Maroons have that individual flair to give them the edge in Origin I
Loss of Origin players means tipping gets harder and harder
Tipping gets harder and harder and harder
NRL and AFL are tricky, but for tipsters Super Rugby is horrific
Here’s the three-code match-ups — and who we reckon will prevail
Hopefully, the end of the week will be better than the start
NRL, AFL not so hard for punters, but Super Rugby tough again
Sticking with the home teams might be Super-safe way to go
Might be a good weekend to stick with the home teams in Round 11 of the Super Rugby competition.
However, the Hurricanes face a tough assignment when they take on the Stormers in Palmerston North.
The Hurricanes and Stormers sit just outside the top six, so it should prove an epic contest.
The Stormers, who welcome back Habana, are considered a strong chance in some circles, however the Hurricanes, who have lost Savea, welcome back automatic selections Eaton, Lowe, Vito, Perenara and Taylor.
The Stormers are fresh after the bye, but Palmerston North is foreign territory and surely the Hurricanes, who battled to put the Force away last weekend, will capitalise.
If the Reds down the visiting Blues in the match of the round then the Brisbane-based outfit will become the first Australian side to complete a clean sweep of New Zealand in a single season.
The Ioane dispute isn’t exactly what the Reds needed on the eve of such an important game, but the second-ranked outfit on the competition ladder had the ideal preparation for their match against the third-ranked Blues following last weekend’s exhilarating draw against the first-ranked Brumbies.
The Blues have had a great season and will prove worthy finalists in 2013, but on this occasion the home ground advantage should get the Reds over the line.
In a replay of last year’s final, the Chiefs play host to the Sharks in Hamilton.
The Chiefs creamed the Sharks 37-6 in the final and it might well be a similar story on this occasion as the South African outfit has a shocking injury toll.
Defeats at the hands of the Reds and Waratahs would have stung the Chiefs, so it could be long night for the Sharks if they fail to fire in defence.
The Force have seemingly found another gear after stunning the Crusaders in Perth before suffering an honurable defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Brumbies are the team to beat for this year’s title and it’s hard to see them letting this game slip from their grasp, although they must treat the Force with the utmost respect as they got the Reds in Brisbane earlier in the season.
The Bulls have been the quiet achievers in 2013 and currently sit in fifth place, and welcome the Waratahs, who somehow got the points against the Chiefs last weekend, after an emphatic 34-0 win over the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
Speaking of the Kings, returning home to play the Bulls was perhaps a tough ask after a fairly successful tour of Australasia.
The Kings have displayed plenty of ticker in their debut season, which has been a breath of fresh air following the poor displays the Lions produced over the years.
The Cheetahs, who had suffered endless heart-breaking defeats since entering Super Rugby, have clearly turned the corner and are a massive chance of qualifying for the finals if the second half of their season replicates what has been a memorable start to the 2013 campaign.
It’s always entertaining when two South African teams meet, but the Cheetahs will rightly start the game against the Kings at Bloemfontein as a warm favourite.
After a shock home loss to the Kings in their last appearance, it’s hard to see the Rebels troubling the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Crusaders have been ruthless at home this season with a total scoreline that reads 120-47 in three games, and seeing as though they sit outside the top six they will be aiming for a bonus point win.
Anzac Day action kicks off busy weekend for NRL, AFL fans
Punters should start Round 7 of the NRL premiership with a winning double if they stick with the Roosters and Storm against the Dragons and Warriors, respectively.
History suggests that the Sea Eagles will edge the visiting Rabbitohs at Brookvale, the Cowboys should have too much class for the Raiders in Townsville, the Broncos perhaps have the class to overcome the Tigers at Campbelltown, and considering the Knights have battled on the road this season you’d like to be on the Titans up on the Gold Coast.
The next two games are interesting affairs with the Sharks squaring off with the Bulldogs in Gosford and the Panthers hosting western Sydney rivals the Eels on Monday night.
The Bulldogs, who are missing Graham more than they would be willing to admit, are slight favourites against the Sharks, who are not out of this despite their inability to post wins of late.
Don’t write off the Sharks, but if the Bulldogs can’t win this then there’s every chance they won’t make the eight.
After winning at home in Round 1 against the Raiders, the Panthers have had their struggles ever since.
It’s hard to believe that the Eels let it slip on the road against the Titans in their previous assignment, so on that basis we’ll stick our neck out and give them another chance.
x x x
It’s Round 5 action in the AFL and although the Bombers will lift for the big Anzac Day clash injuries might make it tough for them to overcome the Magpies.
