Round 12 of the Super Rugby Pacific gets underway with five matches across Friday and Saturday the 1st and 2nd of May, as the competition heads into the business end of the season. The race for playoff positions is heating up and in this blog we look back at the round 11 results, forecast the round 12 handicaps and then put up bets as gameday approaches.
ROUND 11 RESULTS (Super Round – Christchurch)
Crusaders 35 – 20 Waratahs – the punters who got on the Crusaders -13.5 profited (they started -18.5) but there was no joy for me on Crusaders over 38.5 with a late try getting chalked off.
Hurricanes 45 – 12 Brumbies – The Hurricanes started -14.5 and delivered in style. I was on Canes over 5.5 tries which arrived comfortably.
Blues 36 – 33 Reds – The Blues were backed to -14.5 from -12.5 but the Reds pushed them all the way. I had Blues over 5.5 tries but the 6th try never came.
Highlanders 27 – 17 Moana Pasifika – The Highlanders were -16.5 and against Pasifika I fancied points and went over 63.5. I am pleased I never got up for this one.
Chiefs 42 – 22 Fijian Drua – my early strike on the Chiefs -23.5 failed to land. I started watching when they were 25 points up and threatening to run away with things but credit to the Drua for finishing strong.
Overall a poor punting round for me
LEAGUE TABLE UPDATE
The Chiefs (36 pts) and Hurricanes (36 pts) remain locked at the top of the table although the Hurricanes have a game in hand.
The Blues (33 pts) sit in 3rd, while the Crusaders (26 pts) have climbed into 4th after their win over the Waratahs.
The Brumbies (25 pts) and Reds (23 pts) currently round out the top six, but both sides are under pressure with the Highlanders (20 pts) and Waratahs (19 pts) still in the mix, while the Fijian Drua (16 pts) and Western Force (14 pts) are still mathematically alive but running out of time.
At the foot of the table, Moana Pasifika (4 pts) continue to struggle with just a single win all season.
Round 12 Fixtures
FRIDAY
Hurricanes vs Crusaders
A massive clash at the top of the table as the Hurricanes host the Crusaders. The Hurricanes come in off a dominant win over the Brumbies and have been one of the most consistent sides this season.
The Crusaders, meanwhile, have stayed in touch despite some surprise defeats on the road.
Waratahs vs Western Force
The Waratahs return home looking to bounce back after their loss to the Crusaders. They cannot afford to slip up if they want to make the playoffs.
The Force have shown improvement this season but remain just outside serious contention. They missed the Super Round and are coming off a bye.
SATURDAY
Fijian Drua vs Highlanders
The Drua return home after some decent showings on the road including a win in Canberra. The match is in Ba where they beat the Brumbies in March.
The Highlanders will see this as a must win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but this is never an easy trip.
Moana Pasifika vs Blues
Moana continue to struggle and were well beaten again last week although they landed the plus handicap.
The Blues edged a thriller against the Reds and look to be peaking at the right time.
This game is being played in North Harbour.
Reds vs Brumbies
An all-Australian clash with big playoff implications. The Reds pushed the Blues all the way last week but came up short.
The Brumbies were well beaten by the Hurricanes a week after losing to the Drua at home and they will be desperate for a response.
This is a crucial game for both sides in the race for the top six.
I will be back later in the day with handicap projections
