There are 3 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman matches taking place on Saturday and we take a look at each of them from a betting angle.
CRUSADERS v BRUMBIES
What a clash this is with the New Zealand champions up against the Australian runners-up.
The Crusaders were probably off their best for most of the season, but they still got the job done and were convincing winners in the final game against the Chiefs getting up 24-13. Their only blip at home came against the Highlanders where they were stunned 33-12 back in Round 6.
The Brumbies last 3 matches to the Reds in the Super Rugby AU season the combined margins do not total 10 points so close were the sides. Last week’s final was heart breaking as they went down to a Reds try well after the hooter to lose 19-16.
These sides have a history of some great matches against each other, but the Crusaders have dominated in recent years and in the last meeting in Christchurch in 2019 they won 36-14.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Crusaders 1/12
Draw 50/1
Brumbies 9/1
Handicap: Crusaders (-18.5) at 9/10, Brumbies (+18.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Brumbies +18.5 at 9/10
The Crusaders have not looked like a side that will put other teams away and this handicap looks that bit too high. The Brumbies to beat the cap is my call.
REBELS v BLUES
The Rebels looked set for a playoff place in Super Rugby AU, but when the Force shocked the Reds, the Rebels final match against the Waratahs became a dead rubber. The Rebels played some solid rugby, but one of their problems was creating and finishing try scoring opportunities and they cannot afford that against the New Zealand sides.
The Blues were disappointing in Super Rugby Aotearoa missing out on a final spot to the Chiefs. The Blues troubles came largely on their travels with just 1 win in their 4 away matches.
These sides last met in 2018 in Auckland with the Rebels winning 20-10, but the Blues won 56-18 a year earlier in Melbourne.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Rebels 13/2
Draw 40/1
Blues 1/8
Handicap: Rebels (+16.5) at 9/10, Blues (-16.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Rebels +16.5 at 9/10
The Blues have disappointed all season and while I expect them to win I think the Rebels can push them to a single digit margin.
WESTERN FORCE v CHIEFS
It looked like being another disappointing Super Rugby AU for the Chiefs early on, but they finished off with 3 successive victories to make the playoffs where they lost to the Brumbies by 12 points. They won 2 and lost 2 of their 4 home matches with their 2 wins coming against the Waratahs and the Reds, both by narrow margins.
The Chiefs didn’t win a game in last season’s Aotearoa Tournament, but this time round they were much improved and made the final where they went down to the Crusaders 24-13 in Christchurch last week.
Their away record read 2 wins, 2 losses although in their last away match against Blues their final place was secure and they sent out very much a second string team.
These sides last met in Perth in 2017 with the Chiefs winning 66-7.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Western Force 6/1
Draw 40/1
Chiefs 1/7
Handicap: Western Force (+15.5) at 9/10, Chiefs (-15.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Force (+15.5) at 9/10
I am expecting the Chiefs to be a bit off their best for this one having lost in the final last week and while I would be surprised if the Force won the game, I do think they could stay within the cap.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
