Super 15 Rugby Round 3 gives punters another opportunity to prove themselves.  Round 2 was a harsh reminder of the topsy turvy nature of Super Rugby with surprising victories for underdogs like the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes.  The beauty of Super Rugby is that even the bottom teams have international stars playing for them and so the difference between the teams can be minimal despite where the respective teams sit on the table.  My advice for punters is to pick the matches where a potential upset is likely.  From history, there are usually about two upsets per round, but it is just a matter of taking into account team injuries, conditions, venue of match, form and the referee.

The New Zealand conference is very even with the local derby matches being really close so far.  The underdog has won several of these matches.

The Australian conference is the easiest to pick with the Reds and Waratahs looking likely to rule the roost.

The South African conference still seems to have the Bulls and Stormers at the top with the Sharks snapping at their heels and the Lions and Cheetahs rounding out the conference.

Finally, remember that the Stormers don't play this week, while next week the Crusaders, Bulls and Lions have a break, so it may not be worth buying a player for one round.

For comprehensive Super Rugby Round 3 team lists go to

http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html

Game 1
Chiefs vs Crusaders

Will the Crusaders lose two weeks in a row?  This New Zealand conference is tight and unpredictable.  The Crusaders will be hurting after losing to the Highlanders and I think the Chiefs will come crashing back to earth following their win over the Blues.  Interestingly, this match takes place in Napier, Hawkes Bay, inside the Hurricanes franchise.  If the Chiefs can hold their own in the set pieces then they may have a chance.  The midfield battle will be worth the price of admission alone!  The Crusaders have rotated their squad slightly and so some exciting players come into the starting lineup.

My pick - Crusaders by 3

Players to buy - Robbie Fruean, Corey Flynn, Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam.
Bargains - Luke Romano, Adam Whitelock, Tyler Blenyendaal, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brodie Retallick.

Game 2
Force vs Hurricanes

The Force desperately need their first win of the season as they host the enigmatic Hurricanes.  The Canes will have gained plenty of confidence from their win over the Lions last week and I think that the Force won't be able to handle their flair and ability to score tries.  The Hurricanes are fragile upfront, but I don't think the Force will be able to take advantage.  The Force do welcome a few stars back in Cameron Shepherd and Richard Brown, but they have lost Ben McCalman.

My pick - Hurricanes by 3.

Players to buy - Richard Brown, David Pocock, Dane Coles,
Bargains - James Stannard, Nathan Charles, Beauden Barrett, Andre Taylor.

Game 3
Brumbies vs Cheetahs

This match won't affect the outcome of the Super 15 Rugby competition in 2012.  The Brumbies narrowly defeated the Force in Round 1, but the team named hardly breathes fear into the hearts of the opposition.  The Cheetahs could have a shot at taking this one and probably have more <a href="www.testrugby.comhttp://www.testrugby.com">www.testrugby.com</a> scoring options and I think the Cheetahs will be fired up after being stampeded by the Bulls last week against a team coming off the bye. 

My pick - An upset is on the cards here, but I will go for the Cheetahs 2.

Players to buy - Heinrich Brussouw, Adriaan Strauss, Peter Kimlin.
Bargains - Phillip van der Walt, Johan Goosen, Jesse Mogg, Ben Mowen.

Game 4
Highlanders vs Waratahs

I find the Waratahs one of the most boring teams to watch, but they are difficult to beat.  The Highlanders have won their first two matches and find themselves in the unfamiliar position of going into a match as favourites.  I actually think they struggle being the favourites!  While I love the Highlanders to bits, I am going to pick the Waratahs as they seem to be a bogey team for the Highlanders and every time I don't pick the Highlanders, they win.  Berrick Barnes will be influential.  The Highlanders is the only team not to be named so be careful.

My pick - Waratahs by 2
Players to buy - Adam Thomson, Andrew Hore, Tamati Ellison, Berrick Barnes, Sarel Pretorius, Adam Ashley Cooper, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Hosea Gear.

Bargains - Tom Kingston, Phil Burleigh, Lima Sopoaga.

Game 5
Reds vs Rebels

The Reds are really reaping the rewards of being in an easy conference.  They should easily beat the Rebels in Brisbane and would be disappointed not to score four tries.  I have put heaps of Reds in my team for this one.  The Rebels have the odd star, but don't have the backup core of quality players because of their lack of depth.

My pick - Reds by 13
Players to buy - James O'Connor, Gareth Delve, Digby Ioane, Kurtley Beale.
Bargains - Hugh Pyle, James Hansen, Jake Shatz, Mike Harris.

Game 6
Sharks vs Lions

The Sharks have had a tough run of matches to start the season and another derby match ensures that this trend continues.  I think they should beat the Sharks, but this could be another close one.

My pick - Sharks by 7
Players to buy - Bismarck Du Plessis, Patrick Lambie, Franco Van Der Meeuw.
Bargains - Elton Jantjies, Jaco Taute, Callie Visagie, Marcell Coetzee, Deon van Rensburg. 

Game 7

Bulls vs Blues

The Bulls have been performing well this season, unlike their opponents the Blues who have lost two games in a row.  The Blues have made plenty of changes in an attempt to change their fortunes.  It will be a big ask for them to win in Pretoria, but I think they will get close.  They could thrive without the pressure of home fans.  Sadly we won't see quality players like Rudi Wulf, Jerome Kaino, Tony Woodcock, Isaia Toeava or Michael Hobbs against the Bulls, but Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Lachie Munro and Gareth Anscombe come into the starting lineup.  It will be interesting to see who is kicking goals for the Blues!

My pick - Bulls by 6.

Players to watch - Morne Steyn, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Zane Kirchner, Keven Mealamu, Chris Lowrey, Ma'a Nonu.
Bargains - Juandre Kruger, Lachie Munro (listed as a half playing at fullback), Gareth Anscombe,

Who are you picking for Super Rugby Round 3 2012?  Do you agree with my picks?

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/03/super-15-rugby-round-3-2012-picks.html