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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
wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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