The Highlanders’ season is on the line as they head to the Waikato as heavy underdogs.
The Chiefs have some changes with Jacomb starting at 10 and D-Mac moving to 15 but they are still a very tough team to beat at home.
The ‘Landers are going to have to be at the top of their game and key players need to get involved as much as possible. Look for Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Tangitau and Tavatavanawai to be heavily involved.
As much as the Chiefs are very good at home, with Quinn Tupaea and Josh Lord being rested, I think the Highlanders, with their backs against the wall, will show some fight.
Best: Highlanders +16.5 @ $1.90
Next: Chiefs 1-12 @ $3.50
Tryscorer: Caleb Tangitau @ $2.30
On the back of a loss last week the wildly inconsistent Waratahs head to Fiji to take on the Drua.
This is a game I think the Drua win.
It looks as though it’s going to be hot, humid and wet and plays right into the Drua’s hands.
The Waratahs can’t back up sets consistently at the best of times never mind being able to do it in Fiji.
It’s worth noting that the Drua are very good at covering in Suva… back them in the point start
Best: Drua -8.5 @ $1.85
Next: Virimi Vakatawa Anytime Try Scorer & Fijian Drua Win @ $3.70 (betcha boost)
Tryscorer: Harry Potter @ $2.20
The BIGGEST game of the weekend takes place in Auckland, and it’s a battle between the 09 and the Capital.
The Blues were taken care of down south by the Crusaders and now have an even tougher ask if they want to protect their 3rd spot on the ladder.
They’re a big side and could really take it to the Hurricanes, but I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up with the pace and skill of the ‘Canes.
The Hurricanes looked very comfortable cruising past Moana last week, dominating in both the forwards and backs.
All the action was out Josh Moorby’s way as he waltzed in for four tries on the night. He’s not included in this one and I don’t think we’ll see those types of numbers, but the Wellington wingers sure know how to find the tryline.
The Blues will try to turn this into a real wrestle. I think we’ll see the same winner as in their Round 9 meeting, but in a slightly closer affair.
Best: Fehi Fineanganofo / Kini Naholo 2+ Tries Combined @ $2.10
Next: Hurricanes 1-12 @ $2.90
Tryscorer: Beauden Barrett @ $3.25
The Force started as underdogs at home against the Reds but have come in and are now the betting favourites.
The Reds are coming off the back of a scrappy loss to the Chiefs and to make things worse, they travel to WA with a depleted team. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Fraser McReight, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu are all out.
Carlo Tizzano for the Force could run riot and have himself a field day.
Tizzano and the Force should be too much for the Reds to handle.
Best: Force -2.5 @ $1.95
Next: Force to Win & Under 55.5 Total Points (SGM) @ $3.02
Tryscorer: Carlo Tizzano @ $2.25