The 2017 Super Rugby regular season reaches its conclusion this weekend and we take a look at all nine matches. We take a look at all nine games in our Super Rugby Round 17 Preview and Betting Tips.
Super Rugby Round 17 Betting Tips
Highlanders vs Reds (Friday 5.35pm AEST)
The Highlanders have locked up their finals berth but they could drop a spot if they fail to earn the victory over the Reds. They will want to earn the win to build momentum heading into the finals series and we are predicting them not to take this contest lightly.
It is quite a big line that the Highlanders will start with, but with the Reds entering the match with nothing to play for but pride it is easy to argue they will be wiped off the floor. The Reds earned a lasp gasp victory in their last start against the Brumbies but they won’t be able to repeat that effort against a full strength Highlanders outfit on the road.
TIP: Highlanders at the line (-23.5) – $1.90 at CrownBet
Rebels vs Jaguares (Friday 7.45pm AEST)
The Rebels will enter this match still in the unknown (same as the Force) as to whether this will be their last match in Super Rugby. The ARU is yet to make its decision but regardless the Rebels will want to exit in winning fashion. The side suffered a 31-22 loss on the road against the Force last week and their forward pack is expected to be overpowered in this one.
As mentioned, the forward pack of the Jaguares is strong and they should earn the advantage over the Rebels. Meanwhile their backline should be able to make the most of this advantage and earn the victory.
TIP: Jaguares at the line (-6) – $1.90 at William HIll
Kings vs Cheetahs (Saturday 3am AEST)
The Kings and Cheetahs were announced as the two South African sides who will be eliminated from the competition. It was one of the worse kept secrets as it was never going to be the Stormers, Lions, Sharks or Bulls to be removed.
Both teams will enter this match wanting to finish their Super Rugby careers as winners. The Kings have been the better side this season and they sit in 11th position on the ladder – a huge increase on their second last spot from last year. They have played strong attacking rugby at times but their defence has prevented them from making a push for the finals series.
Meanwhile the Cheetahs are another side that loves to attack but they make far more errors than the Kings. Their inability to turn the ball over has hampered them too. We are backing the home side to earn the victory in their final game.
TIP: Kings at the margin (1-12) – $3.00 at Sportsbet
Sunwolves vs Blues (Saturday 1.05pm AEST)
The Sunwolves have had another disappointing season. They were blown away to begin the year with consecutive massive losses before they pulled things together in the middle of the year. However, unfortunately their performances have dropped off once again and they have been on the end of some big scorelines.
The Blues are the unfortunate team to miss out on the finals, largely due to the fact they are competing in the New Zealand conference. The side has beat the majority of their opponents this season but because they face tough New Zealand sides every other week they have just missed out on a wildcard berth. They will be able to knock the Sunwolves off convincingly.
TIP: Blues at the line (-30.5) – $1.90 at Sportsbet
Chiefs vs Brumbies (Saturday 3.15pm AEST)
The Brumbies enter this match on the back of a disappointing loss against the Reds last week. The side lacked attack but they were able to restrict their opponents to penalty goals for the majority of the match. Remarkably, coach Stephen Larkham has made 12 changes to his starting line up that lost last week. Whether the side will be able to have strong combinations to topple the Chiefs remains to be seen.
Meanwhile the Chiefs have rested three stars for the contest as their spot on the competition ladder is basically locked up and they can’t go downwards. The side will still be able to get the job done but we are expecting it to be a closer match than predicted.
TIP: Brumbies at the line (+19.5) – $1.90 at Sportsbet
Hurricanes vs Crusaders (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
A mouthwatering encounter will see the Hurricanes face off with the Crusaders. It is likely to be the grand final preview with the undefeated Crusaders facing off with the defending champions the Hurricanes.
The Crusaders have been near perfect all season. Their forward pack has been great and monstered the majority of packs while their backline has been superb. Their ability to score on the counter attack is their key and they are great at turning over the ball which works hand-in-hand.
The Hurricanes have came the closest to defeating the Hurricanes, going down by a small margin when the two sides met earlier this year. On this occasion though they will have the home field advantage and we are backing them to prevent the Crusaders from having a perfect regular season.
TIP: Hurricanes at the margin (1-12) – $3.00 at William Hill
Force vs Waratahs (Saturday 7.45pm AEST)
The Waratahs disastrous season will come to an end on Saturday night and we won't be surprised if it ends on a losing note. After their latest embarrassing loss at home against the Jaguares, it was revealed the playing group has lost faith in their current coach. Whether he will be in charge of the side next year remains to be seen but it is a bad sign when the team is heading into their last game.
Meanwhile the Force enter this one on the back of a victory which put them above the Reds and Waratahs on the table for the second highest ranked side in the Australian Conference. It could also be their last game in Super Rugby and we are expecting a big effort from them on home soil.
TIP: Force at the margin (1-12) – $3.00 at CrownBet
Sharks vs Lions (Sunday 1.15am AEST)
Another great match between two South African powerhouses is on Sunday morning. However, the Lions are obviously the superior side. They have only lost one game all season and have begun to hit their straps in recent weeks. The side earned a huge 94-7 victory over the Sunwolves in their last start with their full attacking artillery on display. The Lions also enjoyed a bye last week and will be fresh for the contest.
The Sharks also had the bye but they are entering this game on the back of a disappointing loss against the Bulls on home soil. They will again be at home for this one but we can’t see them upsetting the Lions as their forward pack will get dominated and their backline isn’t as strong.
TIP: Lions at the margin (13+) – $2.30 at Sportsbet
Bulls vs Stormers (Sunday 11.05pm AEST)
The Super Rugby regular season concludes on Sunday night with the Bulls taking on the Stormers at home. The Bulls have been disappointing this season but they have finished the season strongly. The side was competitive against the Hurricanes before they defeated the Sharks in their last start on the road. They will head into this one on the back of a bye.
Meanwhile the Stormers have locked up their spot on the ladder having won nine of their 14 games this season. They haven’t lived up to their full potential but they will be wanting to head into the finals series with momentum and we are backing them to hold on for a tight victory.
TIP: Stormers at the margin (1-12) – $2.80 at William Hill
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