Couch Critic previews the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders including best bets with @Olimp_SA
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA ROUND 5
Hurricanes vs Highlanders – Sunday 12 July @ 05:35, Wellington
The Hurricanes come into this one off the back of a victory over the Chiefs in Wellington whilst the Highlanders have now twice tasted defeat since their opening round victory. For the loser of this clash it will become a long second half of the tournament relegated to battling it out with the Chiefs for the wooden spoon.
Team News
The biggest news for the Highlanders is that Josh Dixon is missing from the line-up. The Canes have Dane Coles missing due to injury whilst Garden-Bachop is replaced with Fletcher Smith. The backline of the men in in yellow looks dangerous with Jordie Barrett back and clearly straight into decent form.
Tactics
With Jordie Barrett back and Ardie Savea starting to edge towards some form we can certainly expect some improvement form the Hurricanes. The Chiefs were hit by a rather impressive first 60 minute effort from the Canes and the home side will look to dish out the same early punishment to the Highlanders to break the fighting spirit of the visitors before they ca get into the swing of things.
They might not have the individual stars, but the Landers make up for that in fighting spirit. Against the two big boys of the tournament the men from the South came within whisker of beating the Blues a fortnight ago and could have pulled level with the Crusaders on the hour mark had Nereki passed the ball. These blokes will fight until the very end.
Verdict
There is a habit of underestimating the Highlanders and now is the time to capitalise on this. Yes, the Hurricanes are starting to look an improved outfit, but I prefer to side with the plucky southerners and see them fight for every inch. The value in my opinion lies with the visitors.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Highlanders to win by 1-7 points @ 5.37
A value pick on the Highlanders to get the job done. If they do sneak the victory it should be a very narrow one so I will take the bigger speculative play here.
Half Time / Full Time – Hurricanes / Highlanders @ 10.50
The Highlanders have shown they never give up and often come with a strong second half effort. This price looks too tasty not to have a bite of.
First Tryscorer: Shannon Frizell @ 26.00
Ash Dixon is my usual pick in this market but Shanon Frizell has been in good form and loves a meat pie himself so with the price on Dixon constantly dropping I will jump onto the big opensider.
Last Tryscorer: Liam Coltman @ 33.00
One hooker who is still offered at a delightful price is Liam Coltman. Hopefully the replacement hooker can come on and get in the back of a maul late in the game to bring home the bacon.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
