Super Rugby Best Bets - Qualifying finals
- Best bets for the Qualifying finals of the Super Rugby season
- Hurricanes, Crusaders and Chiefs all aiming for semi-final berths
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Chiefs and Crusaders will be involved in the Qualifying finals (Getty Images)
Hurricanes vs Brumbies
The Hurricanes finished at the top of the Super Rugby ladder after securing 11 wins from their 14 matches. However, they were not sent into the playoffs on the back of a win as their five-match winning run was brought to a grinding halt in a 47-14 loss to an inspired Crusaders. While the 'Canes have been the top side this season, they have to show what they are made of this week as they look to bounce back from defeat at the first time of asking.
The Brumbies finished the regular season in sixth after a stop-start campaign in which they won seven of their 14 matches while losing the other seven. With 34 points collected, the Brumbies finished 21 points behind the leaders in a real show of the difference in quality between the pair.
At home, the 'Canes have been perfect this season, winning all seven outings. On the road, the Brumbies have been less prolific, winning four of their seven and losing three times. One of those defeats came in a chastening 45-12 loss to the 'Canes back on April 25, and I back this to be a sign of things to come as the home side storm to a statement win.
Crusaders vs Blues
The Crusaders were in real danger of missing out on a home Qualifying final, but their late run that saw them win four of their last five including a 47-14 humbling of the 'Canes on the final day saw them take advantage of the Blues losing to the Chiefs as they moved into third. With eight wins in 14, the Crusaders were the best of the rest, but they were a long way short of the Hurricanes and Chiefs in first and second respectively.
The Blues know they are right up against it this week as they travel to take on the Crusaders. Their last away game to face one of the top sides may have seen them score 34 points against the Chiefs, but they conceded 59 points in a big loss. This was their third consecutive defeat, while they have conceded 36 points or more in each of those defeats.
On the road, the Blues have lost three of their last four, while the Crusaders have won their last six on their own patch. They have also won their last six home games against their opponents in a dominant run that I believe will be extended this week.
Chiefs vs Reds
Following on from their 36-32 loss to the Crusaders in their penultimate regular season game, the Chiefs knew they needed to put in a major performance against the Blues. While they did concede 34 points in the match, they were able to storm to a 59-34 win that put their ability to pick the opposition apart on full show. This was their 11th win of the season and saw them enter the playoffs on the back of a triumph rather than successive defeats.
Meanwhile, the Reds ended the season in fifth after winning eight of their 14 matches. While their tally of wins matched that of the Crusaders and Blues, their points difference of -22 will be a concern as their attack has often been unable to make up for the number of points they have conceded. While the regular season means little on the pitch during a knockout game, if they start to concede penalties and territory, then their poor defensive record will likely come into play.
When travelling to face the Chiefs, the Reds have been poor. They have lost five of their last six, and I predict they will have to stomach a frustrating loss at the hands of a superior opponent.
Verdict
I am backing the Hurricanes to cover the handicap as the Crusaders and Chiefs cruise to statement wins.
Hurricanes -16.5
Hurricanes vs Brumbies Handicap Bet
@10/11 - 1 Unit
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Crusaders 13+
Crusaders vs Blues Winning Margin
@6/5 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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Chiefs 13+
Chiefs vs Reds Winning Margin
@4/5 - 1 Unit
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Super Rugby Qualifying finals
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