Super Rugby Week 2 Betting Tips
Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific begins with a blockbuster all-Kiwi clash between the Chiefs and the Crusaders, who meet on Friday morning UK time in Hamilton.
Both made winning starts, as did the Australian duo of the Brumbies and Western Force, who concluded the round early on Saturday.
They are two of the highlight fixtures alongside the Highlanders against the Blues, who meet in Dunedin.
Tip 1: Chiefs vs Crusaders (Friday, 6:05am) - Crusaders to win @ 15/8
The Chiefs' attack was transformed after moving Damian McKenzie up from full-back to fly-half in their opening 25-14 win over the Blues, and it will be interesting to see if Clayton McMillan sticks with him at 15 against Crusaders on Friday.
That would see him come into direct opposition with another contender for the All Black full-back role, Will Jordan.
Jordan established himself in his preferred role at international level last year and is the front-runner to retain the position in 2025.
However, his colleague Sevu Reece might be the player to watch on Saturday after scoring nine tries in his last eight Super Rugby outings and six in as many away matches against the Chiefs.
Reece's tally includes a try in his team's opening 33-25 success over the Hurricanes and he can play his part in an underdog win at a real value price.
The Chiefs have won 16 of their last 18 Super Rugby home games but have a poor record against Kiwi opposition and with the Saders seemingly sorted after recovering from a nightmare start, there is every chance for an upset on Friday.
Tip 2: Highlanders vs Blues (Saturday, 6:05am) - Blues to win by 21-30 @ 19/5
The Blues have won 11 of their last 12 matches against the Highlanders, including the last eight meetings.
Like the Chiefs, they have the option to move All Black pivot Beauden Barrett from 15 to 10, although Harry Plummer was key to last season's Super Rugby title success.
The champions looked undercooked against the Chiefs but will have improved for a run-out and have firepower across the field.
Stretching back to last season, wing AJ Lam is on a three-game try-scoring streak and can add to his run against the Highlanders, who lost 37-36 to last year's bottom-placed side, the Warahtahs, in the opening round.
Discipline was an issue for Jamie Joseph's team in Sydney. They received two yellow cards, and fatigue may have cost them as they conceded an 80th minute try. Blues won 37-29 in last season's Round 2 and then 47-13 in Round 13. They are better on both sides of the ball than the 'Tahs, so Saturday's scoreline in Dunedin might be reminiscent of their most recent win against these opponents, and an away victory by 21-30 points looks a good price to follow.
Tip 3: Brumbies vs Western Force (Saturday, 8:35am) - Brumbies to win by 1-12 points @ 21/10
Both the Brumbies and Western Force recorded narrow opening round victories, each scoring the final two tries to sneak home.
The Brumbies beat Fijian Drua 36-32, while the Force edged Moana Pasifika 45-44 and could be hard to split again when they clash in Canberra.
Saturday's host has won 16 of their last 17 Super Rugby clashes with the Western Australians, including both meetings in 2024.
Those results came by three and five points and more of the same is predicted and at a good price. Stephen Larkham's hosts are getting bodies back, while there is fresh excitement and enthusiasm around the Force, who underwent a makeover during the off-season.
Both showed grit to grab their victories last week but also lacked rhythm. However, the Brumbies look the better side and can win Saturday's Australian derby.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation