This week I've decided to get more specific with my predictions for all you pundits out there. The Formula I have devised only seems to falter when unforseeable circumstances arise. For example, last week the only upset was in the Cheetahs vs Highlanders game; the Cheetahs were up by three tries after 50 minutes but as soon as Goosen went off, so too did the Cheetahs - like bad milk. Since my blog went live I'm sitting on a 91% success rate for head to head clashes so lets make things more interesting.  

Hurricanes vs Blues

The first game this weekend sees the Hurricanes hosting the Blues at the Cake Tin. The Hurricanes are better coached, possess a better team spirit, are more skillful with ball in hand, and I've been particularly impressed at how Lowe and Levave have fronted up - big powerful boys that are complementing Vito well.

The Hurricanes have the edge in the back 3, while the centre positions go to the Blues. The Hurricanes have the better 9 and 10, and also the better loosies, while the tight 5's are as equally unimpressive as each other. Adding to this the fact that this game is being played in Wellington, and you have to go Hurricanes by 12 and under, despite the ever-increasing desperation in the Blues camp.

Rebels vs Bulls

And you don't need to be Einstien (did I spell that right) to know that this is a one-bull-race. It will be interesting to see how Beale fronts at 10, but with Cipriani and O'Conner gone, and with a forward pack that would intimidate only the most timid of forest creatures, the only question here is how much the Bulls will win by. The back 3 are about the same, while I give the edge to the more powerful Bulls centres. The 9/10 channel is overwhelmingly in favour of the Bulls - Hougaard's sniping and Morne's boot priceles assets. Indeed, with Beale at 10 the Rebels will probably look to keep ball
in hand and run the Bulls ragged - but since they lack any real cohesion in the backline, this could and should backfire. It goes without saying the the Bulls will dominate all facets of the forward exchanges, and should enjoy a mountain of turnovers to set their backs alight.

I'm going to go with the Bulls here by 13 and over, despite the game being played away from home.

Chiefs vs Lions - or is that Zues vs that smarmy asshole that only gives you one ketchup in the drive-through at McDonalds? Chiefs - the leading team, at home, better right across the board, against the worst team in my opinion (even worse than the Blues), that have had to come from the Republic.  Only 5 words needed here. Chiefs by 13 or more.

Brumbies vs Waratahs

On Saturday we're in for another dour night out when the Brumbies take on the Waratahs in a typical Aussie derby match. Not an easy match to call by any means, but the Formula will see us through.
The Brumbies have the more explosive back 3, while I would also give them the edge in the centres with McCabe edging his opposite. Lealiifano is just such as reassuring presence at 10 for the Brumbies, and it's hard to give any team outside of the top 6 the edge over the Brumbies here, but Barnes is a crafy  tactician and McKibbin has impressed, so I'll go with the Waratahs here (I still think Sarel should be starting). I give the back row to the Brumbies, too. This Auelua is a monster - Dean's needs to get him into the Australian squad immiediatly, while the Brumbies take the tight 5. Both teams will be up for this one so I'm not expecting a blowout by any means. Unless Lealiifano has another shocker with the boot, which I doubt he will, I'm going to go with Brumbies by 12 and under. Jake White, get your little black book out and formulate a gameplan buddy.

Sharks vs Highlanders

Sorry Highlanders, I love ya but the Sharks will be too much at home and won't make the same mistake the Cheetahs did. With Bismark and Lambie controlling things, their abrasive loosies smashing it up time and time again, and a home crowd roaring them on, you can't look past the Sharks here, but only by 12 and under.

Force vs Cheetahs

Could this be a little upset on the cards? Well, probably not - but I'd like to see the Force finally do something special. The Force team hasn't been named, but even with Golden Goose Goosen out, you have to say the Cheetahs have the better backline from 15-10,
while Brussow and Strauss should make sure the Force gain no real ascendency up front. At home, looking sharp, I'll give this one to the Cheetahs by 12 and under. Let's just hope the Force keep it tight so it's not a blowout.

Crusaders vs Reds

Watch out Queensland. The Crusaders machine is rolling relentlessly forward, and at home insunshine they should be far too tough to handle. Both teams have excellent outsides, but Dagg's better kicking game see's the Crusaders edge them here.
The Crusaders centres are far better than their opposites, while the Crusaders also edge the Reds in the 9/10 channel. The forward pack also belongs to the Crusaders - particularly the front 3, so the only question that needs to be asked is Crusaders - by how many?
Well, the Reds were champs last year, and they got up against the Blues away from home last week. Ioane is back, and that's huge, while Harris plays a good kicking game. Crusaders by 12 and under.

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