Do you have the kahunas?
Let the games begin! Honestly, I normally would have been more excited about the start of the Super Rugby competition.
However, with the Cricket World also starting this weekend, well, that excites me currently while the Proteas are still in, more. (Good luck guys with Valentine's day this year!)
AussieBoer is not going to pretend that he wins prediction competitions with predicting the winner and correct score; actually, I suck at that.
However, I will challenge you to 'put your balls on the guillotine' by leaving your predictions in the comments space. Do you have the kahunas?
There will as always be various reasons/excuses why some teams will fall away. Injuries, the draw, the refs and this year with resting of key test players for the 'holy grail', will have a massive affect.
New Zealand has their contract system spot on and will dictate how many games stars like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read etc will play.
SARU has come to an agreement with franchises (no key Bok player will play more than five consecutive weeks); however, AussieBoer doesn't think that is good enough.
The ARU has not yet spelled out their plan to rest key Wallabies.
Who will win the Super 15?
I'm no gambler, but, the mighty Crusaders, even if they are renowned as slow starters will always be in my predictions. They are just so professional, so passionate, so proud and have depth. The Waratahs, Chiefs and Brumbies would be my picks, unfortunately the competition doesn't work like that as there will be the conference winners in every country.
I don't think any South Africa side will win it. All teams have lost too much depth with players leaving for the Euro, Pound or a ride on the 'sushi train'.
AussieBoer's conference winner predictions:
* Down Under: Waratahs
* Across the ditch: Crusaders
* The Republic: Sharks
Winner: A NZ team!
Put your Balls on the Guillotine: Round One (my winners in bold)
Crusaders vs Rebels
Brumbies vs Reds
Lions vs Hurricanes
Blues vs Chiefs
Sharks vs Cheetahs
Bulls vs Stormers
Waratahs vs Force
PS: previously I took bets with readers about the outcome. I lost one against a Bulls fan and had to dress up in a Bulls jersey and sleeping shorts, make a poster and stand in the middle of Surfers Paradise and congratulate them. How embarrassing! (so glad it was the days before those ugly pink or cameo jerseys!
PPS: Good luck AB and the boys!
AussieBoer (Kevin D)
@rugby365com