The crowd for the match in Wellington will be a mystery, but it shouldn’t be a shock to see the Swans get the cash against the battling Saints.
If you can get the winner of the Giants-Suns game, the Blues-Crows clash, and the Power-Eagles encounter then you might well be on the way to landing the card this weekend.
The Blues appear to be on the way up and may sneak by the Crows in what should be a tremendous contest.
The Giants stunned the Suns in Canberra last year, but surely the Suns will get the cash on this occasion if their soild performance against the Swans at the SCG is any guide.
It’s hard to knock the Giants, but they just can’t put it together for four quarters.
The Eagles seem to be all the rage this weekend, but they haven’t exactly set the world on fire and face a rampant Power in Adelaide.
In the fair dinkum stakes, it’s hard to ignore the Power and if they can overcome the Crows at AAMI Stadium then they’re every chance of eclipsing the injury-ravaged Eagles.
The Tigers let themselves down in the third quarter against the Magpies last weekend, while the Dockers played second fiddle to the Hawks from start to finish in Launceston in Round 6.
Hard to believe that the Dockers lost to the Bombers when last they appeared in Perth and expect them to string four good quarters together.
The Tigers will be competitive, but winning in the west won’t be easy and if you’re looking for comparisons you’ve got to ask yourself if they’re playing as well as the Bombers.
The Cats will prove too good for the Bulldogs, the Lions, who have lost Rich, have played well in Queensland this year and are capable of rolling the Demons, and the Hawks just have too many guns for the Kangaroos.
Super Rugby represents the biggest challenge of the lot
As hard as it is to pick winners in the NRL, AFL and A-League, there’s no doubt that when it comes to Super Rugby it’s proving extremely difficult.
Looking ahead to Round 10, you could analyse the Reds-Brumbies match until the cows come home and no matter who you settle on the other team is capable of getting the cash.
The Reds and Brumbies were great in New Zealand last weekend with wins over the Chiefs and Highlanders, respectively.
Perhaps the Reds’ win over the Chiefs had more merit considering they’re the current Super Rugby champions, and considering the Brisbane-based outfit are just about at full strength gives them a slight edge.
Don’t dismiss the Brumbies too easily because they have recorded plenty of big wins on the road this season against quality opposition and they will be primed for the Reds.
The battle between rival coaches Ewen McKenzie (Reds) and Jake White (Brumbies) should be just as compelling with both considered strong chances to succeed current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
Not willing to write off the Cheetahs after an honourable road loss at the hands of the Bulls last weekend, but they may find it tough going against the Sharks in Durban.
The Sharks went down narrowly to the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend and with their Australasian tour imminent they need a win to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Cheetahs have come to life in 2013 and are playing wonderful rugby, and would love to avenge their Round 2 loss at home at the hands of the Sharks and thus maintain their spot in the top six.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes should bounce back and account for the Force; expect the Chiefs to strike back against the Waratahs in Sydney; the Crusaders will start warm favourites against the disappointing Highlanders; and the Bulls will be pushed to the limit before prevailing in Port Elizabeth against the impressive Kings.
x x x
It’s Round 4 in the AFL and good luck splitting Swans-Cats, Tigers-Magpies, Saints-Bombers, Suns-Power and Demons-Giants.
In contrast, the Hawks will take some stopping against the Dockers in Launceston; the home ground advantage is enough to ensure the Eagles victory over the Blues; the Crows are a good bet at home against the injury-riddle Bulldogs; and, in a game between two unpredictable teams, it’s time for the Kangaroos to deliver against the visiting Lions.
The Cats do compete well against the Swans at the SCG and were unlucky not to get the four points in the corresponding match last year, but are you willing to tip against the premiers after the way they dismantled the Kangaroos last weekend?
The Tigers are unchanged and are shooting for four straight wins; however, overcoming the Magpies in recent years has proven to be a difficult hurdle.
The Magpies have injury concerns which enhances the Tigers’ hopes, so the big question is whether the Tigers can strike while the iron is hot or if the Magpies can find something after slumping to the Hawks last weekend.
The Bombers were fantastic in Perth last weekend against the Dockers, but they have incurred injuries and suspensions that gives the Saints hope.
The Saints obliterated the Bombers at Etihad Stadium when last both teams clashed; however, the head tells you that a Bombers loss would come as a major surprise.
