Super Rugby is back and it was brilliant seeing so many close matches in Round 1.  Matches were so tight that six of the seven losers received bonus points for being within seven points, while no teams got four try bonus points.

Round 2 looks set to throw up some even more intense matches.  There are the same amount of local derby matches to test the fitness of teams.  Teams like the Chiefs and Highlanders still have their injury concerns, which is a concern given that there are still 15 more Round Robin matches for each team.  The high attrition rate of the game these days, especially local derby matches will test squad depths and make rotating players imperative.  I think that the underdogs will punch above their weight in the early rounds of Super Rugby before the injuries take their toll and the better teams will win more easily.  There is only so much passion left in the tank of some of those underdogs and so I think early on there will be plenty of close matches!

Look for update Super Rugby 2012 Round 2 teams named
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html

Chiefs vs Blues

The Chiefs started off strongly against the Highlanders, but ended the match with a massive casualty ward.  They still have some talented backs like Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui and Sonny Bill Williams, but their lack of first choice grunters upfront will be sorely exposed by the powerful Blues pack.

Players to watch:  Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot, Liam Messam, Sonny Bill Williams.
Bargains:  Michael Hobbs, Chris Lowrey, David Raikuna, Brodie Retallick.

My pick:  Blues by 4 points.

Rebels vs Waratahs

The Waratahs will be spitting tacks after losing to the Reds on fulltime and won't let this one slip.  They still don't have backline stars Adam Ashley-Cooper or Berrick Barnes, but will have too much grunt for the Rebels who will have some exciting players like Danny Cipriani, Gareth Delve and James O'Connor when they are named.  The hosts will miss Kurtley Beale and Stirling Mortlock, but do have Adam Freier returning from a long layoff.  It will be tough having their first game against a side which is having their second game.  The Waratahs will play a boring but effective style of game in this game and win on the road.  They usually don't trouble the <a href="www.testrugby.comhttp://www.testrugby.com">www.testrugby.com</a> scorers.

Players to watch:  Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sarel Pretorius,  James O'Connor, Gareth Delve and Adam Freier.

Bargain:  Hugh Pyle

My pick:  Waratahs by 3

Lions vs Hurricanes

This match sees two of the most exciting pivots square off against each other with Elton Jantjies and Beauden Barrett under the microscope.  Can the Hurricanes cope with the Lions upfront?  The Hurricanes have some flair in their backline with Conrad Smith and Cory Jane, but they will need enough ball from their forwards if they are to be successful.  I am picking the Lions but wouldn't be surprised if the Hurricanes get up for this one but they will need better discipline.

Players to watch:  Jantjies, Josh Strauss, Dane Coles, Victor Vito.
Bargains:  Jaco Taute,  Stephan Greef, Barrett, Andre Taylor.

My pick:  Lions by 2

Highlanders vs Crusaders

The gritty Highlanders will fancy their chances of upsetting the Crusaders in this match.  They will be inspired by a Round 1 win over the Chiefs and the news that the Otago union (where the Highlanders are based) is in financial strife.  Their side hasn't been named yet, but plenty will rest on the injury to Chris Noakes.  He was influential last week against the Chiefs and will be a big loss.  The Crusaders did well to get up over the Blues and will be able to at least match fire with fire in this southern derby.  Robbie Fruean will be potent in this match and expect to see more of Israel Dagg in open spaces.  This game will be played in the indoor Forsyth Barr Stadium and it will be interesting to see if the kickers have similar problems to what other kickers have found in the past at this new arena.  I think this will be close, but the Crusaders will be able to out-muscle the Highlanders at their own game.

Players to watch: Robbie Fruean, Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Adam Thomson, Tamati Ellison.
Bargains:  John Hardie, Chris Noakes (if playing).

My pick:  Crusaders by 3 (unfortunately).

Reds vs Force

The Reds showed last week that unlike the Force, they can win the ugly ones.  They should be hot favourites for this one, with the Force really missing James O'Connor.  Watch for Mike Harris to show his stuff as the Reds players run riot.  Expect to see big games from Radike Samo (named at No 8 but listed as a lock)  and Digby Ioane.  Albert Anae is the experimental hooker.  Two of the Reds best <a href="www.testrugby.comhttp://www.testrugby.com">www.testrugby.com</a> points scorers from last week James Hanson and Scott Highambotham aren't playing.

Players to watch:  Ioane, Samo, Nathan Sharpe.
Bargains:  Harris, Anae, Luke Morahan, Alfie Mafi,

My pick:  Reds by 15

Cheetahs vs Bulls

There will be no love lost in this local derby between the Free State Cheetahs and the Bulls.  This will be a shootout between the master Morne Steyn and the apprentice Johan Goosen.  The forward battle will be intense.

Players to watch:  Chilliboy Ralepelle, Wynand Olivier, Steyn,  Francois Hougard
Bargains:  Juandre Kruger, Goosen, Phillip Van Der Walt,  Francois Venter.
My pick:  Bulls by 3

Stormers vs Sharks

These teams come into this battle with different records.  The Stormers had a 13 point win over the Hurricanes while the Sharks were strangled by the Bulls.  The forward tussle will be awesome.  It will be interesting to see what a loss Schalk Burger is for the Stormers but his loss is partly offset by the return of Juan de Jongh.  I think the home advantage will get the Stormers home.

Players to watch:  Joe Pietersen (Stormers), Bismarck Du Plessis, Tiaan Liebenburg,  Andries Bekker, Juan de Jongh, Patrick Lambie.

My pick:  Stormers by 2

Who are you picking to win?  Which players are you picking?  Join our SuperBru group, details on the right column of my website.
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/02/super-rugby-15-round-2-preview-and.html