Category: Rugby

Roosters to Shade Sea Eagles in Blockbuster Clash

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Bulldogs Under the Pump

When you are coming off a 36-0 thumping and the recent headlines have all been about a crisis at the club and massive clouds over the future of your coach, then it’s hard to go into a game with too much confidence.

But that’s exactly what the under pressure Bulldogs will need on Thursday night when they face the Broncos.

Contrarians and true believers who think there is nothing better to galvanise a bunch of players than a heavy defeat last time out and a sense of panic around a club can take the $3.40 for the hosts available with Unibet…But they will have to be optimists. The Broncos are $1.40 with the same company

Show Night at Allianz

Friday night is show night, and what better prospect than the big clash between the Sea Eagles and the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters are flying high and are one of only two teams with a 100 per cent record this season, the Sydneysiders topping the early season table on points difference.

The Roosters have been good in the tighter matches this season, while Manly has been big winners at their past two outings.

Still, the Roosters are well fancied here, with Ladbrokes and Bet 365 putting them up at $1.38, with those who reckon the Sea Eagles can keep their recent winning vein going able to get $3.35 from Unibet.

This promises to be a tense, tight and taut affair, with the Roosters fancied to shade it.

The Cowboys entertain the Rabbitohs, also on Friday night, and the Queenslanders will be looking to go on with the job with a victory over a Rabbitohs side coming off a loss to the rampaging Roosters in round four.

The Cowboys were last time out winners, bouncing back from their heavy defeat against Manly in round three to see off the Titans in the Queensland derby last weekend. So, it’s hardly surprising that they are short-priced favourites here (top price of $1.32 with Unibet), and they should justify market confidence.

Storm Set to Continue Run

Premiers Cronulla should have too much for the hapless Newcastle Knights on Saturday evening.

The Storm is the ultimate grinders and they are expected to confirm their dominance over the Penrith Panthers, against whom they usually win, on Saturday evening. Those who reckon this can be a home banker can get $1.60 with Unibet.

On the same day, the Raiders host the Eels at GIO Stadium and will fancy their chances of making it seven straight wins against their opponents at that venue. The Canberra side may well be only 1-3 for the season so far, but two of those losses have been by narrow margins, and they are around the $1.45 mark to win here.

The New Zealand Warriors are favoured to beat the Titans across the ditch on Sunday, while St George Illawarra and the Tigers face off in an intriguing encounter on Sunday, where the Dragons can be backed at $1.60 with Sportsbet to continue their good start to 2017.

South African Derbies Surprisingly Headline Super Rugby This Week

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Highlanders ($1.03) v Rebels ($12)

Fresh off a hard-fought win against the Brumbies away from home, the Highlanders return to Forsyth Barr in search of another four competition points (plus bonus points) to help get off the foot of the New Zealand conference table. It should be close to a certainty against the winless Melbourne Rebels side. Keep an eye out for All Black bolted Richard Buckman for the ‘Landers. Highlanders 13+.

Blues ($1.06) v Force ($9)

Speaking of All Black boaters, how’s the form of Blues fullback Michael Collins. The Otago product has set the competition alight in the last few weeks and has helped Tana Umaga’s Auckland side get back on track (he’s had good help from Piers Francis and Matt Duffie too). At home again, the Blues should be far too good for the Force. Blues 13+.

Chiefs ($1.06) v Bulls ($9.30)

The Chiefs get the chance to return to the top of the table after enjoying a bye last week. They host a Bulls side that went into the sheds at half-time all level with the Blues last week before falling away badly in the second half. On the bright side, Handre Pollard looked to be regaining some form. We’re expecting the Chiefs to have learnt from the Blues where to expose the Bulls (around the ruck and short kicking game) and win by 13+.