The Suns have played two games at home, posting a win against the Saints in Round 1 before an agonising loss at the hands of the Lions last weekend.
In other words, the Suns are clearly a tough side to beat at home these days.
However, the rampant and unbeaten Power heads to the Gold Coast as favourites after a memorable win over the Crows in the Showdown.
This game can go either way and the Suns will prove much tougher opposition than the Demons, who were the Power’s previous opponent when last they travelled.
If the Demons were playing any other team than the Giants you would be holding your breath.
And if the Demons were playing the Giants in Sydney instead of Melbourne in this current climate then the Giants would be considered as a strong chance.
A Giants win would be more of a shock than a Demons loss.
x x x
As usual, the Kiwis can’t field their strongest team for the Anzac Test against the Kangaroos in Canberra.
Marshall might well have an injury, but isn’t it ironic that he’s missing for the Kiwis after having lost the captaincy.
The Kiwis won’t back down, but the Kangaroos are fielding an awesome line-up and should win comfortably.
The City Origin team has been decimated for their annual clash against Country Origin, so backing the boys from the bush to prevail in Coffs Harbour is not exactly fraught with danger.
x x x
Finally, the A-League grand final should be a super contest as the Wanderers and Mariners have not only exuded consistency all season, but are clearly the best two teams in the competition.
It would be a shame to see the Wanderers stumble at this stage of the season, while the Mariners will be doing their best to avoid a fourth grand final loss.
The Wanderers, who are seeking a 13th straight win, are slight favourites and the fact the game is being played in Sydney is an added bonus.
The Mariners are resilient and can produce the goods when it counts — and wouldn’t they like to erase the memories of their grand final loss two years ago when they somehow let it slip against the Roar in Brisbane.
Tipping, regardless of the code, just gets harder and harder
Tough weekend ahead with some of those dreaded 50/50 matches
Yet another big weekend of matches in the NRL, AFL, Super Rugby and A-League.
While there are certainly a few sure things in all codes, we’ll do our best to settle on a winner in those dreaded 50/50 matches.
In Round 5 of the NRL, it’s hard to see the Titans, Cowboys, Roosters and Storm succumbing to the likes of respective opponents the Broncos, Panthers, Raiders and Tigers.
That makes four games that can go either way.
The Bulldogs-Sea Eagles clash is a dead set lottery, but we’ll stick with the Sea Eagles.
This is the kind of game that could spark the Bulldogs to life, especially with Hasler up against his old club.
But the Sea Eagles only got better as their game against the Tigers progressed last weekend, while the Bulldogs went backwards the longer their game progressed against the Rabbitohs.
The Eels were appalling against the Roosters and it would be stunning if they hit back so quickly against the Sharks.
The Eels played well against the Warriors when last they played at Parramatta Stadium, but surely the Sharks are travelling far better than the Eels despite losing the services of Carney.
The Warriors showed something against the Cowboys last weekend, but can they back up that performance against the rampant Rabbitohs?
It’s hard to fault a single aspect of the Rabbitohs game and, although both teams should turn it on in attack, the Warriors may not be able to match their opponents in defence.
The Dragons found something last weekend in a shock win on the road against the Sharks.
Can the Dragons make it back-to-back at WIN Jubilee Oval and honour the late Ian Walsh in style?
The Knights were smashed at Brookvale Oval when last they ventured to Sydney, but they are playing well at the moment and if they click should have too many weapons for the Dragons.
x x x
In Round 2 of the AFL, the Swans, Power and Bombers should prove too good for the Suns, Giants and Demons.
The Tigers are pretty warm favourites against the Saints, but it could be a lot closer than most expect as the Saints have some decent “ins”.
Can we trust the Tigers?
And will the Saints hit back after imploding on the Gold Coast?
The Bulldogs were fantastic against the Lions, but the Dockers are healthy favourites and justifiably so after their first round win over the Eagles.
It won’t be easy if the Bulldogs can continue from where they left off last weekend, but the Dockers should win.
The Lions and Crows will be primed after poor efforts in the first round, and the Crows will be out to avenge the shock loss they suffered at the Gabba late last season.
Certainly a toss of the coin, but we’ll stick our neck out and settle on the Crows as they have not lost two in a row under coach Sanderson.
The Cats often fail to back up after playing the Hawks; however, the Kangaroos couldn’t overcome a Magpies outfit who were missing a host of stars.
We’re not saying that the Kangaroos aren’t without a chance, but it’s hard to ignore how well the Cats played in the second half against the Hawks.
