2015 Super Rugby: Round 8 Preview and Betting Tips
The Super Rugby continues this weekend with a lot of important matches for the top sides. The majority of the games will be played with a massive favourite but the clashes between the Hurricanes and Stormers, and the Sharks and Crusaders look to be close ones. Continue reading to see our predictions for this Super Rugby Round 8.
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Hurricanes vs Stormers (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The undefeated Hurricanes host the Stormers who have lost their last two matches after starting the season with four straight victories. The South African side would be disappointed with their last two losses as they were leading the Chiefs for the majority of the match at home and were outclassed last weekend against the Highlanders. I expect them to come out firing but the Hurricanes have looked the goods this season and they will be hard to beat.
TIP: Stormers +8.5 @$1.92 at Sportsbet
Rebels vs Reds (Friday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Rebels have been a much better side this year and will need to defeat the Reds if they want to have a chance at keeping up with the Brumbies and Waratahs. The Reds hopes of a finals appearance has faded and despite the return of Quade Cooper last week they were unable to find a way to beat the Lions despite plenty of opportunities late in the match. Karmichael Hunt returns after completing a six-game suspension as a result of the drug scandal. I expect the Reds to play a lot better this week and to escape with a narrow victory.
TIP: Reds 1-12 @ $3.25 with Luxbet
Chiefs vs Blues (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Blues almost upset the Waratahs last week but they were unable to take advantage of a lopsided penalty count in the first half and when it evened out in the second, the Waratahs came storming home. The Chiefs are looking to regain the form they showed in the early parts of the season and will need to win these matches to stay close to the Hurricanes and in front of the Crusaders.
TIP: Chiefs 1-12 @ $2.55 with Luxbet
Brumbies vs Cheetahs (Saturday 7.40pm AEDT)
The Brumbies have been impressive this season and have managed to keep the majority of their roster together with no injuries to key players other than David Pocock. He returns this week to the starting side and this will give them a massive boost. If he can get continuous game time under his belt and stay injury free than he could return to the form that had him considered the best outside flanker in the game. The Cheetahs had a great start to the season but have fallen to where everyone thought they would be. They can be impressive with ball in hand but they are lacking in the key areas of the match and that has let them down.
TIP: Brumbies 11-20 @ $2.75 with Ladbrokes
Sharks vs Crusaders (Sunday 12am AEDT)
This will be a contender for the match of the round. The Sharks are beginning to fire and the Crusaders struggled last week against the Bulls. After a slow start, the Sharks have been dominant in recent weeks and that includes a tough encounter with the Chiefs that ended in a victory. The Crusaders have been up and down all year and have struggled to find consistency. They need to bounce back from last week with a solid outing.
TIP: Crusaders @ $2.1 with Ladbrokes
Lions vs Bulls (Sunday 2.05am AEDT)
The Lions have won two matches in a row but they were against the Rebels and Reds who both put on poor performances. They are coming up against a Bulls side that has returned to form after a very slow start to the season. The Bulls are becoming the side of old again with their set pieces being very strong and they are also dominating at the break down. The Lions will need to be on their best to stand a chance but the Bulls will come out on top.
TIP: Bulls 1-12 @ 2.70 with Sportsbet
