Right – I’m up early here in Denver, so let’s see if we can pick the right winners for this week’s games.
Hurricanes v Brumbies (Friday 09h35)
Hmmm, let’s see. It’s a Kiwi side – one of the best – taking on an Aussie side in Australia. The Brumbies are actually ahead of the ‘Canes on the stupid, non-sensical log despite have 11 fewer log points. Now, if you needed any more motivation than that to call a big win for the home side, then I just don’t know. Hurricanes to win by 12.
Lions v Jaguares (Friday 20h00)
The Jags are the only team to have beaten the Lions so far this year, with Johan Ackermann’s decision to send a second string team to Argentina once again biting him in the bum. The Argies, for all their improved home form in 2017, still aren’s managing to win games on the road, though and have their first-round success over the Kings a their only South African tour scalp to date. It would be great for the Sharks if they could win here, but let’s face it, any team who lose to the Bulls isn’t going to trouble the Lions. Lions to win by 15.
Highlanders v Sunwolves (Saturday 07h15)
Another non-contest, I’m afraid. Highlanders are going to win this by 25 points. Easy.
Crusaders v Stormers (Saturday 09h35)
Well, the Stormers’ bubble burst in dramatic style last week as they took a pasting from the Lions at home to give up their 100% record for the season. Not the ideal time, on other words, to tour New Zealand and play the former champion Crusaders who simply do not lose in Christchurch. I hope the Stormers will be competitive here, but I’m afraid there’s only going to be one winner. Crusaders by 10 points.
Waratahs v Kings (Saturday 11h45)
This should be another high-scoring affair, but as they showed against the Reds last week the Kings’ defence simply isn’t good enough at this stage for them to have a realistic hope of winning on the road. Waratahs by 20 points.
Force v Chiefs (Saturday 13h55)
Expect a one-sided affair and a big win for the visitors. Chiefs by 20.
Bulls v Cheetahs (Saturday 17h15)
This should be a good match – possibly quite ill-tempered and with plenty of drama. The Cheetahs made the Bulls look rather silly when these teams clashed earlier in the year, only to fall asleep late in the game and nearly lose. I wonder whether the Pretoria men will take any sort of confidence at all from their win over the Jaguares, or whether the dark rumours of internal strife there are on the money, with the problems in the side far too big to b e fixed by one scrappy victory. The Cheetahs are playing for their lives at the moment too, so I suspect they will have plenty of motivation here. Cheetahs by 5 points, is my call.
Sharks v Rebels (Saturday 19h30)
Which Sharks team will we see here, that’s the question? The side that nearly beat the Lions will put up a big score against these Rebels, but the error-ridden performance from the last match against the Jaguares will probably only lead to fan frustration. Let’s the back the boys, fresh from their bye, to turn it on this week. Sharks by 15.
Tweet
Tsietas to win the first-half by 10, then lose the game by 5.
#2ndHalfMustFall 🙂
So I went:
Canes by 10
Tahs by 21
Lions by 13
Landers by 39
Saders by 14
Chiefs by 16
Bulls by 5
Sharks by 15
Anyone watch rugby with Reynecke on rugby 365
the ep with john smit and anton van zyl was very informative
made me think maybe we should play northern hemp teams instead of ozzy, nz, and arg franchises
@pastorshark (Comment 2) : same teams just margins that’s different:
Canes by 9
Tahs by 14
Lions by 6
Landers 28
Saders by 7
Chiefs by 11
Bulls by 5
Sharks by 14
Ja Rob something is going wrong in Pta! Saw today Serfontein is also planning a move up north!
Did the Brumbies not come out the shed for the second half? 😯
@FireTheLooser (Comment 1) : Problem with Cheetahs is they think there is a 3rd half.
@McLovin (Comment 6) : Took the tsietas playbook, and copied 100% – probably reckoned it better to seem competitive for one half, than being average for two halves.
@coolfusion (Comment 7) : They should re-brand for NFL, 4 quarters would be far less taxing on their frail minds, than two halves.
