150chiefsCouch Critic previews the betting and provides a tip for each match in Round 9 of Super Rugby, brought to you courtesy of BetOlimp.co.za

 

 

 

The Hurricanes got us off to a beauty of a start delivering the 1-7 margin at 3.53 as well as making our first ever Betolimp rugby special bet (Canes to win by 1-12) a winner as well. Unfortunately the wheels came off after the first game with the Sharks really throwing a spanner in the works with their best performance of the year in dispatching the Lions. The Blues and Bulls disappointed and it was only the Rebels & Blues double that saved us from bleeding dry. Week 9 promises some more opportunities to get back to the winning ways of the first month of the comp I believe, so let’s get straight into it!

 

Crusaders vs Highlanders (Friday @ 08:35)

After experiencing a brief blimp, the Saders have shown portions of their top form in their past two outings. The Highlanders suffered the narrowest of losses to the Canes last week and now find themselves dangerously low down on the overall log.

Verdict: The big question regarding the Crusaders for the remainder of the league phase will surely be – how much is enough? Fourteen points is a solid head start but it takes a brave man to bet against the mighty Crusaders on current form. Take note of the fact that Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock and Naholo are missing for the visitors. The Crusader usually start fast (last week being the exception) and I am looking for them to notch up a few tries early.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Crusaders to beat the alternative half time cap of -12.5 @ 2.71 (Bronze level)

Special Bet: FirstTryscorer – Andrew Makalio @ 24.50

 

Rebels vs Stormers(Friday @ 11:45)

The Stormers have been well in all three their matches on tour yet couldn’t come away with a single win. The Rebels might have left South Africa with a bitter taste in their mouths but have proven that they are comfortably the top Australian team.

Verdict: Week 4 on tour might be the week that breaks what is left of the resolve of the Capetonians.They will be missing Kolisi, Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit from their ranks. The Rebels are well coached and playing a great brand of rugby. The home side should win this with ease.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Rebels to beat the handicap of -10.5 @ 1.85 (Silver medal level of confidence)

Special Bet: Anytime Tryscorer – Billy Meakes @ 3.00

 

Chiefs vs Blues (Saturday @ 09:35)

The Blues and Chiefs have both recovered from a poor start and the Blues are now in a Wild Card position.

Verdict: For mind this is a choice affair. The Chiefs enjoy home advantage but the Blues will have found some good confidence from their last few games and seem to be gelling into more of an effective unit despite still at times sorely lacking in terms of game management. In a game that could go either way I’ll have a go at the underdog.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Blues to win @ 2.61 (Bronze medal confidence)

 

Brumbies vs Lions (Saturday @ 11:45)

The Brumbies only have two victories to their name in 2019 but will be keen on using home advantage to trip up the visiting Lions.

Verdict: A younger, more inexperience Lions squad might not be up to the challenges of playing abroad. I think the Brumbies will secure a narrow home victory.

BETOLIMP Best Bet:HT/FT – Brumbies/Brumbies @ 1.92 (Bronze)

Special Bet: Brumbies to win by 1-12 @ 2.70

 

Sharks vs Jaguares (Saturday @ 15:05)

The Sharks come into this clash fresh off their best performance of the year in taking down the Lions. The Jags upset the Bulls but were far from supreme in doing so as it was as much poor Bulls, as good Jags at Loftus.

Verdict: The Sharks have a tendency to metaphorically drop the ball when they are comfortable favourites and the Jaguares will be a confident bunch. I struggle to see a clear angle here and will rather just go for something a bit speculative.

Special Bets: 

Dan du Preez to score the first try at 19.00

Jean-Luc du Preez to score the last tryat 33.00

 

 Bulls vs Reds (Saturday @ 17:15)

Verdict: The Bulls will be hurting after their wheels came off in disastrous fashion in the final ten minutes last week. A bull seeing Red(s) is a very dangerous thing.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Bulls to beat the Reds on the alternative cap of -18.5 @ 2.49 (Bronze)

 

Additional Silver Medal Level Bet:(Treble @ 2.33)

Bulls -6.5

Rebels -4.5

Crusaders -8.5

 

Couch Critic