Tag: Reds

Super 15 rugby results round 7

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Could the Hurricanes extend their unbeaten start to the competition and would the Blues finally get a win? Here’s how the round played out. Super 15 rugby results recapped!

 

Wellington Hurricanes (36) v (12) Melbourne Rebels

Conference and league leaders hosted the Melbourne Rebels at the Cake tin, Wellington. The Canes opened their account 11 minutes in with an overlap on the short side of the Rebels defense, TJ Perenara sitting on the shoulder to take the inside pass, converted by ex Rebel Jason Woodward. Both teams guilty throughout the half of breakdown infringements with Mike Harris and Woodward trading conversions, the half finishing 10-12 Rebels. The Hurricanes applied pressure early into the second half with good line out maul and grinding work finally spreading the ball out close and wide for Cory Jane to dot down (43rd) with Woodward slotting the sideline conversion. Midway through the second Callum Gibbons picked up his first super try after a turn over inside the Hurricanes 22 and a punt down field saw Cory Jane deflect the bounce of the ball with his chest and Gibbons scooping the ball up and running away for the try (57th). Perenara picked himself up a yellow card (68th) for continuous infringing around the ruck. The Rebels could not get the upper hand with the extra man and the Hurricanes subs made a strong impact with Milner-Skudder picking up his first try (76th) and a 2nd moments later through soft hands out wide (80th).

 

Hurricanes 
Tries – TJ Perenara, C.Jane, C. Gibbins, N. Milner-Skudder 2
Pen – J.Woodward
Con – J.Woodward 4

Rebels
Pen – M.Harris 4

 

Queensland Reds (17) v (18) Lions

Quade Coopers return couldn’t inspire the Reds, a relatively uneventful first half full of fumbles and mistakes. The Lions were on the board first with sustained pressure from the forwards and aggressive running from the backs, Vorster got slightly outside of his opposite in the far corner to gracefully dive with an outstretched arm to dot down (13th). Just outside of half time a poor line out throw by the Reds was claimed and the Lions counterattacked with a hard run by flank Tecklenburg saw him crash over by the posts with Jantes converting (48th). The Reds had the scrum feed 10 out from the line and powerfully drove through to be awarded a penalty try as the Lions pack disengaged (52nd), Cooper converting. The Reds were next to score again through more forward pressure and quick hands through the backs close in to see centre Kerevi crash over to put the Reds ahead (67th). 3 minutes later, ill discipline from the Reds cost them 3 points when Jantjies converted (70th). The game rounded off with the Reds in possession and lining up a field goal, yet Cooper too slow out of the blocks and his kick was charged.

 

Reds 
Tries – Penalty try, S.Kerevi
Pen – Q.Cooper
Con – Q.Cooper 2

Lions
Tries – H.Vorster, W. Tecklenburg
Pen – E.Jantjies 2
Con – E.Jantjies

 

Waikato Chiefs (37) v (27) Freestate Cheetahs

Waikato Stadium hosted the Chiefs v Cheetahs. A high scoring affair with ill discipline and red mist rearing its ugly head. The Chiefs opened their account inside the first 2 minutes with Sonny Bill Williams gaining the advantage line and with a short offload found the hands of Leitch who crashed over (2nd). What looked to be the Chiefs opening the flood gates saw Messam race away for another Chiefs try after what looked to be a regulation maul, Messam peeled away and dotted down (17th). Fitzgerald was binned (23rd) for sacking the support mauler and the Cheetahs hit back with a try to Prinsloo (27th) after the Chiefs were caught napping at the maul with no defenders driving the Cheetahs pack. Tameifuna was next in the bin after he sacked the maul illegally (32nd). The half rounding off 14-13 Chiefs, setting up an exciting 2nd 40. Cruden slotting penalty goals (45th & 52nd) in an uneventful opening. Fullback McKenzie blundering a grubber inside the Chiefs 22 which was deflected, Cruden attempted to clean up only to fumble the ball and Brussow pounced to score under the posts to even it up (53rd). Inside the final quarter Cheetahs lost Brussow for 10 minutes due to ill discipline (66th) and the Chiefs took advantage of the extra man at scrum-time inside the 22 with Leitch twisting off the back of the scrum and feeding Sam Cane who crashed over (67th). Augustine Pulu gutted the Cheetahs up the middle with a brilliant run, off loading in the tackle to a charging Horrell with the help of Sam Cane crashed over for the try (75th). Sustained pressure from the Cheetahs in the final minute saw them claw back a try with Brussow taking a quick tap and driving over (80th), too little too late.

