Super Rugby Preview - Round 4
The Form Guide
Round 3 saw some cracking games across the weekend, with a couple of upsets thrown in to keep us on our toes. The Crusaders continued to set the benchmark with a strong win over the road weary Stormers, but there are a number of teams snapping at their heels early in the season. The Chiefs, missing a host of regular starters, battled well to hold on against a resurgent Blues, and both of these teams have shown enough over two rounds to suggest they are in for big years. The Blues must be the best preformed team to lose their first two games in a number of years, and they have been unlucky to meet such quality opposition so early. So it is in the strong New Zealand conference, though, so they will need to convert that form into some wins very soon. The Hurricanes avenged their shock first round loss with a win over the Jaguares, and this was tougher than the blown out scoreline might suggest. There is still plenty of rust in the Hurricanes, and they blew half a dozen golden scoring opportunities with basic handling errors. Beauden Barrett certainly left his mark in his first start of the year, and is clearly a cut or two above every other flyhalf running around in the competition. Not only was he able to lay on several tries for the visitors with his neat hands, he has the uncanny knack of showing up just when his team needs him in defence. His nonchalant manner retrieving balls in his 22 and knocking left foot boomers up towards halfway should make every Australian fan green with envy.
Speaking of Australians, the Reds grabbed their first win under coach Brad Thorn in a dour game against the Brumbies. The Canberra team was poor, very poor, and Dan McKellar has some work to do to bring this team along. For the Reds, there will be no worries about their lack of tries at this stage of the season, as Thorn focusses on defence and the set piece as the building blocks of his side. The scrum was immense, with Taniela Tupou and JP Smith announcing themselves in the front row. Tupou’s running game also left some bruises on some Brumbies’ chests, and he was ably supported by young guns Liam Wright, Izack Rodda and Caleb Timu. Timu’s yellow card was embarrassing for the game, and the law makers need to find a middle ground in their quest for safety before fans start turning away.
The Rebels did exactly what they needed to do in Japan, running out convincing winners against the Sunwolves. They now find themselves on top of the Australian conference after the Waratahs rallied for a late draw against the Sharks. There is still much to worry Waratahs fans, but it is clear that this is a game that would have been lost last year, so the improvement is coming. The Lions took the spoils in an entertaining hit out against the Bulls, with both teams scoring some exhilarating tries. The Lions will again challenge for the title this year, but the Bulls can be proud of the improvement they have shown so early in the year.
The Big Games
The Highlanders ($1.11) will feel a little forgotten after their bye last week, so will be keen to get back into form against the Stormers ($6.70), who could well be ready for home by Friday night. The Brumbies ($2.27) travel down to Melbourne to meet the Rebels ($1.64), who will be full of running back at home after their trip to Asia. Senior heads like Will Genia and Adam Coleman will be demanding their troops show no signs of complacency after their quick start, and will smell some blood in the water of their Australian Conference rival. If the Rebels click they could put another decent score on the boys from the capital.
The Blues ($3.81) head to Johannesburg to meet the Lions ($1.27) in a stern test for Tana Umaga’s men. If they have dropped their heads at all after a couple of narrow defeats, the Lions will cause some damage. Grab a rare away win, however, and their season is well and truly back on track.
The Reds ($1.70) won’t be able to beat the Bulls ($2.17) by scoring no tries no this week, so Jono Lance will be under pressure to ignite some of the firepower in his backline. Chris Feauai-Sautia was outstanding last week, so look for him to make big metres again, particularly if he is given another stint in the centres.
The Waratahs ($1.65) finish their road trip in Argentina ($2.25) knowing that if they can come home with a win and a draw from their travels then it will have been a very successful trip. Jake Gordon’s form means that Nick Phipps may very well come back on the bench when he returns, and his combination with Bernard Foley is improving each week.
If there is one game not to miss this weekend, though, it is the mouth-watering Saturday afternoon clash between the Kiwi heavyweights, the Hurricanes hosting the Crusaders in Wellington. The Crusaders are ultra-consistent, and we know they will turn up ready for battle. The Hurricanes have had a trickier start to the year, but have plenty of improvement in them, particularly with a full game now under Beauden Barrett’s belt. Unfortunately, Richie Mo’unga, his opposite number, won’t be taking part, as he joins a lengthening Crusader injury list. Don’t let that put you off though. This will be fast, this will be skilful and this will be hard, everything Super Rugby should be. Strap yourselves in.
Predictions
The Stormers will struggle to keep in touch with the Highlanders in Dunedin, while the Rebels will make it three on the trot against a disappointing Brumbies. The Hurricanes will sneak home over the Crusaders in Wellington, while the Reds will stumble against a rejuvenated Bulls. The Sharks will romp home against the Sunwolves, the Blues will struggle against the Lions, and the Waratahs will grab a win in Argentina.
Best Bet
A week ago, it was hard to imagine the Reds starting favourites over anyone, so the Bulls offer excellent value against a young team who may struggle to back up last week’s performance. The Bulls $2.23 over the Reds is our best bet of the week.
For the latest Super Rugby betting odds, click here.
