Super 15 Rugby 2013 Round 20: Bold Predictions for Most Anticipated Contests

It’s the final chance for the Southern Hemisphere rugby elite to stake their claim for Super League glory. Round 20 brings the curtain down on a highly entertaining league stage that still hangs in the balance.

Everyone loves an upset, so here are a collection of bold predictions for the final round of fixtures before the real business starts with the sudden death playoffs.

 

Force vs. Brumbies

Venue: NIB Stadium, Perth, Australia

Date: July 13

Time: 7:45 a.m. ET

After 15 grueling matches, the ACT Brumbies sit just four points off the Super League summit, and a victory against Western Force could catapult them into an automatic semi-final spot.

Both sides pitted their skills against the British and Irish Lions recently. The Brumbies made history by beating the tourists 14-12 to become the first provincial team to beat them since 1997, whilst Western Force succumbed to a heavy 69-17 defeat.

So how are Western Force going to win this match? The Brumbies haven’t played since their Lions clash and have Aussie players returning who will be suffering from their Lions Test defeat.

According to ABC.net, coach Jake White has picked Colby Fainga'a ahead of George Smith at openside flanker. Smith took a big hit to the head during Australia’s third Test against the Lions but is expected to return for the knockout matches.

If Western Force can capitalise on any sloppy Brumbies play, maybe they can launch a major upset and force their Australian rivals to face the dreaded sudden death playoffs.

Prediction: Force will defy the odds and bring the Brumbies back down to earth. Five-point home win.

 

Sharks vs. Kings

Venue: Kings Park, Durban, South Africa

Date: July 13

Time: 11:05 a.m. ET

No one wants to finish last. Whilst the Southern Kings are condemned to being South Africa’s bottom side, which means a dreaded playoff for their Super League status, they can still usurp the Otago Highlanders and Western Force with a win if other results go their way.

Momentum is crucial ahead of their promotion/relegation play-off with the Golden Lions, and they will be looking to gain a much needed lift ahead of the two-legged clash.

The Natal Coastal Sharks are likely to be hurting after dramatically losing 20-19 to table-toppers Bulls last time out. Had fullback Riaan Viljoen converted a late penalty, this would have been a nailed on home win. But he missed, and with it went their outside wild-card hopes. Monumental mental strength is needed if they are going to be motivated for this dead rubber.

Unfortunately for the underdog fans among you, The Border Mail has reported the Kings have made 12 changes to rest the squad ahead of their playoff with the Lions.

Having said that, the reshuffle hands the impetus to the new faces to go out and seize a starting berth. It’s the perfect game for replacements to come into, so expect a shock.

Prediction: Kings’ new boys combine and claim a comfortable win by 12.

 

Stormers vs. Bulls

Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

Date: July 13

Time: 1:10 p.m. ET

This all-South African clash has real potential for an upset.

Yes, the Blue Bulls are seeking a 10th straight league win, but they were fortunate to emerge victors from their last clash against the Sharks. A win assures them first place and an automatic semi-final spot, whereas a defeat leaves them nervously waiting on results involving the Brumbies and Waikato Chiefs.

And what better motivation for the Western Stormers than the opportunity to knock their national counterparts out of the all-important top two on the final round of league fixtures? They’ve suffered an indifferent season, being impressive at home but poor on the road. A win would be the perfect way to signal their intent for challenging at the top next season.

Prediction: Stormers edge a thriller by a single point.

Who do you think will come out on top in Round 20? Will there be any major upsets? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.