Another round of Super Rugby is upon us, albeit a shortened week with three teams enjoying a bye. Check out all the team changes and predictions in this week’s Super Rugby Round 13 Preview below:
Crusaders v Reds
Crusaders – $1.07
Reds – $9.25
Richie McCaw’s career mind be grinding to an early concussion conscious halt, but the Crusaders season is just starting to heat up. Despite losing to the Hurricanes last week, the Crusaders returned to some decent form and should make a late run for a playoffs spot over the closing weeks, starting with a comfortable victory over the Reds on Friday.
The below par Reds are still without Cooper, Hunt and Fainga’a who are all still out injured. Therefore the bookies have given them no chance at all. In fact they’re the least favoured team of the round even with Jake Schatz returning.
The match is probably the last time the Canterbury faithful will see heroes Dan Carter and McCaw at home.
Crusaders by 13+.
Rebels v Blues
Rebels – $1.52
Blues – $2.60
The Blues have revamped the side that easily beat the Force last week for this week’s head to head with the Melbourne Rebels in Friday’s latter game. Steven Luatua has been instilled as captain and Ihaia West returns to the pivotal number 10 position as Dan Bowden overcomes a groin injury. Charles Piutau, Luke Braid and Jerome Kaino are also out, but the Blues get a boost in the strange form of concluded legal proceedings as George Moala avoided an assault conviction and can now put the three year distraction behind him.
The Rebels are favourites thanks to a surprise win against the Chiefs last week and their five win and five loss records in this year’s competition. Mike Harris is a key addition this week and will resume the goal kicking from Debreczeni.
Blues by 1-12. (But great money on the Blues 13+ if you’re brave – $7.25)
Hurricanes v Sharks
Hurricanes – $1.24
Sharks – $4.20
The table topping Hurricanes franchise have rewarded some of their stars with a week off when they take on the Sharks at home on Saturday night. Wing Julian Savea and halfback TJ Perenara will sit this one out, replaced by Chris Smylie and Matt Procter. Beauden Barrett is also injured, meaning James Marshall comes into the run on side. Victor Vito and Blade Thomson also start ahead of regulars Brad Shields and Callum Gibbins.
The Sharks get a boost too, from international quality utility back Frans Steyn and other key contributors Jannie du Plessis and Renaldo Bothma.
Interestingly, the game will also feature royalty in the crowd. Literally, royalty, with Prince Harry watching from the stands.
Hurricanes 13+.
Force v Waratahs
Force – $3.75
Waratahs – $1.29
The Waratahs are odds on favourites to make it four wins on the bounce when they travel to Perth to take on the competitions worst side. The Waratahs are expected to be much too strong for a side who won a solitary match in 2015.
The Waratahs have made a switch out wide with Taqele Naiyaravoro coming in to replace Peter Betham and another in the front row that sees Tolu Latu replacing the concussed Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Notwithstanding a couple of point scoring splurges, the Force have struggled to match the name of their home ground (‘Force Field’) and have leaked far too many tries to come close to a second win.
Lock Adam Coleman is the only major change to the side that suffered a heavy defeat to the Blues last week.
Waratahs 13+.
Lions v Highlanders
Lions – $1.88
Highlanders – $1.96
The entertaining Highlanders team face their most difficult portion of their season as they embark on a couple of tricky South African and Australian assignments in the race home. First up is the a Lions team who will be smarting from their first loss in six games last week to the Bulls. They have reacted by making a handful of changes to their team including Schalk van der Merwe starting at loosehead and Robbie Coetzee, included at hooker.
In the backline, Ross Cronje will start at scrumhalf and will play alongside Marnitz Boshoff.
The Highlanders attracted more support as the week has progressed and it’s close to even-stevens between the two teams in the bookies eyes. We like the Highlanders here, building on their impressive effort against the Sharks last week.
Highlanders 1-12.
Stormers v Brumbies
Stormers – $1.57
Brumbies – $2.45
The Brumbies look to have their work cut out for them at Newlands early Sunday morning. The Cape Town venue is one of the competitions toughest to travel to and has become a fortress this season. Although the Brumbies get back Rory Arnold and Nic White, we can’t see them having the firepower to get past a strong Stormers side that has been strengthened even further with the return of Eben Etzebeth – who sat out last week under instruction by the SARU.
Stormers 13+.
This Weeks Multi
Head to Head pays $12.54
Margin pays $234.06
Odds taken from Luxbet.
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.
