Who's Playing Who?

Your weekly Megatips are here! The NRL has been hit by Origin for the second time this year, and as the top 7 teams are in action this round, many clubs are going to be fielding depleted sides. Plenty of rookies will be getting their chance this round. For the AFL, it’s business as usual on the field, but we’re perhaps in the strange position that there is an even chance the Gold Coast might win? The Super Rugby is nearly at the finals stage- make sure you read David’s Top 6 preview before you put your tips in this week. Let’s get into it…

Standings

Match of the Round Previews

NRL

Warriors v Tigers

Matt says…”This may not be the best game available on paper, but neither side is impacted by Origin, and as a result this is probably the most interesting clash. Both sides were scrappy last week, with the Tigers grabbing a golden point win at Leichhardt over the Knights, while the Warriors were unlucky to go down to the Roosters. The Tigers have lost winger Lote Tuqiri, who lasted just 4 minutes in his return from a broken arm, but have Wade McKinnon back. If they are to win their forwards will need to go forward more than they did last week, which won’t be an easy task against a big Warriors pack. The Warriors will be looking to exploit the Tigers supposed weakness in the middle of the field, and let Feliti Mateo work his magic on the edges, something which the Tigers struggled to deal with when Mateo was at Parra. Interesting stat, Benji Marshall has never won in Auckland, but I’m tipping that to change this week, unfortunately only Adrian agrees with me….”

AFL

Geelong v Hawthorn

The Phantom says…“Another sensational game! These two sides, along with Collingwood, are the form teams of the competition. Both sides welcome back star players, with Buddy Franklin returning for the Hawks, while Chappy comes back in for Geelong. This is an interesting game to tip. The majority of the money is on the Cats, but I’m backing Hawthorn to be the first side to beat Geelong this year.”

Super Rugby

Crusaders v Blues + Stormers v Bulls

David Shipton says… “So it’s not just one match of the round… both these games look great! The first is the game that will decide the New Zealand conference, and it is shaping up to be a cracker. Both teams have had a great start to the year but have slipped a little in recent weeks. They are both renowned for their attacking prowess, but I’m picking that best defence will win this game. The Crusaders are generally good in these games, and generally hit good form this time of year. This should be a great game, but I think that the Crusaders will take this out by 12 points. My other is between the Stormers and Bulls. Another huge game in the context of the playoff race, with the Stormers second on the log and the Bulls lying in sixth position. Both will be looking to win to further their positions in the top 6. Both teams are hitting form at the right end of the competition. They have big packs and classy backlines, but this will come down to a battle of attrition. The Stormers, though, have the better defence and their attack is beginning to function well. On the other hand, the Bulls are getting their mojo back. For me, I’m going to pick the Stormers to take this one out by 12 points or less. “

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Matt

NRL

Dragons vs Titans
Eagles vs Cowboys
Broncos vs Raiders
Warriors vs Tigers
Storm vs Roosters

AFL

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs West Coast
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Geelong vs Hawthorn
Carlton vs Brisbane
Sydney vs Richmond
Fremantle vs Essendon
Melbourne vs Collingwood

Super Rugby

Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Rebels
Crusaders vs Blues
Waratahs vs Highlanders
Force vs Reds
Lions vs Sharks
Stormers vs Bulls

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Adrian

NRL

Dragons vs Titans
Eagles vs Cowboys
Broncos vs Raiders
Warriors vs Tigers
Storm vs Roosters

AFL

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs West Coast
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Geelong vs Hawthorn
Carlton vs Brisbane
Sydney vs Richmond
Fremantle vs Essendon
Melbourne vs Collingwood

Super Rugby

Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Rebels
Crusaders vs Blues
Waratahs vs Highlanders
Force vs Reds
Lions vs Sharks
Stormers vs Bulls

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The Phantom

NRL

Dragons vs Titans
Eagles vs Cowboys
Broncos vs Raiders
Warriors vs Tigers
Storm vs Roosters

AFL

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs West Coast
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Geelong vs Hawthorn
Carlton vs Brisbane
Sydney vs Richmond
Fremantle vs Essendon
Melbourne vs Collingwood

Super Rugby

Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Rebels
Crusaders vs Blues
Waratahs vs Highlanders
Force vs Reds
Lions vs Sharks
Stormers vs Bulls

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Tomo

NRL

Dragons vs Titans
Eagles vs Cowboys
Broncos vs Raiders
Warriors vs Tigers
Storm vs Roosters

AFL

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs West Coast
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Geelong vs Hawthorn
Carlton vs Brisbane
Sydney vs Richmond
Fremantle vs Essendon
Melbourne vs Collingwood

Super Rugby

Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Rebels
Crusaders vs Blues
Waratahs vs Highlanders
Force vs Reds
Lions vs Sharks
Stormers vs Bulls

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David

NRL

Dragons vs Titans
Eagles vs Cowboys
Broncos vs Raiders
Warriors vs Tigers
Storm vs Roosters

AFL

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs West Coast
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Geelong vs Hawthorn
Carlton vs Brisbane
Sydney vs Richmond
Fremantle vs Essendon
Melbourne vs Collingwood

Super Rugby

Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Rebels
Crusaders vs Blues
Waratahs vs Highlanders
Force vs Reds
Lions vs Sharks
Stormers vs Bulls

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