The 2017 Super Rugby season continues this weekend and there are only three sides who remain undefeated. Continue reading for our Super Rugby Preview and Betting Tips.
2017 Super Rugby Round 4 Betting Tips
Crusaders vs Blues (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Crusaders were able to win by the skin of their teeth against the Reds last Saturday night. The side sent a weakened side across to Australia and it almost back fired in their face with Israel Dagg and Seta Tamanivalu going down with injuries inside the opening 20 minutes. Dagg’s injury looked worse while the bulldozing Tamanivalu should return to action this weekend. The side lacked a lot of spark in attack and punch in the forward pack but that will improve this weekend.
Meanwhile the Blues were unfortunate to miss out on their second victory of the season as the Highlanders held on after the siren. The Blues were on the attack but an error after the hooter handed their opposition the victory. It was the story for the entire match as handling errors prevented the side from mounting pressure and converting their opportunities. We believe it will be another close match between the two New Zealand sides with the home side the Crusaders coming out on top.
TIP: Crusaders to win at the margin (1-12) – $2.70 with William Hill
Rebels vs Chiefs (Friday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Rebels were gifted a week off in round 3 to help with their injury crisis. The side has had their worst start to a Super Rugby season and it is disappointing for the side that was predicted to compete in the Australian conference. They were humiliated by the Blues and Hurricanes and they will play their third New Zealand opposition in a tough start to 2017.
The Chiefs are undefeated in their opening three games and were strong in their last match against the Hurricanes. They defeated the defending premiers on the back of their defence and it saw them move to the top of the conference. Aaron Cruden has been playing at a great level in his final season in the Super Rugby. The Chiefs attack will dominate this match as we predict the side running away with the contest.
TIP: Chiefs to win at the line (-17.5) – $1.90 with Sportsbet
Bulls vs Sunwolves (Saturday 4am AEDT)
The Bulls are another side that enjoyed the break over round 3. They will have wanted to spend the time regrouping after a disappointing start themselves. They are winless after their opening two games and both losses came against South African conference rivals. Andre Pollard will be looking to get back to his creative best after a slow start in his return from an ACL injury. The flyhalf will need to increase his level of play for the Bulls to get back in the competition and it will be a great opportunity for him to lift his confidence this weekend against the competition’s weakest side.
The Sunwolves were competitive for the first time this season. They were able to keep the Cheetahs honest as they headed into halftime trailing 20-17 and despite falling away early in the second half the side fought back and were in a position to tie the game. Unfortunately for them they weren’t able to do so. The Bulls will be wary of the Japanese side and will look to put a big score on them but we believe the bookmakers have the line too large.
TIP: Sunwolves at the line (+31.5) – $1.90 with CrownBet
Hurricanes vs Highlanders (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
Each week we are getting mouthwatering showdowns in the New Zealand conference and this match up is no different. The Highlanders confidence will have lifted last week after they were able to get the monkey off their backs and earn their first victory of the season. They were forced to do it the hard way as they were defending their line with everything they have. They raced out to an early 10-0 lead against the Blues but they weren’t able to be their usual clinical selves. Their attack has been lacking this year and they haven’t been able to put sides away – evidence of this was when they let a 21-point lead slip against the Crusaders in round 2.
The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season after winning their opening two games by a combined 120 points. They were brought back down to earth with the Chiefs strong defence but it was their own ill-discipline that cost the side most. Ardie Savea and Michael Fatialofa were both shown yellow cards at different periods of the match. However, the biggest blow could be with utility and attacking weapon Nehe Milner-Skudder suffering an injury which could sideline him from a long period. Despite this, we believe the Hurricanes will bounce back strongly and put the Highlanders to the sword.
TIP: Hurricanes to win at the margin (13+) – $2.20 with William Hill
Waratahs vs Brumbies (Saturday 7.45pm AEDT)
None of the Australian sides have impressed thus far in the competition and this could be the match that defines these two sides seasons. Each Australian side has one victory, other than the Rebels who have one.
The Brumbies earned their first last week against the Western Force but it was far from impressive. The side crossed twice in the opening half but allowed the Force back into the match and they were trailing 17-10. If it wasn’t for a brain snap from Ross Haylet-Penny which saw him yellow carded, they could have easily lost the match.
Meanwhile the Waratahs suffered their second straight loss in South Africa. After losing to the Lions the Tahs allowed another big score line against them but this time against the Sharks who aren’t known for their try scoring ability. The Tahs will need to improve drastically with their defence if they are going to be the best Australian side. One positive though Israel Folau crossed for a double as he begins to make the outside centre position his own. In another boost Kurtley Beale will be returning to the side shortly. The home side will do enough for a narrow victory.
TIP: Waratahs to win at the margin (1-12) – $2.60 with Sportsbet
Lions vs Reds (Sunday 2.15am AEDT)
The Reds looked to have the match sealed against the Crusaders with 10 minutes remaining and a 12 point lead. However, the sides inability to control the ball saw the game taken away from them. They played strongly without being too dominant. Quade Cooper suffered an injury to his leg early on but played the remainder of the match and at a high level. He gave his outside men early ball which they thrived on.
The Lions were dominated against the Jaguares on the weekend with a couple of late tries to the side preventing the score from looking too embarrassing. The side has dropped off from last year’s dominance but their forward pack will get the upper hand in this one. The Reds will struggle on the road and if the Lions performance against the Waratahs a fortnight ago is anything to go by the Reds will be in for a long night.
TIP: Lions to win at the margin (13+) – $2.00 with William Hill
Sharks vs Kings (Sunday 4.30am AEDT)
The Sharks played one of their best matches of the past two season on the weekend in their victory against the Waratahs. The side threw the ball around and was looking to attack. It is something that has been forgotten in recent years. They still kept to their strategy of taking the points when they were on offer and it lead to the side never looking like losing the match. For their sake we hope they stick to that approach.
The Kings allowed six tries against the Stormers and lost by 31 points. Interestingly the line this weekend is 31.5 points. The Stormers are similar in level to the Sharks but we believe the Kings will have a better performance this weekend. They are a hot and cold side but they generally follow a big loss by a tough loss.
TIP: Kings at the line (+31.5) – $1.90 with CrownBet
Jaguares vs Cheetahs (Sunday 6.40am AEDT)
The Jaguares made a statement last week against the Lions. They were pushovers in the 2016 season but that could be a thing of the past as they notched up their second win in three games. The side was aided by the Lions ill-discipline that saw two of their players yellow carded on separate occasions. However, it was the pressure created by the side and their forward pack that should receive the credit. It will be another big match up for them this weekend against the strong Cheetahs pack.
The Cheetahs were only just able to hold on to victory against the cellar dwellers the Sunwolves. It isn’t good signs for a side that has always struggled with consistency. They will be looking to attack in this match but if they suffer a couple of errors it could be a long afternoon for the South African side as the Jaguares look to make another statement.
TIP: Jaguares to win at the line (-10) – $1.90 with William Hill
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