Tag: rugby odds

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.

The Hurricanes to Face Toughest Test Yet

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Chiefs ($1.80) v Hurricanes ($2)

The defending champions Hurricanes face their sternest test of the new season when they travel to Hamilton to face the Chiefs. While the Hurricanes have enjoyed comfortable wins against the Sunwolves and the Rebels (scoring over 70 points in each) the Chiefs have had to work harder for wins against the Blues and the Highlanders. The bookies have them as favourites on account of their tougher lead in games, but we’ll tip the Canes in a close one, 1-12.

Brumbies ($1.41) v Force ($2.94)

The much fancied Brumbies find themselves winless after two rounds and already behind the eight ball in their Conference standings. However, their favourites this weekend against a very weak looking Rebels outfit that have already conceded 127 points in their two games. Don’t expect a great spectacle, but expect a Brumbies win by 13+.

Blues ($1.71) v Highlanders ($2.14)

The Blues have shown more promise in 2017 than they have in any of their last four Super Rugby campaigns and arguably have the most exciting player in the competition in their team. Reiko Ioane is an absolute beast and should be the All Blacks outside centre this year. While question marks remain over Ihaia West at first five, and Steven Luatua missing through suspension, the Blues should have enough quality over the park to win by 1-12.

Reds ($3.04) v Crusaders ($1.37)

Scott Robertson’s coaching career is off to an excellent start. The former All Black flanker has seen his side carry over the Todd Blackadder-era professionalism and record two nice wins thus far. Last week’s comeback effort against the Highlanders was remarkable and should give them the belief to beat a Reds side that has won one and lost one in two close games this season. The Crusaders will win by 13+, but will they also score 26 points like the Red’s opponents have in the first two rounds.

Kings ($9.30) v Stormers ($1.06)

The Kings have arguably had the easiest start to the competition with games against relative newbies the Sunwolves and the Jaguares; games which they split with a win and a loss. They haven’t looked overly impressive in either and thus the bookmakers have given them zero chances. The Stormers are also 1-1 but a much better side that should run out winners comfortably. Stormers 13+.

Cheetahs ($1.01) v Sunwolves ($19)

The travel must be torture for the team from Japan. Sharing their games between the four continents and even sharing some of their home games with neighbours. It started to show last year and it’s looking like it could be a problem for them again this year. They also have major problems with their defence too – they conceded 83 points to the Hurricanes in 62 minutes in game one. They could surprise a few teams later in the season (Kings and Rebels we’re looking at you), but they won’t beat the Cheetahs. Cheetahs 13+.

Sharks ($1.57) v Waratahs ($2.40)

This might end up being the closest game of the round even though Kings Parkin Durban is one of the toughest away grounds to win at. Both teams are 1-1, with the Sharks accounting themselves well on their Australian tour, while the Waratahs have been slow out of the blocks but have considerable quality across the board. Sharks 1-12.

Jaguares ($2.38) v Lions ($1.59)

The Lions lead the South African Conference but will need to be at their best to get the better of an Argentinian outfit that seems to be adapting to the rigours of Super Rugby better than the other new side, the Sunwolves. Buenos Aires is a tough place to play, so we’re giving it to the home side by 1-12.

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.

England Favourites to WhiteWash Australia; Remain Unbeaten.

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Australia head to Twickenham after a dour performance against Ireland going down 27-24, which also ended their Grand Slam hopes. England looks to extend their winning streak to 13 after closing out Argentina 27-14 in a spiteful match.

England rolled Australia at home 3-0 during the June tour, so there is plenty of incentive for both teams to win and there is no love lost between coaches Eddie Jones and Michael Chieka, who have been at it in the media since June. However, Australia has struggled in 2016, and during this tour faded late into the 2nd half, which was truly evident against France and Ireland. Australia failed to put a patched up Ireland to the sword turning over too much ball in the way of errors and poor protection at the breakdown, and failing to execute backline play.

England remains unbeaten and is willing to win ugly. On top of injuries and suspension, coach Eddie Jones will need to replace battering ram #8 Billy Vunipola, who suffered a knee injury against Argentina. However, most of the team from their last fixture will be available.

Heading into this fixture, England is clear favourites and it’s hard to look past a team playing with confidence and thriving under coach Eddie Jones, who has moulded exciting combinations amongst his squad. Australia will need to front up and ensure someone takes control of the backline if they want to penetrate a rushing English defensive line. This encounter will be one game too much for the Australians; the English should come home easily 16-20 points and will want to make a statement with the upcoming 6 nations.

Teams

England

XV: M Brown; M Yarde; J Joseph, O Farrell; J May; G Ford; B Youngs; M Vunipola; D Hartley (capt); D Cole; C Lawes; G Kruis; C Robshaw;T Wood; N Hughes.

