Waratahs vs Hurricanes
These two teams more than any other in the competition will want an improved showing as they finished bottom of their respective competitions. The Waratahs are going through a transitional phase having lost many of their star players while you could say the Hurricanes are also going through a similar phase. The Waratahs were winless in Super Rugby AU while the Hurricanes at least won two games in SR Aotearoa. The gulf between the NZ and Australian SR is clearly evident if you look at these teams. The Waratahs only have Jake Gordon who can be classed as an international while the Hurricanes have star quality with the like of captain Dane Cole and Jordie Barrett. The Hurricanes were very close in some of their defeats and only have themselves to blame for throwing away substantial leads in those games. The Waratahs on the other hand suffered record defeats to the Reds and Brumbies and although they showed improvement later in the competition they were still well beaten by the Rebels in their last match. The halfback combination of the Hurricanes was their problem area but in the last match Ruben Love showed some moments of brilliance and he will be the key to igniting their potent backline. The Hurricanes will again be banking on the outstanding form of Barrett to carry them to victory as he was the stand out player in every match although the rest of the team didn’t contribute when it was most required. Julian Savea is another danger man for the Hurricanes and if he can rediscover his form, then then the Waratahs will have a very tough evening.
TIP: This shortened version of Super Rugby makes it paramount to win your home games but I can’t see the Waratahs winning this match. The Hurricanes have great attack players like Salesi Rayasi and Barret who will be hungry to inflict a heavy defeat to a very young and inexperienced Waratahs team. The Hurricanes could not have asked for an easier away fixture and anything less than a bonus point victory will be seen as a failure. The Hurricanes have probably the most potent attacking hooker in world rugby, Asafo Aumua and when he comes off the replacement bench who can be sure that the Waratahs are going to feel his wrath. This guy is near unstoppable close to the tryline and especially against tiring defences. The bookies have the Hurricanes as heavy favourites and rightly so, the best odds on the Hurricanes victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.04, Playabets 1.02 and Sunbet 1.05
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Waratahs vs Hurricanes
- The Hurricanes have won the last three matches between these sides.
- In the last six matches between the sides there have been three wins apiece.
- The Waratahs have lost their last two home matches against the Hurricanes.
Latest results for both teams
The Hurricanes won their last match against the Highlanders 41-22 while the Waratahs lost their last game against the Rebels 36-25.
PREDICTION
This match could be seen a s a David vs Goliath contest although both teams were last in their respective competitions. The quality of players in the sides can’t be compared because the Hurricanes have All Black regulars in their team while the Waratahs have players that are new to this level of rugby. The star player in the Waratahs team is captain Jake Gordon and he will need to be at his very best to make sure that this match doesn’t end with a cricket score. The hunger of the Hurricanes will see them crush this Waratahs team by more than 30 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Waratahs
15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Alex Newsome, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 James Ramm, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon (captain), 8 Will Harris, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Max Douglas, 4 Hugh Sinclair, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 David Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Luke Campbell, 8 Devan Flanders, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Xavier Numia
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Hurricanes victory are:
Worldsportsbetting 1.04
Playabets 1.02
Sunbet 1.05
Odds comparison on a Hurricanes handicap victory
The complete odds on the Hurricanes handicap victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting (-23.5) 1.80
Sunbet (-23.5) 1.86
Playabets (-23.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The Waratahs have only themselves to blame for the predicament they find the team in as they did not invest in new players after the exodus of Wallaby internationals. They fired their coach but he can’t be blamed when the players at his disposal are not of Super Rugby quality. The Hurricanes have no such problems and have great players but they need to gel and play as a team but the most encouraging performance was that of Ruben Love and if he ignites their dangerous backline then this should be a landslide victory for the Hurricanes. Jordie Barrett will be keen to punish any mistakes from the home team with his monster boot but the Hurricanes should be looking for tries and not kicking penalties against this weak Waratahs team. There is no money for punters backing the Hurricanes on the win therefore I suggest the value bet on the Hurricanes handicap victory. The best odds on the Hurricanes handicap victory are: Worldsportsbetting (-23.5) 1.80, Sunbet (-23.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-23.5) 1.82
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
