The Super Rugby Aotearoa competition reaches round six this weekend, with two matches in New Zealand continuing.
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Hurricanes v Blues
Saturday 18 July 09h05
Sky Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Hurricanes 12/10
Draw 18/1
Blues 7/10
The Hurricanes can rein in a hurting Blues outfit with a big win at the Sky Stadium on Saturday.
The Canes fell 20-30 at Eden Park in the first round. Ahead of this weekend’s return fixture, they will know a good performance could see them leapfrog the Blues into second place going into the second cycle of fixtures.
Jason Holland’s men did well to keep the Highlanders scoreless for the better part of 50-minutes during last week’s 17-11 home win but will lament the fact that they allowed the visitors to come so close in the end without further extending their handy lead.
The Blues, who last week were beaten by the Crusaders in Christchurch, will look to bounce back with a big showing and finally do away with their “pretender” status. It won’t be easy for the bruised side at the Cake Tin, but they have the personnel to get over the line again – even without the injured Hoskins Sotutu, who is expected to sit this one out.
Verdict: Blues win
If and how the Blues hit back this weekend will provide an even greater indication of just how serious they are at pushing the Saders for the No 1 spot in New Zealand. I reckon they should sneak it in Wellington.
Chiefs v Highlanders
Sunday 19 July 05h35
FMG Stadium Waikato
To Win (80 mins)
Chiefs 4/10
Draw 20/1
Highlanders 2/1
The Chiefs can earn a first win of the campaign with a good performance over the Highlanders at the FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday.
Despite losing their opening four fixtures, Warren Gatland’s side are too talented to maintain that lousy run. Playing at home this weekend and coming straight out of their bye, they would have used the break to do some soul searching and must surely be good to go here.
The Highlanders did well to grab a losing bonus-point in Wellington last week after going three tries down. It won’t be any easier for them on Sunday in Hamilton and they should expect an intense response from the side they bested by a single point in the first round.
Verdict: Chiefs win
Expect the Chiefs to come out the blocks firing and finally claim a first win in Aotearoa.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
