Tag: Sharks

Super Rugby Round 3 Predictions

Super Rugby Round 3 Predictions

Super Rugby 2020 rolls into its third week and the action intensifies as we look forward to some great matches this weekend. Here follows our Super Rugby round 3 predictions.

Blues vs Crusaders

The Crusaders would like to make amends for their loss last week against the Chiefs, but they won’t have it all their own way against a Blues side fresh off an invigorating win against the Waratahs. Both teams will want to try and get on a roll, but the Crusaders should have too much class even away from home. When last did the Crusaders lose two in a row? The Chiefs also seem a much better side than the current Blues.

Rebels vs Waratahs

Probably the least anticipated fixture of the weekend, most pundits would be relieved to get this one out of the way early. Both teams have started their seasons in dire fashion with two losses and need to turn things around. Another loss for either side could doom their season already. With no clear favorite, this could be a closely contested game.

Sunwolves vs Chiefs

After an impressive display last weekend, the Chiefs are clear favorites for this match. However, with a few upsets already this season, this could be one to look out for… let’s not forget, the Sunwolves beat the Chiefs last year and will play in front of a packed house in the Prince Chicibu Memorial Stadium, one of the World Cup venues in 2019. Regardless of the result, this match will be worth a watch.

Hurricanes vs Sharks

The Sharks are looking red-hot and scored some fantastic tries last weekend against the Highlanders. With a number of recent World Cup stars in their lineup, including Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am, and some rising stars such as Aphelele Fassi and Curwin Bosch, they have the potential to do what so few teams have done in the past and that is rto win two in a row in New Zealand. The Hurricanes are coming off a win against the Jaguares, but the 3 week trip from New Zealand to South Africa to Argentina and back home will take its toll.

Brumbies vs Highlanders

The Brumbies have won 10 in a row in Canberra and should be favorites against a Highlanders side who were not particularly impressive in a 22 point loss against the Sharks last weekend. In recent seasons, the Highlanders have been poor away from home, winning one of their last eight matches. The Brumbies will continue their winning streak at home.

Lions vs Stormers

The table-topping Stormers are one of the early favorites for the title, and with a classy lineup including the most Springboks of any South African side, they will be too much to handle for the Lions who seem to be in a distinct rebuilding phase. The Stormers haven’t conceded a single point so far this season and the Lions do not seem fluent enough to break that terrific defense.

Jaguares vs Reds

The Jaguares would have been stung by their last-minute loss last weekend against the Hurricanes. Playing at home, they will look to make amends and should be too much for a Reds side coming off crossing two oceans in two weeks. They showed great courage last week against the Lions and on another day could have won that match, but the Jaguares will be a much sterner test.

That concludes our Super Rugby round 3 predictions. Enjoy the rugby, and if you can’t catch the games live, be sure to catch the highlights here.