 

Chiefs 
Tries – M.Leitch. L.Messam. S.Cane. A.Horrell
Pen – A.Cruden 4
Con – A.Cruden 4

Cheetahs 
Tries – B.Pinsloo, H.Brussow 2
Pen – J.Pietersen 2
Con – J.Pietersen 2. W. du Plessis.

 

Otago Highlanders (39) v (21) Stormers

The Highlanders hosted the Stormers at Forsyth Bar Stadium in Dunedin. The opening quarter was shaky from both sides; Highlanders slow to start were caught out through good retention from the Stormers albeit some dubious passes and knock on’s during the phases, de Jongh holding on nicely to an overhead pass, stepping inside for the try (18th). The Highlanders seemed to come alive after the try striking back with some fast thinking courtesy of Aaron Smith who planted the ball against the bottom of the posts. The Highlanders were on the board again after Naholo anticipated a Stormers pass perfectly and ran away to dot down under the posts (33rd). On the stroke of half time an Aaron Smith grubber just outside the Stormers 22 was deflected into the hands of Naholo who raced away for the line with one man to beat, Naholo steam rolled Kolbe to score. The hosts continued their first half dominance early into the 2nd half with great retention play from backs and forwards. Patrick Osborne first man off the ruck powered his way over the line (47th) courtesy of an excellent Aaron Smith short pass. Aaron Smith was binned for infringing at the breakdown (56th) resulting in Stormers hitting back through Rhodes (60th) driving over the line to eat away at the deficit. The host’s hard running was taking its toll on the visitors with replacement flank Dan Pryor splitting two defenders 22 out wide after the Stormers were caught short. Late into the half Kolbe cut up the Otago defense through a well run move from the backs which ended with de Jongh taking a pass 10 out to stroll over for his second (75th), Marty Banks rounded the game off went a converted penalty (79th).

 

Highlanders 
Tries – A.Smith, W.Naholo 2, P.Osborne, D.Pryor
Pen – L.Sopoaga, M.Banks
Con – L.Sopoaga 4

Stormers
Tries – J.de Jongh 2, M.Rhodes
Con – D.Catrakilis, K.Coleman 2

 

New South Wales Waratahs (23) v (11) Auckland Blues

The Blues winless so far in the competition were hosted by Waratahs in Sydney. Phipps opened the hosts account early on with a well constructed backline move opening the Blues up and Michael Hooper running a great angle back inside to feed Phipps who dotted down under the posts (7th). The Tahs continued to dominate but failed to convert their opportunities through the half. Daniel Bowden converted two penalties (13th & 23rd ) to see the Blues close in on their hosts in an uneventful, stop start half of rugby. The Blues hit back with a try of their own in the second half, an excellent pick and go by veteran Mealamu put the Blues on the front foot and some quick ruck play and slick hands saw Francis Saili dissect 3 Waratah defenders on the line to score (53rd). Ill discipline from the Blues saw Foley convert three penalties (57th, 60th, & 68th) to put the hosts back in front, Kaino was sent to the bin (71st) for a high tackle on Dave Dennis. The extra man proved vital for the Tahs who went from right to left stretching the Blues defence, Betham cruising over (74th) to put the game out of reach for the Blues.

