The 2017 Super Rugby regular season has ended which means it is the business end and the finals series this weekend. We preview all four games over the weekend in our Super Rugby Quarter Finals Preview and Betting Tips below.
Super Rugby Round Quarter Finals Betting Tips
Brumbies vs Chiefs (Friday 7.45pm AEST)
The Brumbies weren’t able to get the win on the road last week as it was the Chiefs coming out on top on home soil. The Brumbies have the advantage of playing in front of their home fans this time and the team has made a bunch of changes to the side that took the field last week. One of those inclusions is Christian Lealiifano who was named on the bench. He hasn’t played in over a year since his diagnosis but it is a real positive mentally for the side. Fellow co-captain Sam Carter will also return but into the starting line up.
The Hurricanes finished the end of the season by preventing the Crusaders from remaining perfect. It was a huge victory for the side and they will be boosted by the return of All Blacks players Beuden Barrett and Dane Coles. It is a huge improvement for the side with Barrett the best flyhalf in the world. We can’t see this match ending any differently than the defending champions coming out on top.
TIP: Hurricanes at the line (-12.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
Crusaders vs Highlanders (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Highlanders finished the season on a high, cruising to victory over the Reds on home soil. There wasn’t much on the line for the side as it was likely they were going to move position on the table and they didn’t. The Highlanders attack continued to improve in the backend of the season and it will need to be at its best on the road in this one.
However, we can’t see them upsetting the Crusaders who will enter this match with only one loss next to their names all season. Unfortunately for them they will enter this match with that loss coming last week – but it was against the Hurricanes on the road. The Crusaders forward pack is one of the best in the league and they are the best at punishing sides after forcing a turnover. They haven’t lost at home this season and it won’t start in the first week of the finals.
TIP: Crusaders at the margin (1-12) - $2.63 at Sportsbet
Lions vs Sharks (Saturday 10.30pm AEST)
This match will be a replay of last week as the Lions and Sharks will do battle in consecutive weeks. The only difference this weekend will be the Lions have the advantage of home soil, which funnily enough, didn’t matter for the South African powerhouse as they earned the victory on the road last week.
The Lions finished on the top of the table and arguably have the most momentum of any side in the competition. They are the second best attacking team in the league, just behind the Hurricanes. Meanwhile they are a much stronger defensive team than the Sharks. Their forward pack should dominate this match while their backs will excel on the back of that.
The Sharks have struggled for consistency throughout the year and they scraped into the finals series on the back of their weaker group. The side won’t be able to put together a performance that will cause the biggest upset of the round on the road.
TIP: Lions at the line (-14.5) - $1.90 at William Hill
Stormers vs Chiefs (Sunday 1am AEST)
The Stormers were able to earn the third highest spot on the ladder on the Super Rugby table and it is largely due to playing in a weak conference. The side was able to earn comfortable victories against weaker opponents throughout the year but they have struggled against some of the tougher teams. This will be an interesting test for them and they will need to put together their best performance of the season if they are going to win.
The Chiefs will enter this match on the road, despite finishing the season with only two losses. The side earned 14 more competition points and it isn’t hard to realise they are the superior outfit. The Stormers were able to earn the victory when these two sides met earlier in the season and that match was on their home soil too. However, with their season on the line we think the Chiefs will be able to step up to another gear and earn the win.
TIP: Chiefs at the margin (1-12) - $2.75 at Sportsbet
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