Super Rugby Pacific Round 8 Selections

The Highlanders are coming off a tough encounter with the Crusaders, which saw all the points scored in the first half. They were let down a touch by their discipline and work at the breakdown which did end up costing them in areas throughout the game. They were much better in attack and as shown for most of the year, kept the margins close but are still frustrated that they are winless this year. This can all change against a Moana Pasifika team that has just come off playing two games within four days, due to the catch-up game against the Blues. They played them on both occasions and really struggled towards the end of the second game. They now face a six-day turnaround to face a Highlander team that is eager to get their breakthrough win.

Highlanders to win but I expect a fight from Moana Pasifika.

Predictions:

Tip: Highlanders ($1.04)

Line: Moana Pasifika +18.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Highlanders 1-12 ($3.40)

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Both these teams have had the benefit of a week off after their Round 6 clashes. The Force took it to the Brumbies on home soil and almost pulled off the upset. The Force will have to be on their game especially in the forward pack, taking on a Rebels pack who are dominant in the ruck and sit second on lineout percentage in the league. I have no doubt the Rebels have improved since they last clashed in Round 2, but by just how much?

Force to win comfortably providing they can stay clinical and disciplined throughout.

Predictions:

Tip: Western Force ($1.36)

Line: Western Force -7.5 ($1.87)

Margin: Western Force 13+ ($2.40)

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This is one of the matches of the round and I think it will be closer than what people think. The Crusaders were tough against the Highlanders and they were on the back-foot for most of the second half, mainly due to possession being solely in the Highlanders’ favour. I have no doubt the Hurricanes will have watched the footage from the match and they will be looking to exploit a weakness in the Crusaders, to which the Hurricanes are special, and that’s the lineout. They lead the league in lineout won percentage and they will be looking to build upon that in this game. In every game this season, the Hurricanes have fought hard and made their losing efforts close, and when in front, they use their defence to hold the opposition at bay.

These teams are very alike in many ways and with the improvement of the Hurricanes, I expect them to make it a closer game that the 10 point loss they suffered against this very team in Round 1.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.30)

Line: Hurricanes +8.5 ($1.85)

Margin: Crusaders 1-12 ($2.90)

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Bet: We are having our first bet of the year in this game. I really like the line for the Hurricanes here, in what should be a tight tussle. 3 units @ $1.85 (Hurricanes +8.5).

This is a cracking game of Rugby and another I think is going to be close.

The Chiefs were in control against the Hurricanes for the majority of their contest before the Hurricanes stormed back and made the scoreline close. The stats indicated a pretty even match but on the scoreboard early, it was anything but. Josh Ioane was in brilliant form and constantly had the defence on their toes with some sharp passing and taking the line on with his acceleration. You would have to think that the late comeback by the Hurricanes will put some doubt into their minds leading into this one against the Blues. The Blues are coming off two games in four days, both of which were wins over Moana Pasifika. They were scintillating in attack like they have been all year and proved that even with a man down, they could hold off the opposition and still put on some points.

These teams are very similar in all facets of the game and both very attack-oriented, so defence is going to play the big key in which team succeeds.  I like the Blues here who have been playing without some of the key members of the squad.

Predictions:

Tip: Blues ($1.95)

Line: Blues +1.5 ($1.85)

Margin: Blues 1-12 ($3.20)

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Bet: I think the Blues are a nice bet here and it’s going to be a real close one. At the moment I am happy to take the 1.5 line in our favour, and it may swing the other way with heavy money or surprise inclusions. 3 units @ $1.85 (Blues +1.5).

The Brumbies really sturggled against the Reds, especially at the breakdown where the Reds stoles six rucks. The Brumbies conceded 19 turnovers and failed to capitalise on a Reds team that had a player red-carded, even letting in a try whilst they had the one-man advantage. I dare say they would have stayed in Queensland and had a nice rest this week without significant travel and will be looking to hit back hard against the Fijian Drua. The Drua failed to match the intensity of the Waratahs last weekend and the return of Michael Hooper. They lost a lot of tackles, lost some key lineouts, and were ill-disciplined conceding a red card in the first half followed by a yellow not long after, so they ended up playing 30min with a man down.

Brumbies to hit back in a big way here.

Predictions:

Tip: ACT Brumbies ($1.06)

Line: ACT Brumbies -17.5 ($1.90)

Margin: ACT Brumbies 13+ ($1.52)

*Prices via Tab as of 05/04/22