 

Waratahs 
Tries – N.Phipps, P.Betham
Pen – B.Foley 3
Con – B.Foley 2

Blues
Tries – F.Saili
Pen – D.Bowden 2

 

Sharks (15) v (9) Western Force

Durban played host to the Sharks and the Force. Rain affected the possibility of a fluid running game however both teams resembled amateur outfits who decided to play a game of rugby. Ebersohn converting two penalties (30th & 38th) was all the action accounted for in the first half. Inside 2 minutes the Sharks were the first to dot down after Steyn through a dodgy pass where the pass interrupted the defense and Marais took advantage to run away for the try (42nd).  Ebersohn missed a penalty from out in front and the Sharks countered with Marais darting out of his 22 to pass off to Mvovo who gallantly raced away (67th). The Force playing for the bonus point took the points on full time with Burton slotting a penalty (80th). A dour game.

 

Sharks 
Tries – S.P.Marais, L.Mvovo
Pen – F.Zeilinga
Con – F.Zelinga

Force
Pen – S.Ebersohn 2, L.Burton

 

Bulls (31) v (19) Crusaders

The Bulls hosted the Crusaders in Pretoria. A surprise for both supporters with the visitors making so many uncanny mistakes and turnovers, the Bulls running the ball from the get go seeing early tries to Hougaard (3rd) and Odendaal (7th).  Carter struck back with two penalties (14th & 18th) and Nadolo crashed over minutes later (22nd) with Carter converting to put the Crusaders in the lead. Carter and Pollard traded penalties to go into the half with the Bulls up 18-16. Pollard (52nd & 55th) and Carter (63rd) traded penalties.  Carter attemped to fed an inside ball only to be struck at by Hattingh who juggled the ball and raced away 50 meters to dot down (65th) Pollard converted taking his tally to 16 for the night.

 

Bulls 
Tries – F.Hougaard, B. Odendaal, G.Hattingh
Pen – H.Pollard 4
Con – H.Pollard 2

Crusaders
Tries – N.Nadolo
Pen – D.Carter 4
Con – D.Carter

 

Many critics have called for a review of the Super Rugby officating and use of the TMO in light of the high amount of yellow cards and strange decisions. Dubious calls regarding the definition of a high tackle such as players ducking into tackles only to be caught high. Ruck and maul laws such as an uncontested drive from a line out to a maul, what is considered obstruction? With referees focusing heavily on cleaning up these area’s are they being to harsh? Let’s see what SANZAR referee boss Lydon Bray can do to help clear this up.

Super Rugby Round 6 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Super Rugby’s Round 6 had everything.  Red Cards, yellow cards, slurs, tries and upsets.  Catch up on Round 6 in our wrap up below:

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Round 6 kicked off with the Highlander’s hosting the unbeaten Hurricanes in Dunedin. What promised to be a spectacle of attacking rugby between two confident sides turned out to be a rather sluggish first half affair as both teams pushed passes and spoiled opportunities for that elusive first try. Half time, 3-3. The Hurricanes took a solid pick and go approach building phases early into the second half finally scoring through a powerful Reggie Goodes drive for the line. Both team continued to battle for supremecy however the Hurricanes struck again close to the line with Perenara driving through a weak fringe defence. A late consolation try (77min) courtesy of Sopoga brought the Highlanders back into the game and after the restart the men from the deep south found themselves attacking a tired Hurricanes defensive line and looked to have broken the Hurricanes defense to dot down with a kick to come for a draw, however the officials ruled a forward pass to save the Hurricanes and keep their unbeaten record.

Hurricanes win 20-13.

Rebels v Lions

The Melbourne Rebels played host to the Lions, both teams lingering just outside the top half of the competition ladder. The hosts dominating possession and territory for the first half,  dotting down twice through Mitch Inman and debutant at fullback Jonah Placid. The Rebels pressure was not always rewarded as they blew multiple chances throughout the half to extend the lead. Half time 13-3. The Lions came out of halftime with a long range try early on, Mastriet drew the last defender perfectly and offloaded to Boshoff who dotted under the posts and converted to bring the match level. Mike Harris replied with a penalty (2 from 5) midway through the second half to lead 16-13. A strong phase of attack and strength from the Lions in the dying minutes caught the Rebels short on the wing, Lions dotting down to take the game 20-13.

