For the penultimate round of Super Rugby Round Robin, we’ll just be looking into the two New Zealand fixtures: Crusaders hosting the Chiefs and the Hurricanes hosting the Highlanders.
While the Blues have a break, the Tahs host the Brumbies, Moana welcome the Reds and the Drua travel to WA to take on the Force.
The Crusaders welcome back Will Jordan and Chay Fihaki to the team making it their most complete squad we’ve seen all season.
It’s perfect timing as well because they’ll have to be at their best to take down the Chiefs on Friday night.
With a few changes to the Chiefs lineup and no DMac, the Crusaders at home is where I’m looking.
They’re now 2-0 at home after beating the Blues 36-20. Leicester Fainga’anuku unlocks another gear for this ‘Saders team. Not only is he causing havoc at the breakdown but he has a hand in a lot of the attacking play. Helping to set up the first two tries.
The Chiefs dominated the Highlanders in their 42-12 win last weekend but they had to work harder than the scoreline suggests.
This will be a tightly contested affair but one I think the home team will come out on top of.
Best: Crusaders to Win @ $2.00
Next: Betcha Boost – Will Jordan 1st, 2nd OR 3rd Try Scorer & Crusaders Win (WAS $6.81)
Tryscorer: Samisoni Taukei’aho @ $2.10
The ‘Canes are undoubtedly the team to beat this season and cemented that spot by beating the Blues 47-24 last weekend.
Their style of play once again clicked into gear and looked near-unstoppable.
A couple rotations for the Wellington side, which might allow the Highlanders to get themselves in this game.
They’re playing for pride now with no playoff hope and this will be their last game of the season, so expect them to bring the fight and empty the gas tank.
21.5 is a huge spread for any favourite to cover. I think the final score in the Highlanders, Chiefs game didn’t reflect how competitive the men from down south were. I don’t think we’ll see another crazy 30-point win at the Cake Tin.
Best: Highlanders +21.5 @ $1.95
Next: Hurricanes 13+, Over 57.5 Total Points & Josh Moorby / Kini Naholo 2+ Tries Combined (SGM) @ $3.24
Tryscorer: Xavier Tito-Harris @ $2.65