Rugby Union

In this game against Taranaki, they got a big boost from their bench, with the experience of players like Liam Coltman and Oliver Haig helping spark their comeback down the stretch. However, the name who makes the list this weekend is making his second appearance of the season, and that is halfback Dylan Pledger. The recently signed Highlander has been somewhat of a revelation for Otago and has become their talisman throughout the season, thanks to his already savvy skillset from the base of the ruck. During the game against Taranaki, he had his triple threat game on full display,…

The Springboks have stormed into Wellington and flat out destroyed the All Blacks off the park in their fourth game of the Rugby Championship. Once again, some odd officiating swung the momentum in my opinion, but once it shifted in the 50th minute, the Springboks never let go of it, pouring it on to a lost-looking All Blacks outfit. Everything they tried worked out for them, as they just flat out looked like better athletes who wanted it more. However, as you all know, we’re more focused on the All Blacks side of the ledger, so we’re once again going…

I could start this tip sheet the same way I started it last week. Who the heck can beat Canterbury? Is the Ranfurly Shield a curse this year? I doubt Canterbury are going to let it slip against ‘younger brother’ Tasman, but we’ll see. There are a few Abs hanging around the grounds too, which will make for some exciting watches over the weekend. Sorry, Wellington fans, but the Lions don’t look like they’re going to come close to winning this thing… How about Northland, though! What a performance last night. Southland vs Counties Sunday, 4:35pm | Invercargill Rugby Park…

We were on the money last week with our two best bets on each of the games, so let’s see if we can repeat. Plenty of changes to the Springboks’ line-up this weekend in response to the loss last weekend. Australia were rewarded for their decision to go for the win rather than kick the three and settle for a draw. It keeps this Rugby Championship wide open, making for an intriguing round four. Australia vs Argentina Saturday, 4:00pm | Allianz Stadium, Sydney Argentina +5.5 | $1.85 We get started with another afternoon game at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in…

This week I am veering off from just doing the stock standard team prediction for the All Blacks this weekend because there is a real chance there are minimal changes made for the weekend’s second clash against the Springboks. Instead, we are just going to discuss a couple of positions where there may be some areas for decisions to be made by the coaching staff as they respond to the side that Erasmus already announced on Monday. What Happens in the Propping Department? The first potential dilemma will be what the All Blacks do with their props entering the Wellington…

The tradition roars on as the All Blacks storm to a 7-point victory over the Springboks at Eden Park, successfully defending the fortress against the World Champions. It was a performance of true tactical brilliance, and in my opinion, the most grit we’ve seen from a Razor-led side during his tenure so far. After taking some time to digest the win, here at betcha we’ve got our All Blacks player ratings ready to roll for you. So strap in because this is one you won’t want to miss. Ethan de Groot de Groot was rewarded with a start due to…

In what was his best individual performance of the season, he also racked up the stats with the most metres carried at 70+, while also making tacklers miss as he left 7 defenders in the dust during his 80 minutes. He topped off his performance with his own 5-pointer, which was only his second of the season. No doubt Lowe enjoyed a good weekend, but as we get to the business end of the season, the Magpies will be looking for him to provide these kinds of performances on a consistent basis. 4. Che Clark (2 Points) Auckland secured their…

After a week’s break, the four teams are back in action, and we have arguably the biggest Test Match since the World Cup final taking place this weekend at Eden Park. All the squads are in so it’s time to dish out my best for The Rugby Championship Round 3. 👇 Australia vs Argentina Saturday, 4:30pm | Queensland Country Bank Stadium Australia 1-12 | $2.60 Australia head back home and will host Argentina in Townsville. They couldn’t quite do the double against the Springboks, but it was still a very successful trip to South Africa. Argentina also split the series…

We’re on the home stretch now. Will Canterbury lose a game? Will Auckland or North Harbour win a game? Where will the Ranfurly Shield get locked up for the summer? We’re not far away from finding out all these answers… Let’s get stuck into round six of the NPC. Manawatu vs Waikato Saturday, 2:05pm | Central Energy Trust Arena Under 60.5 Total Points | $1.90 Someone, tell me why this point total is so high? Waikato have not played a game that topped this line since the first game back in July. Manawatu, I could understand, but that’s more on…