Super Rugby: Predictions and fixtures for Round 6

Super Rugby’s Super Saturday is packed with fixtures this weekend. All four South African sides are in action on what should be an epic day of rugby.

The Lions have been rocked by an injury crisis, with a casualty list that includes Kwagga Smith, among others. The Stormers, meanwhile, could be bolstered by the return of Eben Etzebeth, but we’re not here to discuss team news.

No, as usual, it’s data and predictions we’re after.

As is the case every weekend, we’ve lined up the predictions for the weekend’s fixtures using two different data methods. First, for the winner and the score margin, data scientist David Scott provides an overview on his blog every week.

We also use the Rugby Pass Index (RPI) predictor to give a percentage chance of winning.

Fixture times are listed as GMT.

Blues v Highlanders

Friday, 6:35

Prediction: Highlanders

Margin: Four

RPI

Hurricanes v Stormers

Saturday, 6:35

Prediction: Hurricanes

Margin: 13

RPI

Waratahs v Crusaders

Saturday, 8:45

Prediction: Crusaders

Margin: 12

RPI

Sunwolves v Lions

Saturday, 12:55

Prediction: Lions

Margin: 15

RPI

Bulls v Chiefs

Saturday, 13:05

Prediction: Bulls

Margin: Three

RPI

Sharks v Rebels

Saturday, 15:15

Prediction: Sharks

Margin: Nine

RPI

Reds v Brumbies

Sunday, 5:05

Prediction: Brumbies

Margin: Three

RPI