Tag: Chiefs

South African Derbies Surprisingly Headline Super Rugby This Week

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Highlanders ($1.03) v Rebels ($12)

Fresh off a hard-fought win against the Brumbies away from home, the Highlanders return to Forsyth Barr in search of another four competition points (plus bonus points) to help get off the foot of the New Zealand conference table. It should be close to a certainty against the winless Melbourne Rebels side. Keep an eye out for All Black bolted Richard Buckman for the ‘Landers. Highlanders 13+.

Blues ($1.06) v Force ($9)

Speaking of All Black boaters, how’s the form of Blues fullback Michael Collins. The Otago product has set the competition alight in the last few weeks and has helped Tana Umaga’s Auckland side get back on track (he’s had good help from Piers Francis and Matt Duffie too). At home again, the Blues should be far too good for the Force. Blues 13+.

Chiefs ($1.06) v Bulls ($9.30)

The Chiefs get the chance to return to the top of the table after enjoying a bye last week. They host a Bulls side that went into the sheds at half-time all level with the Blues last week before falling away badly in the second half. On the bright side, Handre Pollard looked to be regaining some form. We’re expecting the Chiefs to have learnt from the Blues where to expose the Bulls (around the ruck and short kicking game) and win by 13+.

Reds ($6.50) v Hurricanes ($1.12)

The Hurricanes are like the Harlem Globetrotters of Super Rugby. Glitz, glamour and attention grabbing rugby that fans are happy to pay big money to see. Their opponents this week feature a player that, while currently sideline-bound, would love to be considered as a Globetrotter and often tries to play like he is, Quade Cooper. The Reds were dreadful in having two players sin-binned in Buenos Aries last week and deservedly lost. They’ll lose again, while Quade complains on Twitter. Hurricanes 13+.

Stormers ($1.25) v Cheetahs ($4)

The first of two South African derbies features the unbeaten Stormers against perennial under-achievers the Cheetahs. For about the third time in as many weeks in this blog, we’ll make the point that the Cheetahs should be better than they are, they just aren’t. To that end, we can’t tip them again, especially against the Stormers who, along with the Lions, have established themselves as the best from South Africa. Stormers 1-12.

Lions ($1.28) v Sharks ($3.78)

The Lions have a flair for scoring points this year – conceding them too – but their scintillating attack has seen them register four wins from five in the competition thus far. Averaging just under 40 points a game (and having hit that mark three times – we sense a bet in this), the test will be in their defence against the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park. This is the toughest round to pick this week – we’ll go an upset Sharks 1-12.

Waratahs ($3.60) v Crusaders ($1.29)

Two very successful Super Rugby franchises come together in the final match of the round. This shouldn’t be as close as some of their past grudge matches – my favourite the 2014 final that the ‘Tahs won by one point in the dying stages. The Crusaders to carry on their unbeaten way and win by 13+.

All odds from Palmerbet.

Australian Super Rugby Teams Must Step Up to Save Futures

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Crusaders ($1.41) v Blues ($2.90)

The impressive Crusaders are three from three so far, even though they’ve left it incredibly late to sneak wins in all three of their games. They’ll relish being back at home and hosting the struggling Blues team, who are still no closer to finding the first five that will bring them back to past glory – Piers Francis is the next to try, replacing Ihaia West. Crusaders by 1-12.

Rebels ($7.90) v Chiefs ($1.08)

Nothing but trouble awaits the Rebels this weekend when they host the high-flying Chiefs at AAMI park in Melbourne. The Chiefs have wonder kid Damian McKenzie starting at number ten in what could be an ominous sign for the home side, who have shown very little by way of ability or effort so far this year. Chiefs 13+.

Bulls ($1.01) v Sunwolves ($16.75)

This won’t be a question of who wins but rather a question of how much the Bulls win by. We’re picking fifty points, but then again the Bulls haven’t been that flash this year and have disappointed a loyal fan base that thought this year could be their year with two close losses to South African teams they should’ve beaten. Still, they’re playing the Sunwolves, so they will win. Bulls 13+.

Hurricanes ($1.23) v Highlanders ($4.10)

The Hurricanes / Chiefs showdown last week wasn’t the great spectacle many were hoping for. That’s probably because of the persistent NZ rain, but Saturday night’s match against the Highlanders could match the hype. In a repeat of the 2015 final, the Hurricanes will need to get the win without luckless All Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder, after the winger injured an ankle against the Chiefs. Hurricanes 13+.

