Waratahs vs Chiefs
The Waratahs play host to the Chiefs in this Super Rugby encounter. The home team sit in ninth spot with 12 points, just a point behind playoff positions. The visitors are in fifth place with 23 points but have not looked the same dominant team from last season. Their record of three losses from eight games bear testimony to this. In their defence they have been ravaged by injuries to their exciting backline but the good news is that most players are back form their injuries. The Waratahs have had a roller coaster of season, beating the Crusaders twice but losing at home to the Rebels and Moana Pasifika.
TIP: The Waratahs have had their share of misfortune as they have lost three of their matches by three points or less. The Chiefs have selected a team that is close to their full-strength outfit and features Eroni Narawa who scored a hat trick on his return from injury. If the Waratahs are too spring a surprise, they will need to front up to the Chiefs pack the same way the Hurricanes did in the last match. The bookies have the Chiefs as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.18, Gbets 1.18 and Hollywoodbets 1.18
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Waratahs vs Chiefs
- The Chiefs have won the last seven matches against the Waratahs.
- The last time the Waratahs beat the Chiefs was in 2013.
Latest results for both teams
The Waratahs beat the Crusaders 43-40 in their last match while the Chiefs were beaten 36-23 by the Hurricanes in their last match.
PREDICTION
The key man for the Chiefs as usual will be Damian McKenzie and it’s no surprise that they lost the two matches that he missed. He has arguably the most dangerous backline in the competition with the likes of Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson and Etene Nanai-Seturo. The Waratahs kicking game needs to be accurate as all three players are brilliant at counter attacking rugby. The match will be decided by the forwards and this is an area that the Chiefs have the edge in. The loss of Angus Bell has exposed the Waratahs scrum and no doubt the Chiefs will be targeting this area. I am predicting a Chiefs win by more than 14 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Waratahs
Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Ned Hanigan, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
Chiefs
Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Pohipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Chiefs victory are as follows:
Betway 1.18
Gbets 1.18
Hollywoodbets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Chiefs handicap:
The complete odds on the Chiefs handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-14.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-14.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-14.5), Gbets 1.87 (-14.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