The Magpies-Blues is a bell ringer and form doesn’t necessarily decide the winner of this match.
Malthouse will do everything to get the Blues over the line, however the Magpies appear to have far too many avenues to goal.
The Eagles-Hawks clash might well be a prelude to this year’s grand final and this week’s encounter should be just as juicy.
There’s not a split pea between them – perhaps the Hawks by a whisker with the Eagles missing LeCras and Naitanui.
However, the Eagles can win.
x x x
Now to Round 8 action in Super Rugby.
First of all, the Blues, Brumbies and Hurricanes should prevail against the Highlanders, Kings and Waratahs, respectively.
We’re going with the Force against the Rebels in Perth, only because there’s no Beale or Delve for the Rebels.
Surely the Force can crack one at home and avenge the loss they suffered in the corresponding match in 2012.
The Sharks-Crusaders and Cheetahs-Stormers fixtures send a chill down the spine as far as picking a winner is concerned.
The Crusaders pulled off a stunning win over the Stormers last weekend, but the Sharks are full of beans after smashing the Rebels a fortnight ago and they might just sneak home.
The Cheetahs are flying, but they have lost their past seven games against the Stormers.
The home ground advantage should benefit the Cheetahs as they strive for a fifth straight win.
The Stormers couldn’t get the cash against a Crusaders outfit missing a host of All Black stars, but write them off at your peril.
The Stormers have to come good sooner or later, but at $2.70 the Cheetahs are sensational value.
Go the Cheetahs.
x x x
It’s finals time in the A-League, but from the outset the Victory should prove too good for the Glory in Melbourne.
The Glory won 3-2 when last they visited to Victoria; however, on that occasion the Victory were missing a host of key players.
The Victory are a lot stronger this time.
The other sudden-death clash between hosts Adelaide and Brisbane can go either way.
The Roar have lost just one of their past seven games and those wins included a 1-0 triumph in Adelaide in Round 23.
The home ground advantage will help Adelaide, no doubt, but they’re far from the side that dominated during the first half of the season.
Recent form suggests that it’s the Roar.
Home ground advantage may be the key in Super Rugby
First of all, the Cheetahs will roll the Rebels, the Hurricanes will overcome the Kings and the Waratahs should have few problems with the Force.
Then again, if the Force can get the cash in Brisbane against the reds they must be some chance against the Waratahs.
However, the Waratahs are handy when it comes to day games in Sydney and the Force never looked comfortable before succumbing to the Cheetahs in Perth last weekend.
However, the other four games should prove interesting and at this stage of the season is home ground advantage going to prove a bonus.
The Reds are sitting in fourth place and are in good shape to seal a finals spot, but they do struggle in New Zealand’s deep south.
The Reds face some tough games during the second half of the season and although the Highlanders are sitting at the foot of the ladder they will certainly prove no pushovers.
It’s the last roll of the dice for the Highlanders, who have yet to win a game in 2013 despite boasting an oustanding backline.
The Reds can win, no doubt, but for some reason we’re giving the Highlanders one more chance.
The Chiefs are travelling beautifully and sit comfortably in second place, but will receive a severe test when they face the Blues in Mount Maunganui.
The Blues had the Waratahs at their mercy last weekend when leading 24-10 before imploding to lose 27-24.
Although not out of the finals race that loss may come back to haunt the Blues, who have been the big improvers this season.
They may not be playing at their Hamilton fortress, however the Chiefs are back in the groove and the defending champions will take some stopping.
The Bulls have been highly competitive on their Australasian tour and were unlucky not to get the cash against the Reds in Brisbane.
Unfortunately, injuries are starting to hinder the Bulls and facing the Brumbies, the competition leaders, in Canberra is no easy assignment.
Losing to the Stormers in their final game in South Africa is no disgrace for the Brumbies because the Cape Town franchise is Sportsword’s selection to win this year’s Super Rugby title.
Speaking of the Stormers, who significantly sit outside the top six, they face yet another test of their mettle when they play host to the Crusaders.
Both teams are missing key players, however the Stormers will have no better chance than to sink the iconic outfit from Canterbury as the Crusaders are missing McCaw, Carter and Read.
If the Crusaders win, then they’re capable of claiming yet another Super Rugby title.
Easter holiday match schedules mean being on our toes early
Apart from the NRL, we’ve also got AFL and A-League kicking off on a Thursday night this week.