Waratahs ($1.48) v Brumbies ($2.64)

All the talk during the week was which teams will be culled from Super Rugby when changes are introduced next year. One of the possibilities was the Brumbies merging with the underperforming Rebels. Accordingly, the Brumbies need a win here to outline their credentials and the reason they should stay in the comp. We think they’re actually a chance to get an upset here. Brumbies 1-12.

Lions ($1.23) v Reds ($4.20)

The Lions rested a lot of their side from the Argentinian tour, but their return should see them get the better of the below par Reds. The Reds did everything but beat the undefeated Crusaders last week and may take some heart from the close loss. However, we still think the Lions will be too strong. Lions 1-12.

Sharks ($1.01) v Kings ($14.75)

Bonus point for the Sharks. 13+. Enough said.

Jaguares ($1.29) v Cheetahs ($3.50)

The Jaguares are the surprise package of the competition so far. Wins in two out of three of their games and the home ground advantage gives them the favourites tags over the Cheetahs. However, the Cheetahs are no mugs either, sitting 5th in the South African conference and showing enough promise in their efforts to suggest they might be contenders in the conference. Jaguares 1-12.

Super Rugby Preview Round 14

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Odds, tips and snippets from the latest round of Super Rugby action.  Here’s the weekly Super Rugby Preview Round 14 Edition:

Blues v Bulls 

Blues – $2.15

Bulls – $1.70

The Blues have had plenty of distractions this week.  Most of them revolve around their coach John Kirwan’s future, which apparently won’t be decided until August.  Will he stay?  Will he get Wayne Smith as an assistant?  Those are the questions being asked, notably because the Blues season is already well and truly over.

However, they play pretty decently at home so they could sneak some points from this picture against the susceptible Bulls outfit.  The Bulls have not won outside of South Africa since 2013, but have plenty to play for as they currently top the South African conference with the Stormers.

On this seasons results the Bulls should be too strong, but we’re sensing an upset, even though the Blues got licked by the Rebels last week.

Blues 1-12.

Reds v Rebels

Reds – $2.25

Rebels – $1.62

Game two of the week also features two teams enjoying contrasting seasons.  Former Champions the Reds are done and dusted.  Struggling with injuries and form, the Reds were badly beaten last week and look to be second best in this fixture too.

In contrast, the Rebels are still in the hunt for a playoff spot – just 4 points behind the Brumbies and will undoubtedly bring plenty of confidence to Suncorp Stadium after mauling the Blues last week.

Jake McIntyre has been asked to make his Super Rugby debut at 10 for the Reds, while Karmichael Hunt returns from injury at outside centre.  Big things are expected of McIntyre.  The 21 year old replaces Nick Frisby who is out with concussion in the Reds problem position.  He could thrive without the pressure of a playoff spot beckoning.

We’ll go for an upset here.  Reds 1-12.

Hurricanes v Chiefs

Hurricanes – $1.62

Chiefs – $2.30

The New Zealand conference decider features two of the better teams in 2015’s Super Rugby season.  The always enterprising Hurricanes face the equally ambitious and attacking Chiefs team at home, bidding to win their 11th game of the season.

The Hurricanes have a poor overall record against the Chiefs, having won just twice of their last seven matches against the side from Waikato.  However, the most recent matchup saw the Hurricanes destroy the Chiefs 45-8.

The Canes are bolstered by the return of TJ Perenara and Julian Savea, returning them to full strength.  Conversely, the Cheifs have lost James Lowe and Sonny Bill Williams in what appears to be two massive hits to their chances.

Hurricanes 13+.

Waratahs v Sharks 

Waratahs – $1.30

Sharks – $3.50

The bookies are giving the Sharks little chance of beating the Waratahs at Allianz on Saturday night.  The Sharks have been disappointing all year and particularly poor away from home, something that is frustrating Bismarck du Plessis no end.  Sydney appears an unlikely venue to turn that statistic around however, as the Sharks have won just 2 of 10 encounters in the area.

That pretty much points to a Waratahs win.  A desperately needed one too after they dropped valuable points against the force last week.  The Tahs have not lost two games in a row all season and we don’t believe that will start on Saturday night.  Buoyed by the inclusion of Michael Hooper, who looked set to miss a few weeks after limping off last week, the Waratahs will win 1-12.

