Tag: Melbourne Rebels

Global Tens Rugby Betting Guide

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After the controversy (in New Zealand anyway) surrounding the Wellington Sevens (poor crowd) and the NRL Nines (poor crowd), another reduced rugby tournament was hoping to fly under the radar of controversy. However, it hasn’t played out that way for the Global Tens being held in Brisbane this weekend. Instead, the promoters have been criticised for the lack of international players (particularly All Blacks) on show.

Despite the negative publicity, the Tens shapes as an excellent day out for punters. Let’s take a look at the teams involved and their chances:

Blue Bulls

Odds: $17

Players to Watch: The Bulls bring a raw but talented side to Brisbane, led by the superb Springbok flanker Jacques Potgeiter. But don’t expect to recognise many other names in the team sheet.

Chances: Getting out of a pool that includes the highly fancied Brumbies and New Zealand’s Highlanders is going to be pretty tricky. Will not be a factor.

Blues

Odds: $13

Players to Watch: Auckland has called upon former All Black Rene Ranger to lead the side. He’s joined by current ABs outside back, George Moala, and former Kiwis rugby league international Matt Duffie.

Chances: While they have some experience in the faster format thanks to their Sevens recruits, we feel as though they lack the x-factor to win close games (sorry Rene, your x-factor is too old). Don’t discount, but maybe just short of the top tier.

Brumbies

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: The Brumbies have gone with just the eight Wallabies (or ex-Wallabies) in their side. Tevita Kuridrani is the best of them, but Henry Speight and Scott Sio are also handy additions. Head coach, Stephen Larkham is also suiting up as a wildcard pick with former dual international, Andrew Walker.

Chances: Part of a trio of Australian sides all given the same chances by the bookies, the Brumbies have a talented side and could be the dark horses in the competition. Keep in your consideration.

Chiefs

Odds: $7

Players to Watch: Liam Messam, Hikawera Elliott, Brad Weber all have AB experience while Tim Nanai-Williams should thrive in the format.

Chances: Look very good on paper and could feature in the finals of the fledgeling tournament. A well-structured squad and set to be expertly led by double Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Messam.

Crusaders

Odds: $7

Players to Watch: Scott Robertson has got current AB Seta Tamanivalu at his disposal, who will play alongside a largely inexperienced setup. There will however, be plenty of interest in one signing, former Wallaby, Digby Ioane.

Chances: We don’t have them as high up on the list of contenders as some do, but should still make the knockout phases.

Highlanders

Odds: $9

Players to Watch: The challenge is not to highlight players to watch, it’s to find players that you recognise, especially in the backline. Tevita Li and Matt Faddes are speed merchants, they should entertain, even if you haven’t heard of them.

Chances: At $9 the bookies give them a chance but we don’t. They’ll struggle against all.

Hurricanes

Odds: $5.50

Players to Watch: Nehe Milner-Skudder and Cory Jane are rugby royalty and could set alight the festival tournament. While Jane’s reaching the end of his career, Milner-Skudder is just getting started (albeit returning from injury).

Chances: Rightly the strong favourites and will be there or thereabouts come Sunday.

Melbourne Rebels

Odds: $21

Players to Watch: The Rebels have five Wallabies but none of them particularly good. More pleasing is the inclusion of Twitter expert and former Australian vice-captain Morgan Turinui.

Chances: About as good as their chances in the regular Super Rugby season – they were eighth of ten in the Australasian conference last year.

RC Toulonnais (Toulon)

Odds: $11

Players to Watch: Australian’s Drew Mitchell and James O’Connor return to lead a side that also features pacific powerhouses, Alesana Tuilaga and Josua Tuisova and Japan test fullback Ayumu Goromaru.

Chances: Higher than most are giving them credit for if they can overcome the travel.

Reds

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: Chris Latham was born for this format, but just ten years too late. The legendary fullback is the wildcard inclusion and will help players like Karmichael Hunt, rising sensation Taniela Tupou (Tongan Thor) and key new NRL recruit Lachlan Maranta adjust to the game.