There’s a few tough games in Round 4 of the NRL, but you’d have every right to feel confident if you take the Sea Eagles, Storm, Sharks, Knights, Cowboys and Roosters.
However, the other two games will have you scratching your head.
The Bulldogs-Rabbitohs and Panthers-Titans encounters can go either way.
The Bulldogs, who welcome back Barba, produced a stirring finish against the Storm last week, but it would be fair to say that the Storm were on their last legs after an arduous start to the season.
The Rabbitohs have been fantastic thus far this season and have placed particular emphasis on defence this week, and how can anyone expect Barba to produce miracles when he hasn’t even played a premiership game in 2013.
We’ll go the Rabbitohs, but anything can happen.
The Titans were unlucky not to have got the cash against the Sharks in Round 1 before returning home to post back to back wins against the Raiders and Sea Eagles.
The Panthers pushed the Rabbitohs all the way last weekend and would fancy their chances against the Titans, who have lost the services of key defender Harrison.
There’s usually an upset result every week in the NRL, so perhaps it’s the Panthers this weekend.
The Titans ventured to Penrith last year where victory would have enhanced their finals hopes, but they ended up getting smashed.
x x x
Analysing the fortunes of teams in Round 1 of the AFL has always been a fruitless exercise.
The fact the Bombers toppled the Crows last weekend will make it diffiuclt to split the Blues and Tigers, also the Demons and Power, as well as the Hawks and Cats.
The Lions, Swans, Saints and Magpies are expected to win.
The Blues have a great record against the Tigers, but were brutally inept against the Lions in the NAB Cup final.
The Tigers, who should have beaten the Blues when last both teams clashed (remember when that bouncing ball deceived everybody), played OK when they defeated the Bombers in Wangarratta during the NAB Cup.
The Demons and Hawks are favourites against respective opponents Power and Cats, but the Power and Cats clearly displayed the better form during the pre-season.
History also tells you that NAB Cup form can be misleading, although in recent years the winners of the pre-season final ends up having a relatively good season.
In the end, it’s the Tigers, Power and Cats, but picking the card will take some skill.
x x x
Massive weekend in the final round of the A-League with several games to decide the final six.
Every chance that the games between Brisbane-Sydney and Newcastle-Western Sydney could end draws, but we’ll stick our neck out and settle on the Roar and Wanderers.
Even if the Roar-Sydney game ends in a draw there’s every chance both teams could still miss the finals as Perth and Newcastle are just one point adrfit, so securing three points is vital in Brisbane tonight.
Perth appears to be on a roll at this late stage of the season and may end up in the finals if they overcome the visiting Adelaide, who are already in the finals and are eyeing off third spot.
Third placed Victory hold a one point advantage over Adelaide and if they’re fair dinkum the Melbourne-based outfit should account for the Phoenix in Wellington.
It’s a big game for the Mariners and Heart in Gosford.
Central Coast are three points behind the Wanderers, but the Mariners boast a better goal difference than Western Sydney and may end up with the Premiers Plate if they sink the Heart and the Wanderers slip up in Newcastle.
The Heart has a better goal difference than the Phoenix, but the Melbourne outfit will pick up the wooden spoon if they fail to get a point in Gosford and the Phoenix does the opposite against Victory.
By the way, it’s Victory, Perth and Mariners to win the other three games.
It’s a truly fascinating round of matches in the A-League, but what a pity all games aren’t taking place simultaneously.
If A-League and Super Rugby wasn’t enough, now there’s AFL
Only two games in the opening week of the AFL, but they should prove eventful and entertaining.
The Crows and Bombers have endured the off-seasons from hell, so they won’t be short of motivation on Friday night at AAMI Stadium.
The bookies favour the Crows, which is no surprise as they were fantastic at home last season and boast a pretty decent recent record against the Bombers.
The Bombers looked pretty good in their final NAB Cup match against the Gianats, so the the Crows will have to be at their best.
When it comes to the Western Derby, you can back one team and it will come as no surprise to see the other team.
Tipped the Dockers when both teams first met last year and the Eagles won.
Backed the Eagles later in the season and wouldn’t you know it, the Dockers won.
The Eagles welcome back Kennedy and LeCras to give them some impetus in front of goal, but they are missing key players such as Kerr and Naitanui.
Sandilands is a big loss for the Dockers, but apart from that they’re basically at full strength and they might just get the Eagles on this occasion.
However, it’s clearly a game that can go either way.
