Guys – our regular prediction-king Ghost10 is swamped at work this week. I’m going to have a bash at doing the prediction thread in his place. Don’t blame me if I get them wrong!
Highlanders v Lions 08h35 on Friday
The clash of the bottom-feeders at the inaptly-named House of Pain. The Tartan Mafia haven’t managed to win a thing so far this year and are currently at the foot of the table, with a measly five log points from six games. The Lions, with a win and a draw to go with their four losses, are two places higher up, but only have seven log points. The Highlanders have made some sweeping changes in an effort to disguise the glaring weaknesses in their squad. The Lions look more settled, but are coming off a bye, have lost their skipper and, quite frankly, just don’t tour well.
Our pick: Highlanders to squeak a messy game. Ghost10, Sauce and RobD all back the home side, with only hellbent backing the Lions to win. 64% of the tipsters on SuperBru agree with us and give it to the Highlanders by 3.
Highlanders: 15. Paul Williams, 14. Matt Saunders, 13. Brett Mather, 12. Johnny Leota, 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10. James Wilson, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Craig Newby (Captain), 7. Tim Boys, 6. Hoani MacDonald, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Hayden Triggs, 3. Clint Newland, 2. Jason MacDonald, 1. Jamie MacKintosh
Replacements: 16. David Hall, 17. Chris King, 18. Isaac Ross, 19. Adam Thomson, 20. Toby Morland, 21. Daniel Russel Bowden, 22. Aaron Bancroft
Lions: 15. Louis Ludik, 14. Dusty Noble, 13. Jaco Pretorius, 12. Walter Venter, 11. Rayno Benjamin, 10. Jaco van Schalkwyk, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Willem Alberts, 7. Joe van Niekerk, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar (Captain), 5. Gerhard Mostert, 4. Anton van Zyl, 3. Eugene Maqwelana, 2. Willie Wepener, 1. Heinke van der Merwe
Replacements: 16. Ethienne Reynecke, 17. Ross Geldenhuys, 18. Dewald Senekal, 19. Franco van der Merwe, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Rudi Vogt, 22. Jannie Boshoff
Brumbies v Chiefs 11h40 on Friday
Two sides that have been inconsistent this year. Both languish around mid-table, having won and lost more-or-less an equal number of games. Both have been hit hard by injuries, with the Brumbies looking very light up front and at halfback, although they will welcome talismanic centre Stirling Mortlock back. The Chiefs have been forced to again select captain Mils Muliana at fullback and their lineup has a distinct “journeyman” feel to it.
Our pick: Brumbies to be too strong at home, with Mortlock the difference. Ghost10 is against the majority here, though, so be careful when making your pick. 60% on SB say Brumbies and the average result there is Brumbies by 1.
Brumbies: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Peter Playford, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Tyrone Smith, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Patrick Phibbs, 8. Stephen Hoiles, 7. George Smith (Captain), 6. Mitchell Chapman, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Alister Campbell, 3. Guy Shepherdson, 2. John Ulugia, 1. Nic Henderson
Replacements: 16. Saia Faingaa, 17. Salesi Ma’afu, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Julian Salvi, 20. Joshua Holmes, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Sanualio Afeaki
Chiefs: 15. Mils Muliaina (Captain), 14. Lelia Masaga, 13. Richard Kahui, 12. Callum Bruce, 11. Sitivini Sivivatu, 10. Stephen Donald, 9. Brendon Leonard, 8. Sione Lauaki, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam, 5. Kevin O’Neill, 4. Toby Lynn, 3. Ben Castle, 2. Tom Willis, 1. Simms Davison
Replacements: 16. Aled De Malmanche, 17. Ben May, 18. Jay Williams, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Jamie Nutbrown, 21. Dwayne Sweeney, 22. Viliame Waqaseduadua
Western Force v Bulls 13h45 on Friday
The Bully Boys put in a far better performance last week, while the Force were stuffed at home by the Stormers. Pierre Spies and Bryan Habana are back to add some flair, while the home side have been hit by some late withdrawals. Sounds like a walk in the park for the Bulls? Except that their coach is still Frans Ludeke, who will no doubt be reeling from the lambasting dished out by Bulls CEO van Graan. The Force have John Mitchell at the helm and I know which coach I back to deliver the goods. The Force will learn from the mistakes of last week. The Bulls will play like SA sides usually do in their last week of a tour.
Our pick: Force to win comfortably. Better composure, better tactics and better fitness will see the home side prevail. All of us agree on this one, although only 56% of tipsters on SuperBru back the Force to win, by an average of 1 point.
