Super Rugby 2016: Round 4 Predictions

Hurricanes vs Force

A fairly straightforward one to kick the weekend off (not to tempt fate or anything…). The Hurricanes finally registered their first win of the season against the Blues last weekend, showing great backbone to repel a late surge. The Force were smashed by the Brumbies, and while they have played some decent rugby thus far, they look a cut below the very top teams. Hurricanes by 21.

Waratahs vs Highlanders

A repeat of last season’s semi-final, in which the Highlanders romped to victory by 18 points. It’s tough to read too much into the Waratahs’ form so far – they comfortably dispatched the Reds, but were equally comfortably beaten by the Brumbies. The Highlanders have started this season as they finished the last, namely playing some scintillating rugby. This represents the sternest test of their title-defending credentials yet, and it will be very close. Waratahs by 2.

Bulls vs Sharks

The Sharks, incredibly, have not won at Loftus since 2011 – and they have lost five of the last six against the Bulls. They are, however, the form team in South Africa, having won their first three games, including last weekend’s controversial nail-biter against the Stormers in Cape Town. The Bulls have lost one and won one, but will be fresher after an early bye weekend. The Sharks have rotated a few of their frontline players out, and to be honest, they’ve got to lose at some point… Bulls by 3.

Sunwolves vs Rebels

The Sunwolves threw away a great chance to get their first win in Super Rugby last weekend, succumbing to an epic comeback from the Cheetahs. They have proved themselves to be competitive thus far, which is an excellent sign, but just haven’t found that winning knack yet. The Rebels arrive after a tough sequence of games that has seen them travel to Pretoria, back to Melbourne, and now out to Tokyo. That will undoubtedly take its toll, but I think they’ve got enough street smarts – and could be too powerful up front – to beat the newbies. Rebels by 6.

Crusaders vs Kings

Comfortably the easiest pick of the weekend. The Kings, as expected, have not covered themselves in glory thus far, and while the Crusaders are the the most functional and least exciting of the Kiwi franchises, they will be far, far too good for the ailing South African province. It is merely a case of picking a number. Crusaders by 48.

Reds vs Blues

Always one of the more colourful games in the calendar (geddit?), the Blues travel to take on a Reds team adjusting to life under new, temporary management. Their one point loss to the Rebels was undoubtedly a step forward and they will take heart from their first point of the season. The Blues, after an impressive opening win, have notched two losses in a row. They look to be the stronger side but do not have a great record in this fixture – five losses in the last seven – and haven’t won in Brisbane since 2008. That should change this weekend. Blues by 9.

Lions vs Cheetahs

The Lions finally return home to Johannesburg after an exhausting tour on the opening three weekends. Two wins from three, however, is a brilliant return, and they have been playing some stunning rugby in the process. So too have the Cheetahs, to be fair, although with limited success – their one point win over the Sunwolves was the first of the season. This is always one of the more entertaining derbies, with an average of 68 points per game in the last three instalments of it. Lions by 12.

Stormers vs Brumbies

Another tight call between two title pretenders. The Stormers’ loss at home to the Sharks was a hammer blow last weekend, and they were pummelled by the Brumbies at home in the play-offs last year – although they did win the regular season game. The Brumbies have been massively impressive so far, registering three big wins that have been built on a dominance up front. They will not enjoy that against the Stormers, however, and for that reason I have a feeling their winning run could come to an end. Stormers by 2.

Jaguares vs Chiefs

The Jaguares return to Argentina for their first Super Rugby game on home soil. There will likely be a raucous greeting, and coupled with a lot of travel for the Chiefs, it makes this a very tough one to pick. Both sides have shown a willingness to throw the ball around thus far, so it should be a massively entertaining affair. Evidently there is no history between the two teams to go on, but the Chiefs are Super Rugby veterans while the Jaguares are still finding their feet – that swings the pendulum towards the Kiwi side. Chiefs by 3.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43