The Super Rugby season is really heating up as we enter the middle period of the season, and no team has really put their hand up as the clear frontrunner, which is quite an exciting prospect for Super Rugby fans.
A huge weekend of big-time bouts awaits, so let’s dive into another set of previews and best bets.
The Force are coming off their third loss of the season to the Highlanders this past weekend, but there is no doubt the performance they put together was solid. For the Hurricanes, they make the trip back home after what was a statement victory over a good Waratahs side, winning by 40 points on the road.
When looking at the team lists, the Hurricanes, while rotating in some spots, remain one of the strongest sides on paper this round and they continue to flex their muscle in regards to their depth. With their star-studded backline in place, they also have ridiculous talent off the bench, with Asafo Aumua, Ruben Love and Riley Higgins all set to provide impact. With all that talent combined, the Hurricanes should be able to win this one comfortably.
Best: Hurricanes -20.5 @ $1.90
Next: Hurricanes total points over 39.5 @ $1.90
Tryscorer: Bailyn Sullivan @ $1.75
SGM: Hurricanes -20.5/Over 58.5 total points/Bailyn Sullivan anytime tryscorer @ $3.97
The Fijian Drua are coming off a well earned bye week after what was a historic win over the Hurricanes in Lautoka about a fortnight ago. For the Brumbies, they have just endured their first loss of the season, as they were beaten at the death by the Reds, which will leave a sour taste in their mouths.
It is always a tall task going to Fiji and beating the Drua. They have made their home ground somewhat of a fortress and have produced some major upsets on their home turf in front of outstanding crowds. This week though, I think the Brumbies can get the job done regardless of them coming off a loss and the Drua being well rested after their bye week. If the Brumbies are as good as we think they are, having a two game skid at this point of the season cannot be on the cards.
Best: Brumbies -2.5 @ $1.95
Next: Brumbies 1 – 12 @ $3.00
Tryscorer: Andy Muirhead @ $2.02
SGM: Brumbies -2.5/Over 58.5 total points/Andy Muirhead anytime tryscorer @ $4.69
The second edition of the Southern Derby comes sooner than many would expect, with these sides having clashed for the first time only four weeks ago. The question is how has the landscape changed for both of these outfits, as between them three wins from eight games combined does not bode well for the South Island teams to start the season. For the Highlanders, they are coming off a win, but an unconvincing one against the Force, while the Crusaders, after seemingly turning a corner, were obliterated by the Blues at Eden Park.
Both teams are coming into this one leaving nothing to question, rolling out just about full strength sides as it could certainly be a momentum shifting game for both teams’ seasons. I am expecting this to be free flowing footy, with both sides looking to make statements. We should see plenty of points on offer, but I would still expect it to be a close game when it is all said and done.
Best: Over 54.5 total points @ $1.90
Next: Highlanders +9.5 @ $1.90
Tryscorer: Codie Taylor @ $2.10
SGM: Over 54.5 total points/Caleb Tangitau anytime tryscorer/Codie Taylor anytime tryscorer @ $6.29
Like the previous game, these two sides face off for the second time this season after what was quite a stunning victory for the Waratahs in Round 1 of the super rugby. Since then things have changed as the Reds have been coming into some red hot form pipping the Brumbies at the post last weekend while the Sydney side were at the hand of the Hurricanes drubbing last weekend as spoken about earlier.
For me the Reds are really growing into this competition well while seemingly finding their playstyle that allows them to matchup well with any team in the league, while the Warratahs might be experiencing some what of an identity crisis entering this one and will need to figure it out quick, otherwise it could be a long evening.
Best: Reds 1 – 12 @ $2.90
Next: Reds -6.5 @ $1.87
Tryscorer: Filipo Daugunu @ $1.185
SGM: Reds 1 – 12/Filipo Daugunu anytime tryscorer/Max Jorgensen anytime tryscorer @ $8.88
Gotta love a bit of Sunday afternoon footy and this weekend we get that treat with Moana Pasifika set to face off with the red hot Blues at Eden Park. For the Blues, they have had a couple of great wins on the bounce, including a huge one last weekend against the Crusaders in what was nothing short of dominant. For Moana, ever since their first game of the season they have been on a downhill spiral and are coming off a heavy loss to the Chiefs, who used the game as a bit of a bounce back.
The Blues, with Beauden Barrett at the helm, have been a completely different side so far this season and I expect, with the strength of their team this weekend, they will be able to put Moana under the pump early and ensure they come out of this one with a comfortable win. In doing so, I could see some free flowing rugby that should also encourage plenty of points if it is a nice afternoon in the City of Sails on Sunday.
Best: AJ Lam anytime tryscorer @ $1.90
Next: Blues -20.5 @ $1.45
Extra Tryscorer: Hoskins Sotutu @ $2.05
SGM: Blues -20.5/Hoskins Sotutu anytime tryscorer/AJ Lam anytime tryscorer @ $5.11