Western Force: 15. Cameron Shepherd, 14. Nick Cummins, 13. Ryan Cross, 12. Scott Staniforth, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Chris O’Young, 8. Richard Brown, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fava, 5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain), 4. Tom Hockings, 3. AJ Whalley, 2. Tai Mcisaac, 1. Pek Cowan
Replacements: 16. Luke Holmes, 17. Troy Takiari, 18. Sam Wykes, 19. Matthew Hodgson, 20. James Stannard, 21. Josh Tatupu, 22. Dane Haylett-Petty
Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Akona Ndungane, 13. JP Nel, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Derick Hougaard, 9. Fourie Du Preez (Captain), 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Wikus van Heerden, 6. Pedrie Wannenburg, 5. Danie Rossouw, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Rayno Gerber, 2. Derick Kuun, 1. Gurthro Steenkamp
Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. Werner Kruger, 18. Jaco Engels, 19. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 20. Heini Adams, 21. Morne Steyn, 22. Deon Stegmann
Hurricanes v Sharks 08h35 on Saturday
A tough ask first-up for the Sharks, but they haven’t lost yet, while the Canes have yet to really hit their stride. The Sharks look to have the Canes beaten in the tight five, although the yellow loose forwards are all world-class. The Canes back division is probably more settled, although the Sharks backs are more talented, if they could just find some way to show that. History favours the home team here as the Sharks haven’t won in Wellington in their last three starts.
Our pick: We’re split down the middle here; hellbent and I give it to our boys in black, while Ghost10 and Sauce are backing H Squadron to deliver. 67% of SuperBru reckons the Sharks will take it, by 3 points, so we’ll let that be the decider and call the Sharks to win a close one.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Ma’a Nonu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tane Tu’ipulotu, 11 Shannon Paku, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So’oialo (captain), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Hosea Gear.
Sharks: 15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Francois Steyn, 12. Bradley Barritt, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Frederic Michalak, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Jacques Botes, 6. Keegan Daniel, 5. Johann Muller (Captain), 4. Steven Sykes, 3. BJ Botha, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Jannie du Plessis, 18. Albert van den Berg, 19. AJ Venter, 20. `Epeli Taione, 21. Rory Kockott, 22. Adrian Jacobs
Waratahs v Blues 11h40 on Saturday
Is a scoreless draw with all 30 players sent off a reasonable thing to hope for here? A Tahs win will move them above the Stormers, whereas Sharks fans will be hoping the Blues continue to struggle to prevent them putting further pressure on second place. Neither side was convincing last week and struggled to record home wins over weak SA opposition. One really feels that the Blues have too much firepower, though and are unlikely to play 4 bad games in a row, while the Tahs just don’t seem to have that winning feeling this year.
Our pick: Blues to take it. Sauce backs the Tahs and Ghost10 is vacillating, but hellbent and RobD agree with 74% of the guys on SuperBru, who reckon it’s Blues by 5.
Waratahs: 15. Sam Norton-Knight, 14. Lote Tuqiri, 13. Ben Jacobs, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Lachlan Turner, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (Captain), 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Daniel Vickerman, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Matt Dunning, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16. Adam Freier, 17. Al Baxter, 18. David Lyons, 19. Beau Robinson, 20. Brett Sheehan, 21. Rob Horne, 22. Alifeleti (Alfi) Mafi
Blues: 15. George Pisi, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Isaia Toeava, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Anthony Tuitavake, 10. Nick Evans, 9. Danny Lee, 8. Nick Williams, 7. Daniel Braid, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Troy Flavell (Captain), 4. Kurtis Haiu, 3. John Afoa, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16. Tom McCartney, 17. Nick White, 18. Anthony Boric, 19. Justin Collins, 20. Taniela Moa, 21. Ben Atiga, 22. Rudi Wulf
Cheetahs v Reds 17h00 on Saturday
The Reds played very well against the Sharks last weekend, but were actually stuffed up front in the final analysis. The Cheetahs have been doing everything but win, and are now 0/7. The Cheetahs have named a bloody good pack, but their backline just doesn’t seem to like tackling. The Reds, on the other hand, are full of running and only a determined defensive effort from the Sharks kept them out. And then there’s the Chris Latham factor. And the fact that the Cheetahs must be pretty fatigued after a long tour. Tough one to call.
Our pick: Split down the middle again. Ghost10 and Sauce back the home team, but hellbent and RobD reckon if the Cheetahs haven’t managed to win one yet, they ain’t gonna start this week against a Reds team that is a lot better than they’re given credit for. So let’s go with the majority on SuperBru and say the Cheetahs will take it. Average score there is Cheetahs by 2 with 67% picking a home win.
Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Eddie Fredericks, 13. JW Jonker, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Jongi Nokwe, 10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9. Tewis de Bruyn, 8. Duanne Vermeulen, 7. Hendro Scholtz, 6. Heinrich Brüssow, 5. Barend Pieterse, 4. Rory Duncan (capt), 3. CJ van der Linde, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 1. Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16. Richardt Strauss, 17. Bees Roux, 18. David de Villiers, 19. Juan Smith, 20. Falie Oelschig, 21. Conrad Barnard, 22. Hendrik Meyer.
Reds: 15. Chris Latham (Captain), 14. Clinton Schifcofske, 13. Morgan Turinui, 12. Berrick Barnes, 11. Peter Hynes, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Sam Cordingley, 8. Leroy Houston, 7. David Croft, 6. John Roe, 5. James Horwill, 4. Van Humphries, 3. Dayna Edwards, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Greg Holmes
Replacements: 16. Sean Hardman, 17. Ben Coutts, 18. Ed O’Donoghue, 19. Poutasi Luafutu, 20. Ben Lucas, 21. Charlie Fetoai, 22. Brando Va’aulu
Tweet
Go get those picks in, folks
Really difficult week to call. Weak playing weak,strong playing strong. This will seperate the Superbru men from the boys.
Hinton and Johnston on RugbyHeaven have backed all five New Zealand sides to win.
Typical
The calls this week not like the last couple of weeks where most games were cut and dry.Thanks for the predictions , now I have to make up my mind and make the calls…..mmmmm…..mmmm
“Sharks to win a close one”
03.04.08 13:20:05 – robdylan
Just like Sharksworld picked the Sharks to win.
Like you said – Typical! 😉
KE – we is what we is, hey? Ok, so maybe you’re saying I shouldn’t criticise other sites for doing the same thing…
So, our “home town” calls here are Sharks to win and Bulls to lose. The rest are genuine.
Shew!….last week was easy, this weekend has some real thump twisters.
What’s wrong with picking Sharks to win…based on statistics and current form it’s 50/50…between us and the Canes…so that’s a logical pick.
Picking the Bulls to beat Force…though possible…is highly unlikely… 😈
man who live in glass house, should change in basement
BS,
If it’s 50/50, shouldn’t you go with the home team? 🙄
KE – if it’s 50/50 you think about it for a second and pick the Sharks…
BS
Even for a 60/40 against the Sharks … it only takes about 5 seconds
this is like Germany winning on penalties… just go with it 😉
Now that i think of it…we should respect but not be scared of these SugarCanes…
They were waxed by the Tahs…and very boring against the Lowlanders…only managing to scrape a 10-6 victory. On our good day we can run rings around them. hopefully Gopperth will deliver with some good kicks……..for the Sharks (as Kette likes to say) 😎
man with big mouth beware of foot
We have to put our weight behind our team (not that it is much weight where I am concerned. They can win if they put their minds to it.
man with big mouth beware of foot
03.04.08 14:06:56 – Kal-El
Do you have any chinese stuff for…Shark with big mouth 😕
03.04.08 14:19:51 – blackshark
Shark with big mouth beware of tail ❓
We gonna NAIL them – I am willing to bet on that! 😉
My SB prediction is gonna be by 12…. 😈
Shark with big mouth beware of tail
03.04.08 14:24:24 – Kal-El
must be tough swimming against the current without your tail fin then…
squirrel who runs up woman’s leg not find nuts
03.04.08 14:30:42 – blackshark
That counts for all Sharks 😉
Kallie – I think your new picture has given you false courage! 😉
03.04.08 14:31:25 – Kal-El
rather leave it to Confucius 😉
“Kallie”….
Nice Ness 😉
Kallie Confusius?? 😆
Toughest round this one and no clear favourates. Agree bar one. Think the Bulls will beat the Farce. Fok they have the recepy from the Stormers to do it. Thats the disappointing one from the Bulle. We give them beaten opponents with a full game plan week after week and they just farked it week after week apart from the Blues one. Think Spies and Habana, the two freak rugby players do make a huge differense to the brute lot. Holding tumbs they prove me right this time.
I rather liked your name for him Ice – think it suits him!
Spies and Habana are fantastic players u are right, played so well last week, the bulls should give every aatacking ball they win too 1 of these 2 players end of.
