The Hurricanes take on the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific in Melbourne on Saturday, the Canes are playing catch up in the standings but they start the game as the bookmakers favourites.
Hurricanes v Reds, Saturday 23rd April, Melbourne, KO 11:45 (South African time)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistants: James Doleman, Graham Cooper
TMO : James Leckie
Weather Forecast – Melbourne
Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes edged out the Highlanders 22-21 in Dunedin last week. They were 2.5 point favourites on a handicap that proved to be pretty accurate although the Highlanders came desperately close to pinching it with an after the hooter try ruled out by the officials.
Earlier the Canes were also involved in close matches at home to the Crusaders (lost 24-21) and the Chiefs (lost 30-29) and away to the Blues (won 33-32).
That leaves the Canes with 4 wins and 4 defeats and they have 20 log points, 11 points off the pace. In the outright betting they are 10/1 to win the tournament.
Reds:
The Reds were in Melbourne last week and they eventually saw off the Rebels 36-32 (Handicap -8.5 points). The Reds were 14 points in front at one stage but were forced to hold on for victory.
The two biggest games the Reds have played so far came against the Brumbies. They were beaten 16-12 in Canberra but took revenge with a 21-7 home win in the return.
The Reds have won 7 and lost 1 and finished the previous round in third place in the standings with 30 points, 1 behind the the Brumbies and the Blues and they now face New Zealand opposition for the first time.
In the outright betting the Reds are trading at around 9/1 to win the tournament
Team News (subject to change)
Hurricanes: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Reed Prinsep, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea (c), TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett
Reserves: Leni Apisai, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Justin Sangster, TK Howden, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Billy Proctor
Reds: Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Feao Fotuaika, Lopeti Faifua, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Mac Grealy
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Hurricanes -7.5 points at 9/10
Reds +8.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
The handicap shifted from an opening call of -5.5 to -8.5 at most bookies, largely on the back of team news with the Reds missing a couple of key players. They have shown plenty of fight this season when their backs have been to the wall but I do think this Hurricanes team will have that bit too much for them. The Canes to win by 8 or more is my call and I will be keeping an eye on points lines.
Any points bets will be posted in the forum
Watch the Hurricanes v Reds video preview for the views of @ThoughtsonSports and @Chad_Reich
BET: 4 units Hurricanes -7.5 at 9/10 at Hollywoodbets
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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