***2010 Super 14***


I'm going to use last years thread and turn it into the Super 14 thread.

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Super 14 starts in less than a week (Friday 13th). Does anyone follow it here?
I usually watch every game that gets played in NZ and Aus on tv.

I go for the Brumbies. I think this year they'll finish top 6 but will struggle to make the top 4, unless they get lucky with few injuries.
My prediction is that the Waratahs will win it this year. The Crusaders should still make the top 4 but without Carter and Deans I don't think they will win again.


If there is enough interest we could do a Fantasy Rugby competition at http://www.testrugby.com/ I've been doing it there for the last 3 years, it's really good and fun.

I have to admit I dislike rugby being played in summer a whole lot. However, i'll probably watch the odd game if i've got nothing better to do.

Hurricanes to win it if they get a home final. Otherwise it might be the Sharks.

Pretty good start with some close games

How many of the games are broadcast in HD in Aus and NZ and on which channels?

And are you receiving any games from SA in HD?

Ours and Aussie games are on SKY TV over here in HD. I dunno about the South African games as I don't stay up for those.

Pretty decent start, all things told. Crusaders looked patchy but again proved they get it done in the tight moments. When the Blues get a full-strength side out they'll be a tough test.

New season is upon us. What are everyone's predictions.
My top 4 in no order:
Brumbies
Bulls
Crusaders
Hurricanes

How about that weekend of scores. Chiefs 72 - Lions 65 ... close game .

Bulls are looking mighty impressive at the moment. Rocky Elsom had a very good game.

One thing I'm worried about (being a non-chiefs supporter) is that the Chiefs are winning their early games. Usually they're pretty bad early in the season and come really good by the end; so if they are already winning then they could get really good by the end of the season.

I was so incredibly happy when the Brumbies beat the Stormers, they really needed that win. I just hope this season the Brumbies don't miss out on the finals again this year because of a lack of bonus points, which has pretty much been the case for the last 5 years.

Bulls are looking like the favorites, although we'll have to see how they perform on the road.

Someone else post in this thread please.

Brumbies? They're your team aren't they....

In all fairness I haven't watched a game, and I don't feel like I'm likely to, but I'll go:

Bulls, Hurricanes, Chiefs, Crusaders (as the top 4 is now). No one else looks likely at this stage.

Yeah, Brumbies are my team. They got incredible pre-season hype in Australia with the signing of Giteau and Elsom and to a lesser extent Josh Valentine and Justin Harrison. So much so that there was some talk in the papers saying that the season will be a failure if they don't win it or make the final, and calling them the Real Madrid of Australian rugby.

With the Brumbies SA tour done and 2 wins from 3, and 7 out of the remaining 10 games at home, they're looking pretty good... they just have to get some bonus points.

Chiefs are looking very good. It was hard leaving them out of my top 4, but at the moment it looks like they'll make it. The other 3 teams we put in our top 4 are going well, especially the Bulls.

So Deano are you more of a casual rugby follower or is it mainly that it's still warm and doesn't feel like footy season? The games have been really good atm with the new law interpretations. What team do you go for?

I live in Auckland but I'm a Chiefs fan. I actually don't have any idea why....I just don't care for the Blues. A work-mate supports the Chiefs and I like their style and a lot of their players, so I'm in their camp. Then I support Auckland in the national competition, so go figure.

I used to be a rugby nut - I played the game until I was 17 and it was my No.1 sport but now I've fallen out of love with it. I love my rugby league, I just find it so much more entertaining. To be fair I always enjoy watching the All Blacks, but other than that I just don't get into it too much. But yeah, a little bit of the fact it's still beautiful sunny weather - not time for rugby!

I'll probably get into it a bit more once cricket season finishes, although then the NRL will be in full swing.

Still think the Crusaders will win it again - too much class with Carter, McCaw etc. I think you need to have a quality No.10 to win a competition and the Chiefs don't have that (I know Donald is an All Black but he's not world-class).

Cheifs with their trademark late push, for sure.

Fantasy rugby is a lot of fun. I haven't played it since '02-'03, but it used to be great.