He is a bit ..well..confused himeself…
And there goes my tail… 🙁
03.04.08 14:46:47 – Kal-El
Don’t let the girls gang up on you like that… 😉
Thing is the Farce drop so many balls when the Stormers lift them, Liefling will put them up even higher. Those Farce lot had their fair share of luck against the Lions & Cheetahs, that was enough for two years. Just watch Kirschner going in this one!
Kalli – never mind your tail – you have lost your teeth too! You have no more “mojo”! 😉
It takes many nails to make a crib, but only one screw to fill it.
Kallie!
bwahahahahahahahaaa
03.04.08 14:48:28 – Dive Pass
man who pull woman’s bra strap, may get bust in face
Hello Barend. 😉
Barend,
Stop googling my lines 😆
You lot can talk a lot a kak. Must be the Keo experiense that teach you this. 😉
lo ness
how are things
People who make Confucius joe-ks speak bad English.
PB
Most of the bloggers on Sharksworld are Sharks supporters…
It has nothing to do with KEO.
Never been on KEO to blog PB. But don’t worry PB – we love you too. 😉
I am fine thanks Barend – and you?
wpw – wise man
They defnitely learn their trade in Keo or PR. What are we doing here, the only Stormers around and Vince?
foolish man give wife grand piano, wise man give wife upright organ
that you, wes?
im good nessa or at least good at it, 🙄
Woman who go to man’s apartment for snack may get tit bit.
KE – you are a laugh-a- minute 😉
Rob,
Working at getting it down to seconds 😉
Barend – then I am proud of you (and between you and I, I never had any doubt). 😉
Me too!
Do not leave me out of the token WP club
Mmmm…. tough one this week
Sharks vs Hurricanes will be a draw though. Sorry.
Here’s the proof:
Altitude Wellington (12 metres) minus altitude Durban (8 metres) = 4 ‘Canes
Plus
Weight Beast (112kg) minus weight So’oialo (107kg) = 5 Sharks
= 1 Sharks
Plus
Age Collins (27) minus age Steyn (20) = 7 ‘Canes
= 6 ‘Canes
Plus
Length Muller (200cm) minus length Weepu (178cm) = 22 Sharks
= 18 Sharks
Plus
Sharks Cheerleaders (10/10) minus ‘Canes Cheerleaders (1/10) = 9 Sharks
= 27 Sharks
Plus popularity Hooker Hore (10/10) minus popularity German Battleship Bismarck (0/10) = 10 ‘Canes
= 17 Sharks
Plus 17 ‘Canes (score of Sharks last time they played ‘Canes in New Zealand)
= 0
= Draw
Sorry all.
Prov – thought you didn’t want to be left out of the ladies club! 😉 😉
PR?
The silent fart
An elderly couple was attending church services, about halfway through
she leans over and says to her husband, ‘ I just let out a silent fart
what do you think I should do?’
He replies ‘ Put a new battery in your hearing aid.’
let this be your guide in selecting your teams:
50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong.
Spot the mistake and you’ll have the correct score.
03.04.08 15:30:17 – Kandas
you either have to join us here full time or create a successful Spearsworld.com 😉
Yes there is no “part time blogging” position available here – you only visit to rub in the fact that you are the 2nd Head Honcho in the S14 stakes. 😉
03.04.08 15:30:17 – Kandas
So the Canes will win by 2
Notteflok!! 😈
Take your calculator, Ice
Nessa, DP, I’m not blogging anymore – really too busy. SharksWorld is the only place I show face every now and then.
Kal-El, correct. 😀
ciao ciao ppls
c ya 2morrow
Kallie – even if the sum is correct – the whole outcome is not! 😛
Okay Kandas – you are forgiven then. 😀
Cheers Barend.
Ice,
You cannot argue with Kandas’s logic. 😛
There has been a constant refrain from Sharks coach Dick Muir after virtually every match that his team have played so far in the Vodacom Super 14 that goes something like this — “We were not on the top of our game, but we won”.
The only exception should have been after the match against the Blues in Durban. The Aucklanders had been in formidable form before that fixture, and the Sharks’ first half effort against them all but derailed a campaign that has only stuttered along ever since. On another occasion, against the Bulls at Loftus, the Sharks picked up a full house of five log points by scoring three tries in the last ten minutes of a tight game.
Those fixtures are mentioned because they were significant ones. They were the only matches where the Sharks did not start as resounding favourites to win, and those who understand Durban rugby psychology will have some idea of why these were really the isolated examples of the Sharks really putting it together this season.
