We take a look at the four Super Rugby Pacific matches taking place on Saturday and suggest a bet in each game.
Let’s start with a quick update on the Outright Betting. Heading into this weekend, the Blues are the favourites, trading at 33/20, closely followed by the Hurricanes at 84/40. The Chiefs are next in line with odds of 23/10, while the remaining teams are available at 8/1 or better.
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FIJIAN DRUA v REBELS – Click here to bet
Fijian Drua will host the Rebels following a disappointing 39-3 loss away to the Highlanders last weekend. Currently 8th on the table, the hosts aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals, knowing that a win will suffice.
With final standings to be confirmed this weekend, the Rebels have already secured their place in the quarter-finals. Despite making the playoffs for the first time in their history, they will no longer participate in Super Rugby from 2025 onwards due to financial constraints. Currently 7th on the log, the Melbourne-based club has endured a rough period, having lost five consecutive matches, with their most recent encounter resulting in a 53-17 drubbing at the hands of the Brumbies.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Rebels beat Fijian Drua 41-20 in Melbourne earlier this season, but the last time these two met in Suva it was the hosts that came out on top by winning 38-28 last season.
HANDICAP: Fijian Drua -13.5
VERDICT
Fijian Drua have been superb at home, notching up 5 victories from a possible 6. While I fancy them to secure the desired three points to solidify their place in the playoffs, I do believe the visitors can keep it interesting by staying within the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Rebels +13.5 at 9/10
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HURRICANES v HIGHLANDERS – Click here to bet
The high-flying Hurricanes will host the Highlanders this Saturday in Wellington, hoping to continue their rich vein of form. Last weekend’s crucial 20-17 win over the Chiefs means the Hurricanes currently occupy 2nd place, separated only by points difference at the top. This Saturday could provide an opportunity to improve their points differential, knowing the Blues will have a tougher task against the Chiefs this weekend.
Currently 6th on the table, the Highlanders enter Sky Stadium following an impressive 39-3 victory over Fijian Drua last weekend. Having secured their place in the quarter-finals, it comes as no surprise that they have made several changes, given there is no incentive apart from protecting 6th place.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Hurricanes have had the Highlanders measure for quite some time now, having won six on the bounce between the two. Their most recent encounter resulted in an emphatic 47-12 win away to the Highlanders earlier this season.
HANDICAP: Hurricanes -22.5
VERDICT
Given recent head-to-heads and the wholesale changes made to the Highlanders squad, I fancy the hosts to win this one by a comfortable margin, similar to earlier this season.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Hurricanes -22.5 at 9/10
BLUES v CHIEFS – Click here to bet
The Blues welcome the Chiefs to Auckland this Saturday in what should be the clash of the weekend between two Kiwi giants of the game. Currently 1st on the log, the Blues will want to reclaim their winning mojo after succumbing to a disappointing 29-27 defeat at the hands of the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend, marking only their second loss of the season.
The Chiefs themselves endured a disappointing loss last weekend, much like their opponents this weekend, having to settle for a losing bonus point after conceding a penalty at the death, which allowed the Hurricanes to return home with a vital 20-17 win. Currently 4th on the table, the visitors will be hoping to improve their away record, having suffered three defeats from their allotted six away matches thus far.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Chiefs managed to beat the Blues 20-13 earlier this season. However, the last time these two teams paired up in Auckland, it was the Blues who secured a closely fought 24-22 victory, earning them the bragging rights that day.
HANDICAP: Blues -7.5
VERDICT
Interestingly, out of the last six encounters between these two teams, the current handicap line would have landed for the underdog four times. Saturday’s clash should be no different, promising a tightly contested affair between two equally matched teams.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Chiefs +7.5 at 17/20
WESTERN FORCE v BRUMBIES – Click here to bet
Ninth-placed on the log, the Western Force will be relying on the Rebels to do them a favour by securing a win over Fijian Drua if they are to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. With just 2 points separating the two teams, their fate is effectively out of their hands. Last weekend’s 59-13 drubbing at the hands of the Reds marked their seventh consecutive defeat on the road, meaning they will once again have to rely on their home form if they are to get over the line.
The 3rd-placed Brumbies have enjoyed another solid campaign and can anticipate a home quarter-final, courtesy of last week’s 53-17 onslaught over a rather tame Rebels performance. Currently on a five-game winning streak, the Brumbies will be eager to maintain their winning momentum, recognizing the opportunity to further improve their standings this Saturday. With just two defeats all season so far, they will fancy their chances against a desperate Force team this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Brumbies secured a 22-19 win over the Western Force earlier this season. However, the last time these two teams met up in Perth, it was the Western Force that emerged victorious with a 34-19 score-line.
HANDICAP: Western Force +4.5
VERDICT
Ideally, the hosts would love a convincing victory over the Brumbies, similar to last season. However, the visitors also have their own incentive, as they could potentially secure a top-two place going into the quarter-finals. Preference goes towards the visiting team to cover the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Brumbies -4.5 at 17/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
