Super Rugby Preview - Round 14
The Form Guide
The Waratahs will be absolutely furious with themselves, after letting slip a 29-0 lead to go down 31-29 to the champion Crusaders. If ever there was an opportunity to end this run of losses, this was it. Of course, some dubious refereeing decisions didn’t help matters, but at 29-0 up, you shouldn’t need the officials to get you home. Again, a huge gulf in composure and class was on display between the Australian and New Zealand teams, and anyone who suggests this is not a mental issue for the Australians is wide of the mark. The win kept the Crusaders 1 point ahead of rivals the Hurricanes, who were equally impressive dispatching the Blues. Can’t wait to see these two teams match up again with their seasons on the line.
The Highlanders were without Aaron Smith, but still had enough firepower to get home over the tired Lions. The boys from Otago must be cursing the fact they have to compete in the NZ conference, as they would comfortably take out either of the other two. The Rebels came from behind to upset the Brumbies, as we thought they might, and have closed the gap to the Waratahs to a single point on the table. If they can muddle through with Will Genia for the next couple of weeks, they will fancy themselves still a shot to take out the Aussie conference. The less said about the Reds, the better. They were woeful in conceding 63 points to the Sunwolves, and they need to put the loss behind them quickly for fear of a greater thrashing this week.
The Chiefs kept pace with the Highlanders by grabbing a win in South Africa, while the Bulls stayed in the hunt with a high scoring win over the Sharks. The South African conference is extremely compressed, with only 8 points separating first to last. The Lions will be very happy to have their road trip behind them, and they will need to restart their season quickly to hold off the challenge from all of their conference rivals.
The Big Games
Some big games coming up for each of the conferences this weekend. We kick off with the scary thought of the hapless Reds travelling to Wellington to meet the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are unbackable, but this is just the kind of situation Brad Thorn will want to see his team aim up in. He has surprisingly stuck with his misfiring halves combination, both Ben Lucas and Jono Lance earning a reprieve after the disaster in Japan. Scott Higginbotham returns after an extended stint on the sideline, and his running game should free George Smith up to get back to his pilfering best. Jordie Barrett returns from injury for the Canes at fullback, and he will be a constant thorn in the Reds’ side.
On Saturday, The Blues host the Crusaders in a battle that promises to be entertaining if nothing else. Sonny Bill Williams was excellent in a losing team last week, and the prospect of him coming up against the inform Crusaders backline is mouth watering. The Highlanders head to Sydney to take on the Waratahs in another opportunity for the losing streak to end. Michael Hooper and his men will know that they have the firepower to beat anyone after last week, but whether they have the fortitude to play for the full 80, against a very dangerous Highlanders team, remains to be seen. Ned Hanigan is out for the Tahs, an injury likely to see him miss the Wallabies’ series against the Irish as well. Jake Gordon takes the number 9 back this week, in a continuation of his rotation with Nicj Phipps. He will face up with the returning Aaron Smith, who will bouncing off the walls after being rested last week. Tough one here for NSW, even at home, but a really important game.
The Lions are back on home soil and hosting the Brumbies. This should be a dependable win for the South Africans, but we will need to see how their minds and bodies are after a gruelling month. The must ensure they don’t slip up in this one. Right behind them, waiting to pounce, is the Jaguares, coming off the bye and hosting the Bulls. A win here will maintain the pressure on the Lions as the race to the finals begins in earnest.
Predictions
The Reds will fire up for the Hurricanes clash, and might just find a way to stick with the Kiwis for the first half, but the Barrett boys will be too good in the end. The Stormers will restore normality by knocking off the Sunwolves, who could still be nursing hangovers after their celebrations last weekend. The Crusaders will take their time to put away the Blues, but the champs will get the chocolates in Auckland. The Highlanders, on the back of outstanding performances from both Aaron and Ben Smith, will be too good for the Waratahs, and the streak will continue. The Chiefs will be missing a host of stars, and that will be enough for the Sharks to get the win at home, while he Lions will account for the underwhelming Brumbies with relative ease. Finally, the Jaguares will take down the bulls in Argentina to start their march towards a wildcard spot.
Best Bet
Some tough ones to pick this weekend, as well some very short priced favourites. The Barretts are back together, and the Canes are looking for a kill, so jump on either Jordie ($1.83) or Beauden ($2.00) to grab a try. They’re our best bets of the week.
For the latest Super Rugby odds, click here.
Words: Cameron Stokes
