Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 Selections

Moana Pasifika was put under the pump early against the Hurricanes, conceding two yellow cards in the first half and despite missing 26 tackles throughout the game, they managed to win 11 turnovers. They were better than the Hurricanes at the breakdown, which in the end was a big telling factor for them to get their first win in the franchise’s history. It was very much a tit-for-tat game by the Blues against the Highlanders, as the Blues saluted by seven points. Both teams were evenly matched throughout but it was the turnovers that haunted the Highlanders in the end.

I expect the Blues to win, but Moana Pasifika to keep it close.

Predictions:

Tip: Blues ($1.07)

Line: Moana Pasifika +20.5 ($1.89)

Margin: Blues 1-12 ($3.40)

*Prices via Bet365

The Crusaders returned to their dominant best, and the scoreline really doesn’t depict just how good they were. There were still a lot of key areas for them to concentrate on after the game like lineouts after losing three and of course defense, despite not conceding a lot of points, they did miss a fair amount of tackles. One key area they got a good grip of was their discipline, only conceding four penalties in the entire game. The Highlanders struggled a bit defensively against the Blues but for the most part, the Highlanders were nothing but competitive. They have had an ability to keep fighting this season, and hopefully, that continues.

I think the might of the Crusaders continues here, but I think 14 points is too much for the line.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.14)

Line: Highlanders +14 ($1.90)

Margin: Crusaders 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via Bet365

I truly thought the Drua would have taken it to the Rebels a bit more than they did but unfortunately, discipline in their own half lacked and the Rebels were able to streak away in the first half and put the game out of reach. To the Drua’s credit, they got within 8 points before the Rebels put their final stamp on the game. They really struggled at the breakdown, losing seven rucks and turning the ball over 18 times. The Waratahs took it to the Reds in Queensland for some of the game but they failed to capitalise on when the Reds had only 13 on the field. They were fairly well matched across the park in the statistics department but turnovers and lack of concentration really hindered them when they needed it the most.

I expect a much better performance from the Waratahs with captain Michael Hooper back, so expect them to fight a lot harder than previous weeks.

Predictions:

Tip: Waratahs ($1.36)

Line:  Waratahs -8 ($1.93)

Margin: Waratahs 13+ ($2.55)

*Prices via Bet365

These two teams play each other twice this week. Preview to come once prices released

Predictions:

Tip: Blues ($1.04)

Line: Moana Pasifika +22 ($1.91)

Margin: Blues 13+ ($1.35)

*Prices via Bet365

The Reds were so very tough against the Waratahs, proving that even with just 13 men, they were hard to get past. A couple of silly decisions defensively put them on the back foot in regards to cards but they were able to weather the storm and hit back hard. Lineouts will be the area of concern after losing 5 of them against the Tahs. The Brumbies also suffered a red card and they were unable to handle the attack whilst down to 14 men. Lineouts continued to be a concern for the men from Canberra but it was the four tries leaked whilst down a man, which really put them under the pump.

Another close battle between these two and I am going to side with the Reds at home.

Predictions:

Tip: Reds ($1.83)

Line: Reds -1 ($1.93)

Margin: Reds 1-12 ($2.60)

*Prices via Bet365

Despite being evenly matched stats-wise, the Hurricanes really struggled at the breakdown against Moana Pasifika, losing nine rucks and they were only able to win three turnovers. Scrums were a concern also, and I have no doubt they will be looking to hit back after that defeat. The Chiefs on the other hand faced a determined Crusaders outfit who were very good with their discipline but also dominant at the breakdown. The Chiefs lost a massive 10 rucks and struggled to win the turnovers against a Crusaders team who had a point to prove.

I like the Chiefs here in a close one.

Predictions:

Tip: Chiefs ($1.44)

Line: Hurricanes +6 ($1.90)

Margin: Chiefs 1-12 ($2.50)

*Prices via Bet365