Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

By Ron Wood

A quick look at this week’s games beginning with a very interesting round of Super Rugby. All the Aussies sides are up against all the Kiwi sides in what will be an intriguing round of matches. The first game on Friday night has the Crusaders at home against the Rebels, who have won their last three outings. On the other hand, the Crusaders have one win to show for their eight matches so far. I’m going to back the Rebels to win this one even though it’s across the Ditch. The Waratahs are at home to the Chiefs in the late game on Friday. The Chiefs' form has been somewhat indifferent and you never know just what the Tahs will produce on any given day. I think the Chiefs can win this one. The Drua and the Moana have the first game on Saturday and I’ll go with the Drua here. The Brumbies and the high-flying Hurricanes have the Saturday afternoon game in Canberra. I’d love to see the Brumbies win this one but I have to lean towards the Hurricanes. The Highlanders at home to the Force will be a close one. However, I think the Highlanders will get the points. The Reds have had the wobbles a bit lately while the Blues have only dropped one game all year. I’ll tip The Blues to win even at the Reds home. My Tips: Rebels, Chiefs, Drua, Hurricanes, Highlanders, Blues.

The Rogue has tipped eight from eight to start the season locally, but this week there are a few games that could go either way. Bowral are home to University and should win this comfortably. Bowral to Win. Camden play Shamrocks at Camden Rugby Park, and it’s hard to get a line on this one. In total contrast so far this year, Camden have two wins over Vikings and Tech Waratahs, while Shamrocks have gone down to Shoalhaven and Kiama. I think Camden can keep the momentum going for at least another week. Camden to Win. Vikings will be confident to register their first win of the season at home over Tech Waratahs. I think they can get the points. Vikings to Win. Match of the Round will be at Kiama as the cows look for their third win on the trot. Campbelltown are one and one so far and put in a strong effort against the reigning Premiers last week in Nowra. I think that Kiama may just have more strike power than the Harlequins and get the win, but not without a battle. Kiama to Win.   

Rugby Diary

Saturday May 4th 2024       IDRU Premiership Round 4

                                                Shoalhaven V University    

                                                Campbelltown V Camden

                                                Shamrocks V Vikings

                                                Tech Waratahs V Bowral

Kiama - Bye