Super Rugby Aotearoa continues this weekend and we take a look at both games from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where the Crusaders remain firm favourites at 40/85 for the win with the Blues 21/10. You can get 20/1 the Highlanders, 25/1 the Chiefs and a massive 66/1 the Hurricanes.
Click here for Super Rugby Aotearoa Outright Betting
HIGHLANDERS v CHIEFS
The Highlanders stunned the Crusaders last week with a convincing 33-12 win in Christchurch. They showed nothing in the matches leading up to that to suggest that they could beat the favourites to win the Tournament, although they did beat the Chiefs 39-23 away from home in Round 2.
The Chiefs lost their opening two matches before a 35-29 win away at the Hurricanes got their season started. They then beat the Blues 15-12 and are coming off a bye last week.
Last season the Highlanders edged this fixture 28-27.
BETTING- Click here to bet
Highlanders 6/10
Draw 25/1
Chiefs 16/10
Handicap: Highlanders (-4.5) at 9/10, Chiefs (+4.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Chiefs win at 16/10
The Highlanders are rightfully getting plenty of respect from the bookmakers after their performance last week, but I also feel that the Chiefs are coming to hand nicely and that the Highlanders may struggle to lift their game twice in a row.
HURRICANES v CRUSADERS
The Hurricanes were anywhere between 6.5 and 8.5 point underdogs away at the Blues last week, but a last minute Blues penalty saw the minus backers collect with the Blues winning by 10 points. Prior to that they had beaten the Highlanders 30-19 on the road, a result that looks pretty good given the Highlanders came out and beat the Crusaders the next week. That was their only win of the season to date.
The Crusaders had a 100% record before losing to the Highlanders at home by 21 points last week. They had previously beaten the Title challenging, Blues by 43-27 in Auckland and their other away game this season was a 26-13 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Last season the Crusaders won this fixture 39-25 in Wellington.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Hurricanes 33/10
Draw 30/1
Crusaders 2/7
Handicap: Hurricanes (+10.5) at 9/10, Crusaders (-10.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Alternative winning margin, Crusaders by 11-20 points inclusive at 3/1
I think the handicap is well set for this game, but it would be leaning towards the Crusaders beating the minus although not by too much. This bet offers a nice early interest and I will look for in-play options on the Total and Team Points Markets.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
