A fair few of the Hurricanes’ top dogs are being rested because they’ve already locked up the top spot. However, they’ve still run out a decent team with the likes of Roigard, Kini Naholo and Josh Moorby still getting some minutes.
The Crusaders will be under new management next year and will want to give it their all for the final part of the season for Rob Penny.
At home, we thought it might turn into a fortress, and after knocking over the Chiefs, it seems it already is looking like it might be.
-12.5 is a big line to cover, but the ‘Saders have a strong team with plenty of experience.
Sevu Reece and Codie Taylor are the two I’m expecting a big performance from. Reece only has one try in his last five games, but he does love a big moment, doesn’t he?
This is only a big game for one of the sides competing. I’d lean towards the Crusaders winning, but not by more than 13. The Hurricanes are still a classy side and won’t want to go into the finals on the back of a huge loss to their rivals.
Best: Crusaders to Win 1-12 @ $3.45
Next: SGM: Codie Taylor / Sevu Reece 2+ Tries Combined & Over 60.5 Points @ $3.19
Try Scorer: Sevu Reece 1st 2nd or 3rd Try Scorer @ $3.05
The Reds host the Drua this week at Suncorp and are good enough to put a lot of points on the board if they can play a full 80 minutes.
They didn’t do that last week against Moana Pasifika as they allowed them back into the game.
Most of the Drua’s best performances have come at home so I don’t have a lot of faith that they’ll be overly competitive in Queensland.
The Reds will want to put out a big performance to hit the finals with good momentum.
Treyvon Pritchard looks to have a bright future after making a big impact last week, and he could be one to follow over the next few years. He could be a chance of scoring out wide.
Tim Ryan has also had a huge year but he’s short in the try scoring market but I’ve found some value in a Betcha Boost that has him scoring and the Reds winning by 21-30 points.
Best: Reds -15.5 @ $1.87
Next: Tim Ryan 2+ Tries & Reds Win by 21 – 30 @ $14.00 (betcha boost)
Try Scorer: Treyvon Pritchard @ $1.90
The Brumbies are clearly the stronger side here, but Moana Pasifika showed some serious grit last week that’s hard to ignore.
After getting blown off the park early, they stormed back against the Reds and nearly stole it late. With this being their final Super Rugby game, expect them to empty the tank and give Australia’s top team a proper scare on Saturday.
That +22.5 line feels a bit too generous. Plenty of value if Moana keep that fight going.
Best: Moana Pasifika +22.5 @ $1.87
Next: Brumbies 1-12 @ $4.60
Try Scorer: Miracle Fai’ilagi @ $3.00
The Chiefs, like the ‘Canes, have locked in that finals spot and claimed second place. They’ll host the Blues in Hamilton, a place where the Auckland side has struggled to win.
Are the Blues trustworthy in a huge game? If the Crusaders win on Friday, the Blues will need to win to keep a home Qualifying Final, which would be huge because they won’t want to head down to Christchurch to face the Crusaders.
The Chiefs are resting a few as well, and the Blues will know what’s on the line for them and their history in Hamilton. I think it’ll be closer than some expect.
There’s plenty of talent across the park, but I’ve been impressed by Kyren Taumoefolau, who keeps showing he knows his way to the try line.
Best: Either Team By Under 7.5 @ $2.60
Next: SGM: AJ Lam & Kyren Taumoefolau Anytime Try Scorers & Under 57.5 Points @ $12.56
Tryscorer: Kyren Taumoefolau @ $1.87
We’ve ridden with the Force a few times this season, and it’s paid off, but this price has swung too far.
The Waratahs haven’t had the best year, but at $2.50 they’re being seriously underrated, and they’ve got every reason to finish strong.
The Force are solid, no doubt, but $1.50 feels short. The value is with the ‘Tahs here.
One man I’ve loved backing all season is Carlo Tizzano. He scores tries for fun, and I can’t recall him ever being shorter than $2.00. We get him again this week at $2.15.
He’s got four in his last three (1, 2, 1) and he’ll want to finish the season strong.
Best: Waratahs to Win @ $2.50
Next: SGM: Waratahs +8.5 & Under 55.5 Total Points @ $2.83
Try Scorer: Carlo Tizzano @ $2.15