We all thought the Sharks would just have to pitch at Absa Stadium last week to claim their five log points by scoring four tries, and it was a similar story at Ellis Park in their previous fixture. On both occasions the Sharks struggled, but in the process gave the impression that for long periods of the game they were just switched off.
Like Constantia Nek in the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, however, the challenging part of the season has now arrived for the Sharks, and it is no longer a negotiable for them — they simply have to switch on.
They will have the additional spur when they face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday of knowing that a victory for them will be a massive knock for one of the biggest challengers to their own quest for a home semifinal. My money says that when it is time for the Sharks to cook they invariably do, and they WILL on Saturday too.
03.04.08 15:46:48 – barend
Gee 😯 is it 2morrow already ❓
Very good riddleely (one of my words) logic..but wrong!!! TOOOOTTTT – sorry you are the weakest link! Goodbye!! 😉
LOL @ Kallie! 😉
Was just going to say “back already Barend” – that was a quickie!
live fast sleep little and wake up at 4 then it will be 2morrow 4 ever more
Just because I’m bored…
B4 you say it, I’m not bored stiff ❗
it’s rugby tomorrow guys… hang in there 😉
03.04.08 16:00:07 – Kal-El
that seemed to amuse the girls no end….
Listen DP – you have two girls in your profile pic. 😉
Rob – can’t wait!!!!
Cheers all – time to hit the road again.
Hey happy people. Lots of kak talk going on here- ably led by Clark himself I see. Only prediction worth mentioning is that the Sharks will win like Rob. In other words, they will win ugly. Oh, and the Stormers wont lose. And JP will lose his 2008 S14 virginity. Hope you settling in again nicely Rob- hope we can chat this weekend sometime. Easy now!
BF,
Haai en baai
howzit BF
Mercurial Frederic Michalak, the Frenchman who broke a million New Zealand hearts when he created the try that knocked the All Blacks out of the Rugby World Cup last year, has been named to start the Sharks Vodacom Super 14 match against the Hurricanes.
He will replace Frans Steyn who shifts to outside centre where he takes over from Waylon Murray in the only changes to the backline from last week. While Steyn was criticized for the Sharks’ lack of attacking flair last week, Dick Muir was quick to point out that it was a first half team performance that was responsible for the lack of penetration rather than the fault of one 20 year old.
With Steyn and Barritt together in the midfield, it appears that there isn’t going to be much that gets through them as they are both outstanding defenders – something the Sharks have prided themselves on this season, and which has laid the foundation for their success.
Ryan Kankowski has been passed fit after going over on his ankle in the Reds’ game and he will again form a formidable loose forward trio against one of the most physically intimidating ones in the competition.
Steven Sykes takes over from AJ Venter at lock, with the veteran named on the bench. BJ Botha, having achieved that outstanding milestone of 50 Super Rugby caps last week returns to the starting line-up in Jannie du Plessis’s place with Johann Muller captaining the side.
Starting XV
15. Stefan Terblanche
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Francois Steyn
12. Bradley Barritt
11. JP Pietersen
10. Frederic Michalak
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Keegan Daniel
6. Jacques Botes
5. Johann Muller ( Capt )
4. Steven Sykes
3. BJ Botha
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements:
16. Craig Burden
17. Jannie du Plessis
18. Albert van den Berg
19. AJ Venter
20. Epi Taione
21. Rory Kockott
22. Adrian Jacobs
Freddie Mercurial.
Bwaaaaah! 🙂
morning everybody from a more humid than not Thailand 😀
just made my picks on SB but won’t be around any tv’s showing the rugby 😥 hope the boys pull it together this weekend, KSA has sneaked up a position closer to me and I just don’t like it 😆
ok must wake the family now, get a late breakfast and then its off for a foot massage 😀
GOOOOO SSHHHHAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSS !!!!!
So the tactic is to wake me up and say “get your picks made NOW, we have to go for breakfast.”
Hoping i would make a mikstake while still asleep. 😉
Game 47: Highlanders v Lions: Highlanders by 15
Game 48: Brumbies v Chiefs: Brumbies by 9
Game 49: Force v Bulls: Force by 19
Game 50: Hurricanes v Sharks: Sharks by 6
Game 51: Waratahs v Blues: Blues by 11
Game 52: Cheetahs v Reds: Reds by 11
There they are.
Will compare to the predictions later.
off to breakfast. (late brunch)
Bye
You have the same ones as me ksa. Oh dear 🙂
😆 hope you get at least 2 right then rob…
SHARKS and FORCE would do …
Highlanders to squeak a messy game. (Close enough)
Brumbies to be too strong at home (Weak!!!)
0/2 for me this week … 😡