Couch Critic previews the betting and provides a tip for each match in Round 7 of Super Rugby, brought to you courtesy of BetOlimp.co.za
What an absolute stinker of a weekend we had! Had it not been for a speculative half-time/full-time play in the Hurricanes vs Stormers game at a nice price we would have absolutely bled dry this past weekend. But there is no time for lying on the canvas and feeling sorry for ourselves - time to get up, pop the mouth guard back in and get ready to plant the next right hook.
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Hurricanes vs Crusaders (Friday @ 08:35)
The weekend gets off to an amazing start as two of the best cross swords in Wellington. The Canes have stuttered along without really finding top gear but with the likes of Coles, Savea, Laumape, TJ and the Barrett’s in their ranks there is no end to the danger they pose with ball in hand. The Crusaders were seemingly cruising to another title a few weeks ago but all of a sudden the Christchurch tragedy was followed by a lacklustre showing in Sydney. The defending champs will be keen to stop their bump in the road from becoming a full-blown road block.
Verdict: Both Kiwi teams have incredible strike power but the Crusaders have the more solid set piece and forward play. Razor should have his team at their sharpest for this one so I am backing the visitors to dispatch the Hurricanes on their own patch.
Best Bet: Crusaders to beat the extended handicap of -7.5 @ 2.57 (Silver medal level of confidence)
Waratahs vs Sunwolves (Friday @ 10:45)
The Tahs are an enigma. The same team that lost to the Brumbies a fortnight ago (and almost let the Sunwolves come back at them) had the beating of the mighty Crusaders last week. The Sunwolves on the other hand were able to beat the Chiefs in New Zealand but let a home win slip against the Reds and were soundly beaten by the Lions in Singapore.
Verdict: The Japs have their coach and a few regulars back whilst it is hard to see the Aussies get themselves back up for this one after their monumental effort against the Saders. There is also the possibility that the home side use this game to rotate a few of their Wallabies and as such I will back the Wolves to put up a bit of a fight.
Best Bet: Waratahs to lead at half time by 1-7 points @ 3.30 (Bronze level)
Blues vs Stormers (Saturday @ 08:35)
Siya Kolisi and his chargers put up a spirited fight against the Hurricanes last week and are indeed a steadily improving team. In the Blues they face much the same enemy as they did in Wellington. A pack they will surely feel they can target but a backline whom they will have to starve of space and preferably the ball in general. The Blues picked up a vital victory against the Highlanders which might just have been the tonic needed to rejuvenate their 2019 campaign and make the task of victory a touch harder for the Capetonians.
Verdict: I struggle seeing this one going any different than what we saw last week. The Stormers will try and keep things tight near their strong pack but in the end they will offer the Blues one or two moments of space – Rieko Ione does not need to be invited twice.
Best Bet: Stormers to hit the sheds ahead but lose out in the end. Stormers/Blues @ 5.34 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Reds vs Rebels (Saturday @ 10:45)
Verdict: The Reds are on a high and the Rebels dejected after a demoralising tour of the Republic. Despite this I expect the team from Melbourne to overcome their travel fatigue and disappointments to put the young Reds back in their place.
Best Bet: Rebels to lead at half time and full time. Rebels/Rebels @ 2.06 with BETOLIMP (Bronze bet)
Sharks vs Bulls (Saturday @ 15:05)
Just like the others the South African Conference is a hotly contested one. All the SA teams have now lost 2 games and it is likely to be three for either the Sharks or the Bulls after this weekend. Having already lost to the Stormers at home the Sharks will know the importance of trying to ensure they don’t suffer a second loss in Durban, especially against fellow Conference contenders. This will be a vital game for both teams as they look to stay close to the top rather than fall back toward the bottom of the table.
Verdict: This one is very likely to be settled by only a few points either way. Which why this will be exactly is unclear to me.I’m leaning toward the home side edging it.
Best Bet: Sharks to win by 1-7 points @ 3.47 with BETOLIMP (Bronze)
Jaguares vs Chiefs (Saturday @ 23:40)
Verdict: The Chiefs had a horrible start to the tournament but seem to have found their feet with D Mac in the 15 jumper. The Jags will be keen on using their home advantage to get themselves back up and running again after a poor tour of South Africa.
Best Bet: Jaguares to win the game @ 2.34 with BETOLIMP (Silver)
Couch Critic