Reds ($6.50) v Hurricanes ($1.12)

The Hurricanes are like the Harlem Globetrotters of Super Rugby. Glitz, glamour and attention grabbing rugby that fans are happy to pay big money to see. Their opponents this week feature a player that, while currently sideline-bound, would love to be considered as a Globetrotter and often tries to play like he is, Quade Cooper. The Reds were dreadful in having two players sin-binned in Buenos Aries last week and deservedly lost. They’ll lose again, while Quade complains on Twitter. Hurricanes 13+.

Stormers ($1.25) v Cheetahs ($4)

The first of two South African derbies features the unbeaten Stormers against perennial under-achievers the Cheetahs. For about the third time in as many weeks in this blog, we’ll make the point that the Cheetahs should be better than they are, they just aren’t. To that end, we can’t tip them again, especially against the Stormers who, along with the Lions, have established themselves as the best from South Africa. Stormers 1-12.

Lions ($1.28) v Sharks ($3.78)

The Lions have a flair for scoring points this year – conceding them too – but their scintillating attack has seen them register four wins from five in the competition thus far. Averaging just under 40 points a game (and having hit that mark three times – we sense a bet in this), the test will be in their defence against the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park. This is the toughest round to pick this week – we’ll go an upset Sharks 1-12.

Waratahs ($3.60) v Crusaders ($1.29)

Two very successful Super Rugby franchises come together in the final match of the round. This shouldn’t be as close as some of their past grudge matches – my favourite the 2014 final that the ‘Tahs won by one point in the dying stages. The Crusaders to carry on their unbeaten way and win by 13+.

All odds from Palmerbet.

Time for Title Contenders to Show Mettle in Super Rugby

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Crusaders ($1.08) v Force ($8)

The Crusaders have made a habit of leaving their victory pursuits late, of late. Come from behind wins in all of their first four games, sees them just a couple of bonus points behind the Chiefs in the New Zealand conference. Leaving things late this week is unlikely to be a problem against the struggling Force. The Force are coming off a bye and will undoubtedly struggle in Christchurch. Crusaders 13+.

Rebels ($3.15) v Waratahs ($1.36)

The Rebels are conceding an average of 50 points a game, which is surprisingly, only slightly more than their fifth round opponents, the pre-tournament fancied, Waratahs. The Waratahs lost to the Brumbies at home last week, compounding their losing streak to three. In a battle of two pretty poor sides, we’re going to give it to the Tahs, by 1-12.

Blues ($1.15) v Bulls ($5.50)

The Bulls head to New Zealand with only a solitary win against their name this year. But their chances of adding to that are aided by the fact that the Blues have been equally as poor this season – it could be a low scoring bore fest. Blues 1-12 with little confidence in either side, but some in the individual ability of Jan Serfontein – so good last week.

Brumbies ($2.15) v Highlanders ($1.70)

The leaders of the Australian conference were impressive last week against the Waratahs, getting their first away win of the season through a double to Henry Speight and an impressive turn from Tevita Kuridrani. The Highlanders on the other side have badly missed Ben Smith. While the other Smith – Aaron – looks woefully out of form and a shadow of the player he was before last year’s controversy. Brumbies 13+.

Sunwolves ($11) v Stormers ($1.04)

It’s a measure of the Sunwolves struggles that they couldn’t beat a side that was down to 14 men for almost the entire second half last week. They did manage to make some progress against the reduced Bulls side and had a handy lead going into the last ten, but they subsequently gave it up. Stormers 13+.

Kings ($12.50) v Lions ($1.03)

Last year’s beaten finalists, the Lions, kicked their season into gear with a comprehensive victory over the Reds. Scoring seven tries at their Ellis Park fortress was a warning shot across the bow of the luckless Kings franchise that has just one win this season. Lions 1-12.

Cheetahs ($2.36) v Sharks ($1.60)

This could be the game of the round. Two conference contenders needing to gain some ground on the surprise Argentina packages. Hoping the better Cheetahs outfit turns up – not round 4’s version – the one that got hammered in Buenos Aires. Sharks 1-12.

