We take a look at the 2 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman second round games taking place on Friday and suggest a bet on each.
HURRICANES v REBELS
This game takes place in Wellington and the Hurricanes are returning from Sydney where they got a high scoring 64-48 victory over the Waratahs. As good as they were on attack, their defence certainly let them down and they will be looking to improve that against this Rebels side. Their last home game in Super Rugby Aotearoa finished 41-22 against the Highlanders.
The Rebels were seriously disappointing last week, getting hammered 53 by the Blues in Melbourne. Their trend of battling to score tries continued and there was clearly a gulf in class between them and the New Zealand side. They did win their last away game in Super Rugby AU, beating the Waratahs 36-25.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Hurricanes 1/25
Draw 66/1
Rebels 12/1
Handicap: Hurricanes (-25.5) at 9/10, Rebels (+25.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Hurricanes (-25.5) at 9/10
This is a massive handicap, but totally justified based on the Rebels current form and their massive loss to the Blues at home. I expect the Hurricanes to tighten up on defence, but still score plenty of tries and we all know how the Rebels struggle to cross the whitewash. It may not take long for 25 points to look like an absolute bargain.
WESTERN FORCE v HIGHLANDERS
The Force came within 1 kick of causing a massive upset against the Chiefs last week, eventually losing 20-19 in Perth. They previously made the playoffs where they lost to the Brumbies in Super Rugby AU and have taken great strides forward this season.
The Highlanders were at home to the Reds in their Round 1 fixture and after the Reds were competitive early, it was the home team that pulled clear to win 40-19. In Super Rugby Aotearoa they won 3 of their 8 matches.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Western Force 7/2
Draw 30/1
Highlanders 1/4
Handicap: Western Force (+10.5) at 9/10, Highlanders (-10.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Highlanders (-10.5) at 9/10
The Force were excellent last week, but I think benefitted by the fact that the Chiefs were beaten in the final of the Super Rugby Aotearoa the week before. The Highlanders have picked a strong team and I think the Force are going to fade in the second half with the visitors running away comfortable victors.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
