Super Rugby Preview - Round 2
BlueBet previews Round 2 of the Super Rugby competition, the first round this year that will feature the Australian and New Zealand teams. Read on for our best betting tips for this weekend.
| Fri Feb 23 | Highlanders vs Blues | Forsyth Barr Stadium | 5:35 PM AEDT |
| Fri Feb 23 | Rebels vs Reds | AAMI Park, Melbourne | 7:45 PM AEDT |
| Sat Feb 24 | Sunwolves vs Brumbies | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo | 3:15 PM AEDT |
| Sat Feb 24 | Crusaders vs Chiefs | AMI Stadium, Christchurch | 5:35 PM AEDT |
| Sat Feb 24 | Waratahs vs Stormers | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | 7:45 PM AEDT |
| Sat Feb 24 | Lions vs Jaguares | Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg | 12:05 AM AEDT |
| Sun Feb 25 | Bulls vs Hurricanes | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | 2:15 AM AEDT |
The Big Games
The Highlanders and the Blues kick things off on Friday afternoon, and while neither team is being touted as likely to top the Kiwi conference, there will be plenty on the line already for both sides. The Blues were particularly impressive in the World 10s, and will be keen to carry that form into the fifteen a side season. Following that will be our first look at both the Rebels and the Reds, two Aussie teams who will look very different to this time last year. Can the ex-Force players make an immediate impact in Melbourne, or will it take some time to settle in? Wallably lock Adam Coleman has been given the captaincy, and he will be looking to impose himself on the Reds’ young pack. Will Genia’s first appearance for Melbourne, against the team he was so integral to for so long, is a mouth-watering prospect. He will be keen to maintain the form he showed for the Wallabies for the bulk of last year, and will be a key player for the Reds to shut down. The Brad Thorne influence in Queensland will be on display early, and fans will be looking for some starch in defence to make up for some deficiencies in attack. A 6 week injury to electric winger Izaia Perese is a bitter blow for the new coach, with the young speedster in excellent preseason form. Jono Lance has won the first battle to replace Quade Cooper at flyhalf, with Hamish Stewart warming the pine to start the season. Expect to see Stewart handed the reigns at 10 at some stage this season, particularly if Lance struggles to combine with halfback James Tuttle, who has plenty of experience alongside Stewart.
The Brumbies are in Japan for their season opener, and are at unbackable odds against the perennially underachieving Sunwolves. Although they will be without returning legend David Pocock for the start of their season, the backrow will still be a strength, with Isi Naisarani and Rob Valetini both looking to impress new coach Dan McKellar. Defending champions the Crusaders host the dangerous Chiefs, while the Waratahs will be expected to take an early scalp from the Stormers in Sydney. Some impressive trial form has NSW fans hoping last year’s troubles are behind them, and coach Darryl Gibson will find himself under immediate pressure if they can’t rack up some early season wins. The return of Kurtley Beale in midfield, so instrumental in the Tahs’ premiership in 2014, could be the catalyst to start winning back disgruntled fans. This Waratahs team is not short on quality, so nothing less than topping the Australian Conference will be acceptable in 2018. Home matches like this one are simply must win.
The Form Guide
This weekend will be the first time we’ve seen most teams this year, so form won’t be a factor if you’re looking for winners. The Blues and Crusaders have some momentum from the 10s, while the Waratahs and Brumbies have some impressive trial form. The Rebels have been on the end of some serious beltings, and the Reds didn’t show much squeaking home against Fiji. It’s not much to hang your hat on, but it’s all we’ve got until things get cracking.
Best Bets
There are a number of short priced favourites this weekend, and it’s hard to argue with most of them. Look a little harder, though, and there’s value to be found.
The Reds look to be value at $2.50, especially if the Rebels take some time to find their feet and settle into their combinations. A Blues side with 6 All Blacks in the starting XV, and a backline oozing class, also offer great value against the Highlanders. Blues +7.5 looks a strong bet and that’s our best bet of the weekend.
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