The wait is almost over… Let’s get stuck into what to expect from Week of Super Rugby 2019.
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Chiefs vs Highlanders (Friday @ 08:35)
Some regular stars have vacated the scene for both teams and the Chiefs are further hamstrung by the absence of D Mac and Sam Cane for this one. Of course, the New Zealand production line is of such high quality that there will be new talented youngsters chomping at the bit to be unleashed on the big stage. In this category the home side have 19-year-old Sevens star, Nanai-Seturo on the wing and Orbyn Ledger (21) tasked with having to fill McKenzie’s boots at pivot. The visitors have 21-year-old Thomas Umaga-Jensen at 12 alongside the equally inexperienced Josh Ioane (23 years young and one Super Rugby cap) on his inside.
Verdict: The Landers have the experience of Ben and Aaron (off the bench) to call on and this double Smith-factor could make all the difference as the slightly “smarter” tactical approach edges it for the visitors.
Best Bet: Highlanders to win by 1-7 points @ 3.69 with BETOLIMP (Silver Medal level of confidence)
Brumbies vs Rebels (Friday @ 10:45)
It’ Aussie derby time In Canberra as the Brumbies host the Rebels. Aussie rugby hasn’t been in a good place in recent times and often watching these countrymen go at it was as exciting a prospect as mowing the lawn. But it’s a new season and these two sides will be keen on righting not only their own ship but also breathe some life and hope back into Australian rugby.
The Brumbies have a settled team lining up for action with Pocock, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Alaalatoa, Kuridrani, Lealiifano and Speight all household names in the capital. Their opponents on the other hand are not only still the Super Rugby newbies, they have also been especially busy in the off-season transfer market. Two of these new recruits, Quade Cooper and Isi Naisarani are expected to play a big part in deciding who emerges victorious on Friday.
Verdict: Cooper and his team mates might prefer it loose but playing at home with a more settled, experienced outfit and with what should be a more dominant set phase the Brumbies should be good for a relatively narrow win as the more pragmatic Brumbies approach tilts the game in their favour.
Best Bet: Brumbies to lead at half time and full time (HT/FT) @ 1.85 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
Blues vs Crusaders (Saturday @ 08:35)
Every year we talk about the talent in the Blues camp and every year they proceed to underperform. Nonu joins the ranks this year whilst Leon McDonald takes over the coaching reins. Fans in red have the opposite feeling as their excitement and optimismhas been richly rewarded the past two seasons.
Verdict: The Saders have been known as slow starters and this year they miss Read, Codie Taylor and Sam Whitelock for the first few games. The Blues have struggled against fellow Kiwi opponents but if there ever was an ideal time to try and catch the champions cold then this is it. The home side aren’t heavily disrupted by All Black exclusions and have been in red hot pre-season form.
Best Bet: Blues on the handicap of +6.5 points @ 1.85 with BETOLIMP (Silver Level)
Waratahs vs Hurricanes (Saturday @ 10:35)
The Hurricanes will again be fancied by many to go a long way in 2019 but the Canes have been hampered by All Black exclusion and a few injuries to start the campaign. They don’t have Beauden Barrett available nor the strongest pack in the comp. The Tahs for their part have claims for being the best Aussie outfit but much like the Stormers one wonders when or whether they will look as good on the pitch as they do on paper.
Verdict: Another Kiwi team who might take some time to get their season running at full throttle. The Waratahshave the opportunity to snatch an early upset on home soil if they can get stuck in upfront and then get Folau as much ball as possible.
Best Bet: Waratahs to stay within the handicap of +7.5 @ 1.81 with BETOLIMP (Gold Bet)
Sunwolves vs Sharks (Saturday @ 12:55)
South African sides have struggled away from home against the Sunwolves. The Sharks though haven’t really had this problem. Many teams struggle with the humidity in this part of the world but for the Durban based outfit this should not be an issue what so ever considering the sticky conditions they are used to back home.
Verdict: The Sunwolves are missing their Japanese internationals and as it is they are not the team with the most depth. The Sharks have a strong looking team available for this one and with a pack on the front foot they should have a victory well in hand in Singapore.
Best Bet: Sharks to beat the handicap of -10.5 @ 1.81 with BETOLIMP (Gold)
Bulls vs Stormers (Saturday @ 17:15)
The old North-South derby returns to your screens on Saturday. Bulls fans can’t wait to see Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Brits don the Captain America blue outfits and secure a victory over the old foe to get the season started in the perfect manner. It is a strong looking team announced by the Bulls with plenty of Springboks scattered throughout. Of course, if there is one place the Stormers can match anyone it is the number of internationals they have in their midst.
Verdict: Home ground usually holds sway in these tight derby clashes. The Stormers had a slower start to their pre-season and the Bulls might just be that touch sharper in this first outing. Also, the Capetonians were poor away from their mountain in 2018.
Best Bet: Bulls to win by 1-7 points @ 3.62 with BETOLIMP (Bronze level)
Jaguares vs Lions (Saturday @ 23:40)
Argentinian shores have haunted the Lions in recent times andSwys de Bruyn will hope that this is the year they turn things around against the South Americans. To be fair, the Joburg based outfit has often selected a second-string outfit to tackle the foreign conditions, yet this time around the Lions will look to their full-strength pride to roar.
Verdict: It remains to be seen how the Jags go without Ladesma and Sanchez, yet one can always be sure of plenty of passion and hunger from the Argentines (often verging on over-emotional and hot-headed). The Lions have been to the big dance the past three seasons and this experience should see them win the game as precision beats passion in my book.
Best Bet: Lions to beat the handicap of -2.5 points @ 1.80 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
