Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific is upon us following another entertaining albeit limited weekend of action in Round 8. We look at the latest results, how the table is shaping up, and what lies ahead this weekend
Round 9 handicaps are up
Posted 06 April 08h55
Early handicaps in brackets next to my projections
Highlanders -2.5 (-1.5) vs Brumbies
Moana Pasifika +25.5 (+39.5) vs Chiefs
Fijian Drua -6.5 (-4.5) vs Western Force
Hurricanes -5.5 (-6.5) vs Blues
Reds +3.5 (+5.5) vs Crusaders
All within 2 points other than Moana game where I am a massive 14 points out. Surely 39.5 will come in a few points?
ROUND 9 FIXTURES & PROJECTED HANDICAPS
Posted 06 April
Below my projected handicaps for round 9
Highlanders -2.5 vs Brumbies
Moana Pasifika +25.5 vs Chiefs
Fijian Drua -6.5 vs Western Force
Hurricanes -5.5 vs Blues
Reds +3.5 vs Crusaders
ROUND 8 RESULTS
Crusaders 69 v 26 Fijian Drua – I was on Crusaders over 43.5 which cruised home
Chiefs 42 v 14 Waratahs – my bet here was Waratahs under 21.5 which was never in doubt
Reds 19 v 42 Western Force – The Reds -12.5 saw my coin and I never saw this result coming
LEAGUE TABLE UPDATE
The Hurricanes (25 pts) and Blues (25 pts) continue to set the pace at the top of the table, although the Blues have played a game more.
The Chiefs (22 pts) sit 3rd and remain firmly in the title conversation following another strong win, while the Brumbies (20 pts) continue to track well in 4th and look well positioned for a playoff spot.
The Crusaders (19 pts) have climbed back into the top six and are building momentum after a dominant Round 8 performance, while the Reds (18 pts) hold onto 6th despite a heavy loss last week.
Just outside the playoff positions, the chasing pack includes the Waratahs (14 pts) and Highlanders (14 pts), both of whom remain within striking distance but will need results quickly to stay in contention.
Further down, the Western Force (9 pts) gave their campaign a boost with a strong win over the Reds, while the Fijian Drua (8 pts) and Moana Pasifika (4 pts) continue to struggle for consistency.
