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Super Rugby 2019: Predictions for the opening weekend

Chiefs v Highlanders

Super Rugby predictions have evolved. With data becoming more prevalent in sports performance, why shouldn’t the armchair pundits have a crack at it, too?

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Lucky for you, there are people far smarter than us laymen who spend their time crunching numbers so we don’t have to. One of those people is Doctor David Scott, a man who has held positions like President of the New Zealand Statistical Association.

While he doesn’t give the exact scoreline, he does offer the points difference and a winner.

Using that data as well as the very useful Rugby Pass Index, we thought we’d help you out with a few predictions ahead of this weekend’s crunch clashes. Keep in mind, some of these forecasts came before squad announcements, including the news that the Sharks will be without Curwin Bosch.

Across the board, all data points to the Bulls v Stormers game being the tightest call of the weekend, the home ground advantage and the unrest in the Stormers’ camp probably gives the Bulls just the slightest of edges.

The easiest call – and likely to be the biggest win margin – is the Blues v Crusaders match. But you knew that already, didn’t you?

Chiefs v Highlanders – Friday 15 February

Likely winner: Chiefs
Points difference: 8

Brumbies v Rebels – Friday 15 February

Likely winner: Brumbies
Points difference: 10-12

Blues v Crusaders – Saturday 16 February

Likely winner: Crusaders
Points difference: 17 – 20

Waratahs v Hurricanes – Saturday 16 February

Likely winner: Hurricanes
Points difference: 3-5

Sunwolves v Sharks – Saturday 16 February

Likely winner: Sharks
Points difference: 12 – 15

Bulls v Stormers – Saturday 16 February

Likely winner: Bulls
Points difference: 3

Jaguares v Lions – Saturday 16 February

Likely winner: Lions
Points difference: 5

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Nickers 30 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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