Lions v Brumbies

Lions – $2.10

Brumbies – $1.72

In arguably the most difficult of the round’s games to predict, the Lions face the Brumbies at Ellis Park.  The Brumbies top the Australia conference but are currently in the midst of a mini form slump.  Narrow losses to the Waratahs and the Stormers (3 points and 1 point respectively) have left the ACT franchise needing to win in Round 15 to avoid three straight losses that would equal their worst ever losing streak.

Matt Toomua returns for the Brumbies to aid the cause.  His inclusion adds a tremendous amount of sought after experience in the cauldron that is Johannesburg.

The Lions have surprised many in this campaign.  Most recently they surprised the Highlanders with a stirring second half fightback.  They might not have the paddock across the park, but they can grind out wins at home better than most.

We like their chances and will give them (the Lions) the win by 1-12 (because the Brumbies always lose narrowly if they lose).

Cheetahs v Highlanders

Cheetahs – $2.50

Highlanders – $1.53

An important match for the Highlanders at Free State Stadium this one.  The Highlanders have failed to win any of their four games in the republic and need to keep in touch with the New Zealand conference pack that is currently chasing the Hurricanes.

Last week’s win will still be hurting, and the best tonic will be a win against a Cheetahs side featuring a new halves pairing of Tian Meyer and Francois Brummer.  The Highlanders are not without their own changes. They lose breakout star Waisake Naholo to a bruised foot – replaced by little known Ryan Tongia.

We see the Highlanders finally breaking their South African hoodoo and getting a win by 1-12.

Super Rugby Round 12 Results

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The Super Rugby season just got a whole lot more exciting with arguably the most dynamic round of the competition – full of entertaining rugby and close finishes.  Worryingly, for New Zealand fans, the round also featured injuries to several high profile players including Charles Piutau, Jerome Kaino and Beauden Barrett.  They join an already full list of injured World Cup contenders that feature names such as McCaw, Dagg and Cruden.

Injuries aside, here’s our take on the Super Rugby Round 12 Results:

Highlanders (48) v Sharks (15)

The Highlanders turned in the most comprehensive performance of the round with a dazzling display of skill and audacity.  The often overlooked Otago franchise shocked a timid Sharks outfit with an array of speculative offloads, ridiculous chip and chases and fleet feet, and ran in seven tires to their opponents two.  Lima Sopoaga showed just why he’s being considered an All Black bolter to replace Aaron Cruden with a silky performance at the focal point of the Highlanders attack.

The win moves the Highlanders in to 5th on the Super Rugby ladder.  Their ability to keep in touch with the leaders will be determined on their South African excursion which begins this week with a trip to the Lions den.

Highlanders: Tries – G.Evans, W.Naholo, P. Osborne, M.Reddish, A.Smith, B. Edmonds, E.Dixon, Pen – L.Sopoaga, Con – L.Sopoaga 5

Sharks: Tries – T.Mtawarira, B.du Plessis, Pen – F.Zeilinga, Con – F.Zeilinga

Brumbies (10) v Waratahs (13)

The Waratahs wrapped up consecutive victory number three with a gritty come from behind win over the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night.  The win means the Waratahs are currently one of only two sides who have enjoyed multiple wins on the bounce (the other being the Hurricanes).

The match didn’t quite live up to the hype of the Dunedin blockbuster played earlier the same night, but did feature several intriguing matchup and resolute defence all round.  In particular, the battle between Michael Hooper and David Pocock set tongues wagging.  As was the first five eighth battle featuring Bernard Foley and Christian Leali’ifano.

Foley’s late penalty was enough to seal the win, but the real hero of the win was the desperate defence displayed through the majority of a pressure filled second half.  The Waratahs have now closed the gap at the top of the Australian conference to just a solitary point, but also remain in the hunt for a wildcard playoff spot – currently sitting in 6th overall.

Brumbies: Tries – J.Tomane, Pen – C.Lealiifano, Con – C.Lealiifano

Waratahs: Tries – A.Ashley-Cooper, Pen – K.Beale, B.Foley, Con – B.Foley

Blues (41) v Western Force (24)

The Blues doubled their win tally for the season with a costly victory in Auckland.  The Blues turned in their best effort of the season on a cool Auckland night that also turned cruel as they lost both Kaino and Piutau for the season. In a match that mimicked the Force’s effort against the Chiefs earlier in the season, the Force gave up too many points early before trying frantically to make it up in the last quarter before eventually finding it all too much.

The Force scored four of the last five tries, but the damage had already been done at 31-0 to the Blues in the first half.  Plenty of Blues faces managed to get themselves on the scoreline, but none were worthy of headlines considering they were up gains the Force’s touch rugby defence.  Much like the Blues, the Force will be hoping they can double their win tally next week.

