Super Rugby Round 4, Tips and Previews
Crusaders v Force
5.05pm June 4th
The Crusaders have rested backs Richie Mo’unga and Sevu Reece as well as All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock for this clash. Make no mistake though this is a hard game to get a gauge on.
The Crusaders sit third on the table even though they are undefeated so they really have to be hungry for tries and the bonus point to keep in contention for the Trans-Tasman final. So I expect them to attack the line hard.
The Force have been battling away for a while now and could be due for a dip in form. This could be it.
The Force will be trying to keep this game tight and low-scoring. The classy Jake Strachan has waited a long time to test his mettle in Super Rugby as a starter and it won’t get more torrid than at fullback in this one.
The Crusaders are a level above the Australian teams- as are most of the New Zealand teams- so I can’t see the Force getting close.
SUGGESTED BET:
Crusaders -31.5 @ $2.05
Queensland Reds v Blues
7.45pm June 4th
That 33-3 first half against the Chiefs last weekend was unbelievable stuff from the Reds. It showed just how dangerous the Australian champions could be if things go right.
The Reds were class all over the ground as they hit the scoreboard in terrific fashion in a masterclass on team attack.
The Reds beat the Blues 29-28 on their visit to Suncorp Stadium in 2019 which will give them some confidence here.
The Blues are ladder leaders and have potency everywhere, they have been all over their opponents when attacking and have been just about impossible to stop.
Red-haired Blues halfback Finlay Christie is a real sniper so the Reds have to make sure his influence is at the minor end of the scale. The Reds’ best is good enough to win this and I like them to get it done.
SUGGESTED BET:
Reds 1-12 @ $4.5
Highlanders v NSW Waratahs
5.05pm June 5th
The Highlanders are undefeated but fourth in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman and virtually no chance of making the final showing how important scoring is in this competition.
The Waratahs had some good moments against the Crusaders last weekend which will give them some confidence for the rest of the season. They are putting effort into their defence but the cracks in their system are still being exploited by opponents.
They’ve conceded 24 tries against New Zealand teams already this season. The Waratahs are conceding an average of 55 points per game against the Kiwis.
It’s fast, flowing and attack-heavy when playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium. There has to be serious worries about the score the undefeated Highlanders could put on here considering they need as many points as possible.
I have real fears this could get really ugly for the Tahs.
SUGGESTED BET:
Highlanders -26.5 @ $1.90
Brumbies v Hurricanes
7.45pm June 5th
The Brumbies copped the worst end of the Trans-Tasman draw with three games in NZ to open. They meet a Hurricanes’ side desperate for a bonus point win to push towards a berth in the final.
The Brumbies have made some changes. They have moved backs Nic White, Tom Wright and Irae Simone to the bench. Ryan Lonergan comes in to start at halfback instead of White.
The Hurricanes will call on All Blacks weapon Ardie Savea, who is a classic game-breaker.
It’s been six weeks since the Brumbies played at home so they will relish that and the chance to perform in the nation’s capital. They have battled away well on the road and should be right in this.
However, I just feel like the Hurricanes have too much to play for and will get over the line here.
