Couch Critic previews Highlanders v Crusaders and Hurricanes v Blues in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa including his best bets with @Olimp_SA
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA – 26 & 27 February
We got a taste of Super Rugby last week but this time around it is the preferred flavour as the New Zealanders take to the field for their Super Rugby comp.
Highlanders vs Crusaders – Friday 26 Feb @ 08:05, Dunedin
Right out the gate the Highlanders are tasked with tackling the mighty Crusaders. At home, in front of their fanatical fans in the Zoo, the hosts will look to perform like hungry animals smelling fresh meat. Mikaele-Tutu is one of the main attractions on show as he seeks to replicate the form of 2020 which took him to the verge of All Black contention. Ash Dixon looks to keep his impressive tryscoring going at the back of rolling mauls whilst the big new shiny toy in the deep South is Solomon Alaimalo. The ex-Chief could be used to devastating effect from the back for his new team. I reckon this zoo can charge a hefty entrance fee in 2021 as they should be delivering quite a show.
Whilst the Highlanders could prove to be the wild, unpredictable animal the Saders are the cold machine which just keeps churning out results. For the defending champs it’s business as usual. They have an embarrassment of riches with the most formidable tight five in the comp on paper backed up by having Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Leicester Fainga’anaku, George Bridge and Braydon Ennor at their disposal (the last two aren’t available for the first outing).
Betolimp Bets:
HT/FT Margin: Highlanders (1-8) / Crusaders (1-12) @ 9.00
The Highlanders are likely to come flying out of the blocks. But no one knows how to close out a game like the men in red.
First Trycorer – Ash Dixon @ 15.00
A fast start for the home side could very well come in the form of an early kick to the corner and then its rumble time…
Last Trycorer – Mitch Drummond @ 29.00
Off the bench the scrummy will bring plenty of energy and here’s to hoping he finds himself in the right supporting role as the Saders finish strong.
Hurricanes vs Blues – Saturday 27 Feb @ 08:05, Wellington
It’s the week before kick-off of the tournament and as so often before everyone is salivating at what the Blues could possibly achieve in the new season. In 2020 the Canes surprised many and were neck-and-neck with the men from Auckland for second spot. Both will hope to go just a touch better this season as they strive for the number one spot.
The home side will have Julian “The Bus” Savea back in their ranks as well as the Mini-bus in the form of Laumape. Still, they don’t have Coles in his peak anymore and have to get to grips with life after TJ and Beaudie.
The Blues have three sets of three that catch my eye. In the backrow they have All Black and potential All Black options to pick from – Akira, Hoskins, Papalii, Robinson and Gibson. Their back three will also include two devastating outside backs in Caleb Clarke and Mark Telea. But even more crucially the Blues will boast two test props on their bench which could just seal the deal.
Betolimp Bets:
Main Play – Blues to win @ 1.85
Better pack power offered from the bench has me favouring the visitors.
HT/FT Margin: Blues (1-8) / Blues (13+) @ 10.00
It’s the first game out the blocks so things could be tight initially but I do see the Blues having the potential to pull away in the end.
First Trycorer – Dalton Papalii @ 23.00
I mentioned it in my Outright preview. The Blues have tryscoring options across the park but Dalton git the job done regularly in 2020 and I hope he continues in this vein.
Last Trycorer – Tom Robinson @ 34.00
The Big Red Dog is sure to be unleashed in the final quarter and ready to cause some carnage.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
