The 2017 Super Rugby season continues this weekend and there are a lot of important match ups already. Action kicks off Friday night and continues throughout the weekend and we have you covered as we take a closer look at some of the key matchups in our Super Rugby Round 3 Preview and Betting Tips.
2017 Super Rugby Round 3 Betting Tips
Chiefs vs Hurricanes (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The weekend kicks off with a block buster with the two undefeated New Zealand sides going against each other. It will be the first real challenge for the Hurricanes who have gotten off to the fastest start in Super Rugby history by demolishing the Sunwolves and then the Rebels. They have scored an incredible 154 points in those two games.
The Chiefs held on for two narrow victories to begin their super rugby campaign. They have had a much tougher draw than the Hurricanes and they could be better prepared for this weekend’s tough match because of this. They hold a seven to three win advantage on their home soil against the Canes.
Ardie Savea has been dominant for the Hurricanes this season and turned the ball over on a regular basis. His ability with the ball in hand is just as good as his defence. We are predicting him to have a big impact in this game, along with flyhalf Beauden Barrett as the away side continue their tremendous title defence.
TIP: Hurricanes to win – $2.00 with Sportsbet
Brumbies vs Force (Friday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Brumbies are without a win this year and suffered a narrow loss on home soil against the Sharks last week. Their defence has let them down in both of their outings this season. Captain Sam Carter has been the stand out for them this season and has been the reason the side has been successful at the line out. However, there aren’t many other players stepping up.
The Force were able to come from behind to earn the victory against the Reds. It is a big credit to the side as in the past they have lost those close games. Chence Peni can receive huge credit for the victory as he picked up four line breaks, made eight tackle busts and crossed for a try. His damaging runs will be needed this weekend. However, unfortunately the Force’s record on the road has been beyond poor and we believe the Brumbies will hold on for their first win of the season.
TIP: Brumbies to win at the margin (1-12) – $2.80 with William Hill
Blues vs Highlanders (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Highlanders were premiership favourites when the betting market opened before the season began but have slumped to two staright defeats. They have been against quality and two New Zealand opposition but it has still been a slow start to the season for them. However, we believe that will come to an end this weekend as they get the monkey off their back against the Blues on the road.
The Blues fought back late in the second half against the Chiefs to make their defeat respectable but the damage had already been done. Their ill discipline saw them play the majority of the match with 14 men. The side has shown it can score points but only against a wounded Rebels outfit and a Chiefs side that had practically stopped playing. It will be a competitive meeting between these two sides but the Highlanders have too much class in the forwards and backline.
TIP: Highlanders to win – $2.00 with CrownBet
Reds vs Crusaders (Saturday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Crusaders surprised a lot of people with their victory over the Highlanders last weekend. They came storming home and put the sword to their opponents in great style. The game looked over when they were down 27-6 early in the second half but two late tries after Highlander Malaki Fekitoa was sin-binned saw them earn the crucial points against their New Zealand opponents. Their flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will remain on the sidelines but it will be a surprise if they lack the creativity to put points on the Reds this weekend.
The Reds weren’t able to hold on for victory against the Force last weekend. It would have put them on top of the Australian conference and built the side’s momentum and confidence. However, they are now faced with a Crusaders side. Quade Cooper fell away in the loss and he is notorious for bad performances against the New Zealand sides. This could be a white wash to the Crusaders.
TIP: Crusaders to win at the margin (13+) – $2.50 with Sportsbet
Kings vs Stormers (Sunday 12am AEDT)
The Stormers will be looking to cement their position on the top of the South Africa 1 conference with a win against the lowly Kings side. The Stormers have won their opening two games but haven’t looked to impressive. Their second rower Pieter Steph du Toit has been their biggest performer and has been crucial to their success at the line out. He has been big in defence and puts his hand up for the hard yards.
Meanwhile the Kings earned their first win of the season against the Sunwolves. The side managed to put together 39 points but they would be concerned with their defence. The Stormers will find the try line easily in this one and come away with a big victory.
TIP: Stormers to win at the line (-18.5) – $1.90 with CrownBet
Cheetahs vs Sunwolves (Sunday 2.05am AEDT)
The Cheetahs proved they are real contenders in the South African conference after their opening two rounds. They were minutes away from upsetting the Sharks in round 1 before they did complete the upset against the Bulls last week. We predicted the second match and we will defniitely be sticking with them in this one. Last season they earned the biggest win in the club’s history against the Sunwolves and we are predicting a similar score line in this match up. The Cheetahs love to attack and will throw the ball around from anywhere on the park and this will be a nightmare match for the Japanese side who has already lost by 70 points this year.
TIP: Cheetahs at the line (-34.5) – $1.90 with Sportsbet
Sharks vs Waratahs (Sunday 4.30am AEDT)
The Waratahs disastous South African tours continued last week with their loss to the Lions. Their defence was horrible as they allowed over 50 points. The side conceded eight tries which just isn’t acceptable for a club that calls themselves ‘title contenders’. They will be facing another tough opponent this weekend in the Sharks who pride themselves on their defence and will look to apply pressure by ticking the scoreboard over with the boot. Bernard Foley has returned to Australia due to his concussion injury and he hasn’t taken the field this season. Will Skelton should boost the side with his return this weekend.
Meanwhile the Sharks will return home after splitting their trip in Australia. The Waratahs will actually have the advantage of having been in South Africa for a longer period of time. They will hopefully enter the match with an attacking style and it pay dividends if they can find themselves ahead early.
TIP: Waratahs to win at the margin (1-12) – $3.50 with CrownBet
Jaguares vs Lions (Sunday 6.40am AEDT)
The Jaguares will head into this one as slight favourites with the bookmakers but we are leaning towards the Lions to earn the victory. The Jaguares have split their opening games after suffering a narrow loss to the Stormers last week after opening their campaign with a win against the Kings. The side will play at home for the first time this year but we aren’t expecting it to improve them too much. It will be hostile for the Lions but they proved last season they are more than capable of winning on the road.
The Lions forward pack should dominate this meeting. The side will be looking to produce the attack they showed last week against the Waratahs. They can be dangerous from anywhere on the field and they crossed for eight tries against the Australians. The Jaguares defence won’t be as strong and the Lions will earn the victory.
TIP: Lions to win – $2.00 with Sportsbet
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