Kicking off in just under 3 hours, it’s time to preview the latest round of Super Rugby, and this week we’re confident we’ll go 7 from 7. So without further ado, the Super Rugby Round 4 Preview:
Odds taken from Tom Waterhouse.
Chiefs v Highanders
Chiefs – $1.20
Highlanders – $4.70
The Chiefs were so dominant last week against the Crusaders its hard to see the Highlanders causing them any trouble. The Chiefs have the best performing 10 and 12 combination in the competition, and despite the Highlanders sneaking a win against the Reds last week, the Cheifs winning margin will be similar to last week’s. The Highlanders have been unable to get enough ball to Fekitoa or Waisake Naholo, and thus aren’t finding the points of previous campaigns. Chiefs by 13+.
Brumbies v Force
Brumbies – $1.15
Force – $5.60
If the Chiefs are currently the best team in the competition, the Brumbies aren’t far behind. The brilliantly coached and disciplined Brumbies side should prove to strong against a team they have always enjoyed an edge over. The Brumbies are conceding the fewest penalties of any team (although they probably regret on of the penalties they did concede), and that’s turning into significant pressure for their opponents. In positive news for the Force, the Honey Badger, Nick Cummins returns. He’s destined to bring more entertainment – both on field and in front of a post match interviewer. Brumbies by 1-12.
Blues v Lions
Blues – $1.16
Lions – $5.35
If the reports are true, the Blues are already tapping up replacements for John Kiran, in the strongest indication yet that JK won’t be around next year. Whether they are true or not, the Blues need wins. Only wins will prevent the axe from falling, and Round 4 is an excellent opportunity to get one. The Blues are yet to win a game, and look decidedly average on attack, but they’ve been beaten soundly. Therefore, we think (along with most of the bookies) they’ll record their first win. The Lions will find the travel a little too demanding. Blues by 13+.
Reds v Waratahs
Reds – $2.80
Waratahs – $1.44
The oldest rivalry in Australian sport has traditionally been edge by the Reds. Of the 23 previous encounters, the Reds have 13 wins to their names against the Waratahs 9. However, the most recent was a a comprehensive win to the eventual 2014 Super Rugby Champions, by 32-5. Neither team has reached top form in 2015, so form’s not a reliable indicator as to which way this one will go. All we know is we’re looking forward to the individual matches – Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley vs James O’Connor and Will Genia, and Liam Gill vs Michael Hooper. Waratahs by 1-12.
Cheetahs v Bulls
Cheetahs – $2.00
Bulls – $1.82
The Bulls finally got going last week as they returned to their attacking best spearhead by impressive youngster Handre Pollard in a win against the Sharks. The Cheetahs also had a win; a lucky one against the self destructing Blues franchise. The Bulls have completely dominated the historical matchups between the sides and we expect that to continue this weekend. The only possibly of the Cheetahs sneaking a win is through the running game of Willie le Roux or goal kicking of Joe Pietersen. Bulls 1-12.
Stormers v Sharks
Stormers – $1.62
Sharks – $2.32
A hotly anticipated South African conference duel is especially interesting because the Stormers haven’t won four in a row since 2012. That’s the year that they were minor premiers (to steal a term from the NRL), and if they manage it in Cape Town it will ensue all sorts of Super Rugby belief. The Sharks who beat them in a semi-final in 2012, have made an inauspicious start to the 2015 campaign, and need to improve drastically to overturn their results. Pat Lambie is the crucial figure in the game, the young five eighth has already knocked up 58 competition points and will need to be watched closely. Only because we haven’t picked an underdog this week, we’ll go Sharks 1-12.
This Week’s Multi
A head to head multi on our picks pays $9.73
A margin multi pays $253.02
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.
