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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 Four - Can The Kiwis Rise Up? 1 views
09 March 2011 by The Swede Eaters
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Can the NZ teams get some much needed additional wins to move up the overall rankings in Round Four Super Rugby action?
Is Round Four when the New Zealand teams rise to the top? Currently only the Highlanders are flying the New Zealand flag with three wins from three. The problem for the New Zealanders is, the lack of easy games within the New Zealand conference of which each team plays eight games. The South African sides have the Cheetahs and Lions, while the Australian teams like the Force and Rebels are must win matches. With the rise of the Highlanders, nothing can be taken for granted in the local grudge matches in New Zealand. Secondly, the most fancied New Zealand side the Crusaders, have had a hard run of it with an earthquake devastating their province, affecting their home games and the players houses. They also didn't play the Hurricanes, so they didn't win any matches until Round Three.
These player picks are based on http://www.testrugby.com/ points. There aren't many teams named yet for the games this weekend, so it may pay to wait a day before making your selections!
Super Rugby Round Four action gets underway with the first kiwi team in action in Nelson with the Crusaders playing the Brumbies. The Crusaders should be too strong, with the amazing midfield of Robbie Fruean and Sonny Bill Williams likely to be a handful and thrive outside Dan Carter. The Brumbies have been disappointing and will struggle away from home. Matt Giteau and Pat McCabe were good http://www.testrugby.com/ points scorers last week.
Teams: Crusaders vs Brumbies
Time: 11/03/2011 19:35
Venue: Trafalgar Park
Pick: Home team by 13 & above
The Sharks are on a roll with their big forward pack. Their young first five Patrick Lambie is thriving behind a forward pack that includes Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts and Bismark Du Plessis at the helm. The Rebels can't be as bad two weeks in a row can they? They should still lose this week, but can Stirling Mortlock get his team at least competitive? Gareth Delve and Mark Gerrard were good last week.
Teams: Rebels vs Sharks
Time: 11/03/2011 21:40
Venue: AAMI Park
Pick: Away team by 13 & over
Both of these teams are unbeaten and it is the visitors who have looked more impressive than their hosts. Adam Thomson, Kade Poki (injured) and the evergreen Tony Brown were brilliant last week against the Bulls last week. The Stormers have scrapped together two wins so far, but have been anything but impressive so far. Their hooker Deon Fourie has been going well, while they look better with Peter Grant at first five. My team the Highlanders are gutsy, but my knack of not picking them is working well so far this season!
Teams: Stormers vs Highlanders
Time: 12/03/2011 06:10
Venue: Newlands Rugby Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
The Hurricanes have had several weeks off to lick their wounds after their only match was lost to the high flying Highlanders. Watch for Andrew Hore to lead by example after their team was shown up by the southerners. They need crucial guys like Victor Vito, Aaron Cruden and Cory Jane to fire. The Chiefs eventually got things together last week against the Rebels to record their first win. They lost Mils Muliaina for several weeks, but the other outside back Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams and Sitiveni Sivivatu looked like they are finally back in dynamic form.
Teams: Hurricanes vs Chiefs
Time: 12/03/2011 19:35
Venue: Westpac Stadium
Pick: Home team by 12 & under
Can the Western Force get a win over the enigmatic Blues? The Blues go into this one as favourites against a team missing their star flanker David Pocock. The Blues have some amazing outside backs if they get front foot ball from their forward stars like Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino. Their backs like Rene Ranger, Isaiah Toeava and Joe Rokocoko dominated last week. The Force had some brave forwards like Nathan Sharpe and Matt Hodgson last week, but they will have their work cut out this week.
Teams: Western Force vs Blues
Time: 13/03/2011 00:05
Venue: ME Bank Stadium
Pick: Away team by 12 & under
This match is a battle for the South African battlers. I am going for the Cheetahs based on home ground advantage. The Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has made several changes. Watch for Sarel Pretorius and the bargain priced Sias Ebersohn for the Cheetahs. The Lions have some highscoring players like centre Doppies La Grange, forwards Joshua Strauss, Warren Whitely and Derrick Minnie and Jano Vermark. I am going Lions because I think they deserve the win after three tight losses.
Teams: Cheetahs vs Lions
Time: 13/03/2011 04:05
Venue: Free State Rugby Stadium
Pick: Away team by 12 & under
Do you agree with these picks? Will the New Zealand teams rise up the rankings? Which upsets are you picking? Can the Highlanders win again?
testrugbytips.com
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