The Blues host the Reds in Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific in Auckland on Saturday and the home side come into the game as firm favourites to extend their winning streak.
Blues v Reds, Saturday 14th May, Auckland, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Refs: Angus Mabey , Jono Bredin
TMO: Aaron Paterson
Weather Forecast – Auckland
Blues:
The Blues hammered the Rebels 71-28 at Eden Park last week and they continue to set the pace at the top of the standings on the back of 10 straight wins.
One earlier match against Australian opposition was far closer as they held off a second half comeback from the Force in Perth 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, 2 points ahead of the Brumbies and 6 better off than the Crusaders.
In the outright betting the Blues are now trading as 15/10 favourites with WSB to win the tournament.
Reds:
The Reds, who were 4.5 point favourites on the handicap, went down 27-19 to the Highlanders in a home fixture last week, a game they led 12-0 at one stage of the first half.
The Queenslanders have now lost 3 consecutive matches against New Zealand opposition. They were edged out 27-25 by the Chiefs in another home game and in the Super Round in Melbourne they were beaten 30-17 by the Hurricanes. The Reds have now lost 23 of their last 25 Super Rugby matches against New Zealand sides.
Overall this season the Reds have won 7 and lost 4 and they finished the previous round in sixth place in the standings with 31 points, 14 shy of the Blues. In the outright betting the Reds are trading at around 33/1 to win the tournament
Team News (subject to change)
Blues: Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: Soana Vikena, Jordan Lay, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan
Reds: Dane Zander, Albert Anae, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott (c), James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Matt Faessler, Harry Hoopert, Sef Fa'agase, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Tualima, Kalani Thomas, Hamish Stewart, Lawson Creighton
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Blues -18.5 points at 9/10
Reds +20.5 points at 17/20
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I was quite undecided about this handicap, but having listened to the input of the panellists on last night’s The Handicap, our Rugby Betting show I am leaning towards the Reds to keep things respectable. The Blues are a side well known for making a hash of these big handicaps and I think the Reds can stay with 21. My main focus on this game will probably be in the points markets.
Click here for the video preview of the game and the views of @ThoughtsOnSports and @Chad_Reich
Any additional bets and punts from other punters will be posted in the Goodforthegame Forum
Bet: 4 Units Reds plus 20.5 at 17/20 at Sportingbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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