The 2017 Super Rugby season continues this weekend and after correctly predicting 6/8 results last week we take a look at the next round of action. This weekend's games are set to be cracker's and we are happy to present our Super Rugby Round 5 Preview and Betting Tips.
2017 Super Rugby Round 5 Betting Tips
Crusaders vs Western Force (Friday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Crusaders are one of three remaining undefeated sides in the competition and they don’t look like slowing down despite the injuries. The side had two strong comeback victories before they defeated the Blues last week in another come from behind victory. The team hasn’t given up in any of their matches this year and it is a great sign moving forward for the New Zealand side.
Meanwhile the Force will enter this match on the back of a bye but surprisingly the side opted not to send their best player Dane Haylett Petty on their tour of New Zealand. It is a big blow for the side in both attack and defence, as well as leadership. They were competitive against their Australian opponents but they will be on the wrong end of a flogging in this one.
TIP: Crusaders to win at the line (-18.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
Rebels vs Waratahs (Friday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Waratahs will be hoping to bounce back from a slow start to the season to earn a victory over the injured Rebels. The Tahs slumped to an embarrassing loss against the Brumbies on home soil where they were outplayed in every area despite having the majority of the possession and creating the most chances. Their inability to finish off opportunities cost them dearly and they won’t want to make the same mistake this weekend.
The Rebels had their best performance of the season last week against the Chiefs but it doesn’t mean the side is improving. The Chiefs played a weakened side against the Melbourne side. The side missed 30 tackled and had nine handling errors. If they do the same this weekend it will be another loss coming the way of the Rebels.
TIP: Waratahs to win at the line (-6.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
Blues vs Bulls (Saturday 5.35pm AEDT)
The Bulls earned a victory in their last start to get them off the donut for the 2017 season. It was less than impressive though as they let the struggling Sunwolves into the contest and control the majority of the possession. The Bulls struggle in New Zealand, as do most teams. The Bulls defence allowed the Sunwolves to have nine line breaks and if they defend like this against the Blues then they will be picked to pieces.
The Blues finished off a tough stretch of rugby with three losses as they fell to the Chiefs, Highlanders and Crusaders in consecutive weeks. However, the side has shown a lot of strength and were just one play away from picking up victories in two of those matches. Their defence has been strong while they have showed a lot in attack. We believe they will be too strong in this one for the Bulls.
TIP: Blues to win at the margin (1-12) - $2.75 at William Hill
Brumbies vs Highlanders (Saturday 7.45pm AEDT)
The Brumbies are on a two game winning streak and will be very pleased with their victory over the Waratahs last weekend. Henry Speight had his best game in two season and was involved in everything. The winger will need to continue to go looking for the ball to take the pressure off his inexperienced teammates. The Brumbies forward pack was dominant but they will face a tougher challenge this weekend.
The Highlanders have had a terrible start to the season but they will be pleased they aren't facing a New Zealand opponent this weekend. They have faced their conference rivals for the past four weeks. The side has been lacking their attacking ability that saw them so successful over the last two seasons while their defence hasn’t been as strong. They allowed the Hurricanes to score 45 points against them last week and they will be wanting to get back on track on Saturday. We are predicting a tight contest in this one but the superiority of the New Zealand side will show through in a narrow victory.
TIP: Highlanders to win at the margin (1-12) – $2.70 at William Hill
Sunwolves vs Stormers (Saturday 9.55pm AEDT)
The Sunwolves have been competitive in their last three starts after suffering two blow outs to start the season. However, unfortunately for them they will be facing the Stormers this weekend who are the South African powerhouse and undefeated to start the season. To make matters worse for the Japanese outfit the Stormers will enter the match fresh after having a bye in round 4.
The Stormers had a convicing win on the road in their last match against the Kings. The 41-10 victory has us leaning towards the Sunwolves receiving a big loss in this one and we will be backing the Stormers to beat the line.
TIP: Stormers to win at the line (-23.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
Kings vs Lions (Sunday 12.05am AEDT)
The Kings almost caused a boilover in their last start against the Sharks. The side was given no hope of earning the victory but they took the lead into the final 10 minutes of the game. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for them but their scramble defence and ability to attack on the counter was impressive. They will need to show the same grit and determination this weekend if they are going to stop the tough Lions outfit.
The Lions attack was back to its best last weekend against the Reds. The side piled on 44 points on their way to bouncing back from a disappointing loss against the Jaguares a week earlier. The side did let their foot off gas in the final 10 minutes and allowed the Reds to get on the scoreboard with two late consolation tries. We believe the Lions attack will come up big again in this match.
TIP: Lions to win at the line (-25.5) - $1.90 at William Hill
Cheetahs vs Sharks (Sunday 2.15am AEDT)
The Sharks avoided an embarrassment last week by the skin of their teeth. They reverted back to a negative gameplan in attack and were kicking the ball far too regularly. If they bring the same approach into this game the Cheetahs will be able to pounce and will come away with the victory. The home side loves to attack with the ball and if they are given the ball they won’t waste the opportunity. If they can avoid a lot of handling errors or giving away an early lead to the Sharks they will come away with a narrow win.
TIP: Cheetahs to win at the margin (1-12) – $3.20 at Ladbrokes
Jaguares vs Reds (Sunday 8.40am AEDT)
In the final match of Super Rugby round 5 we are predicting the Jaguares success this season to continue as they hand the Reds a hiding. The Reds will be without playmaker Quade Cooper for the next three weeks after he was suspended for a dangerous high tackle. He has been great for them this year and has created a lot of chances on the way to the side earning two victories.
Jack McIntyre takes back over as number 10 and he isn’t unfamiliar with the position. However, the 22-year-old hasn’t had a start this season and could be rusty to start the match. It is also a hostile condition to be thrown into in Argentina and the big forward pack will be looking to put pressure on the youngster. The Jaguares have been strong in defence and clinical in attack this season and this should be a big victory for them.
TIP: Jaguares to win at the line (-14.5) - $1.90 at CrownBet
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