BLUES VS CRUSADERS
The first game of Super Rugby 2012 will see the Blues hosting the Crusaders at Eden Park. In New Zealand this will definitely be the game of the weekend and looking at the other conferences this for me is the big one. What a way to start the Super Rugby season. This is the match that will set the pace for the NZ conference and the top 6 log positions. The team that wins this one will probably top their log and likely the overall log.
The Blues will have to be at their level best if they want to win this game. It is true that they have home ground advantage and the crowd will become a 16th player for them. They have the attacking ability to beat most teams and will have to use this to their advantage. They are facing one of the best defensive teams in the competition. I'm looking forward to them running the ball and spreading it to the wings. If they are going to kick they should make sure it is into space and not at a player. Scrum wise they have been good and can use this to their benefit.
The Crusaders have one of the best attacks specially in open play. Their kicking game is also one of the best in world rugby at the moment. However with Dan Carter doubtful this might suffer a bit. At the rucs they are just about unbeatable but again of McCaw is not in the team it becomes a lot easier at the breakdowns for the opposition. Defensively they are sound and it is not easy to break their line. This will have to be steady against a good attacking team like the Blues.
The first game of Super Rugby 2012 will see the Blues hosting the Crusaders at Eden Park. In New Zealand this will definitely be the game of the weekend and looking at the other conferences this for me is the big one. What a way to start the Super Rugby season. This is the match that will set the pace for the NZ conference and the top 6 log positions. The team that wins this one will probably top their log and likely the overall log.
The Blues will have to be at their level best if they want to win this game. It is true that they have home ground advantage and the crowd will become a 16th player for them. They have the attacking ability to beat most teams and will have to use this to their advantage. They are facing one of the best defensive teams in the competition. I'm looking forward to them running the ball and spreading it to the wings. If they are going to kick they should make sure it is into space and not at a player. Scrum wise they have been good and can use this to their benefit.
The Crusaders have one of the best attacks specially in open play. Their kicking game is also one of the best in world rugby at the moment. However with Dan Carter doubtful this might suffer a bit. At the rucs they are just about unbeatable but again of McCaw is not in the team it becomes a lot easier at the breakdowns for the opposition. Defensively they are sound and it is not easy to break their line. This will have to be steady against a good attacking team like the Blues.
Overall this should be a good display of running rugby with hard tackles coming in from both sides. If the referee let's the game run we will be entertained. The weather will also play a big part. If it doesn't rain and the wind is good get ready for the game of the weekend. If not it will become a kicking exhibition. No matter what it will come down to the team with the best defense, most passions and discipline. I will not bet against the Crusaders winning this one. My prediction Crusaders by 7 or more.
LIONS VS CHEETAHS
This is a game that will be well worth watching. Last year's Currie Cup champions take on the cheetahs at Ellis Park or Coca-Cola Park as it is known these days. The Cheetahs have lost some key players in the off season but there are a couple of youngsters that have come through the ranks. The Lions will want to build on their Currie Cup success, but can they shake off the last two Super Rugby seasons bad performance? And then they still have the financial controversy surrounding them. That all put aside this will be a good clash between two smaller SA teams when it comes to results.
The Lions will have to build on their Currie Cup success if they want to compete in this year's Super Rugby. John Mitchell has come along way with the team and will want them to carry on from this. They will have to put the 2010 and 2011 seasons behind them and see this as a follow on from the Currie Cup. They have got the players that can win the game for them. Last season Le Grange and Hollenbach showed that they are a centre pairing that are to be reckoned with. Up front the scrum has been doing great and with Josh Strauss leading a good loose trio we are in for some fun. The players must just focus on the game and let the "off the field" issues sort out themselves.
The Cheetahs once again will be building a new team. But the youngsters coming through the ranks have shown some promises. The Lions will be well advised not to make mistakes within 60m of their posts. Johan Goosen has kicked this distance easily in warm up games and in last year' Currie Cup. This 19 year old truly has a talent with the boot. His defensive play and reading of the game added to this makes him a brilliant young fly half. Heinrich Brussow will dominate at the break down and the Lions will have to watch him. Add to this a strong scrum and the Cheetahs might just get the upper hand.
This will be a hard fought South African derby that will probably go down to the wire. If one team however gets the upper hand it can become a runaway victory for them. The first 20 minutes will be crucial for both teams and probably will decide the outcome of the game. Although the Lions are on a high from last year's Currie Cup. The Cheetahs will want to prove to all and sander that they are capable of competing and winning. The Lions should have this one by 5-10.
