Strap in to run home

There are two rounds left and there’s plenty to contend with on the Super Rugby ladder and our own tips panel.

Last week there were six winners across three panelists, but The Crowd and Tony missed out once.

This week seems to be a tougher round to sweep, with panel splits in two of the six games.

Christy Doran

Chiefs, Brumbies, Waratahs, Blues, Reds, Highlanders

There are two rounds left and we have some room to make up for The Crowd.

The Chiefs and Hurricanes will be dealt big blows.

The New Zealand Derby isn’t much better and the stakes are high, so brace yourselves. The Hurricanes can still finish top of the table and qualify for a home final if they keep up their wins.

But I chose Chiefs.

A week ago I didn’t think they were all that arrogant against the Rebels, but without Asafo Aumua, the Hurricanes aren’t nearly as strong up front and with the big games they win and lose games.

Additionally, the Chiefs’ defensive line is hot. It’s really hot. Five chiefs each.

The Rebels welcome back Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway and if I were Kevin Foote I would keep my guard up and try to get plenty out of the Brumbies’ scrums. This is the Brumbies’ weakness at the moment.

If you don’t have a true advantage in Scrum, you have no chance.

While Jake Strachan is a capable and versatile player, the Rebels’ offense has relied on Carter Gordon to pull the strings over the past two years.

His absence (concussion) may be telling.

Auckland’s Desperate People’s Dance between Moana Pasifika and the Waratahs. After Darren Coleman’s future was sorted out earlier this week, I will support the Waratahs to make a run for their coach.

The Crusaders have won just two matches all year and the Blues are top of the table. It has to be a cut and dry game, right? No, the Crusaders weren’t even a few miles off the pace, they simply missed the trim.

With Codie Taylor and Fergus Burke playing their second games of the year, the Crusaders should be even better.

But I would like to offer some advice, knowing that a win for the Blues would put them within an inch of topping the standings.

The Force is heading into the season. I think we need to win both games to be in the top eight.

Is that so?

I don’t think so. The Reds’ front row regrouped and two of their starting front rowers did not travel to Suva to suffer a last-gasp defeat to Drua.

The Reds win.

The Highlanders have lost a few key players but have grown slightly over the past month. Drua, on the other hand, is traumatized by being away from home.

Playing under a roof may help with their desire to throw the ball.

I don’t think there will be much going on between them.

Highlander, just.

Nick Wasiliev

Hurricanes, Brumbies, Moana Pacifica, Blues, Reds, Highlanders

The last two weeks are a time of crisis.

Considering the personnel changes from last week, it’s clear that the Canes were targeting this game to get a win.

They will fancy themselves against the Highlanders at home next week, but a win here would likely kill the Brumbies’ chances of leapfrogging them into second place and securing a home semi-final spot.

The Rebels will be a fresh, strong team against a Chiefs team that will have many questions.

The Brumbies should expect an ambush here. Given that the Rebels will likely be on the road for the rest of the season, they will be targeting this game. Canberra may not be a happy hunting ground, but you will sense opportunity.

The Brumbies’ Corey Toole (left) celebrates scoring with the Brumbies’ Ollie Sapsford (right) during the Round 1 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park on February 23, 2024. . , Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

We are planning to go to the home team, and it looks like it will be a more intense game than expected.

Am I? really Are you doing this? Honestly, yes. It’s not because of last year. I think the Tahs will have a mountain to climb to finish this season on a high level mentally. And then there’s the front row.

Despite not winning after eight rounds, Moana have performed well against Fiji and a weak Canes team and they will know that this game is their final roll of the dice on their improbable run to the finals.

The motivation was there and their team surprised me this year.

It’s all or nothing for the Crusaders now, and who else but the top of the Blues ladder will they face? It will be a great clash but the Blues will come home due to their immense depth.

The Force have a miserable record on the road, but they have a couple of wins in their time at Suncorp and with the final just around the corner they are in the best position among the chasing teams so they will have to give it their all in this match.

The Reds should be favorites to win the title. It’s all about momentum for them now and a win here will give them a valuable result in the final.

The Highlanders will be pleased with this season. This was a noticeable improvement and chased away some Kiwi demons. They undoubtedly have a good chance of making the final equation and will be helped by Drua’s terrible away record. Pidge, prove me wrong.

Hamish Bidwell

Chiefs, Brumbies, Moana Pacifica, Blues, Reds, Highlanders

A little coin toss. Although the Hurricanes are favored to win, Hamilton is not very happy with the Hurricanes in the hunt.

Probably a round match. I’d take the Brumbies narrowly.

It’s been a long and difficult season for Moana Pasifika. Please feel good about them being rewarded for their efforts.

It’s been another fun week in Christchurch, taking in Rob Penney’s live mic moments. Lots of blues.

It’s the second, potentially equal fight between Australian teams. I’m assuming the Reds will have too many classes.
I can’t see any other result other than a Highlanders win.

Tony Harper

Chiefs, Brumbies, Moana Pacifica, Blues, Reds, Highlanders

I’m sorry and embarrassed. It’s sour and sad. Yes, that person was Darren Coleman. But you know exactly what he’s going through as he collapses into the wooden spoon pose on The Roar tip panel.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been distracted by problems elsewhere. Like poor old DC has been particularly strained by injuries.

Jake Gordon attempted an early escape, Mosese Tuipulotu missed the coach’s Valentine’s Day card, and the coach punted.

At least DC stood up and was kind when the hard questions started. That’s more than can be said about C-bomb Crusader Rob Penney. Maybe the Tahs really are a coach killer.

Anyway, I don’t think either team can win this week. The Tahs should be able to do that but they are in such disarray that they think they are already on the beach, under snow or somewhere else to spend the final.

Opener ‘Joyride’ Barrett will lead the Canes closer to the Chiefs, but the unwavering stability of the team will give them the upper hand.

The Brumbies are chasing a top two finish and this is not going to stop them.

In the preview pod, Christy tipped Moana Pasifika, but lo and behold, that has changed. I am not like that person.

It’s going to be another bomb day for poor Penny against the Blues, the Reds will have plenty for the Force at home and Sunday’s arvo beer will taste sweet as we watch the Highlanders crack a cracker to win.