2015 Super Rugby: Round 3 Preview and Betting Tips
The second round of the 2015 Super Rugby season went according to plan, well for me anyway. If you followed my tips from last week you would have also been a very happy punter as I managed to pick 7/7 and at the total combined odds of 190-1.
There a lot of strong teams facing off against each other this week. This is highlighted by the two derbies between the Chiefs and Crusaders on Saturday night and the Bulls hosting the Sharks early Sunday morning. Read on and find Before You Bet’s 2015 Super Rugby Round 3 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Highlanders vs Reds (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The round starts off in New Zealand with the Highlanders vs Reds, the Highlanders came close last week but were unable to overcome the strong Crusaders outfit. At times the New Zealand side was looking a little rusty after having a bye the opening round of the season, they should play a lot better having that 80 minute performance under their belts. The Reds managed to win at home last week despite the lead up to the match being absolutely horrible for them, not only did they lose James O’Connor in the warm up but the club was rocked with the cocaine bombshell involving Karmichael Hunt. Despite O’Connor finally ready to make his debut for the Reds, I expect the turmoil to take its toll on the team this week and the Highlanders will prevail.
TIP: Highlanders 1-12 @ $2.62 with Sportsbet
Western Force vs Hurricanes (Friday 10.00pm AEDT)
The Hurricanes have made a great start to the season, they are sitting on top of the New Zealand Conference - tied with the Chiefs - despite having two tough road matches in South Africa to start the season. The Canes will be full of confidence heading into their last away match and with a bye next week they will be keen to put in as much effort to enter the break on a high note. The Western Force have had a mixed start to their season, a strong win against the defending champions and then a deflating loss to the Reds. The Force have only once beaten the Hurricanes and have lost their other 7 meetings, I fail to see how this one will go in anyway other way than the Hurricanes.
TIP: Hurricanes -0.5 @ $1.83 with Ladbrokes
Cheetahs vs Blues (Saturday 4.10am AEDT)
The blues have started their season with two losses, one at home to the Chiefs and last weeks disappointing loss to the Stormers which included Hayden Triggs being red carded with 55 minutes remaining. They will be without Triggs this week as he serves a weeks suspension. The Cheetahs surprised the Sharks in the opening round with a bonus point victory away from home and they will be fresh after coming off a second week bye. Despite the Blues having a stronger record when these two teams meet, the Blues struggles will continue and the Cheetahs will improve on their first round start.
TIP: Cheetahs -3 @ $2 with Palmerbet
Chiefs vs Crusaders (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
Although it is only week 3 of the competition this match can already have implications on the finals. These two New Zealand sides have dominated the finals series and they will likely end up their again this season. A crusaders loss would see them lose two of their first three matches and the Chiefs would then be off to a flyer with three straight victories. The Chiefs escaped last week with an after the siren penalty goal against the Brumbies and the Crusaders bounced back to beat the Highlanders. The injury cloud over Israel Dagg and Dan Carter means the Chiefs are clear favourites, however if they are to play though the match could go either way. The Chiefs also welcome back Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Cane.
TIP: Crusaders 1-12 @ $3.40 with Sportsbet
Rebels vs Brumbies (Saturday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Rebels have already shown this season that they aren’t a side that can be ran off the park like in previous years. They have beaten the Crusaders and came close against the Waratahs. The Brumbies are another challenge for the Rebels, the Brumbies smashed the Reds but then lost narrowly away to the Chiefs. The Brumbies will be boosted by Stephen Moore returning to the starting lineup after coming off the bench last week, however they will again be without David Pocock who is still suffering from an ankle injury. The Brumbies can expect the Rebels to continue to play the territorial game (kicking) as they don’t like to play with the ball inside their own half. This could work into the hands of the Brumbies as they have good returners of the football.
TIP: Brumbies -6.5 @ $2.00 with Palmerbet
Bulls vs Sharks (Sunday 2.05am AEDT)
The Bulls are looking to avoid a massive disaster that would be a third straight loss to start the season, after losing their first two matches at home. The bull should have snatched victory last week, Grant Hattingh crashed over in the corner but was correctly ruled to have had put his hand into touch before placing the ball down. The Bulls are once again playing at home and can’t afford to suffer another defeat. The Sharks are coming off a bonus point victory against the Lions and will be looking to keep their winning ways going after a shock loss in the opening round to the Cheetahs. The Bulls have a better record in this match-up but I think they will continue their horrible start to the season and the Sharks will win a close one.
TIP: Sharks 1-12 @ $2.9 with William Hill Australia
Lions vs Stormers (Sunday 4.10am AEDT)
The first place Stormers are up against the last placed Lions, this should be the most one sided match of Round 3. The Stormers are undefeated to start the season and the Lions are winless. The Stormers have put on two dominant displays and despite the Lions starting strongly against the Hurricanes in round 1, they were insignificant last week against the Sharks. The Stormers are away from home but they still have a better record than the Lions at Ellis Park as they have won 8 of the 11 matches.
TIP: Stormers 13+ @ 3.1 with Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