Blues: Tries – M.Nanai 2, S.Luatua, A.Ioane, I.West, Pen – D.Bowden, I West, Con – D.Bowden 2, L.Visinia, I.West 2

Western Force: Tries – P.Cowan, M.Hodgson, R.Louwrens, B.McCalman, Con – L.Burton

Hurricanes (29) v Crusaders (23)

The game of the round culminated in a narrow home win for the runaway competition leaders.  Wellington’s Hurricanes ran in a bonus point worthy four tries in a topsy turvy ma of rugby that also saw All Black Colin Slade turn in a scintillating first half effort.

The pivot set Dan Carter up for try number one and followed it with one of his own while leading his team to an early lead before the class of the Hurricanes proved too much.  Tries to Reggie Goodes and Blade Thomson sealing it.

The victory came at a cost however.  Star playmaker Beauden Barrett out for four weeks after being sandwiched in a nasty tackle.  The Crusaders chances of making the playoffs appear to be over.  They find themselves back in 9th with only a few rounds remaining.

Hurricanes: Tries – B.Barrett, B.Shields, R.Goodes, B.Thomson, Pen – B.Barrett, Con – B.Barrett 3

Crusaders: Tries – D.Carter, C.Slade, Pen – C.Slade 3, Con – C.Slade 2

Rebels (16) v Chiefs (15)

A brilliant first half was the foundation for the Melbourne Rebels upset win over the more fancied Chiefs side at AAMI park.  The Rebels led 16-3 at the break courtesy of Scott Higginbotham and Nic Stirzaker tries and withstood a late Chiefs comeback (including when fly-half Damian McKenzie had the opportunity to take the lead when attempting the conversion of Michael Leitch’s try).  As they so often do, the Rebels squeezed in another season upset and may now be asking to be taken seriously as finals contenders.  They have a gentle run in with games against the Blues and Reds and could surprise if they can muster some bonus points.

The Chiefs are still comfortably inside the top 6 but will need to find a higher gear to forget this performance.

Rebels: Tries – S.Higginbotham, N.Stirzaker, Pen – J. Debreczeni 2

Chiefs: Tries – C.Ngatai, M.Leitch, Pen – A.Horrell, Con – D.McKenzie

Cheetahs (25) v Stormers (17)

The Cheetahs victory over the Stormers at Bloemfontein was also considered an upset.  The Stormers blew countless kicking opportunities – it didn’t help that the ever-reliable D.Catrakilis was off injured – before finally succumbing to a nail in the coffin late Clayton Blommetjies try.

The Cheetahs were terrific in establishing an 18-3 lead, helped by an uncharacteristically slow start from the former competition playoff shoo-ins.  The lead didn’t stand but the Free State side did enough to take the competition points.

The loss puts the Stormers back to 7th and outside a playoff spot.  They have plenty of work to do before meeting the Brumbies this week.

Cheetahs: Tries – M.Van der Spuy, R.Benjamin, C.Blommetjies, Pen – J.Pietersen 2, Con – J.Pietersen 2

Stormers: Tries – D. Leyds, D.Vermeulen , Pen – D.Catrakilis, Con – D.Catrakilis, K.Coleman

Bulls (35) v Lions (33) 

A compelling match played at Loftus Versfeld saw the Bulls take the spoils over shock playoff possibles, the Lions.  An early double to Piet van Zyl appeared to be enough to send the Bulls towards a convincing win, before Elton Jantjies’ boot brought the Lions right back into the game.

Any nerves however were dispelled when the Bulls finished the stronger of the teams.  Experienced heads Pierre Spies and Handre Pollard steering them to second on the Super Rugby ladder and four points clear in the race for South African conference honours.  The Lions are still within striking distance of 6th.  They find themselves just 4 points shy of the Waratahs (and play all of their remaining games in South Africa).

Bulls: Tries – P.van Zyl 2, JJ Engelbrecht, Pierre Spies, Pen – H.Pollard 3, Con – H.Pollard 3

Lions: Tries – F.de Klerk, J.Van Rooyen, J. Kriel, Pen – E.Jantjies 4, Con – E.Jantjies 3

Super 15 Rugby Round Eleven Preview

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Super 15 Rugby Round Eleven Preview

Round Eleven is the ANZAC day round. For Australian and New Zealand teams it’s a time for remembrance and tribute for all those men and woman who gave their lives in world war back in 1914/15. The weekend has some exciting fixtures so check out all the odds and our predictions.