Jaguares ($1.17) v Reds ($5.10)

Top of the South African conference and so impressive in dismantling the Cheetahs last week, the Jaguares are the real deal. Sure, their franchise name is hard to say, but you’ll get better at it because they are serious contenders and will be hanging around at the business end of the season – giving us all plenty of time to perfect it. Jaguares 13+.

Australian Super Rugby Teams Must Step Up to Save Futures

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Crusaders ($1.41) v Blues ($2.90)

The impressive Crusaders are three from three so far, even though they’ve left it incredibly late to sneak wins in all three of their games. They’ll relish being back at home and hosting the struggling Blues team, who are still no closer to finding the first five that will bring them back to past glory – Piers Francis is the next to try, replacing Ihaia West. Crusaders by 1-12.

Rebels ($7.90) v Chiefs ($1.08)

Nothing but trouble awaits the Rebels this weekend when they host the high-flying Chiefs at AAMI park in Melbourne. The Chiefs have wonder kid Damian McKenzie starting at number ten in what could be an ominous sign for the home side, who have shown very little by way of ability or effort so far this year. Chiefs 13+.

Bulls ($1.01) v Sunwolves ($16.75)

This won’t be a question of who wins but rather a question of how much the Bulls win by. We’re picking fifty points, but then again the Bulls haven’t been that flash this year and have disappointed a loyal fan base that thought this year could be their year with two close losses to South African teams they should’ve beaten. Still, they’re playing the Sunwolves, so they will win. Bulls 13+.

Hurricanes ($1.23) v Highlanders ($4.10)

The Hurricanes / Chiefs showdown last week wasn’t the great spectacle many were hoping for. That’s probably because of the persistent NZ rain, but Saturday night’s match against the Highlanders could match the hype. In a repeat of the 2015 final, the Hurricanes will need to get the win without luckless All Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder, after the winger injured an ankle against the Chiefs. Hurricanes 13+.

Waratahs ($1.48) v Brumbies ($2.64)

All the talk during the week was which teams will be culled from Super Rugby when changes are introduced next year. One of the possibilities was the Brumbies merging with the underperforming Rebels. Accordingly, the Brumbies need a win here to outline their credentials and the reason they should stay in the comp. We think they’re actually a chance to get an upset here. Brumbies 1-12.

Lions ($1.23) v Reds ($4.20)

The Lions rested a lot of their side from the Argentinian tour, but their return should see them get the better of the below par Reds. The Reds did everything but beat the undefeated Crusaders last week and may take some heart from the close loss. However, we still think the Lions will be too strong. Lions 1-12.

Sharks ($1.01) v Kings ($14.75)

Bonus point for the Sharks. 13+. Enough said.

Jaguares ($1.29) v Cheetahs ($3.50)

The Jaguares are the surprise package of the competition so far. Wins in two out of three of their games and the home ground advantage gives them the favourites tags over the Cheetahs. However, the Cheetahs are no mugs either, sitting 5th in the South African conference and showing enough promise in their efforts to suggest they might be contenders in the conference. Jaguares 1-12.

The Hurricanes to Face Toughest Test Yet

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Chiefs ($1.80) v Hurricanes ($2)

The defending champions Hurricanes face their sternest test of the new season when they travel to Hamilton to face the Chiefs. While the Hurricanes have enjoyed comfortable wins against the Sunwolves and the Rebels (scoring over 70 points in each) the Chiefs have had to work harder for wins against the Blues and the Highlanders. The bookies have them as favourites on account of their tougher lead in games, but we’ll tip the Canes in a close one, 1-12.

Brumbies ($1.41) v Force ($2.94)

The much fancied Brumbies find themselves winless after two rounds and already behind the eight ball in their Conference standings. However, their favourites this weekend against a very weak looking Rebels outfit that have already conceded 127 points in their two games. Don’t expect a great spectacle, but expect a Brumbies win by 13+.

