The final round of Super Rugby Super Aotearoa takes place this weekend and we take a look at both matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where next week’s final is confirmed between the Crusaders v Chiefs in Christchurch. The Crusaders are currently 2/7 favourites with the Chiefs 11/4.
Click here for Super Rugby Aotearoa Outright Betting
HURRICANES v HIGHLANDERS
The Hurricanes have had a disappointing season only winning 1 match and that was away at the Highlanders by 30-19. They were well beaten in some of their earlier encounters, but have been competitive of late going down by 2 points away to the Chiefs last time out and prior to that losing in extra time to the Crusaders in Wellington. They have named a strong team which includes Julian Savea starting on the right wing.
The Highlanders have had something of a mixed season with 3 wins and 4 defeats and the crucial match for them not in terms of not making the play-offs was the 26-23 extra time loss to the Chiefs at home in Round 7. Last time out they beat the Blues 35-29 at home and they are coming off a bye. Fullback Josh Ioane is a late withdrawal from the side and he will be replaced by Milner-Skudder who sadly has never been the same player since injury a few years back.
When these sides met in Wellington last season it was the Hurricanes who came out on top 17-11
BETTING - Click here to bet
Hurricanes 7/10
Draw 25/1
Highlanders 11/8
Handicap: Hurricanes (-3.5) at 9/10, Highlanders (+3.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Hurricanes (-3.5) at 9/10
I feel that the Hurricanes have being playing some good rugby of late and while the betting for this is probably well set, my money is on the home team to draw clear and win by 4 more.
BLUES v CHIEFS
The Blues last hopes of making the final was dashed last week when they went down 29-6 to the Crusaders in Christchurch. Overall it has been a disappointing season for the Blues who were generally trading as 2nd favourites throughout the Tournament, has that now have only won 3 games out of 8. Looking at their home form this season, they beat the Hurricanes by 10, the Highlanders by 22 and lost to the Crusaders by 16.
The Chiefs had looked to be continuing where they left off last season with 2 defeats to open this campaign, but they have since won 5 in a row including beating the Hurricanes 26-24 at home last time out.
With the Blues failing to secure a bonus point last week the Chiefs are now guaranteed a spot in the final and have not surprisingly rotated their squad which has seen a big movement in the handicap with the Blues drifting from an opening quote of (-5.5) to the current (-15.5).
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blues 2/11
Draw 35/1
Chiefs 5/1
Handicap: Crusaders (-6.5) at 9/10, Blues (+6.5) at 9/10
While this handicap seems big against an inexperienced Chiefs side I expect the Blues to finish the season strong and to win comfortably.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
