The Super Rugby train rolls on and we take a look at all 6 matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each.
Let’s start with a look at the latest Outright Betting where the Chiefs have now firmed to 15/8 outright favourites to win the title with the Blues and Crusaders both priced at 12/5, you can get 13/2 the Hurricanes, 11/1 the Brumbies and 40/1 and better the balance.
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FRIDAY
Moana Pasifika v Highlanders – Click here to bet
This match takes place in Auckland and according to forecasts the weather looks good.
Moana Pasifika are currently sitting bottom of the table with all 5 of their matches lost including last week when they were beaten 59-0 by the Hurricanes in Auckland.
They face a Highlanders side that has been comfortably the worst of the New Zealand teams and sit 8th on the log with 2 wins and 3 losses in their opening 5 matches. They got off to a slow start last week at home to the Drua before stretching clear to win 57-24.
Handicap: Moana Pasifika +15.5
The Highlanders have a massive injury list but I still think they are going to be too strong for Moana whose morale must be low.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Highlanders -15.5 at 17/20
Reds v Crusaders – Click here to bet
The Reds are 6th on the table with 2 wins and 3 defeats in their opening 5 matches. Last week they found the Rebels too strong in Melbourne going down 40-34.
The Crusaders are off to a slow start and sit 5th on the log with 3 wins and 2 losses in their 5 games. They faced a weakened Brumbies side at home last week and they made heavy weather of a 35-17 victory.
Handicap: Reds +10.5
Conditions in Brisbane look good and I haven’t been impressed with the Crusaders defence this season, I am going for the Reds to score 23 or more points.
Suggested Bet: Reds, Total Points over 22.5 at 8/10
SATURDAY
Fijian Drua v Rebels – Click here to bet
The Drua currently sit 9th on the table with 2 victories and 3 defeats, one of which came last week away to the Highlanders when they went down by 33 points. The highlight of their season was a stunning upset win against the Crusaders at home.
The Rebels are 7th on the log and also have a 40% win record. They were well backed at around +5.5 at home to the Reds last week and delivered the goods winning 40-34.
Handicap: Fijian Drua -2.5
The Fijian Drua will have a passionate home crowd behind them and I think that is the reason why they are starting favourites. Personally I think the Rebels look the better team and I am going to back them to win the match outright.
Suggested Bet: Rebels win at 13/10
Chiefs v Blues – Click here to bet
This is the match of the weekend as the first and second favourites meet each other in Hamilton.
The Chiefs are top of the table but they had to work hard last week for a 24-14 win over the Waratahs in Sydney. They have played 2 home games with comfortable wins over the Highlanders and Rebels although the latter had them under pressure early.
The Blues are 4th on the log with 3 wins in their opening 5 games. They bounced back from a home defeat to the Crusaders with a 30-17 win over the Force in Auckland last week.
Handicap: Chiefs -1.5
This should be a typical New Zealand derby and I think the Chiefs will edge a close one.
Suggested Bet: Chiefs under 12.5 points at 17/10
Brumbies v Waratahs – Click here to bet
The Brumbies are the top placed Australian side sitting 3rd on the log with 4 victories in their opening 5 games. They rested players last week away to the Crusaders going down by 18 points which is very close to where the handicap was set.
Much is expected of the Waratahs this season, but they have only won 1 of their opening 5 games and currently sit second from bottom on the table. They put up a decent fight at home to the Chiefs last week losing 14-24 and their other home game since the 25-35 defeat to the Brumbies in Round 1.
Handicap: Brumbies -9.5
The Brumbies have dominated this fixture in terms of victories over the years and with their top players returning I expect them to not just win this game, but win it comfortably.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Brumbies -9.5 at 10/11
SUNDAY
Hurricanes v Western Force – Click here to bet
The Hurricanes are 2nd on the log with 4 victories and 1 defeat in their opening 5 rounds. They over-powered the Drua 59-0 in Auckland last week and their last two home games have been victory over the Waratahs and a defeat to the Blues.
The Force are 10th on the log with 2 wins and 3 defeats to date. They gave a good account of themselves two weeks ago going down 35-43 to the Highlanders away and last week managed to beat the handicap with a 13 point defeat to the Blues in Auckland.
Handicap: Hurricanes -20.5
I can’t see the Force living with the Hurricanes even with some key players resting and I am looking for the home team to score at least 40 points.
Suggested Bet: Hurricanes over 39.5 points at 5/6
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
