Super Rugby Penultimate weekend before playoffs

First topic message reminder :

The Chiefs Crusaders game already started and there is now thread on here. Big game this. Crusaders must win to be able to have a chance to reach the semi's. Chiefs will want to win this to stay on top of the over all rankings.

The Reds Highlanders game also has two teams in it with a chance. Highlanders only mathematical though, but it might still happen.

Both the Sharks and Bulls need to win this game, the Sharks more than the Bulls however.

The Blues Force game is more about pride than anything else, but I think it will be a good game.

The Waratahs home will be a difficult opponent for the Brumbies.

Cheetahs host the Stormers, with the Stormers needing to win to top the conference if the Chiefs slip up.

Lions will want to at least get a win against the Rebels after there whole coaching debacle. Rebels would also want a win on the Highveld.

My Predictions:
Crusaders by 5
Highlanders by 3
Sharks by 3
Blues by 14 - just got a feeling
Waratahs by 1
Stormers by 3
Lions by 7 (Probably because I feel sorry for them)

Yeah, best is leave them as is. That is where the money is anyhow.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Overall, big improvement from Chiefs and Brumbies at the expense of the Blues and the 'Tahs?

Yes Brumbies have benefited from Jake Whites presence. Hes got them playing the no nonsense phased stuff of SA sides. The interesting thing is what Deans makes of it as its not the oz way.

Blues need a cleanout from the top. Cant believe all those great players from the 80s have allowed this to happen.
Auckland do have a unique problem in that the under 20 league setup is sucking out the talent. Theyve got to match it somehow. The league und e'er 20s have a full blown tournament running alongside the NRL called the Toyota cup.

Huge squads acting as feeders to the warriors, Broncos etc.

This year I cant pick a winner. Chiefs at home will be tough and someone has to beat them there to win it,assuming, and thats a BIG assumption, that the Chiefs beat the canes. That wont be easy.

But the stormers also look strong. I think travel will get the bulls and sharks.

Then theres the masters of the trade the crusaders who are back to full strength and beat the chiefs last week and remember they played half their games this season without batman an robin.

Looking at the final round draw home advantage is usually crucial,Bulls,Brumbies,Crusaders could be Bonus point wins.
Reds v Waratahs,narrow home win,Hurricanes vChiefs away win.
As to a Super 9 SA and Aus should lose there underpperforming sides
BUT there is a case for keeping 4 NZ sides as there is usually only one
that really underperforms in any given year.That one varies most years now
irrelevant anyway the bean counters won`t wear it.