Lions win 20-13

Crusaders v Cheetahs

Saturday evening the Crusaders hosted the Cheetahs in Christchurch. A 6th minute yellow card early on for Keiron Fonotia for taking the man in the air resulted in a relatively quiet opening 15 minutes from both teams. Taufua strong drive for the line after some good pressure from the Crusaders saw the hosts go up 7-0. Cheetahs had the better of the half dotting down twice in quick succession through a 70 metre interception to Francois Venter then 3 minutes later to Sadie courtesy of some slick play. Carter working on the defecet with a penalty goal on half time, Cheetahs up 10-14. The second 40 painted a different picture for both sides, fullback Willy le Roux binned early into the second half for a high tackle on Nadolo and sustained pressure resulted in a penalty try. The Cheetahs appear helpless with le Roux in the bin as the Crusaders ruthlessly chalked up 4 tries in his absence. The Crusaders continued their onslaught of a degraded Cheetahs outfit dotting down another 3 times throughout the game. Carter returning to his former best with 2 tries and 7 conversions. Full time 57-14.

Crusaders win 57-14.

Bulls v Force

Loftus hosted the Bulls and Western Force Saturday, prior to the game the pitch subject to torrential rain and a spectacular display of lightening. The Western Force the more aggressive on attack throughout the half seeing them go up 7-0 inside 15 minutes however the Force had discipline issues early on and a dead eye Pollard ensured the hosts kept close with 3 converted penalties going into the break, 9-7 Bulls. Early into the second the Force were reduced to 13 men with cynical infringements at ruck and maul time through sustained Bulls pressure, seeing Coleman and Faulkner binned within minutes of each other. Bulls taking full advantage of the extra men, dotting down minutes later. Pollard ensured the Forces’ ill discipline was punished with converting 2 more chances throughout the half. A light footed Kyle Goodwin took advantage of props in the defensive line and dotted down on the 71st minute mark seeing the defecit return to one as Ebersohn converted. An Ebersohn penalty put the visitors ahead with 3 to go. A match marred by ill discipline for the Force came back to haunt them with Steve Mafi spearing Pollard who bravely converted the penalty to ensure the hosts took the win by 1. 25-24 Bulls.

Bulls win 25-24

Sharks v Chiefs

Sharks hosted the Chiefs in Durban, an ugly affair, both team guilty of ill-discipline. Both Lambie and Cruden converted early penalties. Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot cited for a shoulder charge in the ruck, this saw him red carded inside 15 minutes. Not to be out done by his opposite Bismarck du Plessis lashed out with a boot against a off the ball tackler resulting in a red card 2 minutes later. 10 minutes later Frans Steyn was sent from the field for a cringing spear tackle on Chiefts 10, Aaron Cruden. Lambie and Cruden continued to trade penalties with Same Cane dotting down for the Chiefs  late into the half, 9-11 Chiefs. Much like the first half, ill discipline cost both sides momentum and Lambie clinching the only points on the half with a penalty on the 60th minute. A game that promised much in terms of attacking flair and positional match ups resulted in a flop.

Sharks win 12-11

Waratahs v Brumbies

Sunday afternoon rugby went to Sydney for the Waratahs hosting the Brumbies. A physical battle between two sides in the running for conference honors. At times the game looked much like other games throughout the weekend with cynical play and red mist tempers. The Brumbies opened their account early on with a try to Matt Toomua inside 10 minutes with Fardy binned for intentionally knocking the ball down. Foley and Lealiífano traded penalties with Foley getting the better of the Brumbies in a five minute route dotting down and Folau shortly after. Beale converted a penalty early to extend the lead and a physical half resumed by starving both teams of any spoils until sustained pressure late in the game saw Latu dot down out wide and then in the dying minutes receive a yellow for collapsing the maul after multiple team warnings. The match tainted by claims of Waratah players using homophobic slurs which are being investigated.

Waratahs win 28-13.

Super Rugby Round 5 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We were one game short of the perfect round in our predictions last week.  The Cheetahs falling to the Sharks at home was the only match we tipped incorrectly.  In hindsight, it was an ambitious ask of the Bloemfontein franchise, however, we did the same to the Chiefs, Rebels and Highlanders and they served us well.

