sharkbok
Captain23,295 posts
sharkbokCaptain23,295 posts
25 May 2014, 06:33#2
The top 9 ranked teams are the pretty much the remaining contenders, and for all other lower teams it is now pretty much game over.However as to the final log rankings, i t is now local derbies with a national call up- so anything can happen.
After an Amazing Tour with 3 out of 4 wins, the Sharks sit at number 1!Still most of the remaining games in SA are away. The Sharks pack is looking great, and soon Lambie is going to be back at flyhalf. A 10-12 combination of Lambie and Steyn will be dangerous. The Bulls and Stormers are looking dangerous at home. The Cheetas and Lions are starting to fall apart.
Waratahs are clearly the form OZ team, but the Brumbies could get back into the picture. The Warratahs have a history of falling apart at the business end of the tournament. Force are the average Joe's high performance team with a great defense, but are they going to fall apart at any moment?
For New Zealand, the Crusaders are clearly the favourites, even after getting slapped around at home by the Sharks. The Chiefs forward pack looks too weak this season, but maybe they will click. The Blues are game over, but the Highlanders are stlll dangerous.The Hurricanes forward pack started the season of terribly, but now get stronger every match- even the set pieces are pretty good. Given it is local derbies this team is going to be very dangerous where they can avoid the set piece most of the time.
The Bulls are picking up form and looking like they are going to score a four try bonus point in all remaining home games. They are not going to worry about what other teams do, and just think about winning their own games. Like many times before they can do it. Like the Crusaders, they peak at the end of the tournament.
The Sharks have proved they can beat any team, anywhere and anyplace. Although local derbies away from home can be a great evener. The Stormers are looking to be the most dangerous opponent at this late stage of the tournament. They have nothing to lose, and their players are trying to get Bok call ups and secure their SuperXV status for next year.
