The Waratahs let us down badly last weekend but the Gold Medal play on the Crusaders came home with ease and the Sharks and Highlanders results ensured we finished a second week in the black.
Let’s see how we can stretch this winning start into a third weekend (but as a warning please note that I see this as a tougher weekend to call).
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Hurricanes vs Brumbies (Friday @ 08:35)
The Brumbies were clinical in dispatching of the Chiefs in Canberra. Away from home against a Kiwi outfit keen on getting themselves back on track in their first game in front of their home fans it should be a much tougher prospect for the Aussie outfit. The Hurricanes welcome back Beauden and Ardie and will have TJ starting this one.
Verdict: The Canes will be determined but the Aussies are confident, in form and in possession of a set piece which could give Dane Coles’ side a tough time. I expect the home side to enjoy a narrow lead at the break before pulling away in the final quarter.
Best Bet: Hurricanes to lead at half time by 1-7 points @ 3.16 with BETOLIMP (Bronze Medal level of confidence)
Rebels vs Highlanders (Friday @ 10:45)
People will point to the fact that the Rebels beat a good Brumbies side in Week1 whilst the Highlanders struggled past a shabby Chiefs team and didn’t really impress against the Reds. The Landers will be without Ben and Aaron Smith and are also missing Luke Whitelock and Rob Thompson.
Verdict: The Rebels overcame a decent Brumbies team in week1. The Highlanders haven’t looked like the most threatening team thus far (despite being two from two) and go into this match without Ben and Aaron Smith, Rob Thompson and Luke Whitelock. The Rebels should grab this rare opportunity of beating a Kiwi team.
Best Bet: A HF/FT play of Rebels/Rebels @ 2.30 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
Chiefs vs Sunwolves (Saturday @ 08:35)
The Sunwolves surprised me last week with the level of their play. Hiroshi Yamashita(dominating at tighthead) and the Tokyo factor did the trick, with the home side nearly winning the game in the end. This week the Wolves will have to show that they can also perform away from home. The Chiefs haven’t impressed thus far and Anton-Lienert Brown looks destined to miss out so its tough backing the home side with any confidence here.
Verdict: There is still the case that this is a Kiwi team hosting Japs and one can’t oppose the magic of Damian McKenzie with too much confidence. I reckon the Asians keep it close early before running out of puff a bit later.
Best Bet: Sunwolves to remain within the first half handicap of +12.5 @ 1.80 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Reds vs Crusaders (Saturday @ 10:45)
The Reds put in a determined effort in their first outing last week and this time around they will play hosts. The Crusaders have just gone along ticking the boxes thus far with only the first 40 minutes against the Hurricanes showing their best form. A few more All Black related issues for the champs see them even further from their first-choice team this week.
Verdict: A fresh, galvanised young Reds team against a bit of a second-stringSadersside should point one in the direction of the locals.
Best Bet: Reds to stay within the handicap of +12.5 @ 1.87 with BETOLIMP (Bronze bet)
Lions vs Bulls (Saturday @ 15:05)
Lions lose Whiteley and Bulls lose Lood. The Bulls return from a failed trip to Argentina whilst the Lions come back to home comforts after a loss in the Cape.
Verdict: It’s the Lions first home outing and I’m expecting them to put on a bit of an attacking show in the Johannesburg sun.
Best Bet: Lions to beat the handicap of -6.5 @ 1.78 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Sharks vs Stormers (Saturday @ 17:15)
Verdict: This should be a tight affair and despite the Capetonians looking pretty woeful for big parts of their game against the Lions they can only improve from here. With only a few points separating these teams in what I expect to be a tight game, I will look to a more speculative market for a bet.
Best Bet: A speculative play on the HF/FT market of Sharks/Stormers @ 9.56with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Jaguares vs Blues (Saturday @ 23:40)
Verdict: Blues didn’t look close to their dangerous selves in Durban whilst the Jags seem to be improving weekly. The home side should take this one in my view.
Best Bet: Jaguares to win and cover the handicap of -1.5 @ 1.80 with BETOLIMP (Silver).
Couch Critic
