Crusaders 28 - Sharks 24: You would kind of expect both teams to bounce back. The truth is that only one of them can win, and the Crusaders play it at home.
Stormers 15 - Brumbies 19: This is the "come-of-age" game for both teams. Who will leave Cape Town as an adult? I still think the Brumbies can do it.
Hurricanes 38 - Lions 17: Even Dick Muir can't help what can't be helped.
Reds 33 - Blues 27: I predicted a different 2010 for the Blues, but they have proved me wrong, so far.
Western Force 23 - Chiefs 24: Don't expect another try-fest. The Chiefs are a very good side and although the Force is much better than two losses tell, I think the kiwis will get the four points.
Cheetahs 19 - Highlanders 20: The Cheetahs have twice shown their teeth this season. Now it's time for the Highlanders to shine.
Bulls 38 - Waratahs 24: The most impressive thing about these Bulls is that they can easily score 30+ points no matter who's in front.
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Sometimes in long series travel matches like the S??? it's a bit later on when teams find their groove. Sides like the Blues can lose a lot of players to injury and still win a majority of the games because Auckland is the "home" of most of the Isalnd community and, I think, guys like McAlister and Toeva and Williams are all replaceable, unlike a guy like Carter and even the Crusaders can win a championship without him. The key to winning big time rugby is to have quality players a plenty and Auckland do. The problem is the same everywhere and that is letting a great player play well past his prime. I am hoping I am wrong but Rody So'ialo is a case in point. He just isn't the player he was back when he was playing with Umaga and Masoe. Unlike Weepu, he has definitely dropped down a notch. Watch how he performs for the Canes and you will see that Henry has a very tough decision to make regarding him.
ReplyDeleteKudos for your in form predictions.....you reallly ought to consider betting 5 euros per match just to see how you do. You are on a roll.
ReplyDeleteToo bad the Canes have lost Eaton and Smith. I have never reallly been too keen on Eaton so I don't think his loss is a hudge loss for the AB and Smith's injury is not really bad so the others all can be filled in for. I just hope Weepu can keep it up.