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Cape Town - After an action-packed Week 5 of Super Rugby matches, here is our SuperBru preview for the Week 6 fixtures.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Highlanders v Hurricanes, Dunedin - 08:35
Round 6 starts with a difficult one to call. The Highlanders
were looking good before their woeful loss at home to the Force last week,
having beaten the Blues and pushed the Chiefs close. They were arguably a bit
rusty coming off the back of a bye last week, so expect them to be better this
time out. They'll have to be, too, because their visitors this week will be
brimming with confidence following their nine try demolition of the Cheetahs in
round five. If they can reproduce anywhere near that sort of form here, they
should have too much for the men from Otago. Expect another high-scoring Kiwi
derby.
Prediction: Hurricanes by 6
Waratahs v Rebels, Sydney - 10:40
The Waratahs' early season momentum was halted by the
Brumbies last week, in a ferocious Aussie derby. The Rebels played reasonably
well at home to the Crusaders but have not hit the heights of their round two
win over the Cheetahs since that day. Back in Sydney, the Tahs should be too
good for the men from Melbourne, and with the firepower they have if the likes
of Bernard Foley and Israel Folau get their tails up this could be a big one.
Prediction: Waratahs
by 20
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
Blues v Cheetahs, Auckland - 08:35
Neither of these sides have lived up to their pre-season
hype yet. The Cheetahs have some serious work on to stop their tour being a
complete and utter disaster, while the Blues will be happy to be back on home
soil after an unsuccessful South African jaunt. These two have the most porous
defences of the season so far, so expect plenty of tries in this one, and
unless the visitors can rectify some serious problems in their defensive game
then the Blues will have too much quality not to put them to the sword.
Prediction: Blues
by 9
Brumbies v Stormers, Canberra - 10:40
The Brumbies' season started off erratically, but has
steadied in recent weeks and their impressively composed win over rivals the
Waratahs last week proves what a quality side they are. The Stormers,
meanwhile, are in a spot of disarray, having won just once in their opening
four games. They will be boosted by the arrival of Juan de Jongh to their tour
party, who will hopefully spark some life into their backline. The Brumbies
will be too good for a stuttering Stormers side in Canberra.
Prediction: Brumbies by 5
Force v Chiefs, Perth - 13:00
A few weeks ago this would have had 'walkover' written all
over it. With the Force showing some impressive backbone and registering
back-to-back bonus point wins - the first time they have ever achieved that -
however, things are a little less clearcut. That said, the reigning champions
have showed no sign of nerves at the prospect of competing for their third
title on the bounce yet, so they should be too good for the hosts in Perth.
Prediction: Chiefs
by 15
Lions v Reds, Johannesburg - 17:05
The Reds arguably deserved to get more out of their game
with the Sharks last weekend, dominating large swathes of the game only for
imprecision to let them down. The Lions, as everyone keeps pointing out, have
been a revelation. Marnitz Boshoff is arguably the player of the season so far,
and as long as he stays in the no.10 shirt they'll have a chance of beating
anyone, especially at home. The Reds' pack, however, showed up superbly well
against the Sharks, and with the firepower they have behind it the visitors
will be confident of winning this one.
Prediction: Reds by 7
Bulls v Sharks, Pretoria - 19:10
What a game to round the weekend off with. The Bulls have
rallied brilliantly since their two defeats in the first two rounds, and have
proved how dangerous they can be at Loftus. The Sharks, however, fear no-one
and, despite not quite hitting their straps against the Reds, have still
brushed past all before them this season. A trip to play at altitude represents
undoubtedly the sternest test of their credentials yet, however, especially
with the Bulls boasting a full squad to select from. It really could go either
way, but the apparent Jake White-instilled belief could be enough to drag the
Sharks over the line and see them continue their blistering start to the season.
Prediction: Sharks by 2
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