Highlanders vs Sharks
Sorry Sharks fans, but even the most optimistic amongst you must have trouble seeing a win for your side here. Last week’s game against the Blues looked like the best chance the men from Durban would have at getting a win on tour in New Zealand; now they have to dust themselves off after a loss, and travel battered and bruised to face a Highlanders side refreshed from a bye weekend. The Sharks haven’t won in Dunedin since 2010 – that won’t change this weekend. Highlanders by 15.
Rebels vs Cheetahs
The Cheetahs’ 92-17 win over the Sunwolves was one of those results that make you do a double take when you first see it, and check with another source that there hasn’t been a typo. It’s one thing beating an injury-ridden, tired Japanese side at home, though, and another entirely beating an established Rebels team in their own backyard. The men from Melbourne were surprisingly lacklustre in losing to the Hurricanes last time around, and will want to bounce back with a much-improved performance here. Rebels by 6.
Sunwolves vs Jaguares
And so we come to the first game between the two expansionist teams. To be honest, it’s been pretty underwhelming stuff so far. The Sunwolves were never expected to win a great deal in the first season (although shipping 92 points to the Cheetahs was a real nadir), and indeed they haven’t at all. But the Jaguares’ solitary win – way back in round one – and subsequent six losses represent a massive underachievement for a side boasting so many Argentine internationals. Of the two, however, they still look the better side, and should have enough to win in Tokyo. Jaguares by 18.
Hurricanes vs Chiefs
Oof, what a game this will be. Not only is this a meeting of two of the form teams in the competition (neither side has lost since round two), but also two of the most free-scoring (of their run of five wins in a row each, both have notched four try bonus points). And while one unbeaten record should come to an end, you can bet that it will happen in exhilarating style. While the Canes have home advantage, the Chiefs have a much better record against the top teams (the Canes have, in fact, only beaten one side in the top half of the table – last week’s win over the Rebels, who sit in ninth). That just about makes the Chiefs favourites in my eyes. Chiefs by 5.
Force vs Waratahs
Fun fact: the only side that either of these two teams have beaten this season is the Reds. The Tahs are having a miserable campaign, so this is perhaps not the time when they would have wanted to come up against something of a bogey team for them. The Force have won the last three instalments of this fixture, including on the Waratahs’ last two visits to Perth. That record, along with the fact that the Waratahs are just lacking so much confidence at the moment, makes me favour the home side. Force by 2.
Stormers vs Reds
After a couple of tough picks, you can relax into this one – it should be a regulation home victory. Sure, the Reds have looked like a much better team in recent weeks (and in Samu Kerevi they have a gem of a midfielder), but at Newlands, the Stormers will surely be way too powerful for the travelling Australians. Stormers by 21.
Kings vs Lions
The Kings have had a week to recharge their batteries, but in all honesty it is unlikely to make much difference against a Lions side on the up after their morale-boosting win over the Stormers. In Elton Jantjes they have one of the form playmakers of the competition, and he should lead the men from Johannesburg to a regulation win here. Lions by 35.
Brumbies vs Crusaders
It’s looking like it’s going to be up to the Brumbies to retain some pride in Australian club rugby this season. The men from Canberra looked like the team to beat in the opening few rounds, but have stumbled somewhat in recent weeks, most notably in a big loss at home to the Chiefs. The bad news is that the Crusaders are not a team that they enjoy playing – they have lost their last five games against them, in fact, with their last win coming back in 2009. That said, I think they are showing enough to suggest that they can beat the Crusaders, who don’t quite have the polished all-round game of the Chiefs side that won here a few weeks ago. Brumbies by 4.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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You don’t have the luxury of seeing the team sheets prior to making your picks, so perhaps you should be excused if and when you change your pick after seeing the lineups. But depending upon the starters I reckon Tahs getting better, and if one looked at all the post game stats should have won last week. They have enough x-factor players to turn a game with a little luck. Having said that Saders should beat Brumbies. Any team that cannot control possession and territory will have a hard time playing catch-up in the scores. The Brumbies have been winning ‘ugly’. Their backs rarely make enough yards going forward with ball in hand, and it was a revelation that Tomane actually got a triple last week. Saders will score too many with ball in hand. All other predictions seem reasonable.
As you point out, the Hurricanes have only one win against teams in the top but consider the favourable draw the Chiefs have had. Four of their wins against teams languishing at 11, 15, 16 and 17. They are due to be brought down to earth in the weeks to come when their inferior setpiece play will find them out against the stronger sides.
Fair points… but they also hammered the Brumbies in Canberra, and beat the Crusaders in Christchurch. Both have pretty solid set pieces. The Canes game this weekend is really tough to call though, almost flip a coin territory!
5 changes for Chiefs with only 1 for the Crusaders. If this is truly balanced on a knifes edge could that prove the differnece
sorry I meant canes
Here I am, a Sharks fan still hoping for a miracle. I agree with your prediction on that game, and yet I still have to support my team, through thick and thin!
Do not underestimate the Cheetahs. I picked them for easy win against Rebels. The team has found it’s rythm and is jelling nicely. Cheetahs by 12
Your margins are a bit big I’d say, also the Crusaders are way better than the Brumbies mate. Dont look too deep into the history books
Unbelievable South African determination firstly and then Shark bite….