Check out the Super Rugby Round 6 Preview below with team news, odds, predictions and analysis.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Highlanders – $1.87
Hurricanes – $1.77
Two New Zealand franchises in strong form face off in the first of the Super Rugby Round 6 action. The Highlanders host the unbeaten Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr in what is set to be one of the closest games of the round. The halfback matchup between All Blacks TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith may ultimately decide the battle of the H’s, as both teams turn to their number 9 live wires to spark the majority of their attack. Speaking of individual battles, the lookalike Smith’s (Ben and Conrad) are also set to feature heavily for the respective teams. We’ll go for Hurricanes in this one, by 1-12.
Rebels v Lions
Rebels – $1.45
Lions – $2.31
A shock win against the Blues was followed up by a pasting at the hands of the Crusaders in the Lions’ Australasian tour matches so far. The contrasting performances make it difficult to predict which Lions team will turn up, especially faring off against the equally unpredictable Melbourne Rebels unit. The Rebels did just enough against the Force next week; the match coming down to who had the most nerve in a tense finish. We’ll go for a similar winning margin, 1-12, in favour of the Lions.
Crusaders v Cheetahs
Crusaders – $1.08
Cheetahs – $8.25
Israel Dagg has the biggest point to prove for the Crusaders as he returns at fullback for the seven time Super Rugby champions. Dagg has shaken off injury concerns in a bid to maintain his All Black spot in the face of stiff competition from Ben Smith. His return cancels out the resting of another influential All Black, Richie McCaw. McCaw’s resting comes at the most strategic time given the Crusaders are unbackable favourites at just a smidgen over $1. They beat the Cheetahs by 13+ on Saturday night.
Bulls v Force
Bulls – $1.11
Force – $6.95
In another example of a heavily backed team being expected to easily dispatch weaker opponents, the Bulls are the preferred team this time round. Loftus Versfeld is always a difficult proposition for any touring team, and the Force have to make the trip with a solitary win and inconsistent form. The solitary win came in Round 1 so its been a barren run of form ever since. The Bulls have got better and better as the tournament has progressed, and are our pick to win the South African conference. They’ll win this one by 13+. Bulls 13+.
Sharks v Chiefs
Sharks – $1.72
Chiefs – $2.15
The match of the round features two enterprising teams near the peak of their games. Firstly, the Chiefs, who were exceptional last week in beating the Stormers in their first match of their South African tour. The Sharks just started to find some mojo after a crushing victory over the Cheetahs last week. Expect the ball to get plenty of air in an exciting match with both teams promising running rugby. The impressive wing duo of James Lowe and Bryce Heem continue to keep ex-All Black Hosea Gear on the sideline, and will probably cross the line for more tries this week too.
Waratahs v Brumbies
Waratahs – $1.72
Brumbies – $2.15
The Australian derby to close out the round features an impressive attacking team packed to the brim with pace and power, against a disciplined defensive unit without any real fear, but plenty of grunt. Michael Chieka has at his disposable a quality collection of outside backs led by one of the competing best Israel Folau. He’ll need to find a way to penetrate the best defence in the competition (the Brumbies having conceded 40 points less than any other side), and start putting some pressure on the wild card teams currently holding knockout spots. We prefer the Brumbies in this one, also 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.
