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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 10 Preview. Who will win? 24 views
28 April 2012 by HarleyCollett
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These teams will...
Woops! Bit late throwing down my predictions for this week - and just as well: the Reds - Blues game was proving particularly hard to call. On paper, the Reds dominated all areas save the midfield, and with Ioane brought into centre to contain Ranger, they were definitely a good bet to go against the bookies. There were a few intangibles to consider however, such as home ground advantage and the desperation factor, but in the end the much better team won. The Formula calculated a solid 6/6 last week so there was no need to do any tweaking. Let's see if it can impress us once more.
Brumbies vs Lions
Tough one to call, this. Lions coming off the bye, fresh and ready. Brumbies a bit beaten up following a good showing against the Bulls, but possessing a better team. Lets see how much better. Brumbies comfortably take the back 3 and centre positions, while Lealiifano should be able to nulify the one Lions player with an X factor - Jantes. The loosies is another close one - Auelua is too inconsistant to give the Brumbies the edge here. The Lions have the better locks, while I think the Brumbies slightly edge the Lions front 3. Therefore, with the Brumbies surely able to gain at least parity with the Lion's pack, their backs should be too much of a handful to contain. BRUMBIES by a few.
Chiefs vs Hurricanes
What a cracker this should be! Rain permitting, we can expect an open, running game which I feel will play into the Hurricanes hands slightly more than the Chiefs. The Chiefs will also be a bit travel weary after their successful tour abroad, while the Hurricanes will be seeking retribution following their thumping to the Crusaders. The Hurricanes have the better back 3 while, of course, the Chiefs take the centres. Cruden’s more experienced head should prevail against his young opposite, particularly with the steady Leonard on his inside. I’m expecting an open, running game, but I think this will suit the more mobile Chief forwards against the abrasive Hurricanes boys. The tight 5 won’t have as big a say on proceedings as they would in a more conservative type of game, but the Chiefs take out the locking and front row positions too. Dominating so many areas of the game, and with a better kicking game and coaching staff to boot, you have to go CHIEFS.
Force vs Stormers
Should we just take this at face value and say Stormers? Well.... Back 3 – Stormers, Centres – Stormers, Halves – Stormers, Loose trio – Force? – JUST, tight 5 – Stormers. Yes, we should take it at face value. STORMERS all the way, kiddo, hard to win games with someone as uncreative as Harvey at 10!
Cheetahs vs Highlanders
Looking forward to this one! It must be said - the Highlanders have dropped off slightly from there brilliant start to the season, especially after losing some key loose forwards. But, to their credit, they’ve stuck it out, and picked up a crucial win against the Blues last week. In saying that, I think it’s worth pointing out that the Reds comfortably bet the Blues at Eden Park not 2 hours ago, while the Highlanders were lucky to win last week at home. Now they’ve had to travel all the way to SA where they’re likely to get run around by the Cheetahs all day. The Highlanders edge the Cheetahs back 3, while the midfield contest could go the Cheetahs way. I prefer the Cheetahs halves as Goosen plays a style perfectly complementary to the Cheetahs running rugby. I give the Highlanders the edge in the loose and locking positions, but the front 3 is pretty close. I also prefer the Cheetahs territorial kicking game, with Daniller’s booming boot to be called upon at times of need. So close, so lets look at the intangibles. Both teams have a great spirit, but the Cheetahs are at home and haven’t flown around the world. I’m going to say CHEETAHS.
Crusaders vs Waratahs
Crusaders. Because one team is Prince on acid, and the other team is your Grandmothers browning front lawn.
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Tags:
Super Rugby Round 10, betting tips, predictions
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