Chances: Not bad at all. At their Suncorp home, the Reds should definitely factor into your picks.

Tama Samoa

Odds: $26

Players to Watch: The Tama Samoa squad features eight Manu Samoa players and two from the Manu Samoa Sevens, including Sevens captain Tila Mealoi and try scoring machine Samoa Toloa

Chances: Mainly in the tournament for experience rather than for competitiveness, but might surprise some teams with their Athleticism which is well suited for a Sevens style of game.

Waratahs

Odds: $10

Players to Watch: Australia’s best Israel Falou headlines a Waratahs side that the bookies are giving half a chance. The lanky ball runner is ideally suited to the open fields Tens and will call upon his league and AFL experience in ripping teams apart.

Chances: They’ll make the finals but could be too reliant on Falou. Worth a punt.

Western Force

Odds: $26

Players to Watch: Wallabies Tatafu Polota-Nau and Luke Morahan are the mainstays, while Brisbane fans will get a first look at NRL sensation Curtis Rona as he makes his Force debut. Isi Naisarani is one to watch too.

Chances: Next to none. Even club legend Mat Hodgson won’t pull them out of the depths of pool play.

Wild Knights

Odds: $51

Players to Watch: Former Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes and emerging talent Ben Gunter are the overseas stars, and try-scoring machine Akihito Yamada is the local star.

Chances: Robbie Dean’s Wild Knights side are the rank outsiders with bookmakers giving them no chance of imitating their national team’s epic run during the 2015 World Cup (they beat South Africa remember). We agree with the bookies.

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

Super 15 Rugby Round Nine Preview

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Super 15 Rugby Round Nine Preview

Round eight provided little in the way of upsets; the Lions beating the Bulls at the death would’ve ruined some punters picks and perhaps the Crusaders demolition of the Sharks was unexpected for some. All the games previewed for round nine as follows.

 

Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies

Blues – $2.05

Brumbies – $1.70

A winless Blues outfit returns home looking to get their first win of the season, the challenge ahead is an inform Brumbies who look well structured and disciplined. For the Blues, Luatua is dropped to the bench; it seems Kirwan fancies a quicker Daniel Braid. The Brumbies remain unchanged. The Blues did look better last weekend against the Chiefs but are still a mile off as a team, it will be a scrap but the Brumbies will come out by 1-12.

 

 

Canterbury Crusaders v Otago Highlanders

Crusaders – $1.30

Highlanders – $3.30

The Crusaders coming off a long trip after thrashing the Sharks in Durban and the Highlanders had the bye in round eight. For the Crusaders, Dan Carter is back on the bench after taking some parental leave and the props are rotated with Joe Moody and Owen Franks starting. Jimmy Tupou slots into lock to partner Whitelock. For the Highlanders no changes this round. This is going to be epic derby, the Highlanders have been winning but also winning tough when they need to, the Crusaders have shown they can also play some exciting running rugby outside of their vintage play. It’s tough to call, the trip from South Africa may be the factor here with a fresh Highlanders side, Highlanders by 1-12 at the death.

 

New South Wales Waratahs v Stormers

Waratahs – $1.30

Stormers – $3.30

The Stormers have lost three on the trot now and their assignment doesn’t get any easier with a well rested Tah’s outfit who boast a 12 from 13 home win record.  The Waratahs starting 15 is unchanged with Adam Ashley-Cooper returning from injury onto the bench. The Stormers lose inspirational captain Duane Vermeulen who is being rested however they get back Juan De Jongh. This will certainly be a bruising encounter, for the Stormers to have a chance they need to turn up in the first 40 and play some rugby. The Waratahs attack from the get go and with so many playmakers will be very dangerous with ball in hand.  The Stormers are going to struggle without Vermeulens power and work rate, the Waratahs will be too slick and take the game 13+

 

Western Force v Freestate Cheetahs

Force – $1.50

Cheetahs $2.45

The Cheetahs coming over a drubbing last round courtesy of the Brumbies now continue their Australasian tour in Perth against the Force who should be relatively well rested after their bye week. Both teams are struggling to find any decent form this season with the Cheetahs bottom of the South African conference and the Force 2 points ahead of cellar dwellers the Reds. The Force will want to take the game away from the Cheetahs strength up front and avoid over committing at ruck time, the Cheetahs will benefit from a physical battle and set piece play. Either side could take this game, expect to see the Force run away with it in the later stages, Force by 1-12.

