No one could have accurately predicted the spanners thrown into the mix by the Lions and the Highlanders in last week’s Super Rugby action. Round 5 shouldn’t feature as many potential banana skins, but it probably includes more games that could go either way. Particularly, the Chiefs start to their South African tour against the table topping Stormers.
Our picks for Round 5 below:
Hurricanes v Blues
Hurricanes – $1.21
Blues – $4.50
John Kirwan is under all sorts of pressure and an away match against the New Zealand conference’s only unbeaten team is not what he needs. Thus, the Blues could be heading back over the Bombay Hills winless and coachless after they lose to the Hurricanes on Friday night. Coming off the bye won’t be a factor for the Canes, nor will throwing Nehe Milner-Shudder a first Super Rugby start. Hurricanes too strong from 6-13, they’ll win by 13+.
Force v Rebels
Force – $1.62
Rebels – $2.30
The poor cousins of the Australian conference will battle it out in what shapes to be an incredibly even contest. For once the Force are favourites (they have won just two of the eight encounters between the teams in Super Rugby history), probably because of the home advantage rather than compelling form. Both sides have won one game thus far, both coming in the first week against more fancied opponents. Since then though it’s been slim pickings. The Rebels had a bye last week too, but in their last match were unlucky in a narrow loss to the Brumbies. The Force seem to be getting worse, so we’re backing the Rebels by 1-12.
Crusaders v Lions
Crusaders – $1.09
Lions – $8.00
There’s is zero possibility of the Lions doing to the Crusaders what they did to the Blues last week. The Crusaders will be far too strong at home, and I for one like their approach of using Dan Carter at 12. The All Blacks will like the approach too. Because of Aaron Cruden’s kicking woes (you can’t play him in a World Cup final at the moment), they need to see Slade at ten to see how he’s progressing, but also need Carter on the paddock because he might be the best option even with all the injuries. The return of Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock also delivers a big boost for the home side. Crusaders 13+.
Highlanders v Waratahs
Highlanders – $2.40
Waratahs – $1.59
We might be the only ones but we like the Highlanders in this one. The New Zealand side have shown a resolute defence in the tournament thus far and that’s exactly what they need to contain the talented Waratahs backs. Israel Folau is expected to spend some time in the centres, creating a mouth watering showdown against All Black Malakai Fekitoa. Fekitoa’s defence has improved markedly since becoming an All Black and has added breakdown turnovers to his repertoire; the winner of that particular contest could determine the overall victor. The Waratahs are unchanged and despite them having the better overall record, we’ll go Highlanders 1-12.
Reds v Brumbies
Reds – $3.60
Brumbies – $1.30
Unfortunately, this match is a foregone conclusion. The Brumbies are the best team in the conference, and the Reds are a rabble of misfits and past performers. They’re also badly affected by injuries with James O’Connor again ruled out, Lachie Turner sitting out due to a concussion and Quade Cooper still on the sidelines. They were well off the pace against last week and don’t deserve much attention against the Brumbies. Brumbies 13+.
Stormers v Chiefs
Stormers – $1.75
Chiefs – $2.10
This is the toughest game of the round to call. The table topping Stormers against the third placed Chiefs is a dream come true for Rugby fans who are noticing their sport suddenly lose marketshare to cricket. The fifth round rugby savour will match up two of the more dangerous midfielders in the world – Sonny Bill Williams and Damian de Allende. The match up between Liam Messam and Duane Vermeulen is also worth the admission alone. Both teams have opted for a significant number of changes to their teams, presumably managing the workload of a busy calendar year. We’ll vote against the masses and pick the Chiefs 1-12. We think they’ll be embarrassed by last week and bounce back strongly.
Cheetahs v Sharks
Cheetahs – $2.15
Sharks – $1.72
Two teams who are playing hot and cold rugby face off and make the final match of the round also difficult to predict. The Cheetahs have two wins and the Sharks, surprisingly, have just one. Bismarck du Plessis returns to lead the Sharks, and former England international Mouritz Botha also enters the fray. Free State Stadium may give the Cheetahs an advantage if they can recover from the shock points ambush inflicted by Handre Pollard and the Bulls last week. Cheetahs 1-12.
The Multi
A head to head multi on these selections pays $38.40
A margin mutli on these selections pays $282.64
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.
