Super Rugby Aotearoa got off to an exciting start last week although some would suggest that the referees whistle was heard a bit too much.
The teams will hopefully start adapting to the law interpretations this week and we take a look at this weekend’s two fixtures from a betting angle.
Outright Betting update, last week’s prices in brackets - Click here to bet
Crusaders 9/10 (1/1)
Blues 4/1 (6/1)
Chiefs 9/2 (5/2)
Hurricanes 13/2 (13/2)
Highlanders 12/1 (33/1)
The Blues and the Highlanders are the big movers with the Blues justifying favouritism at home to the Hurricanes and the Highlanders causing something of an upset by beating the Chiefs at home.
CHIEFS V BLUES – click here to bet
The Chiefs will be looking to bounce back from defeat last week and they start as favourites here against the Blues and the way the betting has moved suggests there has been some money for them during the week. The Chiefs have a very strong home record against the Blues, winning their last 5, but 4 of those 5 victories have been by 12 points or less.
The Blues have struggled against New Zealand sides in recent seasons, but there were indications early in the year that was going to change and last week they were full value with a 10 point victory over the Hurricanes at home. Blues fans won’t be getting excited just yet though as this side has struggled with consistency over the years, but there was certainly a lot to like about that performance in Auckland.
BETTING
Chiefs 7/10
Draw 25/1
Blues 27/20
Handicap: Chiefs (-2.5) at 9/10, Blues (+2.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Wining Margin, Chiefs under 12.5 points at 16/10
New Zealand derbies are more often than not tight affairs and I think this is going to be another close one. I expect that the Chiefs will have that little bit more than the Blues on the day and I am backing them to win a typical New Zealand derby tussle.
HURRICANES V CRUSADERS – click here to bet
The Hurricanes have now shortened to 1/1 from 5/1 to be the bottom placed side in this competition and they know that a victory against the Crusaders is a must if they are to contend. The Crusaders, of course, are Tournament favourites and they have been priced up at (-6.5) here, a handicap that hasn’t moved all week.
The Hurricanes were very much in the match against the Blues in Auckland last week in the first half, but a poor performance in the 3rd quarter cost them as the Blues built an unassailable lead.
The Crusaders had a bye in Week 1 and they will be hoping to continue the sort of form they showed in the original competition where they had 5 victories and just 1 defeat which came away to the Chiefs.
The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 32-8 in Wellington last season, but prior to that the Hurricanes had dominated this fixture at home winning the previous 3 head to heads.
BETTING
Hurricanes 47/20
Draw 25/1
Crusaders 4/10
Handicap: Hurricanes (+6.5) at 9/10, Crusaders (-6.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-time result, Hurricanes (+3.5) at 9/10
I think the Hurricanes will be competitive early and the Crusaders may have a little bit of rust having not played in so long. I am backing the home team to be no more than 3 points behind at the break.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but subject to change