BRUMBIES VS FORCE
The Brumbies will host the Western Force in their opening Super Rugby match. This has the promise of being a very entertaining game should both teams decide to play open running rugby. This will however depend on the weather which at this time of year can be blistering hot in Australia or very wet.
The Brumbies should have the upper hand in this game, but should be weary of the Force attack. If they can’t keep their defense tight and not give away to many penalties the Brumbies should be in the driving seat. They have the attack to tear open the Force defense and if they get going it will be a try fest. Over confidence might be their down fall however. The Brumbies have shown in the past that they can from time to time lose easy games. In all fairness to the Force this should be an easy game for the Brumbies. Jake White will make a big difference as coach.
The Western Force has had the rough and tumble of the game of rugby. They have not been able to make it past 8th place on the table and when it counts it seems like their defense is just not what it should be. In a 50/50 game situation it seems like it always ends up going against them. It is these games that is the difference between an average team and an excellent team. Up to now they have not shown any real attacking ability. This however might change as it is a new season. But I for one don’t see them thumping the Brumbies.
This will be a one side affair with the Brumbies winning by 10 or more points.
BULLS VS SHARKS
Loftus Versfeld will host the Bulls vs the Sharks match. This will be the game of the weekend in South Africa as the two most successful teams take each other on. The outcome will probably decide who will set the pace with the Stormers in the SA conference. On the one side we will have an experienced team with a good balance between youth and experience in the Sharks team. The Bulls are in a rebuilding phase with many youngsters coming in.
The Bulls have not really impresses me in their warm up games. They are still playing their normal 12 man rugby. Kicking the ball and rumbling it up with the forwards. It does however look like their defense is better this year. They struggled in the opening stages against the Cheetahs to break the defense as they kept coming back to the forwards. It took Johan Sadie on outside centre all of 20 minutes to get a hand on the ball and then he went back in. Their strength remains the scrum and half back paring of Hougaard and Morne Steyn. If they have a good game the Sharks will have to play well to win.
The sharks have shown in the warm up games that they will be playing running rugby if the opportunity is there. And run with the ball they can do well. The back line is dangerous with play makers like Lambie and JP Peterson that has the talent and raw ability to break any line. With Riaan Viljoen at fullback they have a hugh boot for line kicks and drop goals. They will be able to counter the Bulls' scrum as their own are one of the best in SA rugby. If they can put pressure on Morne Steyn and Hougaard, they will have the game half way won. Defensively their midfield is as strong as most. One problem they might have is discipline. A couple of the forwards is prone to get carded and this can cost them.
A hard South African derby that will probably be low scoring with kicks deciding it in the end. Discipline will be tested as the players will go out to make the hard tackles and have chats with each other. Both teams has short fused tempers and we might just see a couple of tea parties getting out of hand. The referee will have to be quick to stake his claim and not let this get in the way of a good rugby match. It will be a hot afternoon in Pretoria with the chance of a highveld thunderstorm. Excellent weather for running rugby and if it rains it should be over in 20 minutes or so. Brace yourself for hard hitting rugby. The Sharks should take this one by 6 or more.
CHIEFS VS HIGHLANDERS
This will be quite a good game to watch as both teams are equally balanced and at round about the same strength. They have been up there with the top teams but just can't seem to win those play off games. Consistency is a problem on both sides as they take roller coaster rides on the log through out the history of Super Rugby. That both sides has the ability to win this game is a give, but that will not necessarily make it a close encounter. This one is difficult to pick.
Two years ago in 2010 the Chiefs set the stage alight and was the team to beat. In the end they lost 61-17 to the Bulls in the final. Last season they couldn't even make the play-offs. This year they once again have a good team that has the ability to set the pace. The question is can they do it. I for one hope to see their back line running with the ball and tearing defenses apart. But they will have to be quick on defense as well. This has cost them games in the past. Against the Highlanders they should be fine. Playing at home will give them the added advantage.
The Highlanders like the chiefs has shown that they have what it takes to challenge for the title, but it seems like they just don't play to potential. In front they can dominate and put a attacking back line away. Defense however is a weak point. If they can get it right it will be difficult to beat them. They will be well advised to look out for the wide ball and defend the wings with gusto. When they kick it should be into space and with a line backing up the kick. When the Chiefs get ball in space they can run any team rugged. This will probably be the game that sets them up for the season and a win is what they will look for.
