Super Rugby Aotearoa comes to an end this weekend and sadly we will have just 1 match and that game is being played behind closed doors.
COVID-19 has unfortunately hit New Zealand again and the Blues v Crusaders game which many of us were looking forward to has been called off while Highlanders v Hurricanes will take place behind closed doors.
HIGHLANDERS v HURRICANES – Click here to bet
It is perhaps just well the Crusaders wrapped up the Tournament last week as it would have been a huge anti-climax not to have played the game against the Blues if it was a Tournament decider.
Onto this game though and the Highlanders were quite well beaten by the Crusaders last week losing 33-22 and never really getting into the hunt after they lost their early lead. The Highlanders have competed in most of their matches and have won 2 and lost 5 games coming into this clash.
The Hurricanes have been the form team of the Tournament in recent weeks and have now won 5 in a row and were it not for such a poor start they could have been right in contention. They were a full value for a 13 point victory at home to the Chiefs last week and prior to that they had beaten the Crusaders on the road.
When these sides met earlier in the season in Wellington the Hurricanes won 17-11 and they have won the last 3 matches between the sides.
BETTING
Highlanders 13/10
Draw 25/1
Hurricanes 7/10
Handicap: Highlanders (+2.5) at 9/10, Hurricanes (-2.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Hurricanes (-2.5) at 9/10
I was leaning towards the Hurricanes given their current form, but the fact that this game will now be played behind closed doors will surely suit them and I would not be surprised if this line moves out closer to 4.5 points by the time the game kicks off.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
