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Super Rugby 2019: Predictions for the opening weekend
By Online Editors
Super Rugby predictions have evolved. With data becoming more prevalent in sports performance, why shouldn't the armchair pundits have a crack at it, too?
Lucky for you, there are people far smarter than us laymen who spend their time crunching numbers so we don't have to. One of those people is Doctor David Scott, a man who has held positions like President of the New Zealand Statistical Association.
While he doesn't give the exact scoreline, he does offer the points difference and a winner.
Using that data as well as the very useful Rugby Pass Index, we thought we'd help you out with a few predictions ahead of this weekend's crunch clashes. Keep in mind, some of these forecasts came before squad announcements, including the news that the Sharks will be without Curwin Bosch.
Across the board, all data points to the Bulls v Stormers game being the tightest call of the weekend, the home ground advantage and the unrest in the Stormers' camp probably gives the Bulls just the slightest of edges.
The easiest call - and likely to be the biggest win margin - is the Blues v Crusaders match. But you knew that already, didn't you?
Chiefs v Highlanders - Friday 15 February
Likely winner: Chiefs
Points difference: 8
Brumbies v Rebels - Friday 15 February
Likely winner: Brumbies
Points difference: 10-12
Blues v Crusaders - Saturday 16 February
Likely winner: Crusaders
Points difference: 17 – 20
Waratahs v Hurricanes - Saturday 16 February
Likely winner: Hurricanes
Points difference: 3-5
Sunwolves v Sharks - Saturday 16 February
Likely winner: Sharks
Points difference: 12 – 15
Bulls v Stormers - Saturday 16 February
Likely winner: Bulls
Points difference: 3
Jaguares v Lions - Saturday 16 February
Likely winner: Lions
Points difference: 5
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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