The Waratahs host the Blues in Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, the visitors are already assured of top spot but whilst Tahs are fighting for a favourable draw in the play offs
Waratahs v Blues, Saturday 28th May, Leichhardt Oval, KO 11:45 (South African time)
Referee: Paul Williams
TMO: James Leckie
Weather Forecast – Leichhardt Oval
Waratahs:
The Waratahs came away from Dunedin with a 32-20 win over the Highlanders last week, their first win over New Zealand opposition overseas since 2015. The Tahs made the most of a numerical advantage to cement their play off place.
In other matches against NZ sides the Waratahs went down 22-18 at home to the Hurricanes, denying them another NZ scalp after they beat the Crusaders 24-21 at this venue in Round 11. The Tahs first match up with a New Zealand side came against the Chiefs in Super Round in Melbourne and they finished well beaten, 51-27.
The Waratahs now have a record of 8 wins and 5 defeats and with 37 log points they finished the previous round in sixth position in the overall standings, 1 point behind the Canes and 4 points behind the fourth placed Chiefs.
Blues:
The Blues needed a late penalty to claim a 21-19 win over the Brumbies in Canberra last week, a game that produced a thrilling climax with the Brumbies having taken the lead themselves with less than 2 minutes remaining on the clock.
In other matches against Australian sides the Blues put the Reds away 53-26 in Auckland, they hammered the Rebels 71-28 at Eden Park and they held off a second half comeback from the Force in Perth for a 22-18 win.
The Blues have chalked up 12 straight wins since losing to the Canes in the opening round and top spot in the overall standings and home advantage for as long as they remain in the play offs is secure.
Team News (subject to change)
Waratahs: Tetera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Tetera Faulkner, Paddy Ryan, Hugh Sinclair, Jeremy Williams, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jack Grant, Jamie Roberts
Blues: Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Taine Plumtree, Sam Nock, Jock McKenzie, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Taufa Funaki, Nigel Ah-Wong
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Waratahs -3.5 points at 9/10
Blues +4.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
The Blues opened up favourites for this game, but there was a big shift in the betting when the teams were named as the Blues have rotated their squad as they have top spot on the table secured. The Waratahs have really impressed me this season, but I don’t know if I can bring myself to back them as favourites against a New Zealand team and this is one of a number of fixtures this weekend where I am eyeing out the points lines and I will hold fire until I see them before making my bet on the game.
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Update 26 May 23h15
The points lines is 50.5 suggesting there is some weather around but I am happy to take the overs as this is virtually a dead rubber and I am expecting the sides to play some entertaining rugby.
BET: 5 units over 50.5 points at 19/20 at WSB
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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