Super Rugby Preview – Round 8, part 2

“If Phil Waugh is playing for the Waratahs, who is ringing the bells at Notre Dame?”

Hilarious!

Western Force vs Waratahs

The Force lost last week to the Rebels in what was an exciting, edge-of-your-seat game but lose they did. James O’Connor is by far their best player and they will do well to keep him on their books for the forseeable future. They have looked reasonable  in parts this year but seem to adopt the Lion’s strategy of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

The Waratahs are not as intimidating as they have been in recent years and have looked vulnerable against teams that man up at the breakdown. The Cheetah’s rush defense seemed to rattle them and they will need to improve their game across all facets if they are to challenge the top teams. The Force, however are not one of those teams.

Venue: nib Stadium, Perth

Kick-Off: 2:05pm

Prediction: Tahs by 5-10

Stormers vs Reds

Tweet king Quade Burglar Cooper, recently informed his five many followers that he was keen on a game of touch rugby. In2Touch got wind of it and before anyone could say “hey where is my wallet”, Cooper was playing for the local Synergy team. Read all about it here.

Onto Saturday’s game though and the Reds will be hoping to break the Stormer’s run of victories, using their impressive attacking game. Look out for fancy feet and unorthodox kicking.

This is Quade’s lady btw, she is an olympic swimmer, wears yellow lingerie and apparently can fly. Niiiice.

The Stormers, with the Crusaders are the best team this year. They have been building their squad for the last 4 years and are hoping that they can finally win some silverware this year. They finally have a tight 5 that can compete and dominate and their backline is world-class. Jaque Fourie is in the form of his life and even though Jean de Villiers may not play(due to a groin injury), the Stormers should clinch a cracker of a game.

Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Kick-Off: 5:05pm

Prediction: Stormers by 5-10

Sharks vs Lions

Siiiiiiigh. I think that about sums up my feelings towards the Lion’s play this year. They could be sitting with 12 more points had they figured out how to close out games or win games they were leading. Siiiigh. Pretorius controlled the game well last week but missed 5 kicks at goal. FAIL. Braam Van Straaten has been called in to teach the Lions how to kick for goals. Good luck sir!

The Sharks looked flat last week against the Stormers in a game I expected them to win. Perhaps it was the travel or the fact that the Stormers dominated the lineouts and breakdown. Either way they will be seeing this game as a must win before their bye, to get their campaign back on track.

Venue: Mr Price King’s Park, Durban

Kick-Off: 7:10pm

Prediction: Sharks by 7

rennton

~ by bowlphilosophy on April 8, 2011.