It is time to dust off your beer goggles and rugby boots, grab your remote, book your tickets and kiss that special someone goodbye until 4th of August. The 2012 rendition of the best rugby tournament in the world kicks off tomorrow and I definitely don’t stand alone when waiting in anticipation. There is absolutely nothing like SupeRugby and the first week will not provide us with many unexpected results.

Blues v Saders
The kick off to SupeRugby 2012 will be epic, one side finalists in 2011 the other topping the conference. The battle for New Zealand domination starts from the get go and nobody would like to miss this one. The Blues reinforced with new signings (Nonu not playing and Weepu off the bench) and Saders laden with crucial injuries. This game will seem close for the majority of the game but I for one can’t help but feel the Saders midfield will be exposed with Ranger having a field day. Homeground advantage will be the difference. Blues by 6.

Brumbies v Force
In complete contradiction to the epic start provided by the Blues and Saders we have a game that will most probably not determine the champion of the Australian conference. The Force, still mourning the loss of Justin Bieber 2.0, will now have the David Pocock gund show to loof forward to and Brumbies finally came to the realisation that only players can coach them. Jake White rightfully employed the services of Gregan and Larkham and with that provided their fans with something to look forward to. The loss of O’Conner will be to much for the Force and the Brumbies should take this. Brumbies by 5

Bulls v Sharks
The season hasn’t even started and I’m already sick of ‘die blou bul weet nie van verloor af nie’. But I suspect that this season they will learn to ‘verloor’ and the popular song will soon be changed to accommodate the new found knowledge. The Bulls have a couple of young exciting players and everyone will be praying that the once feared Spies somehow remembers that he once was a formidable player. Unfortunately for Bulls fans the Sharks have Bismarck and that should be enough. Sharks by 8.

Chiefs v Highlanders
SBW, an abbreviation made famous in 2011. You either hate that you like him, or you like him. He is the emphasis of controversy and you never know what he will do next. He is just the pinnacle of a very exciting Chiefs backline, a backline that will surprise many defensive lines in 2012. The Highlanders are also no laughing matter and the likes of Thompson and Slade can diminish the hope of any side. This game will be very close but an exciting backline can only be effective with ball in hand but with the likes Thompson, that might just be a luxury the Chiefs won’t enjoy. Highlanders by 3.

Tahs v Reds
Undoubtable the game of the weekend. Somehow the Reds became one of the most exciting teams in SupeRugby and even though the criminal is injured, his replacement is no idiot. The Tahs on the other hand has never been a bad side and now acquired the services of Ashley-Cooper (the most underrated player in Australia) and Sarel Pretorius. This game will be full of exciting moments making it to the highlights reel with the Tahs coming through in the dying seconds of the game. Tahs by 5.

Stormers v Canes
The only non derby game this weekend will provide us with a lot of insite into the future of the Stormers. The Stormers of late have become famous for their formidable defense but they seem to lack an ability to put teams away. The Canes lost a lot of players during the off season the most influential being the young Aaron Cruden. The Quade Cooper of New Zealand rugby left and with it the hope of a successful season. My gut feeling says the Stormers should put a hefty margin between them and the Canes. Stormers by 12.

Lions v Cheetahs
The question is not whether or not there will be tries, the question is not whether or not we will witness an epic clash between two of the most admired fly halves in South Africa, the question is… Will there be supporter at the Stadium? A great Currie Cup campaign provided the Lions with the confidence and believe that this season will be the one where dreams come true. Those dreams will be shattered. The Lions have been unlucky in the past with crucial passes not going to hand and defensive lines found lacking and for the moment this will remain their Achilles heel. The first upset is on the cards. Cheetahs by 3.

Bye: Rebels

About the author:

Professional whistler, exotic plant impersonator, psychic talent identifier and has a supernatural knack for supporting chokers.

froners has written 26 posts on Wicket Maiden. Want more? Follow froners on Twitter.