The Super Rugby season continues this weekend with a couple of important match ups taking place. We have you covered for all the weekend's action in our Super Rugby Round 12 Preview and Betting Tips below.
2017 Super Rugby Round 12 Betting Tips
Blues vs Cheetahs (Friday 5.35pm AEST)
The Blues will enter this match on a two-game winning streak after earning victories against the Brumbies and Waratahs. The side is still one of the ‘weaker’ teams in the New Zealand conference but the door is open for them to push into a finals position if they continue to earn victories. The side are big favourites heading into the match up against the Cheetahs and rightfully so. They haven’t lost on home soil against the Cheetahs in their past four games.
The Cheetahs almost pulled off a massive upset last week when they put 41 points on the Highlanders at home. Unfortunately for them their defence wasn’t equal to the challenge as they leaked 45 points. We can’t see them improving in this area on the road and the Blues have proved to be a disciplined side this year, however the margin is a bit much.
TIP: Cheetahs at the line (+20.5) – $1.90 at William Hill
Brumbies vs Lions (Friday 7.45pm AEST)
This will be an interesting match to watch. The Brumbies are just holding onto their spot above the Waratahs in the Australian conference but the side has been on a losing streak. The Lions were able to bounce back from a disappointing loss against the Jaguares to hand a brutal loss to the Rebels last week. The 47-10 victory will help give the side a lot of confidence when they head to Canberra. They will need it too because they have only ever tasted victory once away to the Brumbies. However, their forward pack and backline is far superior to the Brumbies and if they are able to get over the travel, they will be able to get over the line.
TIP: Lions at the line (-3.5) – $1.90 at Sportsbet
Crusaders vs Hurricanes (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
This is by far the match to watch this round – the two New Zealand powerhouses will go at it in an enthralling match with the defending premiers the Hurricanes looking to hand the Crusaders their first defeat of the season.
The Hurricanes have the one defeat to their name this year and in every other match they have been clinical. On paper they have the best team in the competition and each week they play like it. Beauden Barrett is proving to be a league above every other flyhalf and we believe he will be the difference in this one as he loves stepping up to the occasions.
The Crusaders will have the advantage of home soil for this one, however they are returning from a two game trip in South Africa. Fortunately for them they weren’t required to exert too much as they earned big cruisy victories. The Crusaders have been riding high all season but unfortuantely what is up, must come down and we are predicting the Hurricanes to hand them their first defeat on the back of their ability to attack.
TIP: Hurricanes to win – $2.00 at CrownBet
Rebels vs Reds (Saturday 7.45pm AEST)
The Rebels were brought back down to earth last week against the Lions after putting together two positive showings in the weeks prior. They suffered an embarrassing 47-10 loss in front of their home fans. However, the Reds haven’t been much better, winning just two games so far this season.
We are predicting a tight match between these two struggling teams with the side that is able to make the most of their opportunities taking out the victory. The Reds have shown flashes of brilliance this season and have been unlucky in a couple of matches. They have more experience in their squad and for that reason we believe they will be able to get the victory on Saturday night.
TIP: Reds at the margin (1-12) – $2.75 at William Hill
Bulls vs Highlanders (Saturday 11.05pm AEST)
The Highlanders pulled off one of the great escapes in Super Rugby history last week against the Cheetahs. The side scored three tries in the final five minutes to earn the two point victory. They will be better this weekend after having the whole week in South Africa to get accustomed. A lot of attention would have been put on their defence throughout the week and we are predicting them to not offer much.
Meanwhile the Bulls have only earned three wins this season and they shouldn’t offer much trouble this week. The key for them will to be to keep the scoreboard ticking over early through penalty goals but ultimately we can't see an upset happening in this one.
TIP: Highlanders at the line (-11.5) – $1.90 at CrownBet
Kings vs Sharks (Sunday 1.15am AEST)
The Kings have been impressive – but still poor – for the second half of the season. They have been able to score a lot of points and keep themselves in matches but unfortunately for them they have an ordinary defence. It has been their curse along with their ill-discipline.
The Sharks have been strong since their disappointing draw with the Rebels. The side has bounced back well to secure a big victory over the Jaguares and the Force. We are predicting them to come out on top in this one.
TIP: Sharks at the line (-12.5) – $1.90 at Ladbrokes
Jaguares vs Force (Sunday 7.40am AEST)
The Jaguares are just outside a position to be fighting for a wildcard spot to be in the playoffs but a bonus point victory this Sunday morning will put them back in contention. The Jaguares have been inconsistent this season and have earned impressive victories but also grabbed disappointing losses. The Force won’t put up much of a fight in this as the Jaguares pull away.
TIP: Jaguares at the margin (13+) – $1.95 at Sportsbet
