Super Rugby returns this weekend with most of the teams in action. Check out preview of all the matches below, with odds from Tom Waterhouse.
Crusaders v Rebels, Christchurch, Friday 5.35pm
Crusaders – $1.15
Rebels – $5.75
This is a tough one to predict first up. The Rebels have never won outside of Australia, but they do have a relatively strong record against the Crusaders, who for all of their success in Super Rugby competitions are slow starters. Nonetheless, we’re going with a Crusaders win here, mainly because of the excitement in Christchurch at the moment with the opening of the Cricket World Cup bringing loads of positivity and a big crowd.
Brumbies v Reds, Canberra, Friday 7.40pm
Brumbies – $1.33
Reds – $3.40
None of the opposition teams in Week 1 are favourites with the bookmakers. This is no exception. The Reds are without Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and former All Black Adam Thomson, and instead will rely on Karmichael Hunt to guide them around the paddock. That’s probably too much to ask in your first rugby game of any significance. Therefore, we’re going with the Brumbies by a narrow margin. Keep an eye out for David Pocock who makes a return after a long injury lay off.
Lions v Hurricanes, Johhanesburg, Saturday 4.10am
Lions – $2.10
Hurricanes – $1.75
The Hurricanes leak more points than the District 5 did before Charlie Conway joined. Expect no different when they take on the Lions in Johannesburg early Saturday morning. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll lose. If the star-studded backbone can make up for the weak forward pack the amount of points they concede might not matter. In TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett and Cory Jane the Hurricanes have enough class to get home in this one.
Blues v Chiefs, Auckland, Saturday 5.35pm
Blues – $2.00
Chiefs – $1.80
Surprisingly, the Blues only lost one home game last year, to the Chiefs mind you, however, that was with a full complement of All Black stars who are sitting this one out. The Blues are less affected by dubious rest policy, but we’re still thinking the Chiefs might get up and take this match out. They have belief, they have the titles under their belt, and they have Sonny Bill Williams.
Sharks v Cheetahs, Durban, Sunday 2.10am
Sharks – $1.20
Cheetahs – $4.50
The Sharks will win easily. They are comfortably the frontrunners of the South African Conference, and even early season rust won’t stop them from overrunning the notoriously weak Bloemfontein outfit. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend considering the Cheetahs on too many occasions this year in your weekly tips or office sweepstake.
Bulls v Stormers, Pretoria, Sunday 4.10am
Bulls – $1.35
Stormers – $3.25
This might just be the closest of the opening round games. The Bulls boast seven Springboks in their forward pack and the IRB Junior Player of the year in Handre Pollard so it’s a brave man who bets against them at Loftus. We’ll back the Bulls by 7, only to be consistent with our majority home team picks.
Waratahs v Force, Sydney, Sunday 4.05pm
Waratahs – $1.16
Force – $5.35
The Super Rugby defending champions are heavily backed favourites for week 1. The Force look weak on paper this year, and although we back them to win some games in Perth, the Tahs will be too comfortable at home. Expect Izzy Folau to carve up the dry afternoon turf and set the early pace for try-scorers too.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
