POSTPONED: DUE TO COVID

I am not sure what to make of this match as Moana Pasifika were given more bad luck in their last round, with their opposition having to postpone their game due to COVID. So I expect them to have another big showing but again match fitness may come into play late in the game. The Highlanders on the other hand, got within five points of the Blues but a late try sealed their fate. I know they haven’t won a game so far this year, but they have been very competitive in each and every game. One major improvement they will need to concentrate on is their lineouts, as they lost five of them against the Blues.

Highlanders to register their first win this season but I expect Moana Pasifika to keep it close and make the Highlanders sweat it out.

Predictions:

Tip: Highlanders ($1.06)

Line: Moana Pasifika +18.5 ($1.87)

Margin: Highlanders 1-12 ($3.40)

*Prices via TAB

This is the match of the round, and these two had some brilliant battles last year. I don’t think it will be the case this year, as the Reds battle injuries. The Brumbies were clinical against the Rebels, dominating in most facets of the game. Two areas of improvement that they will need, especially against the Reds, is their scrummaging and their discipline. They lost three scrums to the Rebels and conceded 16 penalties with three yellow cards. Scrums have been one thing the Reds dominate in, and could be their key to keeping this close. The Reds suffered with their discipline against the Drua, conceding 14 penalties and two yellow cards. They led 28-9 against the Drua before they let in three tries late in the game and gave the Drua the lead. But in true Reds fashion, they didn’t give in and ended up pinching a late try to break Drua hearts.

I still expect a close game, but the Brumbies should be too strong in the end.

Predictions:

Tip: ACT Brumbies ($1.53)

Line: ACT Brumbies -3.5 ($1.85)

Margin: ACT Brumbies 1-12 ($3.00)

*Prices via TAB

This game is going to be an interesting yet entertaining affair. The Drua as we discussed earlier were amazing against the Reds and as each week goes on, they are getting better and better. Their main focus of improvement though is their set plays, which they can really hone in on against the Force. The Force were flattered by the score line against the Waratahs, coming from 22-7 down to score a late try and penalty goal to clinch a bonus point for the loss. They really struggled with the discipline, set plays and at the breakdown against the Waratahs, and the Fijian Drua will look to exploit those weaknesses throughout the game

I think this is going to be a close game, but I am going with the upset in the Fijian Drua. They will be on a high despite their loss to the Reds.

Predictions:

Tip: Fijian Drua ($3.00)

Line:  Fijian Drua +7.5 ($1.87)

Margin: Fijian Drua 1-12 ($4.20)

*Prices via TAB

POSTPONED: DUE TO COVID

This is quite a fascinating game as both teams haven’t been at their best yet still continue to perform well enough. The Crusaders held a 21-10 lead on the Chiefs before two late tries sealed a memorable Chiefs victory. One area of concern for the Crusaders was the breakdown, as they struggled at times to hold off the Chiefs from pinching the ball and struggled to pinch the ball themselves. They will be working on the defense in training as this is back to back weeks that they have been ordinary defensively. The Blues had three games on the trot go down to the wire, but managed to seal their win over the Highlanders with a late try. They will need to be better at their discipline throughout after conceding 18 penalties and one yellow card last weekend.

I thought the Crusaders would blow the Chiefs away last weekend and it went belly-up. I will give them one final chance in a close one against the Blues.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.40)

Line: Crusaders -5.5 ($1.87)

Margin: Crusaders 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via TAB

Despite having a long way to go to be with the better teams in the Super Rugby, the Waratahs made nice in-roads against the Force in a match where the score line definitely flattered the losing side. Despite continuing their dominance in the scrums, they again struggled a touch with their set plays and occasionally at the breakdown. They really have a chance here to build some confidence and to continue to work on their fundamentals. The woes of the Rebels continues and although their efforts have improved in recent weeks, they have continually struggled.

I expect the Waratahs to dominate.

Predictions:

Tip: NSW Waratahs ($1.13)

Line: NSW Waratahs -13.5 ($1.85)

Margin: NSW Waratahs 13+ ($1.72)

*Prices via TAB

POSTPONED: DUE TO COVID

This game was swapped with the Friday afternoon game to give the Hurricanes an extra day of preparation after COVID postponed their game last weekend. I expect them to be bold like they have all season, but fitness may hurt them towards the end of this one. The Chiefs pulled a victory out when things looked bleak against the Crusaders and despite winning a couple of games this year, they have all been close contests.

This will be close again but I expect the Chiefs fitness edge to kick in and keep them in front at the 80min mark.

Predictions:

Tip: Chiefs ($1.36)

Line: Hurricanes +6.5 ($1.87)

Margin: Chiefs 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via TAB

This Match is on due to the postponement of other matches in NZ due to COVID

Predictions:

Tip: Chiefs (To Come)

Line: Moana Pasifika +To Come (To Come)

Margin: Chiefs 1-12 (To Come)

*Prices via TAB