 

Bulls v Queensland Reds

Bulls – $1.10

Reds – $6.00

The Bulls host the Reds at Loftus, the Reds one win better off than the Blues at the bottom of the table and looking very shaky this season. The Bulls were unlucky last weekend, caught out at the death by a smart play from the Lions. For the Bulls it has been confirmed that Matfield has been ruled out for three to four weeks to have surgery on his knee but likely to see Pollard, Serfontein, and van der Merwe back in some form this weekend. The Bulls have blown hot and cold this season after destroying the Crusaders in round 7 they were caught napping in a last minute loss to the Lions last round. The Reds have lost Quade Cooper to injury and James Horwill to a suspension, both players crucial to the Reds. We don’t predict an upset here as the Reds have just played poor rugby, the Bulls 13+.

 

Lions v Sharks

Lions – $2.00

Sharks – $1.75

The Lions host the Sharks at Ellis Park, both sides lingering mid table. The Lions played a relatively good game against the more fancied Bulls last week, taking it at the death. The Sharks however were pumped by the Crusaders in an awful display with Jean Deysel sent from the field for contact with the head, continuing the Sharks ill disciplined season. The Lions make four changes with Julian Redelinghuys starting, Jaco Kriel to the flank, Faf de Klerk at scrum half and Super Rugby debutant Mark Richards on the wing. For the Sharks, losing Lambie to injury, Deysel to suspension where he joins Bismarck du Plessis and Steyn has forced wholesale changes – Sithole starts on the wing, Zeilinga to fly half, Lourens Adriaanse, Franco Marais and Dale Chadwick make up the new front row with Beast and Jannie being rested. Renaldo Bothma replaces Deysel and Wentzel is Captain. For the Sharks there is incentive for the new boys in this round to perform and show the coaches they want to be there but with the changes comes a new combinations and inexperience to consider. The Lions should be confident coming into this game but will need to bring structure and patience in what could be a scrappy game. The Lions will take this 1-12.

 

Bye week – Chiefs, Hurricanes, and Rebels

 

It has been confirmed that Argentine Captain Agustin Creevy will leave English club Worcester Warriors to join the Argentine based Super Rugby franchise that will come into the new look competition in 2016. Agustin is the first international to sign, we hope that many of his countrymen will follow.

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 8 2015

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Super 15 Rugby Results Round 8 2015. Can the Hurricanes continue their winning ways and extend their overall lead? Could the Lions make it 3 in a row against the Bulls? Will there be a Crusaders backlash for their humilating loss in round 7? We recap all the games for you.

 

Wellington Hurricanes (25) v (20) Stormers

Conference and league leaders hosted the Stormers in Wellington, the Hurricanes looking to extend their good fortune. Penalties were exchanged early on throughout the first half and with a solid drive outside the 22 from a lineout the Canes looked to attack with a pinpoint cross-kick bouncing just out of reach of both attacker and defender for Milner-Skudder to juggle the pill and crash over (25th). Milner-Skudder was at it again after the Canes had an attacking scrum 40 out, Perenara fed the backs attacking the short side where Milner-Skudder found a huge gap and offloaded to Savea 10 out for the bus to dot down (35th). Moments later the Stormers had possession inside the Hurricanes 30 and were building phases but a steal by Goodes began a counterattack by the Hurricanes. Nonu and Shields breaking out up the middle of the field with excellent support of each other throwing multiple passes where Shields finally found Barrett racing up his outside who took the pass and dove over for a 90metre try (39th).  Early into the second half a series of scrum penalties inside the Hurricanes 22 saw the Stormers awarded a penalty try after the final collapse (47th) getting the Stormers back into the game. The Stormers continued their fight back with some powerful running gaining the advantage line each time and with Vermuelen running hard at the line 10 out he took the tackle and offloaded to Jones who dotted down in the corner (65th). The Stormers having the best chances rounding the half of were repelled nicely in the last 10 with the game going into 82 minutes, ended with a Hurricanes turnover. Hurricanes 25-20.

