Super Rugby Semi-Finals + other rugby

Only two games this weekend and no SA teams = seems to equal not much interest in this thread

Have just watched the highlight real of the Canes v Bulls and it is not surprising that there are no Canes forward pack highlights lol.

Saders "Rolls Royce" AB pack found a new gear in the second half last week v Landers.

With two losses to the Saders already this year I do not give Canes a prayer, 38-22 in Round 2 & 32-8 in round five.
Saders have got better and Canes have got younger (weaker) due to injuries.

Betting half max Saders on the line -10.5, betting Saders 13+ and Saders -17.5.
Will double down after teams confirmed.

Got Saders completely wrong in Suva, but have been on the Crusader $ otherwise

hope your prediction of line moving to -13.5 proves correct - means I will get Hurricanes +9.5 at 15/10

No firm thoughts on either of the caps, but I can't see either of the home teams losing.
As such, taken Saders & Jags win double @ 2.08

If the Saders cap moves out a couple more points I'll be a plus backer.
Canes weren't at their best last week and they may have Matt Proctor (centre) and Sam Lousi (2nd row) back.
Also the weather forecast for Christchurch is fine and dry. (Wouldn't give Canes any chance in the wet)

Brent Graham wrote: I see WSB have edged Saders to -11.5 from -10.5 and I am still very much in their camp at these lines.

Got to say the fact that Jags game starts after 01h00 SA time puts me off that one a bit - unlikely that I will watch it

Another reason for the quiet start to this thread in terms of posting is that being a semi-final the lines are unlikely to move much although I predict the Crusaders line to shift to -13.5 come game time

The line at tab nz has moved from -10.5 to -12.5 overnight. NIce call BG!

Have added Crusaders 11 - 20
Winning Team & Margin (10pt)
Crusaders v Hurricanes
@ 3.75

This is a recommended value bet by "The Shark" on tab nz punters lounge.
No great confidence as could easily go over 20 and will take something to cover this outcome.
Note Highlander props better than Canes. Owen Franks back from injury last week. What a game. Back row must love having him back.

No real predictions from my end but i personally would love to see the Jags make the finals and hell even win the thing! I think it would be fantastic for Super Rugby and the brand in general but looking deeper into it i think eventually there has to be a second team featuring within Argentina as the Jags have built up quite the head of steam over the past two years and i wouldn't be favour at all of them being disbanded or broken up by another side but do believe that there needs to be a slightly more even playing field representing Argentina

slaterj wrote: No real predictions from my end but i personally would love to see the Jags make the finals and hell even win the thing! I think it would be fantastic for Super Rugby and the brand in general but looking deeper into it i think eventually there has to be a second team featuring within Argentina as the Jags have built up quite the head of steam over the past two years and i wouldn't be favour at all of them being disbanded or broken up by another side but do believe that there needs to be a slightly more even playing field representing Argentina

I get it that the Jags are basically a national team. It's not surprising that the whining is now just starting once they have become a threat. Not a whine the previous competitions. Having said all of that SANZAR have created this problem chasing more revenue so I feel nothing for their predicament and actually hope the Jags win the competition.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Friday
Showers
15°13°

Looks as if rain could help the Brumbies and unders punters

Canes over 8.5 1st half pts @ 10/11
Saders -6.5 2nd half cap @ 17/20

Small interest 1st try Coles 20/1

Crusaders 11-20, Crusaders -6.5 &-7.5 2nd half, both Mo'unga & Havili a try scorers like last week, total points 41-50, highest scoring 1st half. Was at last weeks quarter final and it was a great atmosphere. Hard to see them being beaten at home.

southpaw wrote: Canes over 8.5 1st half pts @ 10/11
Saders -6.5 2nd half cap @ 17/20

Small interest 1st try Coles 20/1

I like the Canes over 8.5 1st half points, have followed on that

Have the double Jags/Saders win running, but smaller interest on Saders 1-12, reckon the Canes go down swinging

Saders over 29.5 at break

Wasn't whinging in the slightest. Just purely looking at it objectively with a longer term picture in mind. There is no taking away what the Jags have achieved since their inception into Super Rugby and i also personally hope they win the Competition myself

Wasn't whinging in the slightest. Just purely looking at it objectively with a longer term picture in mind. There is no taking away what the Jags have achieved since their inception into Super Rugby and i also personally hope they win the Competition myself

Not sure if I've seen a better 40 mins this season than that 2nd half. Was epic!

Makes you wonder what may've been had the Canes kept ball in hand in 1st half.
Was bizarre game plan and poorly executed.

Should be a belting final next week.