Round 10 of the Super Rugby season promises to be a big one, headlined by what is once again being described as the biggest game of the competition so far, with the Chiefs taking on the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
However, it’s not just that game alone. There are four other matches alongside the headliner that we will once again dive into and provide a preview for.
A New Zealand derby opens the weekend, with the Blues hosting the Highlanders, where both sides coming off disappointing losses for different reasons. For the Landers, they were well within a shot to beat the Brumbies in a low-scoring affair that was dictated by what I can only describe as issues with the game’s laws regarding high contact. Regardless, they didn’t put in an 80-minute performance that deserved a win, so I doubt they will be feeling sorry for themselves.
For the Blues, they had a hyped-up matchup against the Hurricanes, who ended up obliterating them by 22 points in a game that showed how far off the yardstick they are at this point in the competition.
However, entering this one, I still feel there is a major talent gap between the two sides, and the Blues should be able to handle the Highlanders comfortably. With a combination of their dominant forward pack and dynamic outside backs, they could certainly cover the spread and ensure there are plenty of points in this one.
Best: Blues -13.5 @ $1.90
Next: Over 54.5 Total Points @ $1.92
Tryscorer: Cody Vai @ $1.75
SGM: Blues -13.5/Over 54.5 Total Points/Cody Vai Anytime Tryscorer @ $4.17
The last game on Friday night will see two of the worst sides in the competition go head to head, after a devastating week for one of the teams that will surely provide some extra motivation. That news was, of course, the idea of Moana Pasifika not competing in the 2027 edition of the competition for a myriad of reasons, with the club potentially set to be disbanded. Overall, it is very disappointing news for the competition, but for Moana their biggest focus needs to be on this weekend’s game.
Against the Waratahs, they will have about as good a chance as possible to get their second win of the season, and based on the news coming out over the weekend, I can see it going one of two ways. Either it will provide a boost to the side, who will try to prove a point, or they may have a sense of defeat within the group, which could make it a serious uphill battle for the remainder of the season.
As I still think there is quality talent and leadership within the group, I expect them to take the former route to close out the season, and we might just see a different kind of Moana side come out this weekend. That’s why I have them to cover and put up a decent fight over the ditch.
Best: Moana Pasifika +20.5 @ $1.90
Next: Waratahs 1-12 @ $4.40
Tryscorer: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa @ $2.95
SGM: Moana Pasifika +20.5/Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa Anytime Tryscorer/Max Jorgensen Anytime Tryscorer @ $6.69
A battle between two of the bottom sides in this year’s competition. However, when the Drua are at home, excluding a few exceptions, they turn into a powerhouse outfit, winning games against the likes of the Hurricanes and Brumbies this season.
The headline game of the week comes on Saturday evening, as the favourite and home side, the Chiefs, host the scintillating Hurricanes in a top of the table clash that will give us a true understanding of the state of the competition this season.
Both sides have had plenty of support around the country, being described as the best two teams in the nation, but the question is just how big the gap is between one and two. For me, the Hurricanes clearly sit at the top of the mountain so far, but there is that lingering idea that the wheels are bound to fall off, as they have in the past when the Canes get off to a hot start.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, haven’t been quite as consistent as the Hurricanes this year, but seem to be finding their stride as we enter the second half of the season and their squad gets healthier.
In this one, both coaching staffs have once again leaned on their strongest squads, which should make for a serious battle between the two sides. However, as I said last week, I am backing this Canes side until they give me a reason not to, which is why you will continue to see me tip them in these big-time New Zealand derbies.
Best: Hurricanes To Win @ $2.05
Next: Hurricanes 1-12 @ $3.20
Tryscorer: Cam Roigard @ $1.98
SGM: Hurricanes To Win/Samisoni Taukei’aho Anytime Tryscorer/Cam Roigard Anytime Tryscorer @ $10.82
Both sides are coming off wins and will be feeling good heading into this repeat fixture of their early-season clash, which saw the Drua stun the Brumbies during that two-week stretch where they beat both the Hurricanes and Brumbies.
As we know though, the Drua aren’t quite the same beast when they play away from home, and this weekend they will travel to Canberra to take on a Brumbies side that will expect to get better and better down the stretch, as history suggests they do.
With that being the case, I think they get their revenge on the Drua and ensure they split the season series rather than being swept. The idea that their big guns will be the players to do it makes sense to me, and the name I have picked out is Tom Wright, who, as we know, on his day is one of the most dangerous players with ball in hand in the world and could certainly find his way over the line in this clash.
Best: Total Points Over 58.5 @ $1.95
Next: Brumbies 13+ @ $1.27
Tryscorer: Tom Wright @ $1.95
SGM: Total Points Over 58.5/Brumbies 13+/Tom Wright Anytime Tryscorer @ $3.20
It’s a late one on Saturday night for Crusaders fans, who will be heading into Sunday just after kick off for this clash as their side looks to avoid a two game skid in Australia after making the big trek out west to face the Force.
For the Crusaders, they are going with a mix of youth and experience, with most of their regulars set to start, while throwing in a curveball with their halves pairing, looking to get a spark from the likes of Chapman and Kemara.
They should like their chances against the Force, who, yes, are the weakest of the Australian sides right now, but they won’t want to take the WA side too lightly, as at home they can provide a tough challenge. Throw in the excitement surrounding their code-switching star Zac Lomax starting on the wing, and there will be plenty to motivate the home side for this clash.
All in all though, I see the Crusaders getting this one done by covering the spread, with maybe a try or two scored out wide for both sides in conditions that should promote running rugby.
Best: Crusaders -5.5 @ $1.90
Next: Crusaders To Win @ $1.47
Tryscorer: Macca Springer @ $2.15
SGM: Crusaders -5.5/Macca Springer Anytime Tryscorer/Zac Lomax Anytime Tryscorer @ $7.14