Couch Critic previews Crusaders v Brumbies, Rebels v Blues and Force v Chiefs in Trans Tasman Super Rugby on Saturday including best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPER RUGBY Trans-Tasman: Saturday

 

The Reds and Crusaders hardly had time to finish their victory drinks and we are straight back into the cross-Tasman confrontations. Of course we wont hear me complaining as it gives us another opportunity to make some betting profits. Let’s look at the second half of the weekend’s action.

 

Crusaders vs Brumbies – Saturday 15 May @ 09:05, Christchurch

 

The Champs are straight back into action a week after lifting the Aotearoa trophy. The Crusaders collect trophies like Steve Hoffmeyer collects ANC bans so I’m pretty sure this super professional side will be straight back into business mode for this clash on Saturday. That being said the Aussie side pushed the Reds all the way to their limit and have most bases covered. I don’t see the visitors being blown away here as they will be desperate to show they can mix it with the mighty men from across the ditch.

 

Betolimp Bets:

 

Brumbies to lead at half-time by 1-8 points & Crusaders to win by 13 or more points @ 19.00

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Brumbies start the game as the hungrier side only for the hosts to press down the accelerator in the final 20 minutes.

 

First Tryscorer: Manase Mateale @ 8.50

In this star-studded Crusaders squad it must be like the Parletones having to open a show for U2. With Bridge, Jordan and Reece in their ranks (backed up by the likes of Leicester) Mateale is merely the supporting act. On this occasion the winger gets his chance to steal the spotlight for a change.

 

Last Tryscorer: Braydon Ennor @ 12.00

Ennor will continue his journey of slowly getting back to top form. I expect him to be given plenty of game time this week.

 

Rebels vs Blues – Saturday 15 May @ 11:45, Melbourne

 

There was a gulf the size of the Grand Canyon between the Rebels and the top two teams in Super Rugby AU. On Saturday the Rebels face another team who found themselves well off the pace of the top two in their tournament. With the Crusaders stuttering with three losses in their Aotearoa campaign one would have expected the Blues to be right there to take advantage. But the men in blue fluffed their lines during their campaign and eventually limped home in third spot.

The loss of Patrick Tuipulotu seems to have had a big impact in stifling the charge of the Blues in 2021. The Aucklanders are always a threat of cutting a team open like your local butcher but the back three given the reigns for this clash are not exactly their regular blockman.

 

Betolimp Bets:

 

First Tryscorer: Hoskins Sotuto @ 19.00

With Akira on the bench and no Dalton, Sotuto will carry the torch for me.

 

Last Tryscorer: Akira Ioane @ 15.00

I keep finding myself defaulting back to the big backrower. Surely he has to come good for a meat pie soon.

 

Force vs Chiefs – Saturday 15 May @ 14:00, Perth

 

The losing finalist apparently let off some steam post-loss last week. The Force on the other hand have had a couple of weeks to re-focus and re-energise for the new comp. It’s tough for me to get excited about a side who’s idea of attacking flair is throwing a skip-pass. This week the hosts have flying Ferrari’s (vintage model from about 1960 of course) in the form of Kahui and Kearney in their back three – I’m hoping a Fiat Uno like performance is good enough against a team hopefully still nursing a hangover!

 

Betolimp Bets:

 

Force to lead at half-time by 1-8 points and Chiefs to win by 13 or more points @ 19.00

First Tryscorer: Pita Sowakula @ 21.00

Last Tryscorer: Liam Messam @ 29.00

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

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