Darry Worthington previews the two Round 2 Super Rugby games which are being played on Friday, 07 February.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The opening round of Super Rugby did not disappoint with some major upsets – kudos to the Sunwolves – and some cracking performances from the big guns.
Round 2 is shaping up to be another cracker with Friday’s two fixtures looking mighty tantalizing.
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Highlanders v Sharks
Friday 7 February
Forsyth Barr
08:05
To Win (80 Mins)
Highlanders 9/20
Draw 25/1
Sharks 17/10
Sharks (+6.5) 9/10
The Highlanders, having enjoyed a bye in Round 1, will get their 2020 campaign underway with a rather tricky tie against a dangerous Sharks outfit.
The Natalians were rather impressive last weekend grounding out a 23-15 victory over a Morne Steyn-inspired Bulls side. While there were some issues for the men from KZN – their scrum struggled at times and a couple of their players were guilty of making repeat handling errors – head coach Sean Everitt will be pleased with their defensive display.
There was bad news for the visitors this week with Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi ruled out through injury. His place in the starting line-up will be taken by off-season recruit Madosh Tambwe.
The hosts have lost a handful of seasoned players during the off-season with All Blacks Ben Smith and Waisake Naholo having moved on to pastures new. They do have a strong forwards contingent, however, and this Friday’s setpiece battle should be one for the ages.
Verdict: Sharks (+6.5) 9/10
The Natalians did rather well on New Zealand shores last season and I’m predicting a dogged showing from them here. My money is firmly on the plus line.
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Brumbies v Rebels
Friday 7 February
GIO Stadium
10:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Brumbies 9/20
Draw 25/1
Rebels 17/10
Handicap
Brumbies (-6.5) 9/10
Rebels (+6.5) 9/10
We’ve got an Australia derby up next with the Brumbies taking on a Rebels side that will be still smarting from last Saturday’s upset defeat to the Sunwolves.
The hosts got their campaign off to a winning start beating the Queensland Reds 27-24. It was far from a polished performance, however, and the Brumbies brains trust will need to do a lot of work – particularly on the defensive side of things – if they are to compete for a spot in the play-offs.
While the Brumbies weren’t polished against the Reds, the Rebels were as dull as Stage 7 load shedding as they succumbed to a 36-27 defeat to the Sunwolves sides sans a number of their 2019 stars.
Verdict: Rebels
I’m expecting a massive backlash from the Rebels here. They are a well-coached side and last week’s horror show would have left head coach Dave Wessels seething.
