SuperSport’s Phaka show host Kaunda Ntunja gives us his predictions for Round 9 of Super Rugby! View his picks below, and get your bets on with Hollywoodbets!
Crusaders vs Highlanders
Crusaders (-14.5)
Highlanders (+14.5)
Crusaders are the best team in the competition and beating them at home is a mountain that will be too high to climb. Over and above that, the Highlanders still don’t have Aaron Smith in their lineup.
Phaka Prediction:
Crusaders to win by 10 points.
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Rebels vs Stormers
Rebels (-12.5)
Stormers (+12.5)
The Rebels are the form team in Australia right now and the Stormers are missing a number of key Springboks to the point that they had to give Steven Kitshoff the captaincy. I don’t see the Stormers winning this one at all.
Phaka Prediction:
Rebels to win by 12 points.
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Chiefs vs Blues
Chiefs (-4.5)
Blues (+4.5)
The Chiefs will be relieved to have Brodie Retallick back for this one as the Blues have hit some serious form. This is going to be very tough to call so, therefore, I will go for the home side.
Phaka Prediction:
Chiefs to win by 5 points.
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Brumbies vs Lions
Brumbies (-2.5)
Lions (+2.5)
At the time of my prediction, the Brumbies team hadn’t been named yet but I am impressed by the balance of the Lions team as compared to the teams that Swys de Bruin has been picking in the last few weeks. I see that the Lions also have a very strong bench as well. So regardless of whatever team the Brumbies pick, I am going for the Lions.
Phaka Prediction:
Lions to win by 3 points.
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Sharks vs Jaguares
Sharks (-7.5)
Jaguares (+7.5)
Curwin Bosch was outstanding last week and has been rewarded with another starting berth even though I would still prefer to see him at flyhalf. Beast and Coenie have been rested but that won’t affect the outcome a lot because the Jaguares scrum is very poor. Interesting to see that Jean-Luc du Preez is on the bench and could make his first appearance of the season. Sharks will be too strong for the Argentinians but they won’t go down without a fight especially after beating the Bulls last week at Loftus.
Phaka Prediction:
Sharks to win by 8 points.
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6. Bulls vs Reds
Bulls (-15.5)
Reds (+15.5)
Warrick Gelant is back! This is huge for the Bulls as he was the missing piece in their puzzle which led to their drop in form. Duane Vermeulen has been rested and that will be a relief for the Reds. I expect this game to be closer than what many expect it to be.
Phaka Prediction:
Bulls to win by 6 points.
