The 2016 Super Rugby season has reached the final four teams searching for a spot in the Grand Final. Continue reading for our 2016 Super Rugby Semi-Final Preview and Betting Tips.
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Hurricanes vs Chiefs (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The all New Zealand semi-final will see the Hurricanes looking to continue their great recent run of form and maintain their dominance against the Chiefs side, especially on home soil.
These two sides by far had the most impressive performances in the quarterfinal round. The Hurricanes have had a solid attack for the second half of the season but their has always been question marks surrounding their defensive capabilities. However, those questions were answered and then some when they were able to hold the Sharks scoreless. It didn’t take away from their attack either as they managed to score 41-points.
Meanwhile the Chiefs ran riot in South Africa as they defeated the Stormers 60-21. The Chiefs crossed for eight tries in total and they too showed off their strong defence for a long period in the second half. The Stormers controlled the majority of the possession but weren’t able to get the job done early in the second half and the Chiefs made them pay in the final 5-minutes running in three tries.
We are expecting a closer contest on Saturday night with the two New Zealand sides going through an early feeling out process. This match should be highly entertaining as either team can score from anywhere on the field and they aren’t afraid to throw the ball around to do so. The Hurricanes currently have a superior record against the Chiefs and have a significant advantage at home. They have won 9 of the 12 meetings at Westpac Stadium and we are predicting the Hurricanes will be able to maintain this strong record and reach their second straight Grand Final.
TIP: Hurricanes 1-12 @ $2.60 with William Hill
Lions vs highlanders (Saturday 11pm AEST)
The coaching masterstroke by the Lions paid off in the opening week of the finals series, as they were able to fend off the Crusaders. There were no signs of sloppiness as they started the match with two quick tries. The Lions then sealed the match in the second half with consecutive tries as the Lions showed that their brilliant attack isn’t limited to matches against weaker opposition. They are the only remaining side in the competition that isn’t a New Zealand team and they are the only hope of preventing another all New Zealand Grand Final.
The Highlanders will benefit from having an extra days rest but they will be forced to play on the road in consecutive matches. They were able to get the job done against the Brumbies in Canberra but they had a bit of luck on their side in the final minute of the match. However, they were clearly the better side on the night and they showed why they have one of the best defences in the competition. They were able to hold the Brumbies try less as they were forced to rely on the boot to keep the scoreboard ticking over. It will be a match up between the best attack and best defence in this match and it will be interesting to see which team will come out on top.
The Highlanders are a side that has backed their defensive capabilities all season and it has proved a very successful strategy. They have been able to withstand large amounts of pressure and then capitalise when the opportunity presents itself. It will be difficult for them to do this as the Lions are so disciplined in attack and have one of the best forward packs in the game and aren’t a side to turn the ball over easily. They will have the advantage at the scrum and breakdown whilst they have proved they have one of the best attacking back lines in the competition. This match will be a lot closer than the Crusaders loss to the Lions last week but we are predicting the South African side to get the job done on home soil where they have won six times in eight meetings with the Highlanders.
TIP: Lions -1.5 @ $1.90 with Sportsbet
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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!
