Couch Critic previews Crusaders v Chiefs and Blues v Highlanders in Round 3 of Super Rugby Aotearoa including his best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

The Highlanders came through for us to deliver a profitable weekend on the Aotearoa front as the Crusaders also did their part to deliver the double. Will Jordan got pulled back in the dying minutes for what would have been a cherry-on-the-cake score but Scott Barrett and Fakatava did us proud.

 

Crusaders vs Chiefs – Saturday 13 Mar @ 08:05, Christchurch

 

In a golden quarter of rugby the Crusaders turned from under the pump to cruising to victory as they laid the platform for a comfortably victory with four tries in the 20 minutes before half time against the Hurricanes. The defending champions didn’t need to get out of third gear for more than that period.

 

The Chiefs started their 2021 campaign briskly enough but the Highlanders came home with 5 tries in the final 50 minutes to hand the home side a humbling defeat.

 

Betolimp Bets:

 

Chiefs under 17.5 points @ 1.82

The Crusaders kept the Hurricanes to 16 and the Highlanders to 13.

 

HT/FT Margin: Crusaders (9+) / Crusaders (1-12) @ 12.00

The Crusaders showed they know how to be ruthless in periods. I expect them to come out and get the job done. After that they could possibly let their foot off the gas a bit.

 

First Tryscorer: Will Jordan @ 9.50

A fast start for the home side could very well come in the form of an early kick to the corner and then its rumble time…

 

Chiefs first tryscorer: Brad Weber @ 8.50

Brad Weber looked lively last week and I thought we got a pretty good run for our money from him. I will stick with the fire cracker nine for this clash as well.

 

Blues vs Highlanders – Sunday 14 Mar @ 04:35, Auckland

 

The Highlanders travel to Eden Park off the back of a moral boosting victory over the Chiefs. They will be keen to kick on from their four-try second half effort in Hamilton over a Blues team returning from their bye. The Blues got their campaign started well enough in Week 1 and will be keen for a big first home performance.

 

Betolimp Bets:

 

Double: Blues to win onto Crusaders -9.5 @ 1.85

The double worked out beautifully for us last week. I have plenty of respect for the Highlanders but reckon the Blues will have the edge at home. I don’t see the Crusaders winning by less than a double digit number.

 

HT/FT Margin: Highlanders (1-8) / Blues (13+) @ 26.00

This price just looks a bit too big. If there is one team capable of pulling well clear it’s this Blues outfit with that potent outside backs of theirs.

 

Tryscorers

 

First Tryscorer: Akira Ioane @ 17.00

Dalton got us our first meat pie last time out but on this occasion I will stick with the other hungry loosy to get over the chalk early doors.

 

First Highlanders Tryscorer: Shanon Frizell @ 8.50

In the face of a strong opposition backrow Frizell should come out firing. The big man loves crashing over for a handful.

 

Last Highlanders Tryscorer: Ash Dixon @ 8.50

Nareki is in flying form but the Landers might get one late on by way of their rolling maul. Ash hasn’t had success yet so he has to be due.

 

 

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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Couch Critic