Superbru Preview
First things first, let’s start at DHL Newlands where the Stormers will take on the visiting Blues. Despite two hapless results in the first two rounds, the Auckland side came good at Loftus last weekend. They will miss Rene Ranger after his late charge on Bjorn Bassön, and the Stormers pack have the firepower to dominate this one up front. There is so much quality from numbers 11-14 including Juan de Jongh and Gio Aplon that if they can set up a decent platform the backs will score tries. Peter Grant must take all the points on offer, and if he does, then the Stormers should pick up a third win at home this season by 4 points.
Elsewhere in South Africa the Sharks take on champions the Reds, who are yet to really fire this season despite having won their first three matches. Everyone in Durban will be buzzing after last week’s first win over the Lions, but the champions should come through by 3 points.
Over the Pacific to Australia where the Waratahs host the struggling Force. Bottom of the log and thrashed by the Hurricanes last weekend, it looks to set to be a long old season for the Force. Waratahs by 12.
In Melbourne the Rebels will look for their first win of the season against the touring Cheetahs and should be successful. They may have lost last week against the Reds but for a long time they caused them real problems with their physicality at the breakdown. The Cheetahs are no pushovers but with a passionate home crowd behind them this could be their week. Rebels by 5.
Crossing the Tasman the Hurricanes are back home for the first time this season against the in-form Highlanders. Although the Canes have won their last two, the Highlanders are looking unstoppable at the moment and should take their run to four. Highlanders by 8.
The other game in New Zealand sees the Chiefs tackle the Brumbies. The home side’s superstar backs are beginning to fire after a few weeks learning each other’s movements, so should pick up a result here comfortably. Chiefs by 7.
That’s all for this week, best of luck with your SuperBru picks and let’s hope for another home win for the Stormers on Saturday.