Round 1 of Super Rugby is done and dusted. A week of rust, and more rust treated us to a number of upsets and treated the bookies to some reasonable takings. Will the home teams fare better this week?
Check out the preview on all the matches, along with odds from Bet365, to make your picks.
Chiefs v Brumbies, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, Friday 5.35pm
Chiefs – $1.40
Brumbies – $3.00
The Chiefs and Brumbies will continue a duel that has spanned some 20-odd games, including the 2013 final on Friday night. While the Brumbies have the edge in the overall record, and were dominant in their first up win against the Reds, the Chiefs too enjoyed a win and have further strengthened their side by including Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden. SBW v Tevita Kuridrani in midfield is going to be an almighty battle that could define the match. We’re with the bookies on this one, Chiefs by 8.
Rebels v Waratahs, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Friday 7.40pm
Rebels – $2.80
Waratahs – $1.44
The Rebels will have gained an unmeasurable amount of confidence after their first ever Super Rugby away win last week against last years beaten finalists the Crusaders. They’ll need it too. Because this week the task gets tougher as they back up against last year’s Champions. They are at home, and their first match foul play indiscretions have not been penalised by the match review committee, so they are a chance considering how badly the Waratahs were in game one. Even still, we’re predicting a much better Waratahs performance and for them to bounce back and win by 10.
Bulls v Hurricanes, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, Saturday 4.10am
Bulls – $1.44
Hurricanes – $2.80
The Hurricanes started Chris Boyd’s tenure with a clinical win against the Lions in South Africa, while the Bulls came unstuck against local rivals the Stormers. The Hurricanes welcome back midfield dynamo Ma’a Nonu fresh off an enforced paternity layoff. Boyd’s trying to ease the expectations on him, but his inclusion adds more firepower to an already impressive backline. Despite the Barretts, Nonus, and Janes where still picking the Bulls to get the better of the Canes at home. Stodgy forward play and accurate kicking will be the difference in this one. Bulls by 6.
Highlanders v Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Saturday 5.35pm
Highlanders – $2.25
Crusaders – $1.65
An Orientation week fixture for the rowdy Otago University students should provide all the spark the Highlanders need for their first Super Rugby match of the season. The Highlanders host fellow south islanders (and generally, the best New Zealand conference team) in what is expected to be a sold out showcase of New Zealand’s better rugby talent. Ben Smith and Israel Dagg, both vying for the All Black fullback spot, will compete in one of the many intriguing individual matches threatening to overshadow the main event. Crusaders were abysmally rusty in their opening match, but in truth, will probably be better without Dan Carter who is injured. Highlanders by 5.
Reds v Force, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 7.40pm
Reds – $1.58
Force – $2.40
Oh man, do the Reds have some issues. If we were writing this preview yesterday we would say they’re a decent chance with Adam Thompson returning to bolster their pack, but with today’s news of Karmichael Hunt’s arrest for drug offences, the team is in turmoil. I’m tempted to give this to the Force by reasons of disharmony and panic. Force by 7.
Stormers v Blues, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, Sunday 2.05am
Stormers – $1.36
Blues – $3.20
The Stormers have proved that they are back with full force (see what we did their – used another team’s name). They put together an impressive win against the Bulls last week and will be looking to put together another performance against the lacklustre Blues at home. The Blues kicked, and then kicked some more, ball away last week to destroy any attacking opportunities they had, and they’ll fail to recover from the difficult travelling times in this one. We’re picking the Stormers to be far too strong at Newlands. We’re picking the Stormers by 13+.
Sharks v Lions, Kings Park, Durban, Sunday 4.10am
Sharks – $1.22
Lions – $4.35
Another all South African fixture should be settled in the Sharks favour, even taking into account their shock loss in the first round. The Sharks collapsed under a weight of expectation last week, yet we expect them to do better against the second feline-themed opponent this week. The Lions need to improve on their ability to dominate possession, otherwise they need to get comfy at the foot of the Super Rugby table. The Sharks have made three injury enforced change to the team, which should prevent any complacency creeping in. Sharks to register their first win of the comp.
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.
