Super Rugby Round 8 Preview
With few upsets in last weekends Super Rugby, round 8 should follow suit with some exciting local derbies that could go either. The Crusaders thrashed in round 7 by a powerful looking Bulls side now face a Sharks outfit missing Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn.
Hurricanes v Stormers
Hurricanes $1.27
Stormers $3.50
The Hurricanes are playing their finest rugby since Super Rugby started, the only remaining unbeaten side in the competition. It is a big ask for the Stormers who were physically beaten by the Highlanders last weekend to show up in Wellington and put on a mighty performance to put an end to the Hurricanes reign. At home and in fine form the Hurricanes will be too strong, Hurricanes 13+
Rebels v Reds
Rebels $1.62
Reds $2.60
Both teams letting last week’s fixtures get away from them through ill discipline and momentary lapses of judgment or concentration. The Red’s see disgraced rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt returning to the bench who could support Quade Cooper’s style of play. The Reds scrum is looking strong however the consistency of the backline is questionable; the Rebels will hold their own in the scrum battle and will possess a better quality of rugby union players in the backline, Rebels by 1-12
Chiefs v Blues
Chiefs $1.25
Blues $3.70
The Blues are in the worst draught on the clubs history, winless after 7 rounds of rugby. With recent news that All Black Charles Piatau will leave Auckland & New Zealand in 2016 for Ulster this may inspire the Blues. The Chiefs have played consistently during the season apart from the ugly loss vs the Sharks. The men south of the Bombay hills will be too strong across the pitch however being a local derby we shouldn’t see the Chiefs romp to victory, Chiefs 1-12
Brumbies v Cheetahs
Brumbies $1.11
Cheetahs $5.75
The Brumbies come off the bye week against a touring side that were thrashed by the Crusaders 2 weekends ago but showed some attacking flare and backbone against the Chiefs in a high scoring match where the Chiefs ran away with the game . The Brumbies will want to keep the game at their pace as the Cheetahs are renowned counter attackers with some very quick men and a complete package of Willie le Roux at full back. A fresh face Brumbies will struggle to adjust to the Cheetahs style of play early on but should be too good, often an 80 minute team, Brumbies by 1-12.
Lions v Bulls
Lions $2.20
Bulls $1.62
The Bulls mauled the Crusaders last weekend in an impressive display of physicality and running rugby. The Lions pipped the Reds by 1 point showing they can play for 80 minutes. The Lions will really have to muscle up at scrum time and at the breakdown to compete here, the Bulls are looking very dangerous and will look to continue the momentum. Bulls 13+
Sharks v Crusaders
Sharks $1.70
Crusaders $2.05
The Sharks were their own worst enemy in a dour match last weekend against the Force fortunately still coming away with the victory. Franz Steyn has been banned for 5 weeks after SANZAR appealed his “not guilty” verdict on spearing Chiefs #10 Aaron Cruden 2 weekends ago. With Bismarck and Steyn missing through suspension the Sharks could be ripe for the picking especially with the Crusaders being humiliated last weekend at the hands of the Bulls. Crusaders 1-12
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