The rugby was slightly more watchable this week with a couple of crackers making up for a lacklustre few weeks.  Check out the individual results below:

Hurricanes (30) v Blues (23)

You have to admire the Blues’ desire to play even in the face of such massive adversity.  Without a win in the competition, and with the media turning on coach John Kiran (rather than questioning the player efforts), the Blues played with expansive abandon and tested and probed the Hurricanes often during the first 60 minutes.  However, the final 20 proved to be the winning and losing of the match as the Hurricanes  sealed the points with a late Julian Savea try.  The Hurricanes remain unbeaten, while the Blues are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and rumoured to be feeling out Robbie Deans for a return to top level coaching.

Hurricanes: Tries – TJ Perenara, M.Proctor, J.Savea 2, Pen – B.Barrett, Con – B.Barrett 3

Blues: Tries – L.Visinia, F. Halai, Pen – I.West 3, Con -I .West 2

Force (17) v Rebels (21)

The Melbourne Rebels put a couple of unfortunate losses behind them to get back in the winners circle against fellow strugglers the Western Force. After an opening round win against the Crusaders, they have suffered narrow losses to the Waratahs and Brumbies.  Friday night was to be different though as they immediately benefited from their attacking intent.  Mike Harris and Mitch Inman scything through early; Harris scoring on his own and Inman teeing up Dom Shipperley.

The Force on the other hand couldn’t find much momentum of their own, and it took former All Black, Alby Mathewson to eventually cross the line; diving around asleep forwards close to the line.

The Rebels controlled most of the encounter despite not scoring themselves after the 66th minute, and even with a late late try to Tetera Faulkner.

Force: Tries – A.Mathewson, T. Faulkner, Pen – L.Burton, Con – L.Burton 2

Rebels: Tries – M.Harris, D.Shipperley, Pen – M.Harris 3, Con – M.Harris

Crusaders (34) v Lions (6)

Todd Blackadder stacked his side with All Blacks and was rewarded with the easiest win of his coaching tenure on Saturday afternoon.  The Black (and Reds) completely dominated their overwhelmed opponents in every facet and got decent returns out of Colin Slade and Dan Carter.  The 57th / 58th minutes were decisive at Christchurch Stadium as a penalty try for a collapsed scrum and a quick follow up to Kieron Fonotia effectively sealed the points (four try bonus point included) for the Crusaders.  The competition points take the Crusaders to just 9 points after their four games and languishing in 10th place.  The Lions three places worse on five points and facing a challenging couple of weeks in Australia.

Crusaders: Tries – A.Ellis. Penalty try, K. Fonotia, K.Read, Pen – D.Carter 2, Con – D.Carter 4

Lions: Pen – E.Jantjies 2

Highlanders (26) v Waratahs (19)

The first major upset of the round came courtesy of  an excellent performance from potential competition dark horses, the Highlanders.  The Otago outfit rolled on from beating the Chiefs at home to toppling the defending champions the Waratahs with a fine all round display.

The Waratahs got the better of the start.  Free flowing backline plays straight out of the playbook saw the Tahs hit the early lead.  Rather than lose composure the Highlanders gained in strength and tries to Wiasake Naholo, Ben Smith and Patrick Osborne – all who would do an All Black jersey justice this year – justified their hype and delivered them a deserved win.

The Tahs a bit too fumbly, too impatient to win this one.  They need to lift to compete with the Brumbies next week.

Highlanders: Tries – T. Franklin, W.Naholo, B.Smith, P.Osborne, Con – L.Sopoaga 3

Waratahs: Tries – N.Phipps, M.Carraro, S.Hoiles, Con – B.Foley 2

Reds (0) v Brumbies (29)

The Reds were held scoreless and resorted to wrestling moves to make an impact against the Brumbies.  Liam Gill impersonated WWE wrestler Batista when he “bombed” Brumbies scrum half Nic White when clearing a ruck in the only significant contribution to the match by a Reds player.  The move was super dangerous and, ironically, cleared the ruck long enough for Ben Alexander to dive over and score.

