Thursday, 16 June 2011

SupeRugby Round 18 PreJudgement:

So, This is it, it's do or die for the Bulls, Sharks and Waratahs this weekend. The Stormers are hoping the Reds slip up and they can take top spot. The Blues are looking at securing a home semi final if other results go their way. However, there is one thing that is a given, one team will fall out of contention for this years SupeRugby Trophy. Who will it be?

Blues v Highlanders (Auckland)
Quite possibly the last time we will see Tony Brown playing SupeRugby but will the Highlanders send him off with a win? The Blues are extremely strong towards the end of this season and will be eyeing the number two spot and get a four try bonus point. I can't see the Blues slipping up here but we all know the Highlanders have it in them, they have nothing to lose...
PreJudgement: Blues by 5

Rebels v Force (Melbourne)
The Rebels bid fair well to there first ever season. They ruffled a few feathers and can definitely take some positives out of this season. The Force just look much stronger on paper. I am looking forward to the Stannard v Cipriani battle. I think Stannard is going to expose Cipriani's defensive frailties and the Force will dominate with Pocock, Brown, Sheehan, Stannard and Smith on the wing.
PreJudgement: Force by 19

Chiefs v Reds (Hamilton)
This is going to be a tough game for the Reds who will be looking forward to the knock-out stages and a well deserved week off next week, as long as they don't lose that is. This game is tough to call and there is still lots to play for for the Reds. The Chiefs are bidding fair well to a number of legends but are out of contention for this years tourney.
PreJudgement: Reds by 4

Crusaders v Hurricanes (Wellington)
This is going to be an epic battle up front but let us not forget the quality that makes up both backlines. I think we are in for a rather special battle here and the backlines are going to give us a great show. The Crusaders are eyeing out the number two spot and will be hoping to leapfrog the Stormers into a week off.
PreJudgement: Crusaders by 9

Waratahs v Brumbies (Sydney)
Massive clash between these two arch rivals. The Brumbies have had a very poor season but will never back down against the Waratahs. The 'Tahs however will be playing to keep their tournament alive. The Bulls and Sharks will be hoping the Brumbies do them a favour by destroying the Waratahs. This is a knock out game for the 'Tahs.
PreJudgement: Brumbies by 2

Bulls v Sharks (Pretoria)
The Sharks all but destroyed their SupeRugby chance last week by drawing to the Cheetahs. Now its do or die time for both teams. The Bulls have had an awesome second half of the season and the defending champs are setting themselves up nicely for the knockouts. How do bet against the Bulls at home? You just can't! I think the Sharks are going to all be wearing Brumbies Jerseys in the warm up. Unfortunately the Sharks will need that sort of help to progress.
PreJudgement: Bulls by 8

Cheetahs v Stormers (Bloemfontein)
The Stormers should take this but you never know what the Cheetahs will bring to the table this week. The Stormers are by far SA's best team this season and have enough experience to close this out. Injuries are however trying hard to derail their season. Peter Grant makes a welcome return but there is a cloud over scrum half Dewaldt Duvenhage. Jean de Villiers is on the right wing with Juan de Jongh starting at 12.
PreJudgement: Stormers by 9

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