As I said earlier this is probably the most difficult game to predict a winner in. Both teams are equally strong and can win this one if they are patient. Discipline and defense will probably decide this one. I have to go with the Chiefs by 3-5 purely on home ground advantage.
WARATAHS VS REDS
The Waratahs will host defending champions, the Reds, in what will be the game of the Australian conference. Both teams will be out to prove their worth this season. The Reds want to show that they are not just a flash in the pan champions team, but the real deal. The 'Tahs will want to show that they can compete and will be a team to reckon with in weeks to come. Expect some good, hard rugby filled with running, rucking and maybe even some "hand bags at 50 paces".
Playing at home, the Waratahs will have a slight advantage and they will want to push this home. Their strength is at the rucks and mauls, but it can also become a weakness if the referee blows it to the letter. They know that they can easily win this one if they get their noses in front. I would love to see them spread the ball early and get it to the wings. When they need they can slow it down by bringing it back to the forwards.
The Reds will want to build on last season's performance and show that they are worthy champions. If they lose this game all that momentum will be lost and they would have to start building from scratch again. They have an explosive back line that is unpredictable on attack and should use this to their advantage. They are at times a bit weak around the fringes of the rucks and mauls and will have to guard this area closely. Overall they should have the better of the Waratahs.
This will be an excellent game to watch and will give the teams in the other conferences an idea of what to expect once they play the Australian teams. It will probably also decide the eventual log leaders in Australia. This all said I'm going with the Reds by about 10.
STORMERS VS HURRICANES
The first of the inter-confrence games will see the Stormers take on the Hurricanes at the oldest rugby stadium in the world, Newlands in Cape Town. This will for me personally be the game of the weekend. A game that will see no or little rain but the current Cape town heat might just play apart. Good running rugby can be expected by both sides especially the home side. A full Newlands stadium can compare to few in the world when the crowd get behind the home team. There is still a standing section and believe me when I say if the home team plays badly the crowd let's them know. But let us look at the what we might see from the two teams.
The Hurricanes will start the first of their two games in SA against the Super Rugby team with the best defensive record in the last two years. And they can expect some hard physical defense again on Saturday. Their own defense will have to be rock solid as well. The stormers have players that can run through any team in guys like Gio Aplon. If they want to dominate the game, the Hurricanes will have to do so up front. This is the Stormers one weakness, but only in the scrum. Overall the Hurricanes will have to be at their best if they want to win this one.
The Stormers will miss Jacque Fourie at centre and also guys like Johan Sadie (Bulls) and JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls). But with Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers in midfield they should once again be solid on defense. Add Gio Aplon and Joe Petersen in to the mix and you have a back three that can attack from anywhere on the field. Catrakilis at fly half showed last year that he can read the game and his goal kicking is very good. Their loose trio will dominate at the breakdown if given the chance. Schalk Burger will lead them in this quest. Line outs will see Andries Bekker take the lead and you can expect a couple of steals here. The only problem they might have is scrumming. This has never been their strong point, but they sure can maul it up from any position on the field. If they can maintain the momentum they will be hard to beat at Newlands.
Depending on how the referee will officiate this match it can be come a try fest. But both teams have strong defenses and this will add to a game of good rugby. Neither team will give an inch and if it is given the other will take two. I have to go with the Stormers by any thing between 10-15 on this one.
But as always this is just my view...
Dave
LIONS VS CHEETAHS
This is a game that will be well worth watching. Last year's Currie Cup champions take on the cheetahs at Ellis Park or Coca-Cola Park as it is known these days. The Cheetahs have lost some key players in the off season but there are a couple of youngsters that have come through the ranks. The Lions will want to build on their Currie Cup success, but can they shake off the last two Super Rugby seasons bad performance? And then they still have the financial controversy surrounding them. That all put aside this will be a good clash between two smaller SA teams when it comes to results.
The Lions will have to build on their Currie Cup success if they want to compete in this year's Super Rugby. John Mitchell has come along way with the team and will want them to carry on from this. They will have to put the 2010 and 2011 seasons behind them and see this as a follow on from the Currie Cup. They have got the players that can win the game for them. Last season Le Grange and Hollenbach showed that they are a centre pairing that are to be reckoned with. Up front the scrum has been doing great and with Josh Strauss leading a good loose trio we are in for some fun. The players must just focus on the game and let the "off the field" issues sort out themselves.
