Super Rugby is back and we take a look at the 6 matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each game.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where the Crusaders as usual are trading as favourites at 18/10 ahead of the Blues at 9/4, you can get 4/1 the Chiefs, 15/2 the Hurricanes and the Brumbies are the first Australian team priced at 12/1.
There are plenty of other long-term markets on offer such as to make the playoffs where Fijian Drua are trading at 9/10 and you can click here for all of the long-term markets.
FRIDAY
Crusaders v Chiefs – Click here to bet
This is an important fixture so early in the season and although the Crusaders have started as favourites, the Chiefs have picked a strong side and are well capable of pushing them and picking up the win.
Last season these sides met in the semi-final with the Crusaders winning 20-7 at home, however they had lost 21-24 to the Chiefs in Christchurch earlier in the season although bounced back from that with a 34-19 win away from home.
Handicap: Crusaders -6.5
There has been money for the Chiefs this week and some of it is mine and I am taking the +6.5.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Chiefs +6.5 at 9/10
Waratahs v Brumbies – Click here to bet
These sides have been great rivals over the years and last season the Brumbies won 27-20 at home. There is a lot of opportunism in the Waratahs camp, but they will have to be at their best if they are to stop the Brumbies winning against them for the 10th successive match.
Handicap: Waratahs +1.5
I like the look of this Waratahs team and I think they can get their campaign off to an early start.
Suggested Bet: Waratahs Win at 12/10
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SATURDAY
Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua – Click here to bet
Both Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua will be looking for big improvement this season and an opening clash pitting them against each other is a great opportunity for one of them to get off to a good start.
Last season Fijian Drua hosted the fixture and won 34-19 and Moana Pasifika also ended their Tournament in style with a 32-22 home win over the Brumbies, only their second win of the campaign.
Handicap: Moana Pasifika +2.5
The Fijian Drua are narrow favourites to win this game and I fancy them to start quickly and to hold on for the points.
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time / Drua/Drua at 12/10
Highlanders v Blues – Click here to bet
This is a mouth-watering clash which sees the visiting Blues firm favourites at 4/11 to grab the win with the Highlanders on offer at 27/10. The Blues are on a three match winning streak against the Highlanders beating them by 29 points at home last season and by 7 points on the road.
Handicap: Highlanders +7.5
Although the Highlanders have less star players than their opponents they are never easy to roll at home and I am going to go for the Blues win, but by not more than 12 points.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Blues Over 12.5 at 14/10
Reds v Hurricanes – Click here to bet
The Reds have been one of Australia’s better performing teams against New Zealand sides over the years, but they have it all to do against the Hurricanes who have been well backed with the handicap having shifted out from -2.5 to -4.5 in favour of the visitors. The Hurricanes hosted the Reds in last year’s Super Rugby competition winning 30-17.
Handicap: Reds +4.5
The Reds are missing a few key players and I can’t see them stopping their New Zealand visitors grabbing the points and I am actually expecting quite a comfortable win for the Hurricanes and am going to back them on the alternative handicap.
Suggested Bet: Hurricanes -7.5 at 13/10
Western Force v Rebels – Click here to bet
The Force and the Rebels bring the curtain down on Week 1 of Super Rugby and the betting suggests we should be in for a tight match. The Force have, in my opinion, strengthened their squad well and they are currently priced as favourites at 40/85 with the Rebels 21/10 to pull off an upset away win in Week 1. The Rebels got the better of the Force 22-21 last year playing away from home and the Force had won in Melbourne 28-3.
Handicap: Western Force -5.5
I am expecting it to be a close game from the start and I have a bet that the Force lead at half-time, but by not more than 7 points.
Suggested Bet: First-Half Winning Margin, Force by 1-7 at 18/10
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