Hurricanes 
Tries – N. Milner-Skudder, J. Savea, B. Barrett
Pen – B. Barrett 2
Con – B. Barrett 2

Stormers
Tries – Penalty Try, H Jones
Pen – D. Catrakilis, K. Coleman
Con – D. Catrakilis 2

 

Melbourne Rebels (23) v (15) Queensland Reds

Melbourne Rebels hosted the Queensland Reds, both sides with checkered form throughout the season. The Reds camping inside the Rebels 22 through some nice phase play early on seeing Horwill crash over after 16 phases and a well timed short ball from Genia (5th). The Reds were at it again with Cooper and O’Connor switching receiver roles multiple times to ensure quick ball through the line and with a storming run from Liam Gill bumping off one and charging into his next with an offload in the tackle, Schatz running a perfect line off his shoulder to claim the spoils (13th).  Horwill was sent from the field for a punch (20th) and the Reds capitulated. Minutes later a strong line out drive from the Rebels inside the Reds 22 made its way over the try line, exposing the man advantage (22nd) Timani claiming the try. The Rebels continued their onslaught with some powerful running with slick ruck time play ensured they were on the front foot, with numbers the Rebels made it 5 out near the posts and turned it back into the backline where they found an overlap and English picked up his first (31st). A second half dominated by poor play from both sides was eventually closed out with a Rebels try from Stirzaker (66th), an excellent counter attack and hands pushing the Rebels over the advantage line and a perfect inside cut from Naivalu into a small gap his shear pace seeing him through forcing the last man to take him, a nice offload to Stirzaker who dotted down for the win.
Rebels
Tries – L. Timani, T. English, S. Naivalu
Pen – B. Barrett 2
Con – B. Barrett 2

Reds
Tries – J. Horwill, J Schatz
Pen – Q. Cooper
Con – Q. Cooper

 

Waikato Chiefs (23) v (16) Auckland Blues

Waikato Stadium hosted the Chiefs v Blues. The Chiefs clear favorites after the Blues have had a horrible start to the season losing 7 on the trot. The Chiefs were first to dot down after a scrum infringement led to an excellent kick from Cruden, cementing a Chiefs lineout 10 out. Good defense but even better patience and retention from the Chiefs saw Lowe dive over close to the posts (25th). Into half time some good pressure and position the Blues with a scrum 5 out managed to twist the Chiefs pack and a charging Kaino from the base of the scrum was unstoppable so close (47th). The Chiefs broke out from their 22 with Leitch leading the charge for 40 meters were he offloaded to settle the play down, the Blues struggling to contain the Chiefs counter and finally after 10 phases of pressure Marshall bet his man on the outside to dive over (68th). The Chiefs do the double on the Blues for the season, taking this one 23 – 16.

Chiefs 
Tries – J. Lowe, T. Marshall
Pen – A. Cruden 3
Con – A. Cruden 2

Blues
Tries – J. Kaino
Pen – D. Bowden 2, I. West
Con – D. Bowden

 

ACT Brumbies (20) v (3) Free State Cheetahs

The Brumbies hosted the Cheetahs GIO stadium Saturday night, the hosts currently on top of the Australian conference. The hosts were on the board inside 5 minutes with with Leali’ifano crashing through a weak Cheetahs defense (3rd).  Leali’ifano and Pietersen exchanged penalties for the remainder of the half (16th) (20th) and (40th) in a half dominated by defense. Much like the first half the Brumbies were quickest out of the break scoring early, their forwards dominating the early exchanges and lock Blake Enever crashed over for his maiden try (44th). The Brumbies could not extend the lead any further with multiple errors around the pitch seeing attacking opportunities squandered. An excellent display of defense from the Brumbies, closing out the match 20-3