The Cheetahs once again will be building a new team. But the youngsters coming through the ranks have shown some promises. The Lions will be well advised not to make mistakes within 60m of their posts. Johan Goosen has kicked this distance easily in warm up games and in last year' Currie Cup. This 19 year old truly has a talent with the boot. His defensive play and reading of the game added to this makes him a brilliant young fly half. Heinrich Brussow will dominate at the break down and the Lions will have to watch him. Add to this a strong scrum and the Cheetahs might just get the upper hand.
This will be a hard fought South African derby that will probably go down to the wire. If one team however gets the upper hand it can become a runaway victory for them. The first 20 minutes will be crucial for both teams and probably will decide the outcome of the game. Although the Lions are on a high from last year's Currie Cup. The Cheetahs will want to prove to all and sander that they are capable of competing and winning. The Lions should have this one by 5-10.
BRUMBIES VS FORCE
The Brumbies will host the Western Force in their opening Super Rugby match. This has the promise of being a very entertaining game should both teams decide to play open running rugby. This will however depend on the weather which at this time of year can be blistering hot in Australia or very wet.
The Brumbies should have the upper hand in this game, but should be weary of the Force attack. If they can’t keep their defense tight and not give away to many penalties the Brumbies should be in the driving seat. They have the attack to tear open the Force defense and if they get going it will be a try fest. Over confidence might be their down fall however. The Brumbies have shown in the past that they can from time to time lose easy games. In all fairness to the Force this should be an easy game for the Brumbies. Jake White will make a big difference as coach.
The Western Force has had the rough and tumble of the game of rugby. They have not been able to make it past 8th place on the table and when it counts it seems like their defense is just not what it should be. In a 50/50 game situation it seems like it always ends up going against them. It is these games that is the difference between an average team and an excellent team. Up to now they have not shown any real attacking ability. This however might change as it is a new season. But I for one don’t see them thumping the Brumbies.
This will be a one side affair with the Brumbies winning by 10 or more points.
BULLS VS SHARKS
Loftus Versfeld will host the Bulls vs the Sharks match. This will be the game of the weekend in South Africa as the two most successful teams take each other on. The outcome will probably decide who will set the pace with the Stormers in the SA conference. On the one side we will have an experienced team with a good balance between youth and experience in the Sharks team. The Bulls are in a rebuilding phase with many youngsters coming in.
The Bulls have not really impresses me in their warm up games. They are still playing their normal 12 man rugby. Kicking the ball and rumbling it up with the forwards. It does however look like their defense is better this year. They struggled in the opening stages against the Cheetahs to break the defense as they kept coming back to the forwards. It took Johan Sadie on outside centre all of 20 minutes to get a hand on the ball and then he went back in. Their strength remains the scrum and half back paring of Hougaard and Morne Steyn. If they have a good game the Sharks will have to play well to win.
The sharks have shown in the warm up games that they will be playing running rugby if the opportunity is there. And run with the ball they can do well. The back line is dangerous with play makers like Lambie and JP Peterson that has the talent and raw ability to break any line. With Riaan Viljoen at fullback they have a hugh boot for line kicks and drop goals. They will be able to counter the Bulls' scrum as their own are one of the best in SA rugby. If they can put pressure on Morne Steyn and Hougaard, they will have the game half way won. Defensively their midfield is as strong as most. One problem they might have is discipline. A couple of the forwards is prone to get carded and this can cost them.
A hard South African derby that will probably be low scoring with kicks deciding it in the end. Discipline will be tested as the players will go out to make the hard tackles and have chats with each other. Both teams has short fused tempers and we might just see a couple of tea parties getting out of hand. The referee will have to be quick to stake his claim and not let this get in the way of a good rugby match. It will be a hot afternoon in Pretoria with the chance of a highveld thunderstorm. Excellent weather for running rugby and if it rains it should be over in 20 minutes or so. Brace yourself for hard hitting rugby. The Sharks should take this one by 6 or more.
CHIEFS VS HIGHLANDERS
This will be quite a good game to watch as both teams are equally balanced and at round about the same strength. They have been up there with the top teams but just can't seem to win those play off games. Consistency is a problem on both sides as they take roller coaster rides on the log through out the history of Super Rugby. That both sides has the ability to win this game is a give, but that will not necessarily make it a close encounter. This one is difficult to pick.
