Super 15 Rugby Round Eleven Preview
Round Eleven is the ANZAC day round. For Australian and New Zealand teams it’s a time for remembrance and tribute for all those men and woman who gave their lives in world war back in 1914/15. The weekend has some exciting fixtures so check out all the odds and our predictions.
Waikato Chiefs v Western Force
Chiefs – $1.08
Force – $7.00
The Chiefs open the ANZAC day round by hosting the Force at Waikato Stadium. For the Chiefs they’ll be looking to make it four wins in a row however a season ending injury to Aaron Cruden means they start Marty McKenzie at 10 and prior All Black arrangements means Liam Messam takes a break. For the Force they will be desperate to break an 8 game losing streak and going to Waikato is a tough place to win but they have Matt Hodgson returning from injury so his battle with Sam Cane will be good to watch. The Chiefs will be too strong for the Force, expect to see the backline run rampant – Chiefs 13+
ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders
Brumbies – $1.35
Higlanders – $3.00
The Brumbies host the Highlanders at GIO Stadium. The Highlanders are travelling light with all their All Blacks remaining home as per the agreement with NZRU to rest them throughout the season. The Brumbies discipline has cost them points early in the last few rounds and giving a side like the Highlanders easy points will entice them for more. The Highlanders always play with alot of heart but with missing their key players, Fekitoa, Aaron & Ben Smith the Brumbies should be too good at home and expect Pocock to own the breakdown. It’ll be tight but the Brumbies will take it 1-12.
Canterbury Crusaders v Auckland Blues
Crusaders – $1.27
Blues – $3.50
Two age old rivals play on a remembrance weekend, the Crusaders play host to the Blues. Both teams lost in their local derbies last round, the Crusaders are hot and cold this year finding great form one week and the next looking like a 4th 15. For the Blues, there isnt much to say but they’re playing for pride now with 1 win from 9 games. We can expect this game to be a battle as most New Zealand derby matches are, the Blues have rested All Blacks Kaino and Piutau but brought in an experienced front row of Woodcock, Mealamu and Faumuina. For the Crusaders it’s likely they’ll have Crotty back but Dagg is still a week away from recovery. The Blues have nothing to lose and will out gun the Crusaders. Blues by 1-12.
NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels
Waratahs – $1.20
Force – $4.20
The Waratahs host the Rebels at ANZ Stadium. Both sides coming off good wins last weekend and will be looking to extend their streak. The Tahs won tough last week beating the Hurricanes with heroic defense and the Rebels fought hard against the Brumbies is a surprise win. The Force are underdogs for this match but the Tahs will need to be careful, the Force have a knack of getting under their oppositions skin and the game turns into a grind which in this fixture will suit the Rebels. At the same time the Rebels need to shut down the big men and outside backs of the Tahs fast, given space to run they’ll hurt the Rebels. This will go down to the wire but the Rebels will get up, Rebels 1-12.
Lions v Free State Cheetahs
Lions – $1.33
Cheetahs – $3.10
The Lions host the Cheetahs at Ellis Park. The Lions come off the bye and will be well rested after a long tour of Australia and New Zealand and for the Cheetahs they were outscored last round in their loss to the Reds. This should be a traditional South African battle so expect a tight game with the forwards getting most of the ball. The Cheetahs have lost Willie le Roux so Joe Pietersen moves to fullback, expect Pietersen to use his boot more than the dynamic le Roux. The Lions were playing some good rugby before the bye knocking over the Bulls and Sharks and should do the same here but not my much. Lions more complete around the park should walk away, Lions 1-12.
Stormers v Bulls
Stormers – $1.65
Bulls – $2.15
The Stormers host the Bulls at Newlands. This should be another great South African battle with both side coming off tight wins last round and whoever wins this match will lead the South African conference. The Stormers have been more consistant than the Bulls with some results going against them but in each game they have battled win or lose. The Bulls, one week smash the Crusaders and the following are beaten by the Lions then are in a high scoring affair with the Reds. The focus in this game will be with the big boys and who can get the front foot ball, dont expect to see as much running rugby as these teams have displayed over the last 3 rounds. Stormers will keep it tight and make it count, Stormers by 1-12.
Queensland Reds v Wellington Hurricanes
Reds – $2.90
Hurricanes – $1.37
The round ends with the Reds hosting the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Hurricanes were humbled last round in their loss to the Waratahs whilst the Reds took a tight victory from the Cheetahs. The Hurricanes have lost Jason Woodword for the season with a broken ankle but should remain upbeat with talented Milner-Skudder available. The Reds are always tough to beat at home no matter their form and the Canes will want to get back their winning ways so its crucial that the Canes play their game and bring back that defense that has served them well. If we see a messy game expect a high scoring affair and the Reds to take it but if Hurricanes control the game from start to finish they’ll take it easy, Hurricanes 13+.
Bye week – Sharks
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