Replacements: J George; J Marler; K Sinckler; C Ewels; T Harrison; D Care; B Te’o; H Slade.

Australia

XV: Israel Folau; Sefanaia Naivalu; Tevita Kuridrani; Reece Hodge; Dane Haylett-Petty; Bernard Foley; Nick Phipps; Lopeti Timani; Michael Hooper; David Pocock; Rob Simmons; Kane Douglas; Sekope Kepu; Stephen Moore (capt); Scott Sio.

Reserves: Tolu Latu; James Slipper; Tom Robertson; Dean Mumm; Sean McMahon; Nick Frisby; Quade Cooper; Henry Speight.

Odds

Australia: $4.00 at Betfair.

England: $1.29 at Unibet.

Prediction

It’s an old fashioned head and heart dilemma this week. The $4 is such a tempting prospect for a heart longing for a nice betting win, and to see England’s unbeaten run end. But the head says this is an England team that beat Australia 3-0 in June and should be too strong. Okay, you’re right head, England to remain unbeaten against Australia this year.

Rugby Union Championship: Where to Find Some Value this Weekend

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Grab yourself a pint, pick a side and get ready for some serious rugby betting action this weekend as four of the best Union-playing nations in the world battle for supremacy. The latest Rugby Union Championship action gets underway on October 8, and will see South Africa and New Zealand duke it out in Durban, while Argentina and Australia entertain at Twickenham.

As is often the case when these four rugby powerhouses meet, anything can happen. Indeed, ahead of what will inevitably be a physically taxing game against South Africa, New Zealand’s head coach Steve Hansen has made four main changes. With Waisake Naholo back from injury (for a fourth time), Hansen is hoping the Fiji-born winger can turn on the afterburners and expose a potentially sluggish South African defensive line.

South Africa vs. New Zealand Betting Preview

Aside from bringing in Naholo to replace Julian Savea, Hansen is keeping his backline much the same, which seems to be a wise decision given how powerful it looked in the All Blacks 31-17 win over Argentina last week. Up the front, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock and Jerome Kaino will all make a return to the starting line-up which should give New Zealand some much needed strength and experience.

While South Africa will want to try and ignore their 38% win ratio against New Zealand (35 wins from 93 matches), it’s hard to see how Allister Coetzee’s men get it done in Durban. Yes, home field advantage will certainly help. Yes, the Boks looked impressive as they beat Australia 18-10. But, with New Zealand enjoying a 16-game winning streak – a streak which includes a recent 41-13 win over South Africa – it’s hard to see how the Springboks get it done.

Sifting through the latest odds, 1/5 on a New Zealand victory is about as good as you’re going to get (Ladbrokes odds are slightly shorter at 1/6). However, if you’re willing to look beyond the obvious outrights, the following options should offer some added value this weekend; especially if you’re inclined to side with the experts and back a New Zealand win.

Ladbrokes:

Naholo or Dagg to score the first try = 9/2

New Zealand to win by 20 points or more = 5/2

New Zealand to win by 25 points or more = 9/2

Bet365:

Team with the highest scoring half: Africa = 3/1 – New Zealand 1/4

Bryan Habana to score first = 11/1

South Africa to score first and lose = 13/8

SkyBet:

New Zealand to win with -12.0 handicap = 10/11

Match to end in a draw = 25/1

South Africa first half/New Zealand win = 6/1

Argentina vs. Australia Betting Preview

In the weekend’s other Rugby Union Championship match, Argentina will look to bounce back from a defeat to New Zealand and clinch a victory against Australia. By Aussie standards, the Wallabies’ recent run has been poor. A 3-0 whitewash against England earlier in the year, and just two wins from five Rugby Union Championship matches this season has put the pressure on coach Michael Cheika.

Age is certainly an issue for Australia which has forced Cheika to enact a major shakeup. When the side runs out against Argentina on Saturday, just seven players from the 2015 World Cup final will be on display. This kind of instability is always dangerous, and Argentina is a side that always poses a threat.

Essentially what this match comes down to is quality versus determination. Although Australia might not be at their peak, the pedigree speaks for itself, and that’s made them the betting favourites at 4/11 with SkyBet. Of course, a neutral venue and a touch of inexperience possible in certain areas for Australia, things could get tricky if the game wears on with little action. Indeed, this could be Argentina’s best opportunity to grind out a win for some time.

At present the odds makers at Ladbrokes and SkyBet seem to agree that 9/4 is the right line for an Argentina upset, while bet365 is currently running at 12/5. If we were to stick our necks on the line and pick two winners this weekend, it’s hard to see past the favourites. However, with changes seemingly the order of the day for New Zealand and Australia, there could be space for the underdogs to sneak in and steal the plaudits.