 

Waikato Chiefs v Western Force

Chiefs – $1.08

Force – $7.00

The Chiefs open the ANZAC day round by hosting the Force at Waikato Stadium. For the Chiefs they’ll be looking to make it four wins in a row however a season ending injury to Aaron Cruden means they start Marty McKenzie at 10 and prior All Black arrangements means Liam Messam takes a break. For the Force they will be desperate to break an 8 game losing streak and going to Waikato is a tough place to win but they have Matt Hodgson returning from injury so his battle with Sam Cane will be good to watch. The Chiefs will be too strong for the Force, expect to see the backline run rampant – Chiefs 13+

 

ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders

Brumbies – $1.35

Higlanders – $3.00

The Brumbies host the Highlanders at GIO Stadium. The Highlanders are travelling light with all their All Blacks remaining home as per the agreement with NZRU to rest them throughout the season. The Brumbies discipline has cost them points early in the last few rounds and giving a side like the Highlanders easy points will entice them for more. The Highlanders always play with alot of heart but with missing their key players, Fekitoa, Aaron & Ben Smith the Brumbies should be too good at home and expect Pocock to own the breakdown. It’ll be tight but the Brumbies will take it 1-12.

 

Canterbury Crusaders v Auckland Blues

Crusaders – $1.27

Blues – $3.50

Two age old rivals play on a remembrance weekend, the Crusaders play host to the Blues. Both teams lost in their local derbies last round, the Crusaders are hot and cold this year finding great form one week and the next looking like a 4th 15. For the Blues, there isnt much to say but they’re playing for pride now with 1 win from 9 games. We can expect this game to be a battle as most New Zealand derby matches are, the Blues have rested All Blacks Kaino and Piutau but brought in an experienced front row of Woodcock, Mealamu and Faumuina. For the Crusaders it’s likely they’ll have Crotty back but Dagg is still a week away from recovery. The Blues have nothing to lose and will out gun the Crusaders. Blues by 1-12.

 

NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

Waratahs – $1.20

Force – $4.20

The Waratahs host the Rebels at ANZ Stadium. Both sides coming off good wins last weekend and will be looking to extend their streak. The Tahs won tough last week beating the Hurricanes with heroic defense and the Rebels fought hard against the Brumbies is a surprise win. The Force are underdogs for this match but the Tahs will need to be careful, the Force have a knack of getting under their oppositions skin and the game turns into a grind which in this fixture will suit the Rebels. At the same time the Rebels need to shut down the big men and outside backs of the Tahs fast, given space to run they’ll hurt the Rebels. This will go down to the wire but the Rebels will get up, Rebels 1-12.

 

Lions v Free State Cheetahs

Lions – $1.33

Cheetahs – $3.10

The Lions host the Cheetahs at Ellis Park. The Lions come off the bye and will be well rested after a long tour of Australia and New Zealand and for the Cheetahs they were outscored last round in their loss to the Reds. This should be a traditional South African battle so expect a tight game with the forwards getting most of the ball. The Cheetahs have lost Willie le Roux so Joe Pietersen moves to fullback, expect Pietersen to use his boot more than the dynamic le Roux. The Lions were playing some good rugby before the bye knocking over the Bulls and Sharks and should do the same here but not my much. Lions more complete around the park should walk away, Lions 1-12.

 

Stormers v Bulls

Stormers – $1.65

Bulls – $2.15

The Stormers host the Bulls at Newlands. This should be another great  South African battle with both side coming off tight wins last round and whoever wins this match will lead the South African conference. The Stormers have been more consistant than the Bulls with some results going against them but in each game they have battled win or lose. The Bulls, one week smash the Crusaders and the following are beaten by the Lions then are in a high scoring affair with the Reds. The focus in this game will be with the big boys and who can get the front foot ball, dont expect to see as much running rugby as these teams have displayed over the last 3 rounds. Stormers will keep it tight and make it count, Stormers by 1-12.

 

Queensland Reds v Wellington Hurricanes

Reds – $2.90

Hurricanes – $1.37

The round ends with the Reds hosting the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Hurricanes were humbled last round in their loss to the Waratahs whilst the Reds took a tight victory from the Cheetahs.  The Hurricanes have lost Jason Woodword for the season with a broken ankle but should remain upbeat with talented Milner-Skudder available. The Reds are always tough to beat at home no matter their form and the Canes will want to get back their winning ways so its crucial that the Canes play their game and bring back that defense that has served them well. If we see a messy game expect a high scoring affair and the Reds to take it but if Hurricanes control the game from start to finish they’ll take it easy, Hurricanes 13+.