* * *
With two rounds to go in the A-League, Melbourne Victory will finish in either third or fourth spot, but Perth Glory are in danger of missing the finals after a shock home loss at the expense of the Wellington Phoenix.
The Victory are missing Milligan, Thompson and Rojas, which makes them slightly vulnerable, but how can you take the Glory seriously after losing a game they were expected to win which would have enhanced their top six hopes.
It’s the third installment of the Harbour city derby with the mighty Western Sydney Wanderers hosting the inconsistent Sydney FC.
Not only will victory over Sydney mark 11 straight wins for the Wanderers, but it will also assure them of the Premiers Plate as minor premiers.
Sydney should make the finals, but a win will just about secure them a spot in the top six and wouldn’t they love to knock off the Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium for the the second time this season.
Brisbane Roar is on the up and Melbourne Heart is on a downward spiral.
The incentive for the Roar is that victory will keep them on course as far as qualifying for the finals is concerned.
Unless the Heart find some ticker they could end up with the wooden spoon, which would be an extraordinary fall from grace as they were well-entrenched in the top six midway through the season.
After posting an unexpected win on the road against Melbourne Heart, the Adelaide United resurgence continued last weekend when they shared the points at home against a desperate Newcastle Jets.
The Reds are at home once again, but it won’t get any easier when they take on the Central Coast Mariners – who can still land the Premiers Plate if the Wanderers lose their last two games.
The Mariners haven’t been at their best in recent weeks and the fact that players haven’t been paid this week hasn’t helped, but with the finals imminent you would expect them to come out firing in Adelaide.
You’d like to be on the Mariners, but they’re by no means certainties.
* * *
Can you believe some of the results in Round 6 of the Super Rugby last weekend?
The Cheetahs rolling the Waratahs in Sydney and the Force stunning the Reds in Brisbane would have baffled most tipsters, while the Brumbies toppling the Sharks in Durban would have surprised many.
Settling on a winner in the Highlanders-Hurricanes match wasn’t an easy task, with the Canes getting home in a tight one in Dunedin.
Thankfully, an element of common sense prevailed when the Crusaders overcame the Bulls and the Chiefs put the gutsy Kings to the sword.
It’s yet another intriguing round of games this weekend and good luck picking the card.
The Chiefs should be too good for the visiting Highlanders, the Kings will find it tough going when they plkay their first game in New Zealand against the Crusaders, and the Sharks should bounce back on home soil when they host the Rebels.
Fresh from a great win over the Blues in Auckland, the Bulls came crashing back to earth last weekend when they succumbed to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Bulls land in Brisbane to face the Reds and they could be stretched out in the backs minus Olivier, Hougaard and Ndungane.
The Reds welcome back Horwill, and the return of Ioane and Anthony Faingaa can only help their cause.
The Reds are not playing well and the Bulls pose a threat, but we’ll give the Queenslanders another chance.
The Force and Cheetahs were terrific last weekend and both teams would fancy their chances in Perth.
It’s the Force’s first home game of the season, but for the Cheetahs it’s their final game in Australasia before heading home and there’s no way you can take them lightly after accounting for the Highlanders and Waratahs.
We’ll go the Force, only because the Cheetahs have lost their scrum half Goosen and captain Hodgson returns for the WA franchise.
The Stormers return to action after last week’s bye against the high-flying Brumbies and would be full of confidence after edging the Chiefs a fortnight ago.
The Brumbies were fantastic against the Sharks last weekend and never looked like losing after an excellent first half display in Durban.
We tipped the Stormers to win the Super Rugby title, but there are early signs that the Brumbies could be the team to beat in 2013.
Therefore, it might well be a five-star enounter in Cape Town.
If the Brumbies continue from where they left off last weekend they are capable of winning, but we’ll follow the bookies on this occasion and settle on the Stormers.
Can the Waratahs recover following their narrow loss to the Cheetahs?
And are the Blues the real deal?
The Blues started the year in grand style with wins over the Hurricanes and Crusaders before slipping up against the Bulls.
Like the Force-Cheetahs and Stormers-Brumbies fixtures, it’s hard to settle on one team with confidence.
If form is any guide, then it’s the Blues.
The Waratahs have been disappointing this season and although they got the cash against the Rebels in their one and only win of they year they were far from convincing.
Against the Reds, Brumbies and Cheetahs, the Waratahs just couldn’t put it together.
After settling on the Blues, you watch the Waratahs produce the goods on Sunday.
