The Chiefs will be buoyed by the return of arguably the best lock in the game when Brodie Retallick returns for Friday’s clash with the Hurricanes in Hamilton, while the Reds host the Sunwolves in the final round of the regular season.
FMG Stadium Waikato
To Win (80 Mins)
Chiefs 27/20
Draw 22/1
Hurricanes 6/10
Handicap
Chiefs +4.5 (9/10)
Hurricanes -4.5 (9/10)
Chris Boyd’s Hurricanes may have all but wrapped up the second spot on the New Zealand Conference standings, but they visit a Chiefs side this weekend looking to bring them down a peg or two by equalling their 2018-win record.
Despite the Canes’ managing just one more victory (11) than the Chiefs this season, their superior points-difference means they are virtually assured of holding onto second place in the NZ Conference and fourth overall.
Adding to what is already sure to be a classic Kiwi derby is the fact that the two sides are likely to meet again next week in the second Semi-final Qualifier
The return of Retallick from the pectoral injury that sidelined him from the All Blacks’ recent series ‘blackwash’ over France is a huge coup for Colin Cooper’s men. The 27-year-old will be raring to go after having spent so long on the fringes and considering the form he showed prior to his setback, could spell trouble for the 2016 champions.
Verdict: Chiefs (+4.5) 9/10
With so little separating these two, I’m banking on the Chiefs to make the most of their home ground advantage and sneak a win by 10 or less.
Reds v Sunwolves
13 July 11h45
Suncorp Stadium
Reds 1/5
Draw 25/1
Sunwolves 36/10
Handicap
Reds (-12.5) 9/10
Sunwolves (+12.5) 9/10
Friday’s second clash between the Reds and Sunwolves in Brisbane will mark the final outing of the two sides this season.
The hosts currently languish in 13th overall with just five wins and 10-losses to their name. Despite their poor run, the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) appear keen to nail down coach Brad Thorn by offering the 2011 Rugby World Cup winner a 10-year contract at the franchise.
Whether or not this deal pays off remains to be seen but, back in the here and now, the Queenslanders will be hellbent on ending their season with a win over a Sunwolves side presiding over just three wins.
While they may have marginally improved in 2018, questions remain over the Japanese outfit’s continued presence in the competition. Last week in Sydney, they copped a 77-25 thumping from the Waratahs and will be hard-pressed to bounce back with a win this Friday.
Verdict: Reds (-12.5) 9/10
The Reds should secure victory to secure a sixth win and end off on a high.