Brumbies
Tries – C. Leali’ifano, B. Enever
Pen – C. Leali’ifano 2
Con – C. Leali’ifano 2

Cheetahs
Pen – J. Pietersen

 

Sharks (10) v (52) Canterbury Crusaders

After being humiliated in round 7 by the Bulls the Crusaders had a lot to play for and were hosted by a Sharks team guilty of ill discipline over the course of the competition. The Crusaders explosive out of the blocks with Ellis dotting down early (2nd) after a messy attack in the middle expose the Sharks fringe defense with Read ranging down the sideline to feed Ellis on his inside who casually dotted down. Next Dagg was on the board after he had an attacking run inside the 10, simply too quick (4th). A good kick chase from the Crusaders caught the man on the end of the kick after he was thrown a poor pass, Crusaders blowing over, grinding pick and go feeding it out flat and wide for Fonotia (21st). The Crusaders were camped in the Sharks 22 and more pick and go phase play close to the line was rewarded when the Crusaders spun the ball out to the backs, Dagg hitting the line and offloading in the tackle, Crotty too strong close diving over (34th). Minutes later the sin bin curse struck, Laulala was binned for a shoulder charge (36th), Fonotia was next for a shoulder charge on Deysel (38th) and then Nadolo for kicking the ball away after the refs whistle (39th). The final act of the half was a brave defensive display from the Crusaders a red card for Jean Deysel who struck the the head of a Crusaders player in the ruck with his knee (40+1). 2 men down the Crusaders managed to apply pressure early on and pin point chip from Slade saw a favourable bounce right back into his hands and he raced away to dot down (42nd). An attacking scrum 40 out turned into a cross field kick from Ellis, the ball contested into the Sharks hands and scrappy unsupported play for the Sharks players was blown over by a rampant Crusaders counter-ruck, quick play catching the Sharks out with Havili shear pace getting on the outside of his opposite (46th). Crusaders dominating play with men still in the bin scoring again with a tactical line out move (similar to what the All Blacks used in RWC final) 22 out, Todd racing threw the lineout opening to dive over (51st). The Sharks retaining the ball for multiple phases finally got over the line after sucking in the Crusaders defense, a perfect long pass from Lambie right into  the hands of Ndungane (54th). A turnover late in the game from a Sharks knock on was toed ahead by Taylor, a nice pickup seeing the young playmaker run 70 meters to close the game out (79th).

 

Sharks
Tries – O. Ndungane
Pen – P. Lambie
Con – F. Zeilinger

Crusaders
Tries – A. Ellis, I. Dagg, K. Fonotia, R. Crotty, C. Slade, DK. Havili, M. Todd, T. Taylor
Con – C. Slade 5, T. Taylor

 

Lions (23) v (18) Bulls

Ellis park hosted the Lions v Bulls, the Lions looking to make it three in a row v the Bulls and for the Bulls to extend their season winning streak. Penalties were exchanged throughout the half, both teams dealing with pressure and defending well. Jantjies (10th & 16th) and Potgieter (26th, 34th, & 37th). The second 40 similar to the first, both teams pressuring the other only to be countered or nullified in their attack, again penalties exchanged by Jantjies (57th & 61st) and Potgieter (65th & 69th). The final 10 minutes dominated by the forwards play, grinding for ascendancy with Jantjies (73rd) and Potgieter (78th) take the points on offer. With minutes to play the Bulls were caught napping with a quick tap from Faf de Klerk putting van der Merwe in possession close to the line, to be and strong powering over.

 

Lions
Tries – A. van der Merwe
Pen – E. Jantjies
Con – E. Jantjies 5

Bulls
Pen – J. Potgieter 6

Super Rugby Round 8 Preview

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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