Super Rugby Trans-Tasman continues this weekend and the action gets going on Friday morning South African time with the Hurricanes hosting the Force. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
The Hurricanes hosted the Rebels last week and having started the match 22 point favourites they failed to beat the handicap, winning 35-15 in a game they never looked like losing, but at the same time never seeming to hit top gear. In Week 1 they beat the Waratahs 64-48 in a high scoring fixture in Sydney.
The Force’s opening fixtures have both been at home where they lost last week 25-15 to the Highlanders and the week before agonisingly by 1 point against the Chiefs 20-19.
There has been no recent head-to-head form between these sides and when they last met in Perth in 2017 it was the Hurricanes who won by 22 points.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Hurricanes 1/16
Draw 50/1
Western Force 12/1
Handicap: Hurricanes (-21.5) at 9/10, Western Force (+21.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-Time Handicap, Hurricanes (-10.5) at 9/10
We have to get used to some big handicaps in these Trans-Tasman matches with New Zealand sides clearly having the upper hand. I like the look of the side the Hurricanes have named and with the Force having to travel over after their two home games, I think this could get ugly for the Australian side. My money is on the Hurricanes to make a fast start.
Keep an eye on the betting closer to kick-off as Total Points and Team Points lines will be out and, of course, there is always in-running options as well.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
