The 2016 Super Rugby season is quickly approaching and there are a lot of changes as we head into the biggest year of the competition. The introduction of three new teams has resulted in a reconstruction to the schedule, as the first sides outside of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are included in Super Rugby with the emergence of an Argentinian and a Japanese side. Keeping these changes in mind, we offer up our first rugby tips of the year with our 2016 Super Rugby Futures betting tips.
Number of Wins
For the 2016 Super Rugby season, the 18 teams are broken up into a four-conference two-group model, the Australasian group, which includes the five Australian Conference and five New Zealand Conference sides and the South African group, which has the six South African and the one Argentinian and one Japanese side.
The new structure has the five already existing South African sides playing against three new sides in the competition. In the past, sides playing in their inaugural season have struggled. In the Western Force’s and Melbourne Rebels opening year they had one and three wins respectively. The Argentinian side the Jaguares will be fielding a strong team, however in their first preseason match against the Stormers they were beaten convincingly 29-14. Their ball handling was poor, passing was loose, they were dominated at the scrum and they looked a little off the pace albeit in their first hit out of 2016. We think there is a huge opportunity for punters to take advantage of this side winning less than ten matches out of 15 this season.
TIP: Jaguares to win under 9.5 games @ $1.83 with Sportsbet
Most Losses
The new conference structure for the 2016 Super Rugby season will make it harder for the Australian and New Zealand sides as they will be facing tough opponents almost every week. The Western Force is still looking for the break out season and finished in last place on the Super Rugby ladder last season with only three victories. They have arguably the weakest line ups in the Australasian group with only a few players who have established themselves on an international level. The team has one of the tougher schedules as they are facing sides they could possibly defeat on the road, which gives their opponent a massive advantage and the majority of their home games are against the stronger Super Rugby sides. We are expecting the Western Force to have another long and poor season and are at great odds to have the most losses throughout the 2016 season.
TIP: Western Force most losses @ $13.00 with William Hill
Top Point Scorer
The Brumbies are a lot of experts and the bookmakers favourite to lift the trophy at the end of the season. They have an incredibly strong side and are expected to play expansive rugby, which will result in the side scoring a lot of points. Christian Leiliifano will be the goal kicker for the side whilst he is no stranger to finding the try line standing at inside centre. At the end of the 2015 season Leiliffano finished in equal third for points scored but we are expecting him to move to the top of the list along with his side improving in its performances.
TIP: Christian Leiliifano top point scorer @ $8.00 with CrownBet
Top Try Scorer
There are a lot of prolific try scorers in Super Rugby with plenty of speedsters out wide looking to pounce on any opportunity that is sent their way. However, we believe that a different tactic used by the Brumbies will see David Pocock crowned the top try scorer of the 2016 Super Rugby season.
The openside flanker started in 13 games during the 2015 season and crossed the line on eight occasions. Pocock is always busy across the field and backing up his team mates in support. However, his strength is from the lineout where he steers the rolling maul from the back controlling the ball and reaping the rewards for his side’s hard work. It is likely the Brumbies will be searching for a lot of bonus point victories this season and taking advantage of their strong forward pack and line out will be a big strategy utilised for the Australian side.
Last season it was Waisake Naholo from the Highlanders who claimed the leading try scorer award with 12 tries but we think Pocock will eclipse that mark with a full season and strong world cup under his belt.
TIP: David Pocock leading try scorer @ $17.00 with Sportsbet
To learn more about the expansion and changes made to the 2016 Super Rugby season, check out the explanation video below.
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets.
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
