2015 Super Rugby – Round 5 Preview and Betting Tips
Super Rugby action continues this weekend with a lot of interesting match ups. The game to watch will be the Stormers vs Chiefs early Sunday morning. The Stormers are the only team in the competition with four wins and the Chiefs are coming off their first loss of the season and are kick starting their South African tour. The Force will host the Rebels and the winner will most likely be the side that will remain in contention for the Australian conference which is practically a two-horse race between the Brumbies and the Waratahs. Continue reading for our Round 5 Super Rugby Preview and Predictions.
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Hurricanes vs Blues (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Hurricanes are one of two teams in the competition that remain undefeated, although they had the luxury of the bye last weekend. They will be looking to continue their form prior to the weeks break against the Blues who are the only side that has failed to register a win this season. The Blues have been dealt a massive blow with club legend Jerome Kaino unable to recover from a concussion he suffered in last week’s 13-10 loss at the hands of the Lions. The Hurricanes should remain undefeated however, in all of the Blues losses, they were relatively close, and I am predicting a similar result in this one.
TIP: Hurricanes 1-12 @ $2.45 with Luxbet
Force vs Rebels (Friday 10pm AEDT)
The Force has lost three on the trot since their opening round victory against the defending champions the Waratahs. They have been disappointing in every performance and they will have to get up for this week’s match. The Rebels also haven’t won since they upset the Crusaders in the first match of the season, since then they have lost two close matches against conference rivals the Waratahs and Brumbies. The Rebels have been the more impressive of the two sides and they will prove too strong in the vital areas against the Force.
TIP: Rebels @ $2.25 with Sportsbet
Crusaders vs Lions (Saturday 2.30pm AEDT)
The Lions recorded their first win of the season last week as they defeated the winless Blues outfit. They will be naming an unchanged side on Saturday. The Crusaders are looking to save their season after their disappointing performances in their first three rounds as they registered only one victory. Another loss, especially against the Lions could be danger signs. However, they have been boosted with the return of superstar Dan Carter who has been named at inside centre. The side is also boosted with internationals Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Nemani Nadolo and that should be enough for them to get over the top of the Lions on home soil.
TIP: Lions +17.5 @ $1.92 with Sportsbet
Highlanders vs Waratahs (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Waratahs haven’t quite regained their form of last season but with two wins on the trot they are in the top 6 and they have already had their bye. They will still be without Adam Ashley-Cooper and although Israel Folau is named at fullback you can expect to see him playing the outside centre role a lot to enhance his time with the ball in his hands and that can only be bad news for the Highlanders. The Highlanders are coming off the biggest upset so far this season as they beat table toppers the Chiefs in an impressive performance. The Highlanders are at home but I expect the Waratahs to come out on top.
TIP: Waratahs winning margin 11-20 @ $4.33 with Ladbrokes
Reds vs Brumbies (Saturday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Australian derby sees the Reds take on the Brumbies for the second time this season. The Brumbies demolished the Reds in Round One 47-3, and it could be a similar outcome with the Reds having James O’Connor sidelined by another injury and Lachie Turner will also been left out of the side after a having a second concussion for the season in their 23-5 loss to the Waratahs. The Brumbies have the luxury of naming the same side for the third consecutive week. They are coming off a good win against the Force and can’t see the Reds escaping here with a victory.
TIP: Brumbies -8.5 @ $1.92 with Palmerbet
Stormers vs Chiefs (Sunday 12am AEDT)
In what could be a grand final preview, the Stormers host the Chiefs. The Stormers kept their undefeated season going last week with a convincing win over the Sharks and the Chiefs had their first loss of the season at home against the Highlanders. The Chiefs are still sitting on top the conference but now have the Hurricanes and the Highlanders hot on their trail. They will be hoping to get back to winning ways but it will be tough as they travel to South Africa. A victory for the Stormers could make them tournament favourites before they have a bye and a four-week tour of New Zealand and then Australia.
TIP: Stormers 1-12 @ $2.65 with Luxbet
Cheetahs vs Sharks (Sunday 2.05am AEDT)
This is a match that could define each team’s season. The Cheetahs have two wins and one loss and a win would restart their season after a big loss to the Bulls at home last week. The Sharks have only managed one win from four attempts this season and if they want any chance of making a push for the finals later in the season it will need to start with a win this weekend. The Sharks should return to winning ways as they will prove too strong for the Cheetahs.
TIP: Sharks 1-12 @ $2.60 with Luxbet
