SUPER 15 - WEEK BY WEEK

Craig Eudey Wrote:

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> Shell shocked! Tipped Maritzburg College,Sharks
> and Bulls to win. All wrong so I wonder if there
> was some underlying reason like apparently only
> happens in racing that 3/3 favourites get
> beaten?


And all & all.....got me thinking too:D

CRUSADERS vs HIGHLANDERS

For the first time this season the Crusaders gave viewers reason to view them as potential champions as they hammered the Highlanders.

If they carry forward this kind of form to the final rounds they will be difficult to oppose.

The game was characterised by some of the sloppiest refereeing seen so far this season. Innumerable handling errors were missed or waved on – prompting one to wonder what constitutes a knock on or forward pass to the officials.


REBELS vs BRUMBIES

This match battled to rise to Vodacom Cup level.

The Brumbies won.

Let’s leave it at that.


BLUES vs CHIEFS

Who would have imagined that this clash would produce one of the most exciting matches of the tournament?

The Blues at last produced the type of performance we have been waiting 10+ weeks to see whilst the Chiefs showed clearly their title chasing credentials.

The watching Crusaders must have been disappointed to note that they continue to make no inroads into the 7 point lead held by the Chiefs in the NZ conference and look set to have to battle through a demanding and exhausting series of playoffs should they qualify in the top 6.

It also raises an interesting prospect as to what strategies will be employed when the Chiefs meet the Crusaders in the second of their local clashes after the June tests. Dependent on the state of the overall conference there is a strong possibility developing that the Chiefs might be tempted to throw in a ‘B’ side and keep their cards close to their chests.

WARATAHS vs HURRICANES

The Hurricanes turned it on to whack the hapless Waratahs and bank a bonus point in the 80th minute.

They are probably not serious contenders but they are a massive improvement over the 2011 vintage.


LIONS vs SHARKS

Don’t you just love Super rugby? Just when we thought we could easily predict outcomes here come the Lions to upset the applecart!

In an absolutely ‘blood and thunder’ event the home side turned around an awful season and mortally wounded the Sharks march towards the playoffs.

To be fair – the Sharks can only blame themselves for leaving Ellis Park ‘pointless’ as their decision making in the second half was simply shocking and they may still regret not taking home a point from this encounter by simply goaling the penalties that were offered during the second half.


BULLS vs STORMERS

The Stormers found reserves of energy and courage that few ( myself included ) would have predicted they had in downing the Bulls in their own backyard.

In doing so they all but wrapped up the South African conference of the Super 15 and laid a serious claim to possibly overtaking the log leading Chiefs before the round robin ends.

Amongst the visitors Kolisi was heroic and can expect a call up from the national side before very long.

Regrettably the match was yet another shocking advert for the appalling quality of play that many south African sides dish up disguised as rugby. If you like wrestling you will love our stuff. For rugby I suggest you stick to the NZ sides.

Now the Lions are coach-less. Player revolution against Mitchell who apparently treats them badly, swearing at them and calling them scardy-cats when they are injured.....and it carries on & on. Mitchell now suspended

Super Rugby returns after a three week hiatus. It may be a good idea to approach this weekend with a degree of caution as form going into the break may not necessarily hold up. As expected a number of players have not emerged from the test matches unscathed so these injuries must also be taken into account.

HIGHLANDERS 15/10 (Long Term 40/1) vs CHIEFS 6/10 (Long Term 7/2)

We kick off with what may prove to be the most relevant and potentially exciting matchup of the weekend.

The Highlanders and Chiefs are effectively at full strength although the Chiefs are still without Richard Kahui who has a long term injury.

The Highlanders should have benefitted slightly more than the Chiefs from the three weeks break as fewer of their players were called up for international duty. They are also at home.........

The Chiefs will be desperate not to slip up at this point as their lead over the Crusaders is likely to be tested when they meet for their return round and they would not want to give the Christchurch franchise the opportunity to replace them at the top of the NZ conference.

I don’t regard the Chiefs at 6/10 as an attractive proposition away from home but conversely I lack the courage to wade into the Highlanders.


REBELS 7/2 (LT N/O) vs REDS 2/9 (L/T 14/1)

This clash has all the hallmarks of a banana peel. The Rebels are out but the Reds still harbour ambitions of overtaking the Brumbies at the top of the conference.

To add salt to this clash James O’Connor returns to the Rebels lineup; which should add to the variety offered by Kurtley Beale at fullback.

The Reds have had little respite with many of their players turning out for Australia in the last three weeks and their captain James Horwill out for the remainder of the season.

Form suggests the Reds should take this but I have little confidence in them despite the quote of 2/9.


CRUSADERS 2/9 (LT 22/10) vs HURRICANES 7/2 (LT 40/1)

Injuries have taken some of the gloss off this match.

Although the Crusaders will be without Carter and Read the loss of Vito and Perenara for the Hurricanes is far more serious as the home side have far greater depth.

It will take a monumental effort for the Hurricanes to overturn the Crusaders away from home. Perhaps their coach – ex Crusader Mark Hammett – has the answers. Yet it is difficult to see him succeeding.


WESTERN FORCE 18/10 (LT N/O) vs BRUMBIES 5/10 (LT 14/1)

Although Australian derbies do throw up results this Western Force side is very sub-standard.

It may not be particularly pretty but I would expect the visitors to escape with the points.


STORMERS 1/10 (LT 5/2) vs LIONS 7/1 (LT N/O)

The oddsmakers appear to have got a little carried away by pricing up the Stormers at 1/10!

On a line through the Sharks the Lions could give a good account of themselves.........er.......correction : Whenever we expect they disappoint.

The Stormers should be in no mood other than to take the points. If the Highlanders have beaten the Chiefs then it MUST BE all systems go for a possible 5 pointer. Otherwise just the points will do.

With the management of the visitors in total disarray it is difficult to see them overturning the Stormers at Newlands.


BULLS 2/11 (LT 7/1) vs CHEETAHS 9/2 (LT N/O)

At face value the Bulls should canter ( waddle?) home.

But the Cheetahs usually pull out a bit extra for the Bulls so clearly coach Ludeke is taking no chances and has nominated his best available 15.

The Cheetahs only have to conjure up a display similar to that produced 4 weeks ago by the Stormers and they could be right in there. But somehow their defence has never looked like approximating that which the Cape side have fronted with nearly every weekend this season.

Bulls should take it.

Thanks Garrick. I think you have it spot on, but I will take a nibble a the Cape Town game....handicap that is(tu)

Ou can the pink bulls still win?

Txs again Garrick

Best bet of the weekend Crusaders -9,5 at evens. (tu)

treble for weekend all on handicap BULLS / BRUMBIES / CRUSADERS

Crusaders -9.5
Bulls -9.5(I hope Hougard plays at 9 for the whole game)
Stormers -15.5 (I think they will kill that poor poor Cats/Lions/Pussy Cats Rubbish team that blame everyone but themselves for their poor record and i wish they would be dropped as they are an embarrassment to all JHB residents)

Crusaders need to slow down and stop kicking!!

They missed Dan Carter. But, good result for SA teams.

Ou Ryperd Wrote:

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> They missed Dan Carter. But, good result for SA
> teams.


and Dagg