How did the Kings manage to beat the ‘Tahs on tour – clearly they’re working hard on being the 4th SR team for 2018 – funny how the weight of being dumped from SR has had the total opposite effect on them.
So, the Kings… 😯
@pastorshark (Comment 9) : ’tis what happens when you play with #NoExcuses.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 8) : @pastorshark (Comment 9) : 😯 😯 😯 will have to get the highlight of the Kings game!!!
Yeehaa!! Go Jaguars!!!
So, I watched the first half of the lions game and I saw skew line out throws and glaring forward passes by the lions go uncalled, and, actual arrogance. And, forgive me, but when I hear Joel waxing lyrical about the lions in his commentary, it sound like he’d like to go on a date with the team. I simply can’t watch 80 minutes of this…I’m picturing Jantjies starting for the Springboks and I feel melancholy
@SeanJeff (Comment 13) : Dont mind old Joelsy too much. No one does. One hit wonder with severe short man syndrome.
@SeanJeff (Comment 13) : im loving every second of this. Justice for Greeff fiasco
Counted me some chickens apparently..
OK so with this Lions victory the Sharks can put same daylight between them and the Jaguares !!! Thanx Lions and Bulls!!!
Jaguars would have won, had it not been for the Kings taking the upset victory for the weekend.
Lions supporters have really done a brilliant job at taking the arrogance seats formerly occupied by bulls supporters….Making it very easy for me to support the opposition.
A lesson in keeping your composure from the lions. Well done lions!
Geez the ball handling skills of this Crusaders side is just awesome!!!
Such hospitable people those kiwis, always helping others. Today the Stormers are receiving a free rugby lesson from the pros.
@McLovin (Comment 21) : South Africa also does these free lessons. ..we do the “what not to do” bits.
@coolfusion (Comment 22) : Between SA and Oz, Northern Hemisphere rugby has been receiving free lessons and it is starting to tell in their rugby.
@coolfusion (Comment 22) : Good one….
Still think PSDT would make a great Bok 8.
Can’t see the super trophy leaving NZ shores anytime soon. 😐
Tough one streamers, pretty tough to do the Chiefs-Lions-travel-Crusaders in a three week turnaround.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 18) : Beahahaha! Pot calling the kettle a cullart! You have come close to having me wish the Sharks lose, fortunately I know quite a few good blokes that aren’t so painfully petty, for that not to happen. It really is pretty rich for you to call anyone arrogant!!
Ethebeth had good game,for once he played rugby and not WWF,he and PSTD were just let down by the very average support of Nothe and Carr,
@McLovin (Comment 26) : Ja sorry to say but totally true!!!
@KingCheetah (Comment 28) : Good grief man, get your head around this:
Lions and bulls supporters take turns at being the arrogant ones. Streamers supporters always claim to win SR in March. Tsietas supporters are the excuse mill of SA, never hold their team accountable for being rubbish.
Sharks supporters are the humblest supporters in SA, just ask anyone here on Sharksworld.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 31) : Yes of course 👿
Forgot to mention that the Sharks are the biggest ref whingers, three days before match day, and lasts well after the match 😀
Sharks go buy Schreuder
@benji (Comment 33) : Probably why he moved to the? Kings, wanted to be on the Sharks radar – shows ambition on his part, clearly a smart kid 😉
@KingCheetah (Comment 32) : If you don’t like our ref whinging, then you’re welcome to find alternative accommodation 🙂
@FireTheLooser (Comment 31) : Ja boet we’re such a loveable lot even Cheetahs, Lions and Stormers fans hang out here on this Sharks fan page!!! 😉
jaun deysel coming on for munster against sarries
like jaco taute, now that his speed isnt what it once was his still able to excel in the northern hemp slower game especially at a team like munster with very good coaching team that understands how to get tge most out of everyone by playing them to their strengths.
I love deysel, but feel that southern hemp rugby is too much for him at this point, a fresh challenge is helpful as well.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 35) : I like King Cheetah
hanging around here so I would prefer him going and finding us better refs.
As a life long sharks fan I don’t go around telling supporters from other teams were better than they are
@coolfusion (Comment 39) : I expect them to know this already. …