Round 8 was a 3-0 sweep for the Australian sides which played but things could be markedly different as the race for play-off spots hots up in Super Rugby Pacific in this round.
Resting three Wallabies, under Rugby Australia’s protocols, will have a significant impact on the NSW Waratahs and their chances against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.
Let’s take a look at our best bets for Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific.
2023 Super Rugby Pacific: Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Rebels v Crusaders
Fri, April 21, AAMI Park, Melbourne 7.35pm (AEST)
You can talk about improvement all you like but the Rebels are still 2-5 and in 10th spot.
The men from Melbourne have to claim a serious scalp to prove it. Beating the champion Crusaders would be a peak performance and it has to be rated an outside chance.
The Crusaders welcome back some cavalry for this game with All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock back as a starter and Cullen Grace and Jack Goodhue returning via the bench.
The Crusaders have averaged a winning margin of 41 points in their past six matches against the Rebels and have shut out Australian sides bar a couple of blips against the Waratahs.
Having Wallaby Andrew Kellaway back at fullback is a real steadier for the Rebels and they do put out one of their best and most settled sides. Even keeping up their 29-points per game average might not be good enough because the Crusaders average 31.
Should be an excellent game.
Melbourne Rebels +18.5
$1.75 (3 Units)
Blues v NSW Waratahs
Sat, April 22, Eden Park, Auckland 5.05pm (AEST)
The Waratahs’ chances have taken a dip with Michael Hooper, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Lalakai Foketi all being resting from this game a la the Wallabies’ workload guidelines. That’s no help to a team running ninth with a 2-5 record. Four Wallabies are also sidelined with injury and that doesn’t include backrower Lachie Swinton who is under suspension.
Without that extra composure and class, you can’t tip the Waratahs as hard as they might try.
The Blues look strong by comparison with Rieko Ioane, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke and Co all kitting up.
No attack has beaten fewer defenders per game (18) than the Waratahs but there were good signs that was turning around in last weekend’s win over the Western Force.
Centre Izaia Perese made a big impact in that one and has to again.
Blues just too classy.
Blues -20.5
$1.90 (4 Units)
Western Force v Highlanders
Sat, April 22, HBF Park, Perth, 7.35pm (AEST)
The Western Force have definitely been active in recruiting this season. Two more have come into the squad with former Wallaby backrower Isi Naisarani and busy flanker Carlo Tizzano.
Neither will play against the Highlanders which is a game the Force must win to shake up their season. There’s no sign of All Blacks ace Aaron Smith at halfback for the Highlanders and that’s a huge tick for the Force.
The Force have rarely been able to shut down Kiwi opponents. They’ve lost 28 or their last 29 games against New Zealand sides.
The Force have kept their turnovers down which is a plus because they can’t give the Kiwis free chances.
Bryce Hegarty is back at No.10 for the Force who are not without a chance at home. Three wins in a row at HBF Park is positive energy for this one.
Force +9.5
$1.86 (4 Units)
More Round 9 Betting Tips
Chiefs v Fijian Drua
Fri, April 21, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, 5.05pm (AEST)
TIP: Drua +23.5 - $1.80 at Ladbrokes
