SuperSport’s Phaka show host Kaunda Ntunja gives us his predictions for Round 17 of Super Rugby 2019! These are for matches taking place on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June 2019. View his picks below, and get your bets on with Hollywoodbets!
Highlanders vs Bulls
Friday 7th June, 09:35
Highlanders (-10.5)
Bulls (+10.5)
The Bulls have only ever won once in Dunedin and that was 12 years ago in 2007. If the Highlanders lose this one then they are knocked out of the tournament. If the Bulls lose then their match vs the Lions next week becomes a knockout match. Highlanders have beefed up their pack with the return of Liam Squire and the Bulls have flown Handre Pollard in from South Africa, such is the importance of this fixture. This will be an all out war and the Highlanders will most likely come out on top.
Phaka Prediction:
Highlanders to win by 7 points
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Reds vs Blues
Friday 7th June, 11:45
Reds (+1.5)
Blues (-1.5)
The Blues have not won a single match away from home this season but the Reds have been woeful to say the least. It’s probably fair to say that both teams are out of the competition so this means they will be playing with a lot of freedom and with nothing to lose. If this game does open up it will benefit the Blues much more than the Reds.
Phaka Prediction:
Blues to win by 5 points.
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Crusaders vs Rebels
Saturday 8th June, 09:35
Crusaders (-19.5)
Rebels (+19.5)
This is a terrible draw for the Rebels because they literally only need one win to secure a playoff spot for the first time in their history. Looks like that will have to be next week then.
Phaka Prediction:
Crusaders to win by 12 points.
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Waratahs vs Brumbies
Saturday 8th June, 11:45
Waratahs 1/1
Brumbies 8/10
Draw 25/1
If the Brumbies go past this hurdle then they will win the Australian Conference and secure a home playoff spot. The Waratahs on the other hand still have an outside chance of sneaking into the playoffs. Both teams might play conservatively and that will suit the Brumbies better.
Phaka Prediction:
Brumbies to win by 5 points.
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Lions vs Hurricanes
Saturday 8th June, 15:05
Lions (+3.5)
Hurricanes (-3.5)
The Hurricanes don’t have much to play for because their 4th spot on the overall log is secured while the Lions know that a loss here will mean that they will have to play a knockout match at Loftus next week. They will want to avoid that by all means and will therefore be the more desperate team. The Hurricanes have picked a strong 23 for this match meaning that their quality will still carry them through.
Phaka Prediction:
Hurricanes to win by 3 points.
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Stormers vs Sunwolves
Saturday 8th June, 17:15
Stormers (-24.5)
Sunwolves (+24.5)
The loss of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth through injuries means that the Stormers wont bash the Sunwolves to submission the way they’d love to. Based on this, the Sunwolves will not lose by a massive score.
Phaka Prediction:
Stormers to win by 10 points.
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Jaguares vs Sharks
Saturday 8th June, 21:40
Jaguares (-7.5)
Sharks (+7.5)
This one isn’t easy to call because the Sharks have turned their season around completely with the selection of Bosch at flyhalf. If the coach doesn’t sabotage himself by picking his son at 10 then this will be close. I feel however that the Jaguares at home will still be too strong.
Phaka Prediction:
Jaguares to win by 6 points.
