This weekends Super Rugby action see’s the Quarter finals all set. The Sharks showed their mettle to advance into the playoffs after a 82 minute try from Lukhanyo Am. The Bulls face a tough task away from home to the Hurricanes, and the Jaguares will have the home advantage against the Chiefs.
Jaguares vs Chiefs
Saturday 22 June 2019
00:05
To Win
Jaguares 13/20
Draw 25/1
Chiefs 12/10
Handicap
Jagaures (-3.5) 9/10
Chiefs (+3.5) 9/10
The Jaguares topped the South African conference after 11 wins from their 16 matches. That means they will have the home advantage against the Chiefs come Saturday.
The last time these two sides met in Argentina, the Chiefs won by a mere three points in a thrilling encounter. The Chiefs are a class act wherever they have to play, and although they are not favourites going into this game they are a good bet at 12/10 to win and shouldn’t be at all underestimated.
Verdict: Jaguares (-3.5) 9/10
With high stakes on the line I’m backing the Jaguares to sneak into the semis.
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Hurricanes vs Bulls
Saturday 22 June 2019
09:35
To Win
Hurricanes 2/11
Draw 30/1
Bulls 36/10
Handicap
Hurricanes (-13.5) 9/10
Bulls (+13.5) 9/10
The Hurricanes racked up the most tournament wins with 13 from their 16 matches. The formidable backline players of Ben Lam, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape have contributed to the teams 60 tries thus far in the tournament.
The Bulls are back from a convincing win against the Lions, but have secured only two wins in their last five matches, a run that included two draws.
Hurricanes (-13.5) 9/10
The Bulls will have to play the game of their lives to win in New Zealand but are more than capable given their quality in their squad. But a win here is highly unlikely for the South Africans away from home.
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Brumbies vs Sharks
Saturday 22 June 2019
12:05
To Win
Brumbies 4/10
Draw 25/1
Sharks 19/10
Handicap
Brumbies (-6.5) 9/10
Sharks (+6.5)
The Sharks will travel to Australia to face the Brumbies in Saturdays last quarter final match. The Sharks have yet to face the Brumbies in this campaign but when it comes to Australian opposition, they’ve only lost the Reds at home – back in Round 10. Their showing against the Waratahs in Round 11 is something to admire as the travelled to Australia and won 23 – 15.
The Brumbies, on the other hand, topped the Australian conference comfortably and have won eight of their last ten matches. The Brumbies have scored the second most amount of tries with 65 and their defence has been solid with 85 percent tackles won. Christian Lealiifano will be the play-maker to watch for the Brumbies after he recently announced his departure to go play in Japan – will be sure to make an impact in what could be his last match for the Australian side.
Verdict: Sharks 19/10
The Sharks are a good bet here against the Brumbies at 19/10 and I can see the Natalians winning here to advance to the semis.
