Predictions: Super Rugby Qualifiers


It is that time of the week when we put our heads on the chopping block with Planet Rugby's predictions.

We're all about Super Rugby this weekend as the quarter-finals arrive and the competition moves up a gear as those in the top eight spots of the table fight it out for a place in the last four. On form it's looking like two New Zealand and two South African sides progressing.

Home advantage could be key but in the opening qualifier we just think the Hurricanes will have too much talent to go down to the Brumbies.

Without further ado, here's our picks.

Crusaders v Highlanders

The rain could play a factor in this one but even if it was glorious sunshine we wouldn't expect anything other than a close-fought clash.

Their recent two meetings have been separated by three points and it should be another tight one on Saturday with talent aplenty on both sides. The Crusaders are boosted by the return of their All Black front-row after their week off in the last round, which may prove vital.

But don't write off the Highlanders who will not die wondering in what could well be Malakai Fekitoa's last game in blue. Crusaders by 5.

Stormers v Chiefs

What a game it was between these two sides earlier in the campaign as it produced arguably two of the tries of the season from Toni Pulu and SP Marais. Let's hope for more of the same in Cape Town and in case you need a refresher or want to watch again, here's that fixture.

The Stormers are riding high on confidence right now and should come out on top if they keep a cool head amid all the madness of knockout rugby. There's plenty of emotion on the line for the Chiefs too though as several of their players and coach Dave Rennie could be signing off at Newlands. They will be desperate for that not to be the case but we just feel it's the hosts who will edge this. Stormers by four.

Other Super Rugby predictions:

Brumbies v Hurricanes: Hurricanes by 12
Lions v Sharks: Lions by 15

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