Blues ($1.71) v Highlanders ($2.14)

The Blues have shown more promise in 2017 than they have in any of their last four Super Rugby campaigns and arguably have the most exciting player in the competition in their team. Reiko Ioane is an absolute beast and should be the All Blacks outside centre this year. While question marks remain over Ihaia West at first five, and Steven Luatua missing through suspension, the Blues should have enough quality over the park to win by 1-12.

Reds ($3.04) v Crusaders ($1.37)

Scott Robertson’s coaching career is off to an excellent start. The former All Black flanker has seen his side carry over the Todd Blackadder-era professionalism and record two nice wins thus far. Last week’s comeback effort against the Highlanders was remarkable and should give them the belief to beat a Reds side that has won one and lost one in two close games this season. The Crusaders will win by 13+, but will they also score 26 points like the Red’s opponents have in the first two rounds.

Kings ($9.30) v Stormers ($1.06)

The Kings have arguably had the easiest start to the competition with games against relative newbies the Sunwolves and the Jaguares; games which they split with a win and a loss. They haven’t looked overly impressive in either and thus the bookmakers have given them zero chances. The Stormers are also 1-1 but a much better side that should run out winners comfortably. Stormers 13+.

Cheetahs ($1.01) v Sunwolves ($19)

The travel must be torture for the team from Japan. Sharing their games between the four continents and even sharing some of their home games with neighbours. It started to show last year and it’s looking like it could be a problem for them again this year. They also have major problems with their defence too – they conceded 83 points to the Hurricanes in 62 minutes in game one. They could surprise a few teams later in the season (Kings and Rebels we’re looking at you), but they won’t beat the Cheetahs. Cheetahs 13+.

Sharks ($1.57) v Waratahs ($2.40)

This might end up being the closest game of the round even though Kings Parkin Durban is one of the toughest away grounds to win at. Both teams are 1-1, with the Sharks accounting themselves well on their Australian tour, while the Waratahs have been slow out of the blocks but have considerable quality across the board. Sharks 1-12.

Jaguares ($2.38) v Lions ($1.59)

The Lions lead the South African Conference but will need to be at their best to get the better of an Argentinian outfit that seems to be adapting to the rigours of Super Rugby better than the other new side, the Sunwolves. Buenos Aires is a tough place to play, so we’re giving it to the home side by 1-12.

Global Tens Rugby Betting Guide

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After the controversy (in New Zealand anyway) surrounding the Wellington Sevens (poor crowd) and the NRL Nines (poor crowd), another reduced rugby tournament was hoping to fly under the radar of controversy. However, it hasn’t played out that way for the Global Tens being held in Brisbane this weekend. Instead, the promoters have been criticised for the lack of international players (particularly All Blacks) on show.

Despite the negative publicity, the Tens shapes as an excellent day out for punters. Let’s take a look at the teams involved and their chances:

Blue Bulls

Odds: $17

Players to Watch: The Bulls bring a raw but talented side to Brisbane, led by the superb Springbok flanker Jacques Potgeiter. But don’t expect to recognise many other names in the team sheet.

Chances: Getting out of a pool that includes the highly fancied Brumbies and New Zealand’s Highlanders is going to be pretty tricky. Will not be a factor.

Blues

Odds: $13

Players to Watch: Auckland has called upon former All Black Rene Ranger to lead the side. He’s joined by current ABs outside back, George Moala, and former Kiwis rugby league international Matt Duffie.

Chances: While they have some experience in the faster format thanks to their Sevens recruits, we feel as though they lack the x-factor to win close games (sorry Rene, your x-factor is too old). Don’t discount, but maybe just short of the top tier.

Brumbies

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: The Brumbies have gone with just the eight Wallabies (or ex-Wallabies) in their side. Tevita Kuridrani is the best of them, but Henry Speight and Scott Sio are also handy additions. Head coach, Stephen Larkham is also suiting up as a wildcard pick with former dual international, Andrew Walker.

