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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 13 Picks - Cooper Returns 27 views
17 May 2012 by The Swede Eaters
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Quade Cooper
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Scotty Donaldson looks at Super Rugby Round 13 2012. Quade Cooper is back, love him or hate him!
Love him, or hate him, Quade Cooper is back for the Reds and boy have they missed him!
Hopefully Super Rugby Round 13 is easier to pick than Round 12. Last
weekend I had a shocker only picking the correct winner for three out of
seven games, and even then my margin for the Sharks vs Force game was
way off the mark. Super Rugby Round 13 looks like another tough round
for punters, although there should be enough easy to pick winners to
keep most punters on the positive side of the ledger. Mind you, if you
had money on the Rebels to beat the Crusaders then you would be laughing
all the way to the bank!
It will be interesting to see who managers go for as their inside backs
given that bargain priced options Tom Taylor and Beauden Barrett aren't
starting, while Dan Carter and Quade Cooper are back, but in Cooper's
case, will Mike Harris kick goals? There is also a new kicker for the
Cheetahs and Brumbies, while the Sharks are sweating on the fitness of
Patrick Lambie.
There are some top level players out injured or rested for Round 13 so check updated team lists here
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-teams-round-one.html
Super Rugby Round 13 Picks
Brumbies vs Hurricanes
The Brumbies are coming off the bye against the Hurricanes who are fresh
from a win over the Highlanders. The Hurricanes will gain plenty of
confidence from that result and will back themselves to get across the
line again despite constantly losing possession and territory. Both
teams have new first fives for this week and new goalkickers. Zac
Holmes and Tusi Pisi could be worth taking a punt on if you are
desperate for a bargain. Holmes is listed as an outside back.
Players to buy - Ben Mowen, Stephen Moore, Victor Vito, Andre Taylor, Dane Coles.
Bargains - Julian Savea, Tusi Pisi, Zac Holmes, Michael Hooper.
My pick - Hurricanes by 3.
Highlanders vs Bulls
The forward exchanges in this match will be worth the price of admission
alone. The Bulls have plenty of motivation with Morne Steyn set to
raise his 100 Super Rugby games in style. The Highlanders are running
out of steam but are still in the Top Six. As usual the Highlanders
haven't named their team yet.
Players to buy - Andrew Hore, Adam Thomson, Morne Steyn,
Bargains - CJ Stander, Juandre Kruger.
My pick - Bulls by 3.
Crusaders vs Blues
Who would have thought that the Crusaders would come into this match
after a loss and the Blues after a win. Both teams have changed their
loose forward mix, so be warned. I think Luke Braid will inspire his
team from Number Eight. The Crusaders should still win, but not by too
much. It will be interesting to see Dan Carter at Number 10 and Richie
McCaw in the Number Eight jersey. Last week's loss by the Crusaders,
may or may not have done the Blues a favour!
Players to buy - Dan Carter, Luke Braid, Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg, Ma'a Nonu.
Bargains - Michael Hobbs, Luke Romano.
My pick - Crusaders by 10.
Reds vs Lions
One of the best teams on current form, play against the worst. The Reds
welcome back the enigmatic Quade Cooper for this match, but it is hard
to know if he will kick goals or if Mike Harris will. The Reds should
win this easily against a Lions team who even got dorked by the Blues
last week. If you have spare trades then get into some Reds this week
they should win easily!
Players to buy - Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill.
Bargains - Mike Harris, Jaco Taute, Dom Shipperley.
My pick - Reds by 29
Cheetahs vs Sharks
The usually high scoring Cheetahs are hosting the Sharks in a battle
that is a dangerous one for the Sharks. The visitors look likely for a
Top Six finish, but a loss here to the dangerous Cheetahs could throw a
spanner in the works. The Cheetahs almost tipped over the Stormers last
week and there was even a rumble. The Sharks will want Patrick Lambie
for this match. The Sharks haven't been named. The battle between the
hookers will be massive. The Cheetahs are trying a new first five
eighth who could be worth a crack.
Players to buy - Patrick Lambie (if playing), Bismarck Du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Keegan Daniell.
Bargains - Willie Le Roux, Jaques Botes, Marcell Coetzee.
My pick - Sharks by 3.
Stormers vs Waratahs
The Stormers were given a fright last week and will want to put away the
disappointing Waratahs. The main concern for the hosts are their loose
forwards where Jebb Sinclair comes in to wear the poisoned chalice
Number Eight jersey. He is a bargain. This match should be a win for
the home team.
Players to buy -Andries Bekker, Tiaan Liebenburg, Peter Grant, John Ulugia/Tatafu
Polota-Nau.
Bargains - Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Dave Dennis.
My pick - Stormers by 14.
Force vs Rebels
The Force will be pleased to be back home after a torrid time in South
Africa. These two teams are trying to avoid being the bottom team in
the Australian conference. The Rebels have been in better recent form
after nearly beating the Bulls and beating the Crusaders last week.
They look better with Kurtley Beale at first five eighth. I am picking
them to continue their good form, but this game should be close like
plenty of derby matches. Neither team has been named, so double check.
The Rebels is looking like Dad's Army with all their experience these
days!
Players to buy - David Pocock, Kurtley Beale, Nathan Sharpe.
Bargains - Caderyn Neville, Nathan Charles.
My pick - Rebels by 3.
Who are you picking to dominate Super Rugby Round 13? Do you agree with my picks?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/05/super-rugby-round-13-picks-return-of.html
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Tags:
Quade Cooper, Super Rugby, Round 13
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