Super Rugby Preview- Round 12
The Form Guide
The New Zealand conference continues to be where all the consistent form lines sit in Super Rugby, with the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders all notching wins on the weekend. The Cantabrians got over the Brumbies in Canberra, and retain top spot in the conference and on the overall ladder. The Hurricanes blitzed the hapless Sunwolves, while Lima Sopoaga’s boot was all that got the Highlanders home over South Africa’s Bulls. It is still difficult to see anyone challenging these powerhouses in the big games at the end of the year.
The Reds were the highlight of the weekend for Australian fans, notching an upset victory over the high flying Lions. It’s true that the Lions did not look like their usual selves, but credit must go to the enthusiastic Reds defence, which absolutely had the Africans on the back foot for the first 50 minutes. The late comeback from the Lions will only be of minor concern to Brad Thorn, as he knows consistency will be the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place for this young team. Hamish Stewart was outstanding at number 10, and although Thorn has said that Jono Lance is still his preferred flyhalf, it is impossible to think we won’t see much more of Stewart in the very near future. The Rebels cannot get Will Genia back fast enough, and their road trip has been disastrous, with no wins to show for their efforts. A return to Melbourne this weekend could be just the tonic.
The mighty Jaguares have now managed to do what no Australian Super Rugby side has done for longer than we care to remember, claiming a New Zealand scalp with their away win over the Blues. Sitting second in the South African conference, they will be mighty pleased with their progress this year, though tougher tests are not far away.
The Big Games
There’s a few very important clashes coming up this weekend that you won’t want to miss. In South Africa, the Stormers host the Bulls in a match which could prove vital in the jam packed tussle for wildcard spots. The Highlanders visit the Sharks knowing how important another road win for them would be, and they will be hoping it won’t be as nail-biting as last weekend.
The Chiefs come off the bye and host the Jaguares in an intriguing matchup. We know the class that is oozing through the Chiefs line-up, but the plucky Argentinians will back themselves to run them ragged. The Lions will be very disappointed with their effort against the Reds, and the Hurricanes are lying in wait in Wellington on Saturday. The Barrett brothers will smell blood in the water, and if the Lions turn up with the same performance as last weekend, this could get ugly.
Two Australian teams will be in action, and both will know how crucial this result will be. The Waratahs simply must beat the Blues at home, any other result will simply be unacceptable for a team that has championship aspirations. The Rebels will be desperate to get their season back on track, but even Will Genia’s return guarantees nothing against the imposing Crusaders. Welcoming back their first choice flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will be a welcome bonus for the visitors, and make it even tougher for a struggling Rebels.
Predictions
The Chiefs won’t miss a beat after the bye, and while the Jaguares will hang in for 50 minutes, the Kiwis will run away with it. The Rebels won’t be able to grab the important home win against the powerhouse Crusaders, and Hurricanes will dispatch the Lions with relative ease. The Waratahs will sneak over the Blues, just because they have to, but don’t put your house on it. The improving Bulls will beat the Stormers, and the Highlanders will get another important win over the Sharks.
Best Bet
The Lions were woeful last week, and the Hurricanes score tries for fun, so back them to cover the 13.5 start the South Africans are being given. The Hurricanes with the -13.5 handicap at $1.92 is our best bet of the week.
For the latest Super Rugby odds, click here.
Words: Cameron Stokes
