150sharksCouch Critic previews the betting and provides a tip for each match in Round 18 of Super Rugby, brought to you courtesy of BetOlimp.co.za

 

 

 

 

What a lovely weekend it was! Friday saw us go two from two on the main plays with the Highlanders covering the half time cap and the Reds winning narrowly (which hardly looked possible early doors). The big plays were my calls on the Crusaders and Brumbies on Saturday morning and both cruised in to ensure a great weekend. The Stormers game proved the cherry on top as Bongi scored the opening try and Masirewa had little trouble in getting over the whitewash. Let’s try and aim for a similarly successful outing in Week 18, the last full weekend of Super Rugby action.

 

Highlanders vs Waratahs (Friday @ 09:35)

It’s been a dismal season for the Tahs. Without Hooper, Beale, Kepu, Simmons and Foley some youngsters might want to put up their hands but they will struggle doing so against a Highlanders side who still have an outside chance of sneaking into the playoffs.

Verdict: The match is played in Invercargill and I reckon the Tahs will be anything but keen for this trip. Landers to hand them a beating.

Best Bet: Highlanders to beat the handicap of -19.5 @ 1.85 with BETOLIMP

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Last tryscorer – S Frizell @ 14.00

 

Rebels vs Chiefs (Friday @ 11:45)

Pretty much primed as a straight shoot-out for a quarterfinal spot. Both teams will be seriously up for this all-or-nothing clash in Melbourne. Whilst their position is very similar their form over the last month or so couldn’t be more different.

Verdict: The Chiefs have been a team on the up and with Harris, Retallick, Cane and Alaimalo all finally together on the park I reckon this one will be snatched by the visitors. The Rebels have often started with a bang though and as such the half time, full time market is where I’m going.

Best Bet: Rebels/Chiefs (HT/FT) @ 7.50

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Anytime tryscorer – BrodieRetallick @ 5.00

 

Jaguares vs Sunwolves(Saturday @ 00:10)

The Jaguares has been a revelation of the 2019 version of Super Rugby and only need to win this match against the bottom dwellers to secure second place on the overall log and ensure the comforts of home for possibly a few more weeks to come. The Jags have done well to develop a strong squad and as such it should still be a strong team doing duty for them in Buenos Aires. The Sunwolves are embarking on their very last outing since we won’t be seeing the Japs again in 2020 – will they go out with a roar or a whimper?

Verdict: The Wolves will probably contribute to the scoring but the Jaguares are silky smooth and running hot at present. I reckon they get the job done early.

Best Bet: Jaguares to beat the half time cap of -10.5 @ 1.83 with BETOLIMP

BETOLIMP Special Bet: First tryscorer – Julian Montoya @21.00

 

Hurricanes vs Blues (Saturday @ 09:35)

Verdict: A dead-rubber where the Blues will have more to play for than the home team –as such I will have a few cheeky bets in this one. The Blues have selected a strong looking team (SBW making his return). With Savea and Perenara on the bench I expect the Canes to possibly finish stronger than the visitors but the men from Auckland are certainly not without a shot here.

Best bet: Blues to win at half time @ 1.96with BETOLIMP

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Blues to lead by 1-8 at half time/Hurricanes to win by 1-8 at full time @15.00

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Last tryscorer – A Savea @24.00

 

Brumbies vs Reds (Saturday @ 11:45)

This game in Canberra could be another of those clashes which hold little value for either team. The Reds haven’t had it all their way this season but whilst everyone is focussing on the top eight spots a win over the Brumbies could move Brad Thorne’s team from second last into the top 10. One expects the Reds to pitch up for a fight.

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Brumbies to win by 1-12 points @ 2.70

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Last tryscorer – Scott Higginbotham @ 27.00

 

Stormers vs Sharks (Saturday @ 15:05)

Come kick-off things should be simple enough for these two teams doing battle in Cape Town – win and you stay alive for one more week (at least). Lose and you head off on a short post-season break.

Verdict: The Stormers team is far from full strength but these are two struggling teams and I won’t be going crazy on the bets on this game.

Best Bet: Stormers/Sharks (HT/FT) @ 7.22

BETOLIMP Special Bet: First tryscorer – Jaco Coetzee @23.00

 

Bulls vs Lions (Saturday @ 17:15)

The Bulls are sure of being involved next week but the Lions might need a single log point at least to join them. The fact of the matter is that both teams will be super charger to pick up a victory at Loftus. A trip away from home awaits the winner, and possibly the loser as well, and the only way either of these teams can survive further in the comp is by picking up a win and using the winning momentum to try and propel themselves toward the trophy.

Verdict: The Bulls picked up some vital log points in New Zealand with two draws and should be favoured to get the job done back on their own home turf. Their opponents will miss the considerable influence of Kwagga Smith and Warren Whiteley.

Best Bet: Bulls to lead at half time and full time – Bulls/Bulls @ 1.87 with BETOLIMP

BETOLIMP Special Bet: Bulls to win both halves @ 3.30

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Couch Critic