Couch Critic previews the betting for each match in Round 5 of Super Rugby, brought to you courtesy of BetOlimp.co.za
Two of our Silver Medal bets went up in smoke last week. The big kick to the nether regions came from the Lions who looked well set to deliver at a nice price only to completely let up in the final stages of their match. Fortunately, the Crusaders got the job done for both our other Silver level bets and all four the Bronze plays came in which left us nicely in the black yet again. Let’s see if we can find some punts that will keep the good times rolling through Week 5…
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Chiefs vs Hurricanes(Friday @ 08:35)
The Canes were pushed all the way by the Highlanders last week but in the end just had a touch more fire power than their visitors.
Verdict: The Chiefs finished strong in Christchurch but quite frankly they just aren’t in the same league as the Hurricanes this season.
Best Bet: Hurricanes -7.5 points @ 1.81 with BETOLIMP (Silver medal confidence)
Brumbies vs Waratahs (Friday @ 10:45)
Verdict: The Waratahs have the more lethal individuals but the Brumbies have a solid set piece and more discipline. It’s tough calling a winner in this one and I’d rather go for a more speculative play at a tasty price here.
Best Bet: HF/FT – Brumbies/Waratahs @ 6.40 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Stormers vs Jaguares (Friday @ 19:10)
The Jags were hardly in vintage form against the Lions last week. There might be some team changes but the Stormers should be rested and focused for this one.
Verdict: Still far from the finished article the Capetonians have looked better with each outing. The Jaguares are expected to be a different team away from their home turf and what transpired at Ellispark substantiates this theory.
Best Bet: Stormers -7.5 @ 1.83 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Sunwolves vs Reds (Saturday @ 06:15)
Verdict: Had the in-form Sunwolves been disrespected by the bookies and not been instilled as favourites I would have been all over the home side. As it is they should edge a win over an inexperienced Reds outfit but I see little value in the betting.
Best Bet: HT/FT – Sunwolves/Sunwolves @ 2.10 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Highlanders vs Crusaders (Saturday @ 08:35)
Verdict: The Crusaders have knocked over all that has been put in front of them. The Highlanders love nothing more than rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in, but against the Saders the task at hand will be just too tough for them. The handicap might be a point of two too low but I will have a go at something at a better price.
Best Bet: Crusaders to win by 8 – 14 points @ 4.00 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Lions vs Rebels (Saturday @ 15:05)
The Rebels have been one of the surprise packages of the 2019 season thus far. The well-balanced Aussie outfit find themselves flying high with three wins from as many games. They have however not yet been tested outside the borders of Australia and a clash at altitude against an exciting young Lions team should prove to be a good test for their potential play-off credentials.
Verdict: Dave Wessels has his Aussies well drilled and has some star power at his disposal as well. The Lions will be feeling confident after the Jags game and will look to run the Rebels off their feet – the home side to pull away in the second half is my call here.
Best Bet: Lions – 7.5 at 1.78 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Extra Silver Medal Play:
Triple – Stormers, Crusaders and Lions all to win @ 2.21 with BETOLIMP
Have yourself an OLYMPic Super Rugby weekend!
Couch Critic
