Couch Critic previews the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Chiefs and the Hurricanes including best bets with @Olimp_SA
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA ROUND 4
Chiefs vs Hurricanes – Saturday 04 July @ 05:35, Hamilton
Many were tipping the Chiefs to contend for the Aotearoa title yet we are in Round 4 and the men from cowbell country could very well be involved in the match which goes a long way in determining who is left with the wooden spoon…
Team News
Big news for the battered Chiefs is that they have yet another player missing due to injury. This time around Anton Lienert-Brown will be missing from midfield. The Hurricanes welcome back Jordie Barrett after their bye week which should give them a big lift. The Canes will also be hoping that Ardie Savea is even closer to his best after a few weeks back in the swing of things.
Tactics
The Chiefs finally knuckled down and pitched up for the fight in Christchurch last week. In slippery conditions they were willing to dig deep and one would hope to see the same from them at home this week. Cruden looked better against the Crusaders and if he is smooth as silk at pivot the home side might be able to cope without ALB. Sam Cane should be more influential after his first outing.
The Hurricanes have found it hard going without a pack capable of dominating. But they still kept both the Blues and the Crusaders honest in their two outings thus far. TJ Perenara seems to be carrying the leadership burden a touch too heavily – the Canes need him to be at his opportunistic best. Their remaining Barrett will also have to hit the ground running as the visitors’ attacking, expansive game will have to be on point to get the better of the Chiefs.
Verdict
Despite playing with an underpowered pack at the moment the Chiefs will take some confidence of their performance in the tight stuff last week. They should at the very least gain parity upfront and then its down to the match-up between the backlines. The battle of the halves could decide this clash, particularly if some Hamilton rain materialises. I will be backing Cruden to steer his ship just a touch better than his direct opponent and hoping TJ doesn’t have a blinder.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Chiefs to win by 1-10 points @ 3.30
Every match thus far has been extremely tight right until the final five minutes of the match. I expect this one to be no different and this margin is worth a play.
First Scoring Play – Chiefs Penalty @ 3.40
Neither team will jog out onto FMG Stadium with much confidence. I expect the opening quarter to be a tight sparring match and think there could be some value in the home side sticking over an early three pointer.
First Tryscorer: Brad Weber @ 24.00
Weber has had a clunky start to the new campaign and will be keen to lift his game in what promises to be a fiery clash with TJ. Sam Cane is present to take the leadership mantle back so hopefully this frees up out firecracker nine to be at his explosive best.
Last Tryscorer: Damian McKenzie @ 17.00
D-Mac is another Chiefs star who’s had a rather slow start to his 2020 return. The explosive fullback hasn’t been able to let loose as we all know he can (with his side often in trouble and on the back foot) but should some more opportunities come his way he has the class to show why he is one of the most lethal attacking weapons in world rugby.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
