We take a look at the 2 Super Rugby Aotearoa matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where the Crusaders continue to firm and are now trading at 7/10 favourites, the Blues who are coming off a bye are 26/10 and you can get 9/1 about the Highlanders and 12/1 and better the balance. The Chiefs are currently favourites at 15/20 for the most losses in the competition.
Click here for Outright Betting on Super Rugby Aotearoa
CRUSADERS v CHIEFS
The Crusaders have been very impressive in their opening two games, beating the Highlanders by 13 points on the road and then last week getting the better of the Hurricanes by 17 points at home. They started slowly against the Hurricanes, but then burst into life before stepping off the gas in the final quarter.
The Chiefs had a bye on the opening weekend and they were in action in Round 2 losing 39-23 to the Highlanders at home. They finished bottom of the table last season and will have been disappointed to have started well against the Highlanders only to let things slip quite badly in the second-half.
The Crusaders did the double over the Chiefs in last season’s Tournament, winning by 13 in Hamilton and by 5 points in Christchurch.
BETTING- Click here to bet
Crusaders 1/7
Draw 40/1
Chiefs 6/1
Handicap: Crusaders (-15.5) at 9/10, Chiefs (+15.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin Spread, Crusaders 16-20 points inclusive 11/2 and 21-25 points at 6/1
I am spreading my stake between these 2 bets as I believe the Crusaders will win fairly comfortably, but at the same time I can’t see an absolute slaughter. This gives us from 16-25 point margin for the Crusaders win.
BLUES v HIGHLANDERS
The Blues are coming off a bye after coming from behind to beat the Hurricanes 31-16 in Wellington in Round 1 and they face a Highlanders side which went down by 13 points at home to the Crusaders in their opening match then came out last week to beat the Chiefs 39-23 in an exciting encounter.
The Blues beat the Highlanders 27-24 in this fixture last season and in Dunedin they had a bit more room to spare winning 32-21.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blues 4/10
Draw 28/1
Highlanders 23/10
Handicap: Blues (-7.5) at 9/10, Highlanders (+7.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Blues (-7.5) at 9/10
The Blues impressed me in their opening encounter while the Highlanders showed plenty of courage to come back last week against the Chiefs, but I am not sure they will be as fortunate against the Blues side.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
