Some notes...
1) Chiefs v Crusaders
Chiefs +9.5
Chiefs play the first-ever match at the new Waikato Stadium - a rebuilt version of the run-down Rugby Park; five minutes from the Anders household!!
How many pts that will be worth to the Chiefs is the big question. They made many bad errors in losing to the Waratahs in Rotorua first-up. There are doubts if they have the firepower in the front five and pace in the loose trio to compete with the best teams. Danny Lee and promising first-five and goalkicker David Hill replace Rhys Duggan and Glen Jackson from last weekend's starting XV while captain and No8 Deon Muir is in doubt after leaving the field last weekend with a hamstring strain.
Lock Chris Jack won't start for the Crusaders thru injury; Bradley Mika being his likely replacement. The Crusaders looked set for a comfortable win last weekend when leading Otago 24-10 at the break but were badly outplayed by a combative Highlanders in the 2nd half and just snuck home.
2) Highlanders v Sharks
Highlanders -9.5
The Highlanders are great in front of their own fans at the House of Pain and showed v the Crusaders they should be legitimate top 4 contenders under Laurie Mains. Their pack matched up very well v the all All Black eight of the Crusaders. Tony Brown should be fit after taking a big hit which forced him off the field late and probably cost them the SU win. The Sharks, like the Crusaders, lost their way at home in the 2nd half and were beaten SU by the Stormers. They now face a long haul away from home but did impress on the road last season.
3) Brumbies v Cats
Brumbies -16.5
ACT were the only home team to win ATS last week - and the only one I didn't back!! LMAO!! It was a real dog-fight v the Reds though - a late turnover end-to-end try got them the cover. They looked a little rusty but there were also ominous signs of the Brumbies-by-numbers style; their pack was strong and they have depth on the bench. The Cats aren't expected to feature this year but won away at the Bulls with centre sensation Bobo getting a hat-trick. They had to stave off a late Bulls comeback though and the score probably wasn't reflective of the match.
4) Reds v Blues
Pick 'em
Game of the rd for me. Are the Blues the genuine article? Sure looked it last Fri but how do you judge that v the rabble that was the Hurricanes? Rupeni Caucaunibuca may be out for a month with a leg injury but the Blues should adjust easily to his absence. If their impressive looking forward pack can get on top of the Reds than they could win again. But I was impressed with the Reds defence v the Brumbies.
5) Stormers v Waratahs
Pick 'em
The Stormers SU win at the Sharks was the shock result of rd one without doubt. They fought back hard but did ride their luck also while du Toit kicked poorly for the home team. The Waratahs will be a bit like the Blues this weekend - were they very good v the Chiefs away or recipients of some very poor play by their opponents? Still doubts over the Waratahs pack in my mind.
6) Bulls v Hurricanes
Pick 'em
Eek! Perennial losers the Bulls v the woeful 'canes. Even with Cullen, Umaga, Lomu and Alatini you couldn't back the 'canes after last Fri's debacle. No grunt up front, badly beaten to the loose ball; out-mauled all night, and a lack of attacking ideas. Seems like Riki Flutey may come in for David Holwell at first-five, not a fab of that move either. The Bulls nearly came back from the dead v the Cats and should have won in the 38th minute of normal time when they knocked on with the line open 10m out and near the posts when trailing 37-31.
Note: Cullen out for 'canes; Lomu to start with Lilley at fullback; Howell keeps his place.
Back later today with final take on Chiefs v Crusaders.
Hoping to avoid repeating last week's disaster but even if i continue to struggle I will still post all the relevant info here as it may help other punters make their own choices.
GL all
1) Chiefs v Crusaders
Chiefs +9.5
Chiefs play the first-ever match at the new Waikato Stadium - a rebuilt version of the run-down Rugby Park; five minutes from the Anders household!!
How many pts that will be worth to the Chiefs is the big question. They made many bad errors in losing to the Waratahs in Rotorua first-up. There are doubts if they have the firepower in the front five and pace in the loose trio to compete with the best teams. Danny Lee and promising first-five and goalkicker David Hill replace Rhys Duggan and Glen Jackson from last weekend's starting XV while captain and No8 Deon Muir is in doubt after leaving the field last weekend with a hamstring strain.
Lock Chris Jack won't start for the Crusaders thru injury; Bradley Mika being his likely replacement. The Crusaders looked set for a comfortable win last weekend when leading Otago 24-10 at the break but were badly outplayed by a combative Highlanders in the 2nd half and just snuck home.
2) Highlanders v Sharks
Highlanders -9.5
The Highlanders are great in front of their own fans at the House of Pain and showed v the Crusaders they should be legitimate top 4 contenders under Laurie Mains. Their pack matched up very well v the all All Black eight of the Crusaders. Tony Brown should be fit after taking a big hit which forced him off the field late and probably cost them the SU win. The Sharks, like the Crusaders, lost their way at home in the 2nd half and were beaten SU by the Stormers. They now face a long haul away from home but did impress on the road last season.
3) Brumbies v Cats
Brumbies -16.5
ACT were the only home team to win ATS last week - and the only one I didn't back!! LMAO!! It was a real dog-fight v the Reds though - a late turnover end-to-end try got them the cover. They looked a little rusty but there were also ominous signs of the Brumbies-by-numbers style; their pack was strong and they have depth on the bench. The Cats aren't expected to feature this year but won away at the Bulls with centre sensation Bobo getting a hat-trick. They had to stave off a late Bulls comeback though and the score probably wasn't reflective of the match.
4) Reds v Blues
Pick 'em
Game of the rd for me. Are the Blues the genuine article? Sure looked it last Fri but how do you judge that v the rabble that was the Hurricanes? Rupeni Caucaunibuca may be out for a month with a leg injury but the Blues should adjust easily to his absence. If their impressive looking forward pack can get on top of the Reds than they could win again. But I was impressed with the Reds defence v the Brumbies.
5) Stormers v Waratahs
Pick 'em
The Stormers SU win at the Sharks was the shock result of rd one without doubt. They fought back hard but did ride their luck also while du Toit kicked poorly for the home team. The Waratahs will be a bit like the Blues this weekend - were they very good v the Chiefs away or recipients of some very poor play by their opponents? Still doubts over the Waratahs pack in my mind.
6) Bulls v Hurricanes
Pick 'em
Eek! Perennial losers the Bulls v the woeful 'canes. Even with Cullen, Umaga, Lomu and Alatini you couldn't back the 'canes after last Fri's debacle. No grunt up front, badly beaten to the loose ball; out-mauled all night, and a lack of attacking ideas. Seems like Riki Flutey may come in for David Holwell at first-five, not a fab of that move either. The Bulls nearly came back from the dead v the Cats and should have won in the 38th minute of normal time when they knocked on with the line open 10m out and near the posts when trailing 37-31.
Note: Cullen out for 'canes; Lomu to start with Lilley at fullback; Howell keeps his place.
Back later today with final take on Chiefs v Crusaders.
Hoping to avoid repeating last week's disaster but even if i continue to struggle I will still post all the relevant info here as it may help other punters make their own choices.
GL all
