to win, but they have only won one game all season and you can't help but get the feeling that the bounce of the ball will go against them like it usually does. The Highlanders have won two of their last three games against the Blues, but the record before then is strongly in favour of the Blues. It is Dad's Army against the Brat Pack as the Highlanders have so many more experienced players than the Blues, but it hasn't done them much good this season. I am picking the Blues to win and stay in touch with the leaders, but you never know, the Highlanders may finally play to their potential one day! Blues by 7 points.
The Rebels have been a revelation over the past month with the likes of captain Scott Higginbotham stamping his class on the competition. Sure, the Rebels have been helped with a few TMO decisions, but they bring better form into this game than their hosts. The Reds were disappointing in South Africa and desperately need a win if they are to have a shot at catching the Brumbies at the top of the Australian conference. The Reds should win, they have never lost to the Rebels in Super Rugby, but the Rebels without James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale seem to be galvanised in recent weeks and there could be an upset in this match. I am picking the Reds to win a tight match.
The Stormers haven't played the Southern Kings in Super Rugby ever and so it is difficult to read this match. The Stormers are still in with a sniff, but will need to get a four try bonus point win to give them a chance at making the Top Six. The Southern Kings have been gutsy at times, but you would expect the Stormers to beat them. The Stormers should win comfortably in the end.
The two South African sides clash in a match with massive ramifications. The Cheetahs have never beaten the Bulls in Super Rugby and this match is probably their best chance with them playing at home well this season and looking likely for a Top Six spot. They are at home too. I still think the Bulls who were bullied in the scrums against the Sharks last week can get the win on the back of super boot Morne Steyn.
My picks for Super Rugby Round 16 2013
Crusaders by 12 points.
Brumbies by 7 points.
Reds by 7 points.
Blues by 7 points,
Stormers by 18 points.
Bulls by 6 points.
Which teams are you picking for Super 15 Rugby Round 16 2013?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/05/super-15-rugby-round-16-who-will-upset.html
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