The 2017 Super Rugby semi-finals kick off on Saturday night with two blockbuster matches taking place. We take a look at both games and offer our Super Rugby Semi-fFnal Preview and Betting Tips below.
Super Rugby Round Semi Finals Betting Tips
Crusaders vs Chiefs (Saturday 5.35pm AEST)
The Super Rugby semi-final action kicks off with an all New Zealand affair with the Crusaders hosting the Chiefs. It will be an entertaining match and we are predicting the Crusaders to come out on top. The last time these two sides met they found a way to win despite scoring three tries to four in a tight contest. The Crusaders are the more clinical side and we think they will be able to get the job done when it matters most.
The Crusaders won 17-0 in a hard fought contest against the Highlanders last week. They played in diplorable conditions that saw no points scored in the second half. They were able to capitalse on their superior forward pack and barged their way over for two first half tries.
Meanwhile the Chiefs proved they were too strong for the Stormers, despite playing on the road. They took a 9-3 lead into the half-time break but the Stormers fought their way back into the contest. The Chiefs were able to show their determination as they crossed for their only try in the final five minutes of the match to earn the victory. We believe they will be able to keep this game close as they proved last week they are a strong defensive side but we think the Crusaders class will show through in the turning point moments.
TIP: Crusaders at the margin (1-12) – $2.62 at Sportsbet
Lions vs Hurricanes (Saturday 10.30pm AEST)
An exciting match will finish the Super Rugby semi-finals for this week with a grand final rematch from last season. The Lions were outclassed last year but it will be interesting to see if they have learned their lesson nearly 12 months on. The Lions will have the advantage this time of playing in front of their home fans and they will need to make it count. They were almost humiliated last week by the Sharks but managed to come from behind to earn the narrow 23-21 victory. The side had already beaten the Sharks convincingly twice this year and it would have been embarrassing if the top team in Super Rugby at the end of the regular season was knocked out in the first week of the finals.
Meanwhile, despite trailing early against the Brumbies, the Hurricanes proved they were far too superior even though they played on the road. The Hurricanes are the defending champions and hoping to make it to their third straight grand final. We believe they have all the talent and class and are rightfully the narrow favourites heading into this one. However, the road trip will take its toll on the Hurricanes as they bow out of the finals series in a tight contest.
TIP: Lions at the margin (1-12) – $3.10 at William Hill
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