We take a look at the 3 Super Rugby matches taking place on Friday and suggest a bet in each game.
The Crusaders are back to defend their title, but they are the 5/2 second favourites behind the Chiefs priced at 23/10, the Blues are 4/1 and you can get 17/2 and better the balance
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CHIEFS v CRUSADERS – Click here to bet
What a cracking fixture to get the Tournament going with last year’s finalists up against each other.
The Chiefs were favourites to win the final at home last year against the Crusaders, but the Crusaders got up 25-20 and the Chiefs will be looking to make amends.
Both sides have had a number of big names move on, but they still pack plenty of quality and we should bet a typical New Zealand derby.
The Chiefs did the double over the Crusaders in the League stages last season winning this fixture 34-24 and beating the Crusaders by 21 points in Christchurch.
I fancy the Chiefs to win this game, but I can’t see them running away with it and I am going to bet that they win by 13 points or less.
Handicap: Crusaders -5.5
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Chiefs under 12.5 at 15/10
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REBELS v BRUMBIES – Click here to bet
There are all sorts of off-field issues with the Rebels at the moment, but the fact of the matter is that they are able to put out a strong team to take on the Brumbies in this opener in Melbourne.
The Rebels battled last season and lost 7 of their last 9 matches and they will be hoping for a positive start to send the message that professional franchise rugby belongs in the region.
The Brumbies were a bit hit and miss in 2023. They finished 3rd on the log behind the Crusaders and Chiefs and then beat the Hurricanes 37-33 at home in a thrilling quarter-final before losing 19-6 to the Chiefs in Hamilton in the last 4.
These sides met twice last season with the Brumbies winning this fixture 33-26 and also winning at home 33-17.
There has been quite a bit of support for the Rebels in the week and I am going to back them to deliver an upset here.
Handicap: Rebels +6.5
Suggested Bet: The Rebels win at 22/10
WESTERN FORCE v HURRICANES – Click here to bet
The Western Force narrowly missed the playoff last season, finishing 10th on the log with 5 victories and 8 defeats in their 13 matches. Their final game was a 52-14 loss to the Rebels, but they scored 30 points or more in their last 3 home matches.
The Hurricanes finished in 5th place on the log with 8 wins and 5 defeats before going down to the Brumbies in a 37-33 thriller in Canberra. They battled towards the end of the season, losing 4 of their last 6 matches.
The Hurricanes hosted the Force in Wellington last year winning a high scoring encounter 45-42 and the last time these sides met in Perth, it was the Force that won in 2022, 27-22.
I am expecting a decent season from the Force and think they can beat the Handicap in their opener.
Handicap: Western Force +9.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Western Force +9.5 at 19/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
