The 2017 Super Rugby season continues this weekend and we take a look at every game. Continue reading for our Super Rugby Round 6 Preview and Betting Tips.
2017 Super Rugby Round 6 Betting Tips
Highlanders vs Rebels (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Highlanders had to do it the hard way in the Australia’s national capital last weekend but as we predicted they were able to get the job done. The side trailed early but fought their way back into the match, which is the opposite to what has happened to them throughout this Super Rugby season. Reserve flyhalf Marty Banks brought the side to within striking distance with a couple of penalty goals before forward Aki Seilui buried his way over for the match winner.
The Rebels shocked everyone with their start against the Waratahs. The injury ravaged side raced out to a 25-6 half time lead, only to see it squandered in the second half as the Waratahs piled on four tries and 26 unanswered points. It is a disastrous sign for the Rebels and they would have lost a lot of wind in their sails. To add to that they are terrible on the road and we can only see this match ending in one way.
TIP: Highlanders to win at the line (-23.5) - $1.90 at William Hill
Blues vs Force (Saturday 3.15pm AEDT)
The Force started their trip of New Zealand strongly, despite the look on the scoreboard. They were blown off the park by the Crusaders in the second half but they were competitive in the opening 40-minutes. The Force’s lack of ability to score in the second half is troubling and without Dane Haylett-Penny we give them no chance of an upset heading into this one. The club is also surrounded with rumours that they will fold for the next season and that can’t be helping the players focus on the job at hand.
Meanwhile the Blues were able to dominate the Bulls in the second half after trailing early in the match. They were clinical and they proved they are going to be a tough team to beat. They crossed for five tries in the second half and considering the Force struggle in this period, we are predicting the Blues to run away with it in the final 40-minutes.
TIP: Blues to win at the line (-18.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
Chiefs vs Bulls (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
As mentioned above, the Bulls were blown off the park on Saturday against the Blues and we can’t see anything else happening other than the same against a stronger New Zealand opponent. The Chiefs will enter the match fresh after a bye and remain one of the few sides who are undefeated to start the season and have looked strong in all of their victories. The side has been attacking well with Aaron Cruden steering the ship while Damien Mackenize is always dangerous from the back.
The trip took its toll on the Bulls in the second half as they conceded five tries. The side doesn’t have the defensive toughness it had a few years ago and the opponents can smell blood. We are predicting another blow out as the Chiefs will run away with this one.
TIP: Chiefs to win at the line (-18.5) - $1.90 at William HIll
Reds vs Hurricanes (Saturday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Reds were more competitive than we expected on the road against the Jaguares, especially considering they were missing Quade Cooper. They will again be without their star flyhalf through suspension. The side does welcome back George Smith though and his experience will help them around the park at the breakdown, scrums and lineouts. The Jaguares did take their foot off the pedals against the Reds and their opponents this weekend have shown they show no mercy.
The Hurricanes put huge scorelines on the Sunwolves and Rebels to begin their 2017 Super Rugby campaigns. The side suffered a loss in its last start and after a week off to freshen up they will be itching to get back onto the field. The Hurricanes can strike from anywhere and we are surprised to see such a short line for the defending champions to defeat the Reds. We think this is the bet of the round.
TIP: Hurricanes to win at the line (-14.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
Stormers vs Cheetahs (Sunday 12.05am AEDT)
After 20-minutes of the Sunwolves against Stormers match last week, the upset of the season was on the cards. However, the Stormers were able to get back on track and earn the victory. A lot of mistakes to start the match proved costly as the Sunwolves crossed for three tries to take a convincing lead. The Stormers won’t be able to walk onto the field expecting a victory against the Cheetahs who have shown they are a tough side to beat this season.
The Cheetahs were involved in a high scoring match last week against the Sharks. Both sides were looking to attack with the ball in hands and it almost played into the hands of the Cheetahs. However, their discipline let them down as the Sharks kicked their way to a victory. We believe they will again contest for victory but ultimately let themselves down in key areas.
TIP: Stormers to win at the margin (1-12) - $2.70 at William Hill
Lions vs Sharks (Sunday 2.15am AEDT)
This match up will have huge implications on the finals series with the Lions and Sharks having won four of their five matches. The two are in the South African Conference 2 and the Jaguares are on the same amount of wins.
With a lot to play for, we are expecting the best performances from both sides in this one. The Sharks will stick to their gameplan of playing the possession game and looking to take advantage of any ill-discipline the Lions show by kicking for goal. It didn’t work for them last season but they have improved this year because when they do see an opportunity to attack they have taken it. The correct balance is needed and the Sharks seem to have found it.
The Lions were able to notch their fourth win against the Kings last week but it was less than convincing. The side which reached the Super Rugby final last season has had an inconsistent start to the season. They put on a clinical performance against the Waratahs three weeks ago and backed it up with a poor effort against the Jaguares. Last week they did enough to get the victory but it won’t be enough this weekend. However, the Lions have proven over the last two season they are tough to beat at home and save their best for the best. The Lions can attack from anywhere and the kicking game of the Sharks could prove costly.
TIP: Lions to win at the margin (1-12) - $2.88 at Sportsbet
Waratahs vs Crusaders (Sunday 4pm AEDT)
The weekend will wrap up on Sunday afternoon with the Waratahs facing the Crusaders. The Crusaders have had the edge against their New South Wales opponents for the majority of their matches and we are predicting the away side to come away with the victory in this one. The Crusaders have been dangerous this season and they continue to return to full strength with players returning from injury. The side is very strong in the forward and at the breakdown and this will prove costly for the Waratahs. The Crusaders have been finishing strongly and last week they proved they can start matches well too.
Meanwhile the Tahs allowed the Rebels to score 25 first half points against them. If their defence is anywhere similar to that then they will find themselves behind by 50. They were able to show some great character and fight their way back into the match and earn the victory, but it still isn’t confidence building for the side or punters. We believe the Crusaders will cruise to a victory in this one, especially if Bernard Foley can’t take the field due to his concussion setbacks.
TIP: Crusaders to win at the line (-7.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
