We’ve got the best final we could’ve asked for this year. The two best teams going at it at a sold-out Hnry Stadium this Saturday. Both teams had 11 wins and four losses for the season, but it was the Hurricanes who finished top due to bonus points after blowing teams off the park all season long.
It’s the Hurricanes’ first final since they won the comp back in 2016, and for the Chiefs, well, they’ve been to the last three but ended up the bridesmaids each time.
Devan Flanders returns for the Hurricanes, which will be a huge boost, but this game comes down to Ruben Love, Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett. Obviously, the forwards will get into their work and give these guys the best opportunities to spark their attack, but the leadership of Jordie and his playmaking ability will be a huge factor on the big stage. The same goes for Roigard, who has been a big reason why the ‘Canes have been piling on the points.
For the Chiefs, Quinn Tupaea and centre Kyle Brown outclassed the Crusaders last week. The whole team was too big and too powerful through the middle, and I’m expecting a similar game plan on Saturday.
Immediately, this game screams either team by less than 7.5 points. If you think back to their matchup in April, it was a tight affair that the Chiefs came out on top 22-17 thanks to an 85th-minute try from Wallace Sititi.
I’d lean towards the home team winning; however, the Chiefs’ forward pack certainly have the ability to disrupt quick ball, which the Hurricanes thrive on.
This game will be won through the middle, but I think tries will come on the outside as both teams love to get the ball wide and get their wingers involved. Between the four wingers suiting up, there are plenty of tries in the locker.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 27-22
Best: Either Team By Under 7.5 @ $2.35
Next: Hurricanes to Win 1-5 @ $5.75
Value: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter & Kyren Taumoefolau All Anytime Try Scorers (betcha boost) @ $26.00
SGM: Jordie Barrett Anytime Try Scorer, Josh Moorby / Kyren Taumoefolau / Leroy Carter 2+ Tries Combined & Hurricanes Win 1-12 @ $16.56