25 April 2019, by: Quintin van Jaarsveld

SUPER RUGBY PREDICTIONS – ROUND 11

Traditional rivals will write the next chapter in their storied history when the Stormers battle the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

In the other Super Rugby matches involving South African sides, the Lions face the unenviable task of taking on the Crusaders in Christchurch when they kick-off Round 11 in one of two fixtures on Friday, while the struggling Sharks start their tour obligations on Saturday in Parramatta, where the Waratahs lie in wait.

While the Lions looked like their old selves in their surprise win in Hamilton last Friday, they’re in for a rough ride in Christchurch. Beating the Crusaders in their own backyard has proven to be a near-impossible feat in recent years and the defending champions are in dominant form again this year. Add the fact that the Lions will be without star hooker Malcolm Marx and inform fullback Andries Coetzee and the visitors look to be in for a long 80 minutes.

Prediction: Crusaders by 25. (Suggested BET – Crusaders -21.5)

The Sunwolves pushed the ‘Canes close but succumbed to yet another home loss last weekend. It’s highly unlikely that they’ll break their home drought against the Highlanders as the Dunedin outfit were full value for their somewhat surprising win over the Blues. The 24-12 triumph was their first since Round Two, so they’ll be upbeat and will have the wind at their back for a change. They’ll soften up the Sunwolves upfront and make it back-to-back wins.

Prediction: Highlanders by 10. (Suggested BET – Highlanders -8.5)

The Hurricanes survived a big scare against the Sunwolves last weekend. It was an unconvincing performance by the men from Wellington, yet, the ability to win despite underperforming is the mark of a championship side. The ‘Canes have been the second-best team of the 2019 tournament and are back at home for what should be the most entertaining encounter of Round 11. The teams played to a 23-all draw in their first fixture and the loss to the Lions was the Chiefs’ first since that stalemate, so it should be closely-contested. Bank on the home team to come out on top.

Prediction: Hurricanes by 6. (Suggested BET – Chiefs +11.5)

Touring is never easy, but considering the Sharks’ shocking 2-4 win-loss record at home this season, escaping Durban is just what the doctor ordered for a star-studded side who’ve flattered to deceive once again. An upset isn’t out of the question – the Sharks have the players to spring a surprise – but whispers of discontent in the camp continue to grow louder and would explain their lack of cohesion. The Waratahs have their tails up after their crucial win over the Rebels and that confidence and momentum will see them subdue the Sharks.

Prediction: Waratahs by 10. (Suggested BET –  Waratahs -6.5)

South African sides have been rather lethargic after their off week this season, which will give the struggling Stormers a semblance of hope against not only the conference leaders but the team that handed them their biggest hiding of the season.

There’s nothing to suggest the Cape side will somehow manage to overturn the 40-3 Round One thumping this weekend, especially after the loss to the lowly Brumbies last weekend. While it probably won’t be as big of a blow out this time around, the Bulls will still come away comfortable winners.

Prediction: Bulls by 12. (Suggested BET – Bulls Win)

Last week’s bye came at a bad time for the Jaguares, stunting the momentum gained from their two big wins in South Africa (22-20 over the Bulls and 51-17 over the Sharks). That said, the Argentinians appear to have hit their straps and are always tough to beat at home. The Brumbies came away from Cape Town with a win but the Jaguares won’t make it nearly as easy as the Stormers did, quite the opposite in fact. The hosts are busy making a run at the play-offs and are poised to pick up a third straight win thanks to their brilliant back row and dangerous backs.

Prediction: Jaguares by 7. (Suggested BET – Jaguares -4.5)

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