Super Rugby Aotearoa continues over the Easter Weekend and we take a look at both matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start as we usually do with a look at the Outright Betting and here we have the Crusaders shortening all the time and currently trading at 4/10 with the Blues at 33/10. You can get 12/1 the Chiefs and 22/1 and better the balance.
Click here Super Rugby Aotearoa Outright Betting
CRUSADERS v HIGHLANDERS
The Crusaders were full value for a comfortable 43-27 win away at the Blues a fortnight ago. They have a 100% record so far this season and have named a very strong team for this clash.
The Highlanders have been hard hit by problems with team selections due to discipline issues amongst some of the players, resulting in suspensions. Their depth should be tested in this one and given they lost by 13 points to the Crusaders at home earlier this season it is not surprising that the bookmakers have set the handicap so high.
BETTING- Click here to bet
Crusaders 1/11
Draw 50/1
Highlanders 8/1
Handicap: Crusaders (-19.5) at 9/10, Highlanders (+19.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Crusaders (-19.5) at 9/10
This handicap was (-18.5) for most of the week, but the team news has seen it shift out a bit. Personally I can’t see this Highlanders side living with the Crusaders and think they are a bet at (-19.5), a handicap the Crusaders have beaten in 4 of their last 6 matches against the Highlanders.
BLUES v HURRICANES
The Blues have now lost 2 matches in a row after getting beaten after the hooter away at the Chiefs last week, eventually losing 15-12. The week before they lost by 16 points to the Crusaders at home and their season is in grave danger of unravelling.
They face a Hurricanes side that turned in their best performance to date beating the Highlanders 30-19 on the road last week. That was their first win of the season and when these sides met in Auckland in Round 1 it was the Blues who emerged triumphant 31-16 and last season the Blues won this fixture by 10 points in Auckland.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blues 1/3
Draw 33/1
Hurricanes 11/4
Handicap: Blues (-8.5) at 9/10, Hurricanes (+8.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Hurricanes win at 11/4
I am calling an upset on this one as I think the Blues are on the slide and if the Hurricanes can reproduce last week’s performance against the Highlanders, they must be value at almost 3/1.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
