The first shots have now officially been fired. We nailed 5 out of 7 bets last week, and crucially both our GOLD medal plays arrived. Let’s get stuck into what to expect from Week2 of Super Rugby 2019 and see if we can spot some winners.
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Highlanders vs Reds (Friday @ 08:35)
Verdict: The Reds are usually quite a volatile team and in their first game up this is even more of a concern. The likes of SamuKerevi can be devastating and watch out for the Tongan Thor, Taniela Tupou, going on some barnstorming runs. I don’t see the Highlanders being in any danger of losing this one but at the same time I reckon it could be a touch tighter than most think.
Best Bet: Highlanders to lead at half time by 1-7 points @ 3.59 with BETOLIMP (Bronze Medal level of confidence)
Sunwolves vs Waratahs (Saturday @ 06:15)
Verdict: Sayonara Sunwolves, this could get ugly. Yes they prefer playing in Tokyo but without their Japs they are too weak to compete against quality players like Folau and Foley.
Best Bet: Waratahs to beat the extended handicap of -26.5 @ 2.45 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
Crusaders vs Hurricanes (Saturday @ 08:35)
Billed as the battle of the round. These two have proven fierce rivals and they are the bookies’ two front runners for 2019 glory. The Crusaders hardly hit fifth gear against the Blues last week yet still got the job done. The Canes were similarly fortunate to escape with a victory over the Waratahs.
Verdict: Both teams will be hoping for an improved performance from last week yet one expects the biggest step up from the home side. For mind the Canes just don’t have the tight five to really make things tough for the Saders and I see the hosts easing away in the second half.
Best Bet: Crusaders to beat the handicap of -6.5 @ 1.78 with BETOLIMP (Gold)
Brumbies vs Chiefs (Saturday @ 10:45)
The Brumbies are the team that dropped the ball for us last week. For the majority of the first half they looked in control, with their set piece doing the business. Unfortunately they kept the Rebels in the game with some soft errors.
Verdict: I am willing to give the Brumbies another chance. Two home losses in a row would be devastating for their campaign and they will be fighting tooth and nail to prevent this.
Best Bet: Brumbies to stay within the handicap of +7.5 @ 1.78 with BETOLIMP (Bronze bet)
Sharks vs Blues (Saturday @ 15:05)
The Sharks were hardly tested against the Sunwolves so we can’t take much from that. The Blues were unlucky to go down to the Crusaders but things could look a bit different in the Republic.
Verdict: The Sharks will try and implement a measured, conservative approach (assisted by humid home conditions) whilst the Blues would like to see things open up. In a 3 o’clock match in KZN I back the hosts to claw their way to an ugly win.
Best Bet: Sharks to win the game @ 2.17 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
Stormers vs Lions (Saturday @ 17:15)
For South Africans this might be the highlight of the weekend. The Lions impressed in Argentina whilst the Stormers put up a shameful showing in Pretoria.The Lions have to contend with the travel factor but the Stormers have to cope with the shame and humiliation of what happened at Loftus.
Verdict: It is one thing turning a loss around, but something entirely different trying to come back from such an emotional blow. I don’t think the Stormers can.
Best Bet: Lions to beat the handicap of -6.5 @ 1.80 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Jaguares vs Bulls (Saturday @ 23:40)
Early in the week bookies had the Bulls as strong favourites, with their Stormers demolishment job fresh in the minds, but since then some love for the Jags has started to come through. The Bulls were spot on in terms of their tactics and execution against the Capetonians but the question to be asked is how much of it was bad Stormers and how much great Bulls?
Verdict: I’m expecting a much-improved effort from the Jaguares after getting their first game out the way. They were also unlucky at times against the Lions which flattered the end result. This one really is too tight to call but if anything the Bulls might start with their tails in the air before fading against the high-tempo Argentine game.
Best Bet: A speculative play on Bulls/Jaguares in the HF/FT market @ 6.56 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Couch Critic
