Rugby: All Blacks, Otago and others

It is a big weekend for fans of the oval ball. Four big games on the domestic scene and the four quarterfinals to view in the Rugby World Cup. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at who is going to win in the 640 plus minutes of action.

 

Game 1

ITM Cup Premiership semifinal
Auckland v Tasman

Sky Sport 1, today, 7.35pm

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland.

The oil: Two teams who have plenty of ball-running talent and can score tries from anywhere. Auckland have been grinding out results of late while Tasman lost three in a row before bouncing back with a nice win last week.

Key men: first five-eighth Marty Banks (Tasman), No 8 Akira Ioane (Auckland).

Who we should back: Tasman - they come from the South Island, they have plenty of Highlanders, and they are not Auckland.

Prediction: Auckland 32-25.

 

Game 2

ITM Cup Championship semifinal
Hawkes Bay v Bay of Plenty

Sky Sport 1, 2.35pm tomorrow

Venue: McLean Park, Napier.

The oil: Hawkes Bay lost the Ranfurly Shield last week so will have plenty to play for. They have depth all over the paddock and should be too good for Bay of Plenty which started the season well but has rather lost its way and only won four games.

Key men: Hooker Ash Dixon (Hawkes Bay), flanker Johan Bardoul (Bay of Plenty).

Who we should back: Hard to pick but Bay of Plenty is a nice spot. Lisa Carrington comes from there and Kane Williamson. Two top New Zealanders. Mind you so does Phil Rudd.

Prediction: Hawkes Bay 28-15.

 

Game 3

ITM Cup Premiership semifinal
Canterbury v Taranaki

Sky Sport 1, 5.05pm tomorrow

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch.

The oil: Yawn, life does get boring sometimes. Canterbury looks as powerful as ever and seems destined to win the whole thing. Will be motivated having dipped out last year following a six-year reign. Taranaki will be buoyed by a win in Christchurch a few weeks back - its first there for more than 50 years.

Key men: halfback Mitchell Drummond (Canterbury), midfield back Charlie Ngatai (Taranaki).

Who we should back: Perhaps the lesser of two evils. The empire just up the road or money bags Taranaki, who plead grass roots, yet ship in players from everywhere. Maybe the red and blacks.

Prediction: Canterbury 32-15.

 

Game 4

ITM Cup Championship semifinal
Wellington v Otago

Sky Sport 1, 7.35pm tomorrow

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

The oil: Wellington burst out of the blocks but got the speed wobbles, especially at home. Has plenty of class although some holes in key areas. Otago is scoring big, but is also leaking some points and will have to be strong in defence.

Key men: loose forward Ardie Savea (Wellington), lock Tom Franklin (Otago).

Who we should back: Otago, of course.

Prediction: Otago 28-21.

 

Game 5

Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
Wales v South Africa

Sky Sport 1, 4am Sunday; delayed on Prime from 5.30am

Venue: Twickenham, London. The oil: Springboks will bring their power game and will try to grind their way to victory. The Welsh have injury problems but a good squad spirit. The Welsh attack is about as hot as a night in Swansea in February.

Key men: flanker Sam Warburton (Wales), first five-eighth Handre Pollard (South Africa).

Who we should back: Everyone loves an underdog. But Welsh coach Warren Gatland does come from Waikato.

Prediction: Springboks 31-13.

 

Game 6

Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
All Blacks v France

Sky Sport 1, Prime, 8am Sunday

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The oil: Enough written, said and discussed about this game.

Key men: No 8 Kieran Read (All Blacks), flanker Thierry Dusautoir (France).

Who we should back: not going to answer that question.

Prediction: 21-12 All Blacks.

 

Game 7

Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
Ireland v Argentina

Sky Sport 1, Prime, 1am Monday

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Monday, 1am.

The oil: Everyone loves Ireland, but what about our friends from Argentina? They have brought us Maradona, Evita and Pope Francis. The Irish have U2, George Best and James Joyce. But can they explain The Corrs, Mrs Brown's Boys and Riverdance?

Key men: halfback Connor Murray (Ireland), hooker Agustin Creevy (Argentina).

Who we should back: Suppose you have to back one northern hemisphere nation.

Prediction: Ireland 18-9.

 

Game 8

Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
Australia v Scotland

Sky Sport 1, 4am Monday, delayed on Prime from 5.30am

Venue: Twickenham, London.

The oil: Australians are peaking nicely although is it illegal to actually play a good game against them at this tournament? Scotland are gutsy but are rather the ugly sister at this ball.

Key men: flanker Michael Hooper (Australia), halfback Greig Laidlaw (Scotland).

Who we should back: Scotland will have to be brave to get this win. But really, how much calmer would everyone be on this side of the Tasman if Scotland caused an upset?

Prediction: Australia 25-9.

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