Shaun Goosen previews Friday’s Super Rugby matches. We open things up in Dunedin where the Highlanders face off against the Rebels before the Waratahs and Lions go head to head at the Bankwest Stadium.
Friday 28 February
Highlanders v Rebels
08h05
Forsyth Barr Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Highlanders 2/11
Draw 30/1
Rebels 4/1
Handicap
Highlanders (-13.5) 9/10
Rebels (+13.5) 9/10
The Highlanders will desperately be looking to heap more hurt onto the Rebels when the two clash at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.
The men from Dunedin were soundly beaten by the Crusaders in Christchurch last week and are already playing catch up with the other Kiwi franchises having claimed just one win in three. Their first-round match at home ended in a disappointing loss to the Sharks, so the 2015 champions will be eager to give their home base something to cheer about.
The Rebels have been poor so far, with last week’s 24-36 defeat to the Sharks at home condemning them to a third loss already this campaign. A win here would do their confidence good but they may be up against it with Aaron Smith and co. set to bring the heat in their bid to get their season up and running.
Verdict: Highlanders by (-13.5) 9/10
The Landers should have no problems here.
Waratahs v Lions
10h15
Bankwest Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Waratahs 6/10
Draw 22/1
Lions 27/20
Handicap
Waratahs (-2.5) 9/10
Lions (+2.5) 9/10
The Lions will look to get their overseas tour underway with a positive result over the lowly Waratahs at the Bankwest Stadium on Friday.
The Tahs are rock-bottom of the overall standings after losing all three of their matches thus far. An opening loss to the Crusaders away was followed up by defeats to the Blues in Sydney and Rebels in Melbourne.
This week, they can ill-afford another loss. With the Chiefs visiting next week and an away date with the Brumbies to come, Friday’s encounter offers them their best shot at getting a W within the next few weeks.
The Lions, though, will be more than up for it. Their performances in the opening weeks have been mixed and, coming up against a Tahs side low on confidence, may offer up the chance to fine-tune some aspects of their game – not to mention set the tone for the rest of the tour.
Verdict: Waratahs (-2.5) 9/10
All things considered, the Tahs’ desperation should see them home at home.