Two years ago in 2010 the Chiefs set the stage alight and was the team to beat. In the end they lost 61-17 to the Bulls in the final. Last season they couldn't even make the play-offs. This year they once again have a good team that has the ability to set the pace. The question is can they do it. I for one hope to see their back line running with the ball and tearing defenses apart. But they will have to be quick on defense as well. This has cost them games in the past. Against the Highlanders they should be fine. Playing at home will give them the added advantage.
The Highlanders like the chiefs has shown that they have what it takes to challenge for the title, but it seems like they just don't play to potential. In front they can dominate and put a attacking back line away. Defense however is a weak point. If they can get it right it will be difficult to beat them. They will be well advised to look out for the wide ball and defend the wings with gusto. When they kick it should be into space and with a line backing up the kick. When the Chiefs get ball in space they can run any team rugged. This will probably be the game that sets them up for the season and a win is what they will look for.
As I said earlier this is probably the most difficult game to predict a winner in. Both teams are equally strong and can win this one if they are patient. Discipline and defense will probably decide this one. I have to go with the Chiefs by 3-5 purely on home ground advantage.
WARATAHS VS REDS
The Waratahs will host defending champions, the Reds, in what will be the game of the Australian conference. Both teams will be out to prove their worth this season. The Reds want to show that they are not just a flash in the pan champions team, but the real deal. The 'Tahs will want to show that they can compete and will be a team to reckon with in weeks to come. Expect some good, hard rugby filled with running, rucking and maybe even some "hand bags at 50 paces".
Playing at home, the Waratahs will have a slight advantage and they will want to push this home. Their strength is at the rucks and mauls, but it can also become a weakness if the referee blows it to the letter. They know that they can easily win this one if they get their noses in front. I would love to see them spread the ball early and get it to the wings. When they need they can slow it down by bringing it back to the forwards.
The Reds will want to build on last season's performance and show that they are worthy champions. If they lose this game all that momentum will be lost and they would have to start building from scratch again. They have an explosive back line that is unpredictable on attack and should use this to their advantage. They are at times a bit weak around the fringes of the rucks and mauls and will have to guard this area closely. Overall they should have the better of the Waratahs.
This will be an excellent game to watch and will give the teams in the other conferences an idea of what to expect once they play the Australian teams. It will probably also decide the eventual log leaders in Australia. This all said I'm going with the Reds by about 10.
STORMERS VS HURRICANES
The first of the inter-confrence games will see the Stormers take on the Hurricanes at the oldest rugby stadium in the world, Newlands in Cape Town. This will for me personally be the game of the weekend. A game that will see no or little rain but the current Cape town heat might just play apart. Good running rugby can be expected by both sides especially the home side. A full Newlands stadium can compare to few in the world when the crowd get behind the home team. There is still a standing section and believe me when I say if the home team plays badly the crowd let's them know. But let us look at the what we might see from the two teams.
The Hurricanes will start the first of their two games in SA against the Super Rugby team with the best defensive record in the last two years. And they can expect some hard physical defense again on Saturday. Their own defense will have to be rock solid as well. The stormers have players that can run through any team in guys like Gio Aplon. If they want to dominate the game, the Hurricanes will have to do so up front. This is the Stormers one weakness, but only in the scrum. Overall the Hurricanes will have to be at their best if they want to win this one.
The Stormers will miss Jacque Fourie at centre and also guys like Johan Sadie (Bulls) and JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls). But with Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers in midfield they should once again be solid on defense. Add Gio Aplon and Joe Petersen in to the mix and you have a back three that can attack from anywhere on the field. Catrakilis at fly half showed last year that he can read the game and his goal kicking is very good. Their loose trio will dominate at the breakdown if given the chance. Schalk Burger will lead them in this quest. Line outs will see Andries Bekker take the lead and you can expect a couple of steals here. The only problem they might have is scrumming. This has never been their strong point, but they sure can maul it up from any position on the field. If they can maintain the momentum they will be hard to beat at Newlands.
Depending on how the referee will officiate this match it can be come a try fest. But both teams have strong defenses and this will add to a game of good rugby. Neither team will give an inch and if it is given the other will take two. I have to go with the Stormers by any thing between 10-15 on this one.
But as always this is just my view...
Dave
RSS Feed