Super Rugby Aotearoa reaches its half way point and many are talking about Saturday morning’s clash between the Crusaders and the Blues as a final, we take a look at both of the weekend’s matches from a betting angle.
Outright Betting update, last week’s prices in brackets - Click here to bet
Crusaders 4/10 (4/6)
Blues 22/10 (9/4)
Hurricanes 16/1 (45/1)
Highlanders 16/1 (10/1)
Chiefs 33/1 (11/1)
The Crusaders finished strong last week against the Highlanders to win by 20 points and their price has shortened from 4/6 into 4/10 in the Outright Betting. The Blues who had a bye last week are stable at 22/10 and you can get 16/1 or better the balance.
CRUSADERS v BLUES – click here to bet
What a mouth-watering clash this is as the 2 unbeaten sides go head-to-head. The Crusaders have already won twice on the road including last weeks 40-20 win in Dunedin and their only home match to date they overcame the Chiefs 18-13. They are top of the table with more bonus points than the Blues. While they still have to go to Auckland many here will feel that victory will more than seal the title.
The Blues are also 3 from 3 and they are coming off a bye. Their only away match to date was in Hamilton against the Chiefs where they won for the first time since 2011. You have to go even further back to find the last time the Blues beat the Crusaders away, all the way back to 2004 and since then the Crusaders have reeled off 12 successive home victories.
BETTING
Crusaders 7/20
Draw 28/1
Blues 12/5
Handicap: Crusaders (-7.5) at 9/10, Blues (+7.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Crusaders by under 12.5 points at 16/10
This should be a typically competitive New Zealand Derby and while I can’t see the Crusaders losing I do think the Blues can push them all the way.
HURRICANES V HIGHLANDERS – click here to bet
The Hurricanes got a much needed victory last week away at the Chiefs having lost their opening two games including a home loss to the Crusaders in Round 2.
The Highlanders started the Tournament as rank underdogs and although they have only won 1 out of 3 they have performed better than many expected, beating the Chiefs by a point in Round 1 and then losing narrowly to the Blues in Auckland. They were beaten by 20 at home to the Crusaders last week, but that score line only blew out in the final minutes.
The Hurricanes have won their last 4 home matches against the Highlanders and, all but 3 of those, would have beaten the handicap.
BETTING
Hurricanes 4/10
Draw 28/1
Highlanders 9/4
Handicap: Hurricanes (-6.5) at 9/10, Highlanders (+6.5)
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Hurricanes under 12.5 points at 17/10
I am looking to this market again as it doesn’t look to be too much between these sides, but I can see the Hurricanes finishing the stronger to win the match by 12 or less.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