The Brumbies look as composed and controlled as ever.  They lead the competition outright after having played one more match than the Hurricanes.  The Brumbies look the only Australian team likely to feature in the qualifying rounds, and could possibly go all the way if there defence is anything to go by.

Reds:

Brumbies: Tries – S.Moore, B.Alexander 2, I.Vaea, C.Lealiifano, Con – C.Lealiifano 2

Stormers (19) v Chiefs (28)

The Chiefs were expertly guided to an away win against the Stormers by All Black first five eighth Aaron Cruden.  Cruden sparked an impressive turnaround for his side that had suffered a shock loss to the Highlanders only a week prior.  He was in everything as the Chiefs ran through and around a surprisingly sedate Stormers outfit.  Sonny Bill Williams survived a nasty head clash with Vincent Koch, James Lowe continued his try-scoring feats, and the entire Chiefs forward pack were staunch in the face of a first half onslaught.  The win capped off a great week for the New Zealand conference.

Chiefs still very much the team to beat in New Zealand.

Stormers: Tries – K.Van Wyk, Pen – K.Coleman 3, Catrakilis, Con – K.Coleman

Chiefs: Tries – A.Cruden, J.Lowe, S.Cane, Pen – A.Cruden 3, Con – A.Cruden 2

Cheetahs (10) v Sharks (27)

The Sharks have two playing temperatures; Hot and Cold.  The hot is good, South African conference winning good, but the bad that has reared its ugly head on too many occasions this year. They opted for the hot option in the final match of the round against the Cheetahs.  The solid win, just their second of the year was brought about thanks to a season high four tries, including two to the tournament’s joint top try scorer, Marcell Coetzee.

For Sharks fans the win will hopefully put their side’s season back on track.

Cheetahs: Tries – F.Venter, Pen – W.du Plessis, Con – F,Brummer

Sharks: Tries – F.Steyn, M.Coetzee 2, J.Wilson, Pen – P.Lambie, Con – P.Lambie 2

Super Rugby Round 5 Preview

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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

Super Rugby Round 4 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Kicking off in just under 3 hours, it’s time to preview the latest round of Super Rugby, and this week we’re confident we’ll go 7 from 7.  So without further ado, the Super Rugby Round 4 Preview:

Odds taken from Tom Waterhouse.

Chiefs v Highanders

Chiefs – $1.20

Highlanders – $4.70

The Chiefs were so dominant last week against the Crusaders its hard to see the Highlanders causing them any trouble.  The Chiefs have the best performing 10 and 12 combination in the competition, and despite the Highlanders sneaking a win against the Reds last week, the Cheifs winning margin will be similar to last week’s.  The Highlanders have been unable to get enough ball to Fekitoa or Waisake Naholo, and thus aren’t finding the points of previous campaigns.  Chiefs by 13+.

Brumbies v Force

Brumbies – $1.15

Force – $5.60

If the Chiefs are currently the best team in the competition, the Brumbies aren’t far behind.  The brilliantly coached and disciplined Brumbies side should prove to strong against a team they have always enjoyed an edge over.  The Brumbies are conceding the fewest penalties of any team (although they probably regret on of the penalties they did concede), and that’s turning into significant pressure for their opponents.  In positive news for the Force, the Honey Badger, Nick Cummins returns.  He’s destined to bring more entertainment – both on field and in front of a post match interviewer.  Brumbies by 1-12.

Blues v Lions

Blues – $1.16

Lions – $5.35

If the reports are true, the Blues are already tapping up replacements for John Kiran, in the strongest indication yet that JK won’t be around next year.  Whether they are true or not, the Blues need wins.  Only wins will prevent the axe from falling, and Round 4 is an excellent opportunity to get one.  The Blues are yet to win a game, and look decidedly average on attack, but they’ve been beaten soundly.  Therefore, we think (along with most of the bookies) they’ll record their first win.  The Lions will find the travel a little too demanding.  Blues by 13+.

