BLUvCHICouch Critic nails up his Super Rugby Aotearoa betting tips for the match between the Blues and the Highlanders which takes place on 27th June

 

 

 

 

Blues vs Highlanders – Saturday 27 June @ 09:05, Auckland

 

The Highlanders surprised many by defeating the Chiefs in week 1 of the comp, thanks to a dramatic late drop goal, and now travel to Eden Park after their bye week to take on the high-flying Blues. The hosts also triumphed over the Chiefs in what was a damp arm wrestle last week. Before this they got the tournament started with a good victory over the Hurricanes.

 

Team News

 

There are limited changes to both sides. After a very successful weekend with their re-jigged back row the Blues will have Akira, Hoskins and Dalton back in place for Round 3 as well. Otere Black retains the 10 jumper with Beauden Barrett at fullback, the only change to the back division being the inclusion of Joe Marchant on the bench. Scott Gregory replacing Koroi at the back for the Highlanders is the only change in the starting line-up for the visitors.

 

Tactics

 

We all know about the potent attacking power the Blues possess in their backline, but it was impressive to see the Aucklanders willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the hard graft to beat the Chiefs last week. In wet conditions it was never going to be their lethal outside backs who were going to do the damage, but rather their pack of forwards. They stood up and got the job done with an impressive second half showing especially. With conditions expected to be much the same this weekend the home side will be striving for the same approach and result against the Highlanders. Look out for plenty of ball carrying yards from that impressive backrow.

 

The Highlanders might not be used to playing in wet conditions all that much since they got their roof at Dunedin but the men from the South are arguably the best suited to playing in such conditions given their more measured approach to the game. The Highlanders showed their strong mauling and accurate line-out work in Round 1 and they will go a long way in giving themselves a chance if they again do these basic aspects well. Staying in the fight is what the Highlanders do well but they will indeed be tasked with weathering a considerable storm in the form of the potency and momentum that is on the side of their hosts for Saturday.

 

Verdict

 

The Highlanders showed us they don’t shy away from a fight, but I think the considerable job of training to contain the Blues will prove too much for them. Expect a spirited fight early, but the visitors to fade alter in the game.

 

BETOLIMP BEST BETS

 

Double: Blues -4.5 onto Crusaders -5.5 @ 1.78

For my main play I am backing the two undefeated home teams to have too much class, skill and composure at their disposal for their opponents to handle.

 

Half-Time Full-Time Margin: Blues 1- 8 / Blues 13+ @ 7.20

It could prove a bit of a tussle in the first forty before the Blues prove to have too much fire power for the Highlanders.

 

First Tryscorer: Akira Ioane @ 14.00

Yes, playing No 6 doesn’t quite free the loosie up like playing at 8 would but he has a good appetite for the old meat pie, it’s his second game back so he should be up to speed more and if it is indeed a damp game the first try is more likely to come from one if the forwards.

 

Last Tryscorer: Joe Marchant @ 29.00

The Englishman has been biding his time in the Blues’ ranks and finally gets a crack off the bench. Expect the Pom to arrive hungry.

 

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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

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