Super Rugby Preview: Week 6

In light of our preview for week 5 being a bit too similar to that of that Stormers loving, douche bag Keo we have decided to do ours a little differently this week. Following in this same vain we promise that we won't include any wholly-unjustified praises of the no better than average Duane Vermuelen.

This weekend, as with all others, promises much entertaining rugby with the clear highlight being the Sharks Crusaders clash at Twickenham. This will be the first Super Rugby match to be played outside of the SANZAR nations and will be, in all likelihood, the most entertaining game of rugby to be played in the northern hemisphere this year. We have one match on Friday, five on Saturday and the one on Sunday.

Rebels vs Hurricanes (Melbourne)

The Hurricanes have failed to light up the competition thus far with their big guns, such as Nonu and Gear, either failing to perform or not being able to hit the paddock, respectively. Having said this, the Rebels are not averse to taking a good schilacking and in my mind its about time this side transformed themselves from a passing squall to a full on hurricane. This is the week for the 'Canes to show their minerals. The 'Canes all the way here!

Reds vs Cheetahs (Brisbane)

The Cheetahs have artfully been involved in each of the most boring games of a weekend this season. They've defended gainfully but against teams that won't necessarily drop every ball, like the Waratahs last week (most notably 'sevens-specialist' Pat McCutcheon), it won't quite be enough. The Reds have upped the tempo and played well against the Rebels last week producing their biggest ever win in Super Rugby. The Reds handling and running play will stretch the Cheetahs and they will struggle to keep their defence up for the full 80.

Chiefs vs Blues (Hamilton)

In my mind, this could be the most exciting game of the weekend! A barrage of exciting ball carriers will be on display in this game involving two teams that generally like to entertain. The Blues have looked impressive thus far and if Ranger is allowed some space he could be a man to watch. On the other side of the field, Richard Kahui, now fully fit, could have a massive impact with some cute off loads to release his electric outside combination. Expect some good expletives from 'Foxxy' and the boys from this game.

Brumbies v Waratahs (Canberra)

Neither of these teams are bringing much form into this one giving rise to Matt Giteau having dubbed it the "Clash of the Desperates". I'm sure thats not the only dubbing that goes on the Brumbies change room but we'll leave that for another time. The 'Tahs were nothing short of horrific last week and we expect a big improvement on Saturday. Giteau's Brumbies will offer some resistance but one feels that the Waratahs will have received a serious reeming and will come out firing.

Stormers vs Force (Cape Town)

The Stormers whilst not setting the world alight have manfully ground out 4 victories from 4 and this bodes well for when they really do start to play well. They top the combined log, but they are playing against a talented outfit from Perth. James O'Connor for me has been a stand out player in the competition thus far and he could pose some problems. But this game will be determined up front, the big boys for both teams will have to perform well at the breakdown and who ever wins that battle will win out at the end of the day! Lets not forget about Bash though, he has kicked masterfully thus far this season and the boots of both kickers may also be significant.

Bulls vs Lions

The second so-called Jukskei derby, named after a river no one has ever heard of, of the season and this time it is Pretoria's chance to play host. Rumours are abound of a number of Cardiothoracic surgeons being employed by the Bulls rugby union to cope with the predictably large number of heart attacks that will be inevitable at the boerewors, brandy and tension filled Loftus. It has also been said that this one will present the highest concentration of individuals with a BMI of over 40 in history. Health issues aside this one should prove entertaining and if weather permits we should see some good attacking recby.

Crusaders v Sharks

Whether being played in Christchurch, Durban or London this will still be a game played out on the paddock. The Crusaders have looked nothing short of exceptional and the Sharks have looked a bit dodgy in the last two weeks having suffered their first defeat of the season to the Chiefs last time out. With Lambie out injured the Sharks will look even less impressive on attack and may find retaining possession difficult without the ability to move up the field with ball in hand. Defence will be key for the Sharks as the Crusaders' backline has been scintillating. The Crusaders are bringing great form into this one and may prove a bit too much.