After going 4/6 in round 11, JUANDRE JOUBERT explains his Superbru picks for round 12 of Vodacom Super Rugby.
I had an indifferent round 11 after the Sharks got a vital win against the Waratahs, and the Stormers continued their dominance against the Vodacom Bulls at Newlands.
A couple of difficult picks await in round 12, here are the fixtures:
Super Rugby Round
We have a 7-game round coming up this weekend with the Crusaders kicking things off against the Sharks on Friday.
Looking at these fixtures, which are you most concerned about for your Superbru? ? pic.twitter.com/0EdpWMPY8g
— Superbru (@Superbru) May 1, 2019
My predictions:
Crusaders v Sharks
First up we have the Sharks travelling to Christchurch to take on the formidable Crusaders. The home side have again decided to rest a host of players, yet they look as strong as ever. The Sharks got a good win against the Tahs last time out, but I cannot see them getting close to the New Zealand team.
Crusaders by 27
Actual Result: Crusaders 21-21 Sharks (How wrong was I)
Reds v Sunwolves
The Sunwolves suffered their heaviest defeat of the season after going down 52-0 to the Highlanders at home last weekend. The Reds will be fresh after coming off a bye. Will the Sunwolves claim another victory on Australian soil? I don’t think so.
Reds by 14
Actual result: Reds 32-26 Sunvolwes (So close to a margin point)
Hurricanes v Rebels
The Hurricanes smashed the Chiefs thanks to a stellar performance from Jordie Barrett. The Rebels lost the Waratahs in round 10 before having a bye in round 11. I think they will push the Canes early on, but will run out of steam in the second half.
Hurricanes by 16
Highlanders v Chiefs
This is a very tough one to call, but the Chiefs are not the same the same without Damian McKenzie. They will also be missing Brodie Retallick, so I am giving this one to the home team.
Highlanders by 10
Brumbies v Blues
There is always at least one upset that throws away my GSP, this time I am picking that upset. The Blues did not pick Rieko Ioane, and that factor alone is why I am picking the Brumbies.
Brumbies by 6
Bulls v Waratahs
The Bulls looked awful against the Stormers at Newlands, yes the injuries did not help, but the way they lost makes this pick a lot more difficult than it should be. Rosko Specman and Cornal Hendricks are back for the Bulls and they would want impress coach Pote Human. The Waratahs haven’t won at Loftus in almost two decades, I think that will continue.
Bulls by 12
Jaguares v Stormers
If you are 6/6 at the time this clash kicks off, don’t get too comfortable about making it a perfect round. This one could go either way. The Jaguares defeated the Brumbies by five, while the Stormers claimed a one-point win against the Bulls. The Stormers are without Siya Kolisi and the influential Pieter-Steph du Toit. I think that gives the home side the edge.
Jaguares by 8
– Joubert is Highbury Media’s digital media manager, who has won the company’s Super Rugby Superbru pool for two years running.
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
