Odds, tips and snippets from the latest round of Super Rugby action. Here’s the weekly Super Rugby Preview Round 14 Edition:
Blues v Bulls
Blues – $2.15
Bulls – $1.70
The Blues have had plenty of distractions this week. Most of them revolve around their coach John Kirwan’s future, which apparently won’t be decided until August. Will he stay? Will he get Wayne Smith as an assistant? Those are the questions being asked, notably because the Blues season is already well and truly over.
However, they play pretty decently at home so they could sneak some points from this picture against the susceptible Bulls outfit. The Bulls have not won outside of South Africa since 2013, but have plenty to play for as they currently top the South African conference with the Stormers.
On this seasons results the Bulls should be too strong, but we’re sensing an upset, even though the Blues got licked by the Rebels last week.
Blues 1-12.
Reds v Rebels
Reds – $2.25
Rebels – $1.62
Game two of the week also features two teams enjoying contrasting seasons. Former Champions the Reds are done and dusted. Struggling with injuries and form, the Reds were badly beaten last week and look to be second best in this fixture too.
In contrast, the Rebels are still in the hunt for a playoff spot – just 4 points behind the Brumbies and will undoubtedly bring plenty of confidence to Suncorp Stadium after mauling the Blues last week.
Jake McIntyre has been asked to make his Super Rugby debut at 10 for the Reds, while Karmichael Hunt returns from injury at outside centre. Big things are expected of McIntyre. The 21 year old replaces Nick Frisby who is out with concussion in the Reds problem position. He could thrive without the pressure of a playoff spot beckoning.
We’ll go for an upset here. Reds 1-12.
Hurricanes v Chiefs
Hurricanes – $1.62
Chiefs – $2.30
The New Zealand conference decider features two of the better teams in 2015’s Super Rugby season. The always enterprising Hurricanes face the equally ambitious and attacking Chiefs team at home, bidding to win their 11th game of the season.
The Hurricanes have a poor overall record against the Chiefs, having won just twice of their last seven matches against the side from Waikato. However, the most recent matchup saw the Hurricanes destroy the Chiefs 45-8.
The Canes are bolstered by the return of TJ Perenara and Julian Savea, returning them to full strength. Conversely, the Cheifs have lost James Lowe and Sonny Bill Williams in what appears to be two massive hits to their chances.
Hurricanes 13+.
Waratahs v Sharks
Waratahs – $1.30
Sharks – $3.50
The bookies are giving the Sharks little chance of beating the Waratahs at Allianz on Saturday night. The Sharks have been disappointing all year and particularly poor away from home, something that is frustrating Bismarck du Plessis no end. Sydney appears an unlikely venue to turn that statistic around however, as the Sharks have won just 2 of 10 encounters in the area.
That pretty much points to a Waratahs win. A desperately needed one too after they dropped valuable points against the force last week. The Tahs have not lost two games in a row all season and we don’t believe that will start on Saturday night. Buoyed by the inclusion of Michael Hooper, who looked set to miss a few weeks after limping off last week, the Waratahs will win 1-12.
Lions v Brumbies
Lions – $2.10
Brumbies – $1.72
In arguably the most difficult of the round’s games to predict, the Lions face the Brumbies at Ellis Park. The Brumbies top the Australia conference but are currently in the midst of a mini form slump. Narrow losses to the Waratahs and the Stormers (3 points and 1 point respectively) have left the ACT franchise needing to win in Round 15 to avoid three straight losses that would equal their worst ever losing streak.
Matt Toomua returns for the Brumbies to aid the cause. His inclusion adds a tremendous amount of sought after experience in the cauldron that is Johannesburg.
The Lions have surprised many in this campaign. Most recently they surprised the Highlanders with a stirring second half fightback. They might not have the paddock across the park, but they can grind out wins at home better than most.
We like their chances and will give them (the Lions) the win by 1-12 (because the Brumbies always lose narrowly if they lose).
Cheetahs v Highlanders
Cheetahs – $2.50
Highlanders – $1.53
An important match for the Highlanders at Free State Stadium this one. The Highlanders have failed to win any of their four games in the republic and need to keep in touch with the New Zealand conference pack that is currently chasing the Hurricanes.
Last week’s win will still be hurting, and the best tonic will be a win against a Cheetahs side featuring a new halves pairing of Tian Meyer and Francois Brummer. The Highlanders are not without their own changes. They lose breakout star Waisake Naholo to a bruised foot – replaced by little known Ryan Tongia.
We see the Highlanders finally breaking their South African hoodoo and getting a win by 1-12.
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.
