The Crusaders were dominant in their opening-round win over the Hurricanes, which ended up a lot closer than it should have. The Crusaders struggled a touch defensively, missing 33 tackles, they lost 2 lineouts and really struggled with their discipline, conceding 14 penalties and 2 yellow cards. They still managed to win by 10 points but the coach will be giving them a whooping at training this week after that performance. The Highlanders matched the Chiefs in everywhere bar where it counted, the scoreboard. The big killer for them was their turnovers, turning the ball over 18 times.

I expect the Crusaders to come out firing here and to put a big margin on the Highlanders.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.22)

Line: Crusaders -10.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Crusaders 13+ ($2.05)

*Prices via TAB

State of Origin, Rugby Union style. Both these teams are coming off nice wins and currently sit 1st and 2nd after Round 1. The Waratahs showed that they were on a mission to show that they weren’t the same team as last year, and in parts, they succeeded. Fiji was disappointing in the process but managed to really take it to the Waratahs in the rucks and scrums. The Waratahs struggled with discipline, conceding 21 penalties. But the win is a much-needed confidence boost heading into this physical match-up. The Reds were good in parts but struggled to score decent points in the first half. They managed to pick up in the second half, whilst keeping the Rebels scoreless. They will need to improve with their line-out as they struggled in that aspect of the game and they really should have capitalised on the 23 turnovers the Rebels produced.

This is going to be a great game and it will really tell the rugby world where the Waratahs are at. I think they are a silly price at $2.55 head-to-head considering this is only round 2. I think this is going to be closer than people think and being at Leichhardt Oval in a possible wet weather game, further enhances the chances of a close one.

Predictions:

Tip: NSW Waratahs ($2.55)

Line: NSW Waratahs +5.5 ($1.85)

Margin: NSW Waratahs 1-12 ($3.60+)

*Prices via TAB

This could be a pretty one-sided game unless the Fijian Drua picks up on some of their fundamentals. The turnovers really hurt them against the Waratahs and the occasion got to them a little bit, so they will be better for the run. They were impressive at the breakdown and really took it to the Waratahs in the scrum. The Brumbies who are chock full of Australian representatives probably should have put the Force away earlier, but turnovers and defensive lapses cost them dearly, mixed with some brilliance from the Force. They struggled a touch in the line-out also but their talent and experience got them through in the end.

I am expecting much better games from both teams but I see nothing but a Brumbies white-wash here.

Predictions:

Tip: ACT Brumbies ($1.01)

Line: ACT Brumbies -27.5 ($1.90)

Margin: ACT Brumbies 13+ ($1.17)

*Prices via TAB

We haven’t got a lot to say about the Blues as they missed Round 1 due to COVID getting into their opposition’s camp. They came into this tournament as one of the favourites, so I am expecting a lot here in their first game. The Hurricanes held on well against the Crusaders, scoring three tries in the final 12 minutes. They struggled a bit at the breakdown, which is something they will no doubt be working towards at training. They played really well in their opener but it was marginally helped thanks to some Crusader’s blunders.

Blues to win this one, and show why they are one of the tournament favourites.

Predictions:

Tip: Blues ($1.30)

Line: Blues -8.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Blues 13+ ($2.25)

*Prices via TAB

The last game of the round is a battle between the two of the newest Australian Rugby teams. The Rebels struggled in attack and at the breakdown against the Reds, in a game where the Reds gave them every opportunity to take advantage. They turned the ball over 23 times in their loss and will be looking to improve on that in front of their home fans. The Force was strong against the Brumbies and it probably caught them off guard. Another team with a massive amount of turnovers, the Force has 23 of their own but managed to get in front of the Brumbies with 4 minutes to go, only to be beaten.

The Force are slight outsiders here which I assume is due to being the away team, but they were the stronger of the two teams in round 1 and I expect this to be no different.

Predictions:

Tip: Western Force ($1.95)

Line: Western Force +0.5 ($1.95)

Margin: Western Force 1-12 ($3.30)

*Prices via TAB

POSTPONED

Predictions:

Tip: 

Line: 

Margin: 

*Prices via TAB