Super Rugby Qualifying-Finals Preview & Tips - Which sides will move into the Super Rugby Semi-Finals?

We have the latest betting tips and predictions ahead of the qualifying-finals in Super Rugby this weekend. 

The Crusaders arrive for the first qualifying-final on the back of an incredibly tight 33-31 win over the Brumbies, with this enough to see the side finish second on the ladder. Three consecutive wins leading into the finals means the Crusaders are in good form, but they will have the demons of their 35-19 loss to the Chiefs in the back of their minds. With 11 wins in 14 outings this year, the Crusaders have been much better than they were last season, and they are the hot favourites to win this one and move into the next round after winning 13 of their last 14 against the Reds. 

The Reds were in decent form across the regular season, winning eight of their 14 matches and finishing 10 clear of Moana Pasifika in seventh. Their reward for their fifth placed finish is a clash with a side that has a real point to prove. Victory over the Crusaders last season snapped a long losing run against their opponents, but normal service was resumed this season as the Reds were crushed in a 43-19 loss. I cannot see anything other than a comfortable win for the home side this weekend as the Reds fall at the first hurdle. 

The Chiefs have been outstanding this year, finishing at the top of the ladder with 51 points from 11 wins. Three wins heading into the finals means the Chiefs are playing with confidence, while they hammered the Highlanders 41-24 on the road in their final regular season outing. This topped off a stunning run that saw the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 35-19 before crushing Moana Pasifika 85-7. No team will want to have to take on the Chiefs, and I predict that the home side will secure a third consecutive win over the Blues this weekend. 

The Blues are still in with a chance of defending their Super Rugby crown, but they have struggled to hit the same levels that saw them outlast all before them last year. Six wins have come alongside eight defeats, with the Blues just about finishing above Moana Pasifika in seventh. While they have won three of their last four, the Blues have been poor on the road, losing four of their last five. I foresee a tough game for the travelling outfit. 

The Brumbies came within a whisker of ending the regular season in second, only to see a stunning 33-31 loss to the Crusaders end in them finishing third. Despite this, the Brumbies will have every confidence taking on the Hurricanes. The Brumbies have won two of their last three against their opponents, while they have two wins in their last three at home. 

The Hurricanes ended the regular season on the back of a six-game unbeaten run that was extended with a powerful 64-12 win over Moana Pasifika. This run saw the 'Canes move up to fourth on the ladder. Despite their impressive unbeaten streak, the Hurricanes still ended their season 12 behind the Chiefs at the summit. The worry for the 'Canes will be over whether they can replicate their excellent form in a knockout match. Two defeats in their last three against the Brumbies shows the latter have had the better of their meetings, and I predict defeat on the road for the travelling side.