Reds v Waratahs

Reds – $2.80

Waratahs – $1.44

The oldest rivalry in Australian sport has traditionally been edge by the Reds.  Of the 23 previous encounters, the Reds have 13 wins to their names against the Waratahs 9.  However, the most recent was a a comprehensive win to the eventual 2014 Super Rugby Champions, by 32-5.  Neither team has reached top form in 2015, so form’s not a reliable indicator as to which way this one will go.  All we know is we’re looking forward to the individual matches – Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley vs James O’Connor and Will Genia, and Liam Gill vs Michael Hooper.  Waratahs by 1-12.

Cheetahs v Bulls

Cheetahs – $2.00

Bulls – $1.82

The Bulls finally got going last week as they returned to their attacking best spearhead by impressive youngster Handre Pollard in a win against the Sharks.  The Cheetahs also had a win; a lucky one against the self destructing Blues franchise.   The Bulls have completely dominated the historical matchups between the sides and we expect that to continue this weekend.  The only possibly of the Cheetahs sneaking a win is through the running game of Willie le Roux or goal kicking of Joe Pietersen.  Bulls 1-12.

Stormers v Sharks

Stormers – $1.62

Sharks – $2.32

A hotly anticipated South African conference duel is especially interesting because the Stormers haven’t won four in a row since 2012.  That’s the year that they were minor premiers (to steal a term from the NRL), and if they manage it in Cape Town it will ensue all sorts of Super Rugby belief.  The Sharks who beat them in a semi-final in 2012, have made an inauspicious start to the 2015 campaign, and need to improve drastically to overturn their results.  Pat Lambie is the crucial figure in the game, the young five eighth has already knocked up 58 competition points and will need to be watched closely.  Only because we haven’t picked an underdog this week, we’ll go Sharks 1-12.

This Week’s Multi

A head to head multi on our picks pays $9.73

A margin multi pays $253.02

Super Rugby Round 3 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Super Rugby table seems to be separating into three strong teams (Hurricanes, Stormers, Chiefs – maybe harsh on the Brumbies) and then everyone else.  The three unbeaten sides look comfortably better than most on show and are destined to spend a fair bit of time near the top of the table this year.

Read below for our review of Round 3.

Highlanders (20) v Reds (13)

Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr stadium (or “the Zoo” as its affectionately known) hosted a bumper crowd for Friday night’s Super Rugby Round 3 opener, and the stadium demographic (drunk students) were treated to an even encounter between the Reds and the Highlanders.  The Reds are still finding their feet this year; they’ve had injury concerns, off field distractions and look a little unfit if we’re honest, and again struggled to build on a good start, this time against the Otago men.  The visitors dominated the opening thirty minutes with Reds recruit James O’Connor and veteran Will Genia combining nicely, however, they fell behind when another new recruit, the Highlander’s Waisake Naholo crossed the line to effectively seal the points.

The Highlanders need to find the right balance between their world class backline and workmanlike forward pack.  The forwards just dragging the chain.  Still they’re on the board in 2015.

Highlanders: Tries – W.Naholo, Pen – M.Banks 4, H.Parker

Reds: Tries – J.Schatz, Pen – J.O.Connor 2, Con – J.O.Connor

Force (13) v Hurricanes (42)

The Hurricanes continued the unbeaten start to the Super Rugby season with a comfortable win over the Force in Perth.  Basing their game on strong defence, the Wellington side are now three from three without having played a match at home.  Chris Boyd is having no trouble getting the best out of his All Blacks – Cory Jane, Victor Vito and Beauden Barrett all going up a gear from last year.  The Hurricanes are out on their own at the top of the Super Rugby table, and we’re already looking forward to their New Zealand conference showdown with the Chiefs.

The Force’s opening win is now a distant memory as they disappointed in their first effort in front of home fans.  Not many positives in this one unfortunately.

Force : Tries – M.Scott, Pen – Z.Holmes, S.Ebersohn, Con – L.Burton

Hurricanes: Tries – C.Jane, M.Abbott,V.Vito, J.Savea, J.Marshall, Pen – B.Barrett 3, Con – B.Barrett 2, J.Marshall 2

Cheetahs (25) v Blues (24)

The Cheetahs are unexpectedly still unbeaten after disposing of the Blues in Bloemfontein.  Mind you, they shouldn’t be.  The Blues lost this one rather than the Cheetahs winning it.  The Blues should have sealed the match comfortably but some questionable decision making led to the one point loss that heaps even more pressure on John Kirwan.  As likeable as he is, JK just hasn’t been able to come up with a winning game plan at the Blues and his position is becoming increasingly untenable.

