Weekend 9 action :
HIGHLANDERS vs BLUES
At some point the Blues are going to pull one out of the hat.
The Highlanders can ill afford to slip on this banana peel despite the contest having the appearance of a one horse race on paper.
I give a guarded nod to the Highlanders.
REDS vs STORMERS
This should be a good contest.
The Reds out-muscled the Stormers at Newlands last year with a pack not that much different from the one that will turn out on Friday. The return of Mike Harris at flyhalf is another crucial development for the home side.
On the other hand the Stormers look stronger up front than they were a year ago. But the loss of both Bekker and DeVilliers is material.
It also remains to be seen if the exertions of the last three weeks against the Bulls, Highlanders & Crusaders successively is going to be felt against a top side freshened up by a bye. Certainly the Stormers will need to win this one if they are to stake a claim for top honours as the Reds are possibly still the top contenders from the Australian conference.
I find this a very difficult result to call. So I won’t.
HURRICANES vs CRUSADERS
Another potentially very entertaining match.
I rate this Hurricanes side far higher than the market does. There is 33/1 on offer against the Crusaders’ 5/2. I doubt whether that remotely reflects the realistic difference in ability between the two sides.
One also has to wonder whether the Crusaders may not be mentally vulnerable after their exertions against the Stormers last week in addition to being away from home.
With few exceptions the Crusaders have always looked to be comfortable against the Wellington franchise even when travelling away to the Cake Tin. My concern is that I have yet to see convincing evidence that the Crusaders are champions-in-waiting. Three losses already and an almighty effort was required to down the Stormers at home a week ago. They’re just not quite there in my opinion.
This could be close. My head says Crusaders but without any conviction.
WARATAHS vs REBELS
It is often possible to get ‘caught’ by these minor games as they appear so obvious at first glance.
Regrettably the Rebels are no great shakes. The Waratahs are hardly champion class but they do seem to have a better ‘spine’ when things get tough so I pick them to win.
SHARKS vs CHIEFS
Another cracker in the making.
I am no fan of the Sharks’ somewhat bludgeoning style but it works against certain sides.
The Chiefs now look the real deal and got their tour off to a good start against the Cheetahs last week. Their pack has been a revelation even though their lineout work looks suspect.
But their bubble is overdue to be pricked and I believe the Sharks are well capable of delivering a reality check to this franchise. In any event the Sharks will need to as their season is now teetering on the brink of disappointment and a win is required to keep the challenge alive.
A couple of things need to happen to make this prediction a reality :
Players such as Alberts and Deysel need to snap out of their poor starts to the season. Goalkicking needs to be flawless. The Chiefs loose trio needs to be neutralised. And arm wrestles on the home sides’ goal line need to avoided.
If the Sharks are in touch or level at half time they can win. And I pick them to do so.
BULLS vs BRUMBIES
First match off the plane at Loftus is always a big ask.
With or without Jake White the Brumbies have a tough task.
I don’t see them succeeding.
Bulls to win although they could seriously trample the visitors under ideal circumstances.
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