Round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific continues as the race for playoff positions intensifies. In this blog we look back at the Round 12 action and the updated table, project the handicaps for week 13 and then place bets as kick off approaches.
Round 13 – Projected Handicaps
Posted 03 May 22h42
Below are my projected handicaps and thoughts. These will be compared with the bookies on Monday.
Crusaders -5.5 vs Blues – should be a typical, action packed but tight derby
Reds +5.5 vs Chiefs – 3 plays 4 and should be a cracker
Highlanders -8.5 vs Waratahs – loser will really battle to make the top 6
Moana Pasifika +28.5 vs Hurricanes – keep an eye on team news, type of game Canes may rest players
Brumbies -6.5 vs Western Force – crucial Aussie derby
Before we get into this weekend’s action, let’s take a look at how things stand.
ROUND 12 RESULTS
Hurricanes 38 – 31 Crusaders – Hurricanes started -13.5 and it was a belter of the game but a loss for me as I was on under 60.5 points
Waratahs 17 – 20 Force – The Force started +4.5 and pulled off a minor upset. It was a poor Friday for me as I took over 52.5 points.
Drua 24 – 14 Highlanders – The Drua beat the -4.5 handicap and got my Saturday off to a good start
Moana Pasifika 19 – 45 Blues – The Blues started a well backed -28.5 but Moana started well. I was on the over 62.5 which arrived in the nick of time
Reds 30 – 21 Brumbies – The Reds started a well backed -3.5 and having taken the 5/6 they win early in the week it was a strong finish to Super Rugby.
LEAGUE TABLE SNAPSHOT
The Hurricanes (40 pts) have moved clear at the top after their win over the Crusaders, opening a gap over the chasing pack and they have a game in hand over the Blues in 2nd.
The Blues (38 pts) sit 2nd and continue to build momentum, while the Chiefs (36 pts) remain well placed in 3rd with a game in hand over the Blues.
The Reds (27 pts) and Crusaders (27 pts) occupy 4th and 5th respectively, with the Brumbies (25 pts) rounding out the top six.
Outside the playoff places, the Drua (20 pts), Waratahs (20 pts) and Highlanders (20 pts) are all still within striking distance, while the Force (18 pts) have kept their faint hopes alive with a key win last week.
I will be back later tonight with projected handicaps