The Cheetahs look okay.  They’ll play better than this and still lose though when they meet sterner competition.

Cheetahs: Tries – C.Hendricks 2, S.Pretorius, Pen – J.Pietersen 2, Con – J.Pietersen 2

Blues: Tries – L.Braid, C. Faumuina, J.Kaino, Pen – I.West, Con – I.West 3

Chiefs (40) v Crusaders (16)

The Chiefs signalled their title aspirations with a demolition of the consistently decent Crusaders outfit at home on Saturday night.  The bonus point win, built around another fine performance from the most impressive 9, 10, 12 in the competition, is certain to worry the other sides due to make the trip to Waikato.  The Highlanders make the trip next, but are unlikely to fare any better.

The Crusaders are still struggling to shake the early season rust, and while they’ll have easier matches to make up the points, they are looking fractured and unenthused.  Tom Taylor struggled at fullback, Colin Slade didn’t run enough and Todd Blackadder needs to give his whole troop some advice on decision-making.

Chiefs: Tries – SB Williams, A.Pulu, C.Ngatai, T.Marshall, J.Lowe, Pen – A.Cruden 3, Con – A.Cruden 3

Crusaders: Tries – A.Ellis, Pen – C.Slade 3, Con – C.Slade

Rebels (15) v Brumbies (20)

The driving rain put paid to any chance of this one being an entertaining classic.  It also curtailed the Rebels chance of winning the game, as the Brumbies’ Wallabies-packed forward unit exercised complete control to stifle their opponents.  Led by the retuning Stephen Moore, the Brumbies choked the life out of the game with a possession based tip of the hat to percentage footy.

Nothing really to write home about in the entire eighty minutes, but enough to put the Brumbies in control of the Australian conference.

Rebels: Pen – M.Harris 5

Brumbies: Tries – T.Kuridrani, J.Butler, Pen – C.Lealiffano 2, Con – C.Lealiffano 2

Bulls (43) v Sharks (35)

The match of the round saw six tries and plenty of points as the Bulls finally recorded a win at home.  Facing the South African conference favourites, the Sharks, the Bulls scored four tries to two and survived the boot of Patrick Lambie to get their 2015 Super Rugby campaign back on course.

The battle featuring Adriaan Strauss and Pierre Spies against Ryan Kankowski was epic, with Kankowski celebrating his return from Japan with a try, as did Spies.

Neither the Sharks or Bulls are looking like contenders at this early stage of the competition.  Both have plenty to work on – and we suggest it begins with defence.  The Sharks have conceded the most points in Super Rugby, and the Bulls the second most.

Bulls: Tries – F.Hougaard, D.Stegmann, P.Spies, J.Serfontein , Pen – H.Pollard 3, T. Schoeman, Con – H.Pollard 3, T.Schoeman

Sharks: Tries – R.Kankowski, C.Reinach, Pen – P.Lambie 7, Con – P.Lambie 2

Lions (19) v Stormers (22)

The Stormers have started the best out of any of the South African teams and just as everyone was singing their praises they almost suffered a shock loss to the Lions.  It could have been a tie too, with the Lions turning down a shot at goal to tie things up after being awarded a penalty late on; instead seeking an unlikely win.

The enterprise wasn’t rewarded, much to the dismay of the home stand, but they put up a brave fight that was worth more than their place at the bottom of the Super Rugby table.  They are a lot more competitive than in seasons gone by and will not be easy beats at home.

The Stormers have their work cut out for them next week when they meet the high flying Stormers in Cape Town.  They must improve.

Lions: Tries – W. Tecklenburg, Pen – E.Jantjies 4, Con – E.Jantjies

Stormers: Tries – S.Kolisi, Pen – D.Catrakilis 5, Con – K.Coleman