BLUvCHIFriday's opening Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 clash comes from Auckland where the log leading Blues take on the Rebels.

 

 

 

Blues v Rebels, Friday 6th May, Auckland, KO 09:05 (South African time)

 

Referee: Graham Cooper
Assistants: Ben O'Keefe, Jono Bredin

Weather Forecast – Auckland

 

Blues:

 

The Blues chalked up a ninth straight win away to the Force in Perth last week but they made hard work of it. They were 23.5 point favourites on the handicap and led 22-8 at half time but the Force came back into it, the Blues couldn't add to their tally and in the end they were grateful to hold on for a 22-18 win.

 

The Blues only defeat so far came in an amazing game (33-32) against the Canes in what was their first action of the tournament. After last weekend's results they topped the standings, 1 point ahead of the Brumbies and 6 better off than the Crusaders.

 

In the outright betting the Blues are now trading at around 7/4 to win the tournament, joint favourites with the Crusaders.

 

Rebels:

 

The Rebels beat Moana Pasifika 26-22 in Melbourne last week, surviving a late comeback and finishing the game with 14 men after having Ray Nu'u red carded. Nu'u has been suspended for 4 matches, effectively ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.

 

The Rebels only other wins came at home to Fijian Drua (42-27) and 22-21 away to the Force in Perth.

 

With 3 wins and 7 defeats against their name the Rebels come into this round fifth from bottom in the standings with 15 log points.

 

Team News (subject to change)

 

Blues: Jordan Lay, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

 

Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam

 

Rebels: Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Pone Fa'amausili, Matt Philip (c), Josh Canham, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Rob Leota, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, George Worth, Stacey Ili, Lukas Ripley, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge

 

Reserves: Efi Ma'afu, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Daniel Maiava, Tamati Ioane, Moses Sorovi, Nick Jooste, Glen Vaihu

 

 

The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here

 

Blues -24.5 points at 9/10

Rebels +24.5 points at 9/10

 

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

 

Betting Angle

 

This game looks well handicapped and the points line of 59.5 also looks well set. The panel on last nights show were not that decisive on this one and the bet I fancy actually popped up in the live chat where The Conductor fancied the Blues half time handicap at -10.5

 

Click here for the video preview of Blues v Rebels

Click here to access our forum where other punters will share their views and I will post any points bets

 

BET: 4 units Blues -10.5 HT cap at 17/20 at WSB

 

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

 

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