It’s that time of the week again, with the Super Rugby team lists being released. It’s about time we crack on with another preview for the weekend’s action.
After getting off to a hot start in the first few weeks, last round was not so kind for the betcha tips, so we are looking to buck that trend and get a few more green ticks on the sheet this weekend.
The biggest game of the round comes on Friday evening, as the Hurricanes will play their first New Zealand derby of the season after looking like one of, if not the best teams in the competition. However, they haven’t had the most difficult schedule to date.
For me, I think this will be an exciting match-up, with game breakers on each side of the contest, but I feel the Hurricanes’ firepower is second to none in the competition. Add in the inclusion of Ruben Love as the starting 10 for the Canes, and I think their attack could be humming.
While I really enjoy watching the Highlanders, they have just seemingly lost a little bit of the edge they had at the start of the season, and the Hurricanes, I believe, are going to want to make a statement, so give me them to cover.
Best: Hurricanes -6.5 @ $1.90
Next: Over 56.5 total points 56.5 @ $1.87
Tryscorer: Asafo Aumua @ $2.10
SGM: Hurricanes -6.5/Over 56.5 total points/Asafo Aumua anytime tryscorer @ $5.34
The Brumbies were well and truly outclassed in Fiji last time out and will be coming into this one with their tails between their legs. For the Chiefs, they should be well rested, having had a bye and plenty of time to prepare for this big showdown, which prior to the season might have been seen as the pre-season clash between the best Australian and New Zealand sides.
Both teams have announced full-strength squads, as you would expect with a game of such magnitude, and the Chiefs will be more than happy to have Damian McKenzie back in the fold with some minutes under his belt entering this one.
There is a genuine case for either side to claim the win here, but I am leaning towards the Chiefs securing the standings points in a close manner. As stated, both sides will be coming into this one desperate for a big win in their season, but with the Chiefs coming in rested, the 1-12 margin is enticing.
Best: Chiefs 1 – 12 @ $2.70
Next: Chiefs -4.5 @ $1.90
Tryscorer: Samisoni Taukei’aho @ $2.00
SGM: Chiefs -4.5/Under 59.5 total points/Samisoni Taukei’aho anytime tryscorer @ $6.25
All right, I am done backing against the Drua at home, but I still feel like the Reds could make some noise in this one based on the form they bring into the clash. Winning their last three on the bounce, the Reds have been one of the more impressive outfits in the competition over the last few rounds, but they are taking on a Drua side that has just beaten both the Hurricanes and Brumbies at home.
The market has moved accordingly to show just how good the Drua are at home, and the Reds come into this one as considerable underdogs, with many thinking the Drua will go three on the bounce at home.
While I won’t bet against it, I am not sure they run away with it like they did against the Brumbies, and I would expect the Reds to put up a decent fight, which could see them cover the spread.
Best: Reds +4.5 @ $1.87
Next: Fijian Drua 1 – 12 @ $2.80
Tryscorer: Ilaisa Droasese @ $2.35
SGM: Reds +4.5/Ilaisa Droasese anytime tryscorer/Tim Ryan anytime tryscorer @ $9.19
The Crusaders won a well-fought battle against the Highlanders in the rematch of the Southern Derby, just weeks on from their opening round defeat. Moana Pasifika played a very good and physical first 40 minutes against the Blues on Sunday afternoon, but did end up getting outclassed considerably in the second period.
This game on Saturday evening could follow a similar script, with Moana coming out with plenty of energy and making the Crusaders weather the storm. However, if the visitors are able to get through that first period, they could then launch an attack and pile on the points. In doing so, one player who could find himself in a position to get over the line is their starting hooker, George Bell, who has already dotted down twice this season and will look to latch onto the back of a strong Crusaders lineout maul.
Best: George Bell anytime tryscorer @ $1.78
Next: Crusaders (-26.5) @ $2.80
Tryscorer: George Bell @ $1.78
SGM: Reds +4.5/George Bell anytime tryscorer/Christian Lio-Willie anytime tryscorer @ $9.19
Without many complete performances, the Blues have still been able to get the job done through the early portion of the season, and with the inclusion of Beauden Barrett, they seem to be finding their stride as we enter the heart of the season.
For the Waratahs, they have been one of the worst teams in the competition for the past couple of weeks and will really look to bounce back at home against the Blues.
The quality that the Blues boast, and the continuity they seem to be forming, makes the chances of this being the game the Waratahs right the ship a tough sell, and I feel the Blues could certainly get on a roll against the home side, like the Hurricanes did not so long ago.
Best: Blues 13+ @ $2.90
Next: Blues -5.5 @ $1.90
Extra Tryscorer: Cody Vai @ $1.96
SGM: Blues 13+/Cody Vai anytime tryscorer/Over 55.5 total points @ $6.80