We’re down to the final four teams in Super Rugby Pacific and one thing is for certain — a New Zealand franchise will be lifting the trophy. In this blog we recap the qualifier results as well as keep an eye on all things betting-related before making a selection in each semifinal.
Handicaps are up
Posted 07 June 13h11
The bookies are out early and are pretty much aligned with my projections (in brackets)
Chiefs -5.5 (-6.5) v Crusaders
Hurricanes -16.5 (-14.5) v Blues
Super Rugby Pacific Qualifier Results
Hurricanes 66 Brumbies 12
The Hurricanes turned in a dominant performance against the Brumbies and, in a game where they started around -16.5 favourites, they made short work of the handicap.
Personally, I thought this might be a tighter encounter and went for under 7.5 tries, but that was never really in the hunt as the Hurricanes ran riot.
Crusaders 52 Blues 31
I got on the early Crusaders -6.5 and also tipped the -9.5 in my Friday newsletter.
It was another entertaining high-scoring clash, but the Crusaders comfortably covered the handicap and once again looked extremely dangerous at home in Christchurch.
Chiefs 46 Reds 24
The Chiefs traded at 14.5 before kick off and they ultimately proved too strong for a Reds side that I thought could stay a bit closer.
Once again I went unders on total tries, taking under 8.5, but it turned into another high-scoring affair with 70 points scored in the match.
Semifinal Fixtures and Predicted Handicaps
- Chiefs -6.5 vs Crusaders
- Hurricanes -14.5 vs Blues
The above handicaps are my projections and will be compared to the bookies lines later today
Early Thoughts
The Chiefs versus Crusaders clash already looks like one of the games of the season. The Crusaders have timed their run nicely and are starting to resemble the ruthless playoff side we’ve become accustomed to over the years.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, look the standout side left in the competition and their demolition of the Brumbies was hugely impressive. The big question is whether the Blues can lift after a physically demanding trip to Christchurch.