In this new feature, Superbru goes head to head with SA Rugby magazine to see who will come out on top on Superbru during the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Juandre had a below-par round two, which Superbru won to take the lead in the head-to-head pool.
Here are this week’s fixtures:
Blues vs Crusaders
The Crusaders have won 10 in a row against the Blues, Mo’unga is back, and although the Blues have shown some improvement, I’m backing the reigning champions in Auckland. Crusaders by 8
The Crusaders suffered a loss to the Chiefs last week, and with Mo’Unga there again, I see them bouncing back with a win in Auckland. Crusaders by 10
Rebels vs Waratahs
This is the hardest pick of the week, in my opinion, with two mediocre teams going head to head. The Tahs have a strong winning record against the Rebels, but haven’t looked up to much in their first two matches. The Rebels have also lost two from two, but I’m going with home advantage to make the difference in their first outing of the year in Melbourne. Rebels by 4
Both these teams have been very poor this season and this is definitely not one I will be watching. A toss of a coin and it landed on the Waratahs. Tahs by 5
Sunwolves vs Chiefs
I was very surprised to see the Sunwolves winning in round one, and with that victory under the belts along with a rest week, could they be favourites for this match? They managed to win away at the Chiefs last season, but that was a very different side, and I need to see more before I start picking the Sunwolves to win anything. Chiefs by 16
The Chiefs were very impressive in their comeback win against the Crusaders last week. They have rested a couple of first-choice players, but with McKenzie in the starting lineup I can see only one winner. Chiefs by 21
Hurricanes vs Sharks
The Sharks have a reasonable record in their away matches in New Zealand, and looked excellent against the Highlanders last week, but you have to go back to 2010 for their last win in Wellington. It’s the New Zealand team that have done the most travelling in the last fortnight, though, and could feel the effects, but I think you still have to pick the home team here. Hurricanes by 6
How good were the Sharks in Dunedin? Wow! Fassi and Mapimpi scored some great tries as they dismantled the Highlanders and got my Superbru weekend off to the worst possible start. The Hurricanes also ensured that my weekend ended as it began with a win against the Jags. A tight one again, but I am backing the Hurricanes, too. Canes by 9
Brumbies vs Highlanders
The Brumbies are the only side to take maximum points from their opening two fixtures, and they’ll fancy their chances of winning their third home fixture in a row. Granted, the Highlanders should offer sterner opposition than the Reds and Rebels, but they were thrashed at home by the Sharks in their opening fixture, and I’m going with the home team here. Brumbies by 4
The Highlanders were woeful in their season opener while the Brumbies are yet to taste defeat. I am going with the home team also. Brumbies by 10
Lions vs Stormers
The Stormers have started the season in fine fashion, and are yet to concede a point after two matches. They are struggling a little with injuries, and the depth of their squad may be tested in the coming weeks, but they’ll be full of confidence going to Johannesburg and I think they are favourites to win. Stormers by 8
The Stormers produced yet another clean sheet to make it two in a row to start the season. Yes, they have a lot of injuries at the moment, but the Lions look a shadow of the team they once were. Stormers by 12
Jaguares vs Reds
The Reds have lost two from two, but the scorelines have been more respectable than anticipated, and they are third in the Australian conference thanks to two losing bonus points. I think they’ll be soundly beaten this weekend though with nearly 20,000km of travel under their belts. Jaguares by 16
The Jaguares will be kicking themselsves after two late tries cost them the match against the Canes. The Reds also lost a close one to the Lions. I reckon the Jags will claim a big win here. Jaguares by 24