 

Bye week – Sharks

Super 15 Rugby Round Ten Preview

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Super 15 Rugby Round Ten Preview

Round nine provided little in the way of upsets; the Lions holding off a late fight back from the Sharks and the Highlanders getting up on their Crusader neighbors. Round ten has some juicy fixtures line up.

 

Canterbury Crusaders v Waikato Chiefs

Crusaders – $1.75

Chiefs – $2.00

Crusaders were unlucky last round losing out to an impressive Highlanders outfit who know how to grind. The Chiefs should be fresh coming off the bye week. Both sides have the capability to score tries and boast packs with big engines. The Chiefs have more x-factor in their backline but the Crusaders more consistent purists. Even though the Crusaders lost last weekend, they’ll be better off for it and better prepared coming into this derby. Crusaders defense will be the difference, Crusaders by 1-12.

 

Wellington Hurricanes v New South Wales Waratahs

Hurricanes – $1.45

Waratahs – $2.60

The Hurricanes boasting 7 wins from 7 games, top of the Super Rugby table hosting the Waratahs at Westpac stadium. Coming off the bye the Hurricanes will hope to continue their great form pre the bye and the Tahs will be looking to get some respect back after they were bullied by a less fancied Stormers outfit. The breakdown is going to crucial; Hooper is a traditional fetcher and will cause havoc if he isn’t looked after. Both sides have the potential to score from anywhere on the park but the Hurricanes look more likely to do so. Hurricanes to wallop the Tahs, Canes 13+

 

Otago Higlanders v Auckland Blues

Highlanders – $1.45

Blues – $2.60

The Blues picking up their first win of the season last round visit a Highlanders outfit coming off a good win against the Crusaders. We should see a lot of attacking rugby as both sides boast skilled backs with loads of speed, it’ll come down to whoever can convert their opportunities and make less errors as the game will be pretty open. If its open and messy expect the Blues to walk away with the win, if Sopoaga and Aaron Smith lead their troops well the Highlanders will take it. Highlanders 1-12.

 

ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels

Brumbies – $1.18

Rebels – $4.50

After a surprise loss to the Blues the Brumbies return home to GIO stadium hosting a Rebels outfit coming off the bye. The Brumbies have been hit with some injuries to crucial players Toomua, Kuridrani, and Mogg on top of other key personnel – this will certainly challenge their depth if they are out for a long period of time. The Brumbies still boast a good roster with Stephen Moore and Nic White leading the troops will be too good for the Rebels who will battle but will struggle to keep up. Brumbies win it late, 1-12.

 

Western Force v Stormers

Force – $2.45

Stormers – $1.50

The Force host the Stormers NIB Stadium in Perth. The Force coming off a loss to the Cheetahs face a Stormers outfit that humiliated the Waratahs last round. Expect to see a touring Stormers outfit batter this Force team around the park to finish their Australasian tour on a high. The Force sit second to last 1 point ahead of the Reds, Stormers 13+ .

 

Sharks v Bulls

Sharks – $1.70

Bulls – $2.05

The Sharks host the Bulls at Kings Park. Both sides coming off mixed fortunes in round 9. For the Sharks they’re still missing key personnel with B. du Plessis, Deysel, and F. Steyn still suspended and Lambie out with injury, the Sharks depth certainly being tested. For the Bulls they were a little loose on defense especially around the ruck, being caught out close in and around the fringes multiple times however the Bulls are choosing the run the ball more this season, and looking dangerous in doing so. This will be a traditional South African battle up front but the Sharks are going to struggle with depth off the bench so expect it to be a grinding affair but the Bulls will be too strong, Bulls 1-12.

 

Free State Cheetahs v Queensland Reds

Cheetahs – $1.40

Reds – $2.80

The Cheetahs host the Reds at Free State Stadium in the last game of the round. Cheetahs sitting a couple places above bottom of the table Reds, both sides with scratchy form over the first half of the season. The Red’s looked to be getting back on track last weekend against the Bulls but the result blew out, the Cheetahs have been on the back of 3 big loses before grinding out a win last round. At home the Cheetahs should take this but it will be an interesting battle up front as the Reds can generally hold their own at scrum time. Cheetahs will run away with the game, 13+.

 

Bye week – Lions