Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 Selections

This looks like a one-way game here as the Crusaders look to solidify themselves as a top-two team and try to secure the highest spot possible heading into the finals. The Crusaders flexed their muscles against the Brumbies who looked really off their game but regardless it was a tremendous hit out against another top-four team in the lead up to the finals. There is still a few areas of concern but nothing major leading into this game. Fijian Drua had a good win against Moana Pasifika despite missing 32 tackles and conceding 16 penalties. Their expansive play may be their downfall against a Crusaders team that is defensively strong and disciplined.

Crusaders to win with ease at home.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.01)

Line: Crusaders -30.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Crusaders 13+

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/22

A battered Reds outfit was brave last weekend against the ladder leading Blues but in the end, they were dominated as they went down by 27 points. The Reds will enjoy being back at home and they will be looking to try and get a full complement of points to try and sneak into that top four. With the ladder so compact from fourth down to seventh, every point counts. Moana Pasifika has been brave this season but you can see that it’s been a long one and they are hanging for the season’s end.

This could be a big scoreline but like usual I expect some fight by Moana Pasifika.

Predictions:

Tip: QLD Reds ($1.10)

Line: QLD Reds -17.5 ($1.90)

Margin: QLD Reds 13+

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/2022

The Chiefs were lucky to walk away with the win against the Rebels after conceding a yellow card late in the game but they pulled the rabbit out of the hat with a late game-winning try. They conceded 12 turnovers and when the Rebels had a player off with a yellow card, not only did they not score a point, but they conceded 14 points against the under-manned Rebels. They will want to put in a better display this week if they want to keep their top four aspirations alive. The Force on the other hand has nothing to lose and will play the full 80 minutes. After their crushing defeat at the hands of the Highlanders last weekend, their hopes of playing the finals are all but gone.

Chiefs to win but the Force will fight hard.

Predictions:

Tip: Chiefs ($1.03)

Line: Western Force +24.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Chiefs 13+

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/2022

The Hurricanes have one eye locked on that fourth spot heading into this match following their tough win away from home against the Waratahs. At the end of the day, all you can do is win, and that’s what they did despite needing to improve in many areas. Heading back home for this match is a big bonus and a win here will set up a massive final week. The Rebels as discussed earlier were amazing against the Chiefs despite having their backs against the wall for most of the game. They will fight hard knowing they are mathematically a chance of sneaking into the top eight, but it might be a bridge too far.

Hurricanes to make a statement.

Predictions:

Tip: Hurricanes ($1.07)

Line: Hurricanes -18.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Hurricanes 13+

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/2022

Match of the weekend as first plays second. The Brumbies were very un-brumbies like against the Crusaders and were very lucky to keep within 13 points of them. They get some key personnel back here and being in front of their home fans again is going to be nothing but a bonus. They just need to work on the attacking fundamentals that let them down last weekend. The Blues look to have almost rapt up first place and a win here would secure it. With two tough away games here in Australia, the Blues will leave nothing out of the field in this one so they know that first place is guaranteed.

This is going to be a tremendous game and tighter than what people might think. I think the Blues get it done in a tight one.

Predictions:

Tip: Blues ($1.36)

Line: Brumbies +7.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Blues 1-12

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/2022

Bet: The Brumbies have a chance to write the wrongs of last week against the best in the competition. Finishing as high as possible ensures an “easier” game in the finals and if they can get close to the competition favourites, it will send a message to the other teams leading into the finals. Brumbies +7.5 | 3u @ $1.90

The Highlanders have had a good break leading into this game, after smashing the Force on Friday afternoon, and not having to travel whilst getting an 8-day break will do them wonders. Mathematically, eighth place is still up for grabs depending on the Rebels result on Saturday afternoon. It will be interesting to see what sort of Highlanders team shows up on the weekend especially if the Rebels lose on Saturday, knowing that eighth is pretty much theirs. The Waratahs got so close against the Hurricanes but just couldn’t muscle their way past. Michael Hooper is back which is a huge boost and they are still a massive chance of finishing in the top four with results pending. With the Blues their match next weekend, they will want a win here to boost their chances going into next week and the finals.

Waratahs in a close one.

Predictions:

Tip: Waratahs ($3.60)

Line: Waratahs +9.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Waratahs 1-12

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 19/05/22

Bet:I had to rub my eyes at what I have seen in regards to pricing and the line. The bookies have given the Waratahs no respect this season and we have capitalised many times, and I think we can again. Waratahs H2H | 2u @ $3.60 / Waratahs +9.5 | 3u @ $1.90