Super 15 Rugby Round 20 Preview

Super 15 Rugby Round 20 is here and this is the last game for nine teams, while the other six are jostling for position with the playoffs just around the corner. For SuperBru punters Super Rugby Round 20 represents a great opportunity for plenty of placings to make a late bid for glory with plenty of potential upsets on the cards. Most of the top teams have away matches against lower placed teams, many of these matches are local derbies. There also could be some massive margins this week when you consider how big the margins were in the Chiefs vs Crusaders and Cheetahs vs Blues last week.

Super 15 Rugby Round 20 is here and this is the last game for nine teams, while the other six are jostling for position with the playoffs just around the corner. For SuperBru punters Super Rugby Round 20 represents a great opportunity for plenty of placings to make a late bid for glory with plenty of potential upsets on the cards. Most of the top teams have away matches against lower placed teams, many of these matches are local derbies. There also could be some massive margins this week when you consider how big the margins were in the Chiefs vs Crusaders and Cheetahs vs Blues last week.

The Australian teams will be at a disadvantage having just finished a tough three match series against the British and Irish Lions. This will take its toll. The Reds for example, will be without both Will Genia and James Horwill for their match against the Waratahs.

The Crusaders are hitting their straps and will want to cement fourth spot on the ladder against the Hurricanes. They have a largely unchanged side and if the Hurricanes don’t improve their defence from last week, the Crusaders could post a massive win.

Both the Rebels and Highlanders are at the wrong end of the table, but I think that the Highlanders are in great form, while the Rebels have benched one of their best players, James O’Connor and I don’t think they have the depth to have this luxury. The Highlanders are a dangerous side and have definitely underperformed this season. They will be looking for an impressive win in their last game.

The Blues and Chiefs got thrashed last week and meet in the local derby. The Chiefs need to win to have any shot at finishing top overall and one point will confirm their place at the top of the New Zealand conference. It has been a disappointing last month for the Blues and I expect that to continue.

I am picking the Brumbies to win away against the Force, despite the large number of Brumbies involved in the Wallabies team. They have developed enough depth to still beat the Force in Perth.

The Sharks should beat the Kings easily, although they will need to convert more of their chances than they did last week against the Bulls.

While we think the New Zealand teams have rivalries, the other two matches features games between teams that hate each other.

I am picking the Stormers to upset the Bulls this week and do the Chiefs a great favour, while the Waratahs will beat the Reds who will desperately miss both Genia and Horwill. The Stormers and Waratahs have nothing to lose and don’t have to worry about saving themselves for playing in the finals.

Who are you picking to win Super Rugby Round 20?

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/07/super-15-rugby-round-20-preview.html

Here are the starting team lists for Super Rugby Round 20

http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/super-rugby-2013.html

My picks for Super Rugby Round 20

Game Date and time Your pick

[114] Crusaders v Hurricanes 12 Jul 19:35 (local)

12 Jul 19:35 (your time*) Crusaders by 22

[115] Rebels v Highlanders 12 Jul 19:40 (local)

12 Jul 21:40 (your time*) Highlanders by 12

[116] Blues v Chiefs 13 Jul 19:35 (local)

13 Jul 19:35 (your time*) Chiefs by 21

[118] Force v Brumbies 13 Jul 19:40 (local)

13 Jul 23:40 (your time*) Brumbies by 7

[119] Sharks v Southern Kings 13 Jul 17:05 (local)

14 Jul 03:05 (your time*) Sharks by 26

[120] Stormers v Bulls 13 Jul 19:10 (local)

14 Jul 05:10 (your time*) Stormers by 3

[121] Waratahs v Reds 13 Jul 19:40 (local)

13 Jul 21:40 (your time*) Waratahs by 6

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