Chances: Part of a trio of Australian sides all given the same chances by the bookies, the Brumbies have a talented side and could be the dark horses in the competition. Keep in your consideration.

Chiefs

Odds: $7

Players to Watch: Liam Messam, Hikawera Elliott, Brad Weber all have AB experience while Tim Nanai-Williams should thrive in the format.

Chances: Look very good on paper and could feature in the finals of the fledgeling tournament. A well-structured squad and set to be expertly led by double Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Messam.

Crusaders

Odds: $7

Players to Watch: Scott Robertson has got current AB Seta Tamanivalu at his disposal, who will play alongside a largely inexperienced setup. There will however, be plenty of interest in one signing, former Wallaby, Digby Ioane.

Chances: We don’t have them as high up on the list of contenders as some do, but should still make the knockout phases.

Highlanders

Odds: $9

Players to Watch: The challenge is not to highlight players to watch, it’s to find players that you recognise, especially in the backline. Tevita Li and Matt Faddes are speed merchants, they should entertain, even if you haven’t heard of them.

Chances: At $9 the bookies give them a chance but we don’t. They’ll struggle against all.

Hurricanes

Odds: $5.50

Players to Watch: Nehe Milner-Skudder and Cory Jane are rugby royalty and could set alight the festival tournament. While Jane’s reaching the end of his career, Milner-Skudder is just getting started (albeit returning from injury).

Chances: Rightly the strong favourites and will be there or thereabouts come Sunday.

Melbourne Rebels

Odds: $21

Players to Watch: The Rebels have five Wallabies but none of them particularly good. More pleasing is the inclusion of Twitter expert and former Australian vice-captain Morgan Turinui.

Chances: About as good as their chances in the regular Super Rugby season – they were eighth of ten in the Australasian conference last year.

RC Toulonnais (Toulon)

Odds: $11

Players to Watch: Australian’s Drew Mitchell and James O’Connor return to lead a side that also features pacific powerhouses, Alesana Tuilaga and Josua Tuisova and Japan test fullback Ayumu Goromaru.

Chances: Higher than most are giving them credit for if they can overcome the travel.

Reds

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: Chris Latham was born for this format, but just ten years too late. The legendary fullback is the wildcard inclusion and will help players like Karmichael Hunt, rising sensation Taniela Tupou (Tongan Thor) and key new NRL recruit Lachlan Maranta adjust to the game.

Chances: Not bad at all. At their Suncorp home, the Reds should definitely factor into your picks.

Tama Samoa

Odds: $26

Players to Watch: The Tama Samoa squad features eight Manu Samoa players and two from the Manu Samoa Sevens, including Sevens captain Tila Mealoi and try scoring machine Samoa Toloa

Chances: Mainly in the tournament for experience rather than for competitiveness, but might surprise some teams with their Athleticism which is well suited for a Sevens style of game.

Waratahs

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: Australia’s best Israel Falou headlines a Waratahs side that the bookies are giving half a chance. The lanky ball runner is ideally suited to the open fields Tens and will call upon his league and AFL experience in ripping teams apart.

Chances: They’ll make the finals but could be too reliant on Falou. Worth a punt.

Western Force

Odds: $26

Players to Watch: Wallabies Tatafu Polota-Nau and Luke Morahan are the mainstays, while Brisbane fans will get a first look at NRL sensation Curtis Rona as he makes his Force debut. Isi Naisarani is one to watch too.

Chances: Next to none. Even club legend Mat Hodgson won’t pull them out of the depths of pool play.

Wild Knights

Odds: $51

Players to Watch: Former Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes and emerging talent Ben Gunter are the overseas stars, and try-scoring machine Akihito Yamada is the local star.

Chances: Robbie Dean’s Wild Knights side are the rank outsiders with bookmakers giving them no chance of imitating their national team’s epic run during the 2015 World Cup (they beat South Africa remember). We agree with the bookies.