Rugby punters are in for a treat as Super Rugby Aotearoa gets going this weekend. We have a look at the Outright Betting and suggest a bet in each of the two matches.
Let’s start with a look at the long term markets where the Crusaders are trading at 12/10 to win the Tournament. You can get 18/10 that the Chiefs suffer the most losses and Will Jordan is a 15/2 favourite for Top Tournament Try Scorer.
Click here for long-term Super Rugby Aotearoa Betting
HIGHLANDERS v CRUSADERS
This match will be played under the roof in Dunedin so we know we are in for perfect conditions.
The Highlanders went into last season as the firm favourites to finish last, but they managed to finish 4th and were competitive in most of their matches. They beat the Chiefs home and away and also the Hurricanes at home, but the Crusaders had their number with the Highlanders losing by 20 points both at home and away.
The Crusaders are the defending Champions and they only lost 1 match last season although their final game against the Blues was called off due to COVID-19. They have named a quality side and it is no surprise that money appears to be coming for the visitors.
Aside from last season’s matches the Crusaders have now won a total of 6 games in a row against the Highlanders in Super Rugby
BETTING- Click here to bet
Highlanders 23/10
Draw 28/1
Crusaders 4/10
Handicap: Highlanders (+6.5) at 9/10, Crusaders (-6.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Crusaders (-6.5) at 9/10
I would not be surprised if this line shifts out slightly and while this should be competitive for long periods I think the Crusaders will prove too strong in the end.
If you were looking for a speculative play, how about Ash Dixon as First Try Scorer at 14/1. These days Hookers get more tries than many Wings and Dixon loves nothing more than to conduct a rolling maul to the try line.
HURRICANES v BLUES
The Hurricanes were 3rd in last season’s competition and they never really got going in the Tournament, although a victory over the Crusaders near the end was certainly a highlight. From a squad depth perspective they do look a little shy compared to the Crusaders and the Blues, but in New Zealand there are always youngsters coming through able to fill the voids and they will no doubt be competitive and play some entertaining rugby.
The Blues finished runners-up to the Crusaders last season and there were certainly times when they looked like the Champions of the late 1990’s. They have a very strong side and will be looking to reverse last year’s result in Wellington when they went down by 2 points in a thrilling high scoring encounter.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Hurricanes 21/20
Draw 25/1
Blues 9/10
Handicap: Hurricanes (+0.5) at 9/10, Blues (-0.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-time / Full-time, Blues / Blues at 14/10
I am expecting a big season from the Blues and am looking for them to be fast out of the blocks and to maintain their lead through to the end of the game.
Another bet I like is the Blues to win by 1-12 points which should be priced up around the 16/10 mark.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
