Couch Critic nails up his Super Rugby Aotearoa betting tips for the match between the Chiefs and the Blues which takes place on 20th June
Chiefs vs Blues – Saturday 20 June @ 09:05, Hamilton
In the first match of Round 2 we have one team who stuttered in Week 1 of Aotearoa and one who was absolutely on fire at times. The Chiefs looked to have escaped Dunedin with a burgled victory last week, but a dramatic late drop goal sealed their fate. On Sunday the Blues seemed to always be just a touch more fluent than the Hurricanes at Eden Park.
Team News
Despite losing their starting flankers of last week the selected loose trio for the Blues offers a mouth-watering combination of Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii and the returning Akira Ione. Go-forward ball is surely guaranteed for the visitors with these three in attendance. The dangerous backs remain unchanged from last week and the only possible area for concern in terms of playing personnel could be the lack of quality from the bench. Unfortunate news for the Chiefs is that their pack is still underpowered, and Sam Cane is also not ready to return yet. As expected, Aaron Cruden returns to the starting lineup for Round 2.
Tactics
Missing a number of first choice forwards, the Chiefs weren’t able to lay the platform required for their dangermen to really get going. With Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown ready to unleash Gatland will be expecting more from his tight five this time around. Skipper for the day, Brad Weber, had a patchy performance in the first outing and will be keen to spark some magic like only he can.
The Blues will just want more of the same. The backline hardly looked like they hadn’t played a competitive game of rugby in a couple of months – the trio of Ioane, Clarke and Telea looked particularly sharp and created trouble every time they touched the bal. The visitors would do well to improve their discipline in
Round 2.
Verdict
Even at this early stage the Chiefs can’t really afford a second loss. The Waikato men would have bargained on beating the less fancied Highlanders in the opener and home victories will in all likelihood be absolutely vital, thus the hosts will have to hit their straps on Saturday. Leon MacDonald’s side were all glitz and glamour last time out but they will have to watch out for those discipline issues creeping in as we’ve seen from them in the past. I think Gatland will have his chargers well up for this clash and ready to get the job done in front of their home fans.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Chiefs to win by 1-12 points @ 2.87
My main play for the match sees me backing the home team to win with just enough room to spare.
Half-Time Full-Time Margin: Chiefs 1- 8 / Chiefs 1 – 12 @ 9.50
Fired up start from the home side and holding on to take the win as well.
First Tryscorer: Quinn Tupaea @ 17.00
The youngster looked full of running in the opener and outside Cruden and ALB he might just profit early.
Last Tryscorer: Adam Thomson @ 26.00
The myth, the legend is back for a cameo off the bench. Thomson loves getting over for a meat pie.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
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