Here are our picks for Week 2 of the Super Rugby finals.
Crusaders v Chiefs
Christchurch, Friday 10/6 @ 7.05pm
Both sides are very familiar with each other…and the visitors will not be intimidated
Best Bet
Both sides are at full strength so we turn to the stats to find us a winner here. And the stats are compelling. The Chiefs have lost once on the road this year and that was an unlucky 22-24 defeat at Eden Park. They knocked off the Crusaders at this venue and let’s not forget Waikato knocked off Canterbury here in the NPC in 2020. Crusaders are a very good side but won’t have it all their own way here.
Value Bet
The home side are a tad fallable at home these days and recent wins have been flattering. Notwithstanding all that, they are a tremendous team favoured by freezing local conditions. Only twice in the past 8 clashes at all venues between these sides has the margin been above 6. As alluded to above, I think the start is way too big but I’ll tip the Crusaders to win a ding-dong battle by the narrowest of margins.
Blues v Brumbies
Eden Park, Saturday 11/6 @ 7.05pm
Rinse and Repeat. The Blues will reaffirm their status as 2022’s best side with a hammering of the Brumbies.
Best Bet
There is little doubt the Blues will notch their 15th straight win in this one. RTS and Beaudie Barrett join forces with the scrumbase trio of Sotutu/Papalii/Ioane. Class will prevail in this mismatch.
Value Bet
The Brumbies took advantage of a sloppy Hurricanes team last week but know their fate here. They just won’t be able to compete with NZ’s best. I expect this margin to hit 20+.
