S14 Round Nine Predictions

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's shockers by our resident 'experts', we are hoping for a big weekend!

Johan Greyling now has a clear seven-point lead over second-placed John Granger, who has had his advantage over the chasing pack slashed dramatically.

Just three points now separate Granger from third place - held jointly by an ever-improving Rudolf Mehl, with Rob Peters and Phil Coetzer one point further back. Steve Farrell is also still hanging in there at 48 points.

However, for Jan de Koning and Hennie van Staden it is going to be a long season as they try avoiding propping up the bottom.

We are now well into the second half of the season and nobody can afford anymore shockers.

Closing the gap will remain a challenge as for the next three weeks two teams will have a bye - meaning there are only six games to score in!

Predictions for Week Nine:

Johan Greyling:
H'landers v Sharks - Sharks by 15
Crusaders v Lions -  Crusaders by 25
Blues v Brumbies -  Blues by 15
Force v Waratahs -  Tahs by 10
Stormers v Ch'tahs - Stormers by 15
Bulls v Hurricanes - Hurricanes 10

John Granger:
Highlanders v Sharks - Sharks by 10
Crusaders v Lions - Saders by 40
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 14
Force v Waratahs - Force by 7
Stormer v Cheetahs - Stormers by 7
Bulls v Hurricanes - Bulls by 10

Rudolf Mehl:
Highlanders v Sharks - Sharks by 11
Crusaders v Lions - Saders by 21
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 5
Force v Waratahs - Force by 7
Stormer v Cheetahs - Stormers by 7
Bulls v Hurricanes - Bulls by 5

Phil Coetzer (rugby365):
Highlanders v Sharks - Sharks by 10
Crusaders v Lions - Crusaders by 40
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 12
Force v Waratahs - Force by 8
Stormers v Cheetahs - Stormers by 10
Bulls v Hurricanes - Bulls by 5

Rob Peters (iafrica):
TBC

Steve Farrell (rugby365):
Highlanders v Sharks - Sharks by 18
Crusaders v Lions - Crusaders by 30
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 5
Force v Waratahs - Waratahs by 6
Stormers v Cheetahs - Stormers by 10
Bulls v Hurricanes - Hurricanes by 12

Jan de Koning (rugby365):
Highlanders v Sharks - Sharks by 20
Crusaders v Lions - Crusaders by 10
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 5
Force v Waratahs - Force by 5
Stormers v Cheetahs - Stormers by 20
Bulls v Hurricanes - Bulls by 15

Hennie van Staden:
H'landers v Sharks - Sharks by 7
Crusaders v Lions - Crusaders by 20
Blues v Brumbies - Blues by 7
Force v Waratahs - Force by 3
Stormers v Cheetahs - Stormers by 10
Bulls v Hurricanes - Bulls by 7