Highlanders (3/4) v
Reds (5/4)
The Highlanders have had an awful start to the season for
the talent the possess but they may be able to expose a Reds side which has
made a slower start than expected despite being able to grind out 4 wins from 6
games. The return of most of the Reds backline has seen them play much better
rugby, but it’s worth remembering that game went to the 90th minute
and the Highlanders do have the backline talent in the excellent 9/10 pairing
of Smith and Slade, along with Nonu and Gear, to get at the Reds with enough
ball, and this is probably the best chance they’ve had so far of a win.
Advice: 1 pt Highlanders to win by 1-12 points (7/4 general)
Hurricanes (1/66) v
Kings (33)
Two successive big match
wins have provided a timely relief for the Highlanders after two early defeats,
and with a bye last week the Kings are the perfect opponents at home. The Kings
have been admirable so far, but the quality sides have been beating them with
ease and a similar scenario is on the cards, with home handicaps of upto 30
being more than acceptable based on their 35 point defeat to the Crusaders last
week, although a home points line should be better value towards the time.
Advice: 1 pt Hurricanes -27 (10/11 Betfred)
Chiefs (1/3) v Blues
(3)
The Chiefs have made
a storming start towards defending their title, with only the Stormers on South
African soil proving too good for them, and they should be well up to putting
the Blues away. Finding value is tricky, but it’s well worth nothing that the
Chiefs are a much stronger side after the break – they kept the Highlanders
scoreless, outscored the Kings by 7 after the break, did the same to the
Stormers, put 35 second half points on the Cheetahs (four of their tries coming
after the 60th minute) and put 25 second half points on the
Highlanders on the opening day. The Blues scored just 3 second half points when
capitulating in Syndey last week and may feel the force of a second half
onslaught, so the 2nd half handicap of just 3 points looks to be the
bet.
Advice: 3 pts Blues -3 on 2nd half handicap (5/6
Coral)
Brumbies (4/11) v
Bulls (3)
The Brumbies were beaten for the first time last week but
there was no shame in going to the Stormers and suffering a loss which was exaggerated
by a late interception try towards the
end, and their 5 previous wins had been hugely impressive, including two wins
here where they had conceded just 6 points to the Reds and Waratahs. They look
capable of beating the Bulls, who arguably should have beaten the Reds in
Queensland last week but are facing a side in far superior form. The home side
to win both halves at 6/4 is interesting and the points line will be the real
bet when they come out but for now a win by 8 points looks more than manageable.
Advice: 2 pts Brumbies -7 (10/11 general)
Cheetahs (1/7) v
Rebels (7)
The Cheetahs have had
a great start to the season and really impressed with their win over the Force
last week considering the crucial loss of Johan Goosen. There couldn’t be a
better time to play the Rebels, smashed 64-7 by the Sharks last week and with
Beale and Vuna having been sent home in disgrace over the week, a 14 point gap
could be generous.
Advice: 1 pt Cheetahs -14 (10/11 general)
Stormers (1/2) v
Crusaders (15/8)
The game of the weekend without a doubt, with the Crusaders
having found their form in the last two weeks thanks to two kind games at home
against opposition they were entitled to beat. The Stormers on foreign soil are
an entirely different challenge and while they’ll make a first of it, they may
fall to a third defeat of the season.
Advice: 2 pts Stormers to win by 1-12 points (13/8 general)
Waratahs (2/7) v W
Force (4)
The Waratahs have been hit and miss this season but their
storming comeback against the Blues could prove to be just the tonic needed and
they can win what should be a high scoring game; Only the Brumbies have stopped
them scoring more than 17 points all season and the home point lines should be
passed if reasonable.
Advice: 1 pt over on home points line of 35 or more
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