The Lions and the Southern Kings kick the Super Rugby off on Friday, with the first of a two match series to work out who gets the 5th SA Super Rugby spot. It’s a pretty desperate affair, whoever loses is basically fecked for the next year. You only have to look at the Lions team to see the names missing without the lure of top class competition. At the start of the year I’d have said the Lions would walk back into the competition, but now I’m going with the Kings because they’ve had a better build up.
Saturday the real action gets underway with the Chiefs looking to keep their hopes of retaining their title alive. The chiefs missed SBW this season..but they still topped the log, and apart from a few wobbles – and a big loss to the Crusaders – they have been chugging along nicely. The Crusaders are overwhelming favourites, after chewing up and spitting out the Reds, and their recent run of form. You’d figure though, that if anyone’s going to beat the Crusaders, it’s going to be the Chiefs. They are going to meet the physical onslaught from the Crusaders with absolute brutality, and have a backline that can hurt the Crusaders. The key to this match is Dan Carter – the Chiefs have to shut him down if they’re going to win. I’ve just stalked myself into a Chiefs win, just, just just!
The Bulls and the Brumbies round things off in Pretoria. The Brumbies closed a close game last weekend, but this weekend – I’d say they all be happy to get out alive, never mind with a win! I know the Aussies are good at outsmarting the Bok teams, but at home, with a spot in the final as the prize, I think the Bulls are going to win emphatically. So I’m predicting a final in New Zealand then. Enjoy the rugby.
Super Rugby
Friday , July 26
Southern Kings vs Lions
Saturday , July 27
Chiefs vs Crusaders 19:35
Bulls vs Brumbies 17:05
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