rugby_lord says...

This year either the Stormers or Chiefs will win. Playing the Bulls will be physically demanding and then the Stormers half way around the world and if the Crusaders beat Stormers, again have to travel half way around the world to play a Chiefs side who they barely beat the last time. Even by some miracle Reds beat the Chiefs, Reds will retain the title as they also gave the Crusaders a hell of a time in Christchurch. But if the Stormers beat the Crusaders, they will win the title. Good games ahead.

Posted 09:51 16th July 2012

Dangerous says...

Right... I see... Crusader v stormers and reds v chiefs. How does that sound? Then I'm gonna go totally against the grain and say chiefs v crusaders final in Hamilton. Is that possible?

Posted 17:58 15th July 2012

letsgoboks says...

jonesy2 - why is it unjust? They didnt do well enough.... Whats unjust is the sharks and bulls being forced to travel from SA to accomodate a reds team.

Posted 13:47 15th July 2012

Wallaroo says...

@jonesy2 explain how 2 teams on 59 points being ahead of teams on 58 and 57 points is unjust? Hahahaha you can't, can you dumbo.

Posted 13:04 15th July 2012

muziwn says...

I agree with every1 bwt the current conference system ensures the aussies that no matter how mediocre their teams are they jst need 2 ensure they win their conference n they are guaranteed a play off spot n they get homer advantage. In the old system it would've been the stormers vs the bulls and the chiefs vs the crusaders. There would be no aussie representatives and looking back in the last 5 years there has been only 2 aussie teams that have made it to the final being the tahs in 08 n the reds last year of which the last time an aussie team won the super rugby title b4 the reds was

Posted 12:08 15th July 2012

Lele says...

Reds will be considered higher ranked than crusaders/sharks/bulls because they topped aussie conference? Or it will be counted their points at the end of the regular season?

Posted 07:31 15th July 2012

bloemboy says...

The Bulls have a massive job if they want to make the semi's. They are a side that know how to win in these circumstances, and if it had been anyone but the Crusaders, I would have had money on them making it. Not to be this time as the Bulls are looking a little scratchy and have a major problem with Steyn in woeful form. At the other end the Crusaders are coming good at exactly the right time and could make the final.

The Reds v Sharks is harder to call as it depends on who turns up on the day. The Sharks are irrisistable when in the mood, and pedestrian when not. If the team that tackled the Bulls a week ago turns up, heaven help the Reds.

So the 2 winners this week will be Sharks and Crusaders and the finalists likely to be Crusaders v Sharks with the title back in NZ. My heart would love to see a saffa side take it, but reality will prevail.

Posted 06:45 15th July 2012

startledwombat says...

If it wasn't for the protected places offered by the "top team from each conference" rule, it would have been:

Crusaders vs Sharks

Reds vs Bulls

Nice to see the Aussie teams punching above their weight.

Posted 05:45 15th July 2012

Terry_English says...

So much depends on the Sharks vs Reds, because I cannot see The Bulls beating a full-strength Crusaders side. If Reds win then Stormers vs Crusaders and Chiefs vs Reds. For a side that was sixth on the points table the Reds have got the easiest run in terms of travel. Home, Chiefs, Cape Town or Home. If it is the later then the Reds will have done no more than 7 hours travelling. Only the Stormers are better off but they may play the Crusaders in the semi.

The system hugely favours Australians sides. It did last year and is favouring them again this year. I just hope that the Sharks can pull off a victory at Suncorp.

Posted 03:14 15th July 2012

hellovanite says...

the sharks will beat the reds, semis = sharks vs. chiefs and stomers vs. crusaders = chiefs vs. crusaders final = chiefs 2012 winner

Posted 02:05 15th July 2012