We preview this Friday’s Super Rugby matches as the Hurricanes host the Brumbies and the Rebels take on the Highlanders on the 1st of March.
Rebels vs Highlanders
10:45
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
To Win
Rebels 92/100
Draw 25/1
Highlanders 92/100
A burgeoning Rebels side looking to take control of the Australian conference host the undefeated Highlanders at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday.
The Melbournian’s enjoyed a bye week in round two and will be feeling fresh ahead of the weekend. Another win, to go with their 34-27 victory over the Brumbies, could potentially see them top their conference after the weekend.
Quade Cooper was in fine fettle in the first round, with his composure at crucial times helping to guide his team to an impressive win.
All signs are that the Rebels are on the up, with many predicting them to finish top of the pops Down Under come the season’s end. Certainly, their striking win in Canberra has only added to the hype, but they face a much tougher task in the form of the Highlanders.
The New Zealanders are two for two after seeing off the Chiefs and Reds in the opening two rounds and will be confident as they cross the Tasman this week.
The 2015 champions are a settled bunch and are yet to show any signs of slowing down. That said, the Rebels will be well up for the challenge and should take the W at home.
Verdict: Rebels by seven or more.
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Hurricanes vs Brumbies
08:35
Central Energy Trust Arena
To Win
Hurricanes 1/4
Draw 30/1
Brumbies 3/1
Handicap
Hurricanes (-11.5) 9/10
Brumbies (+11.5) 9/10
The Hurricanes have welcomed back a number of All Blacks ahead of their must-win clash against the Brumbies at the Central Energy Trust Arena on Friday.
Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara and Vaea Fifita will all start after sitting out their side’s 38-22 loss to the Crusaders last week. Jordie Barrett drops to the bench.
John Plumtree’s men sit third in the New Zealand conference after snatching a one-point away win against the Waratahs in round one to go with last week’s loss. They have to bounce back on Friday if they want to keep pace with the likes of the Saders and Highlanders.
The Brumbies, meanwhile, recorded a fantastic 54-17 win at home over the Chiefs last week after losing out to the Rebels in Canberra in the first round.
While they were found lacking at times during their season opener, their big win over the Chiefs goes to show just how much talent there is available to Dan McKellar, and this will stand them in good stead as they progress further in the competition.
The return of David Pocock will boost the visitors come Friday, but they may still find the going tough at the Central Energy Trust Arena. The Canes’ returning players should get the job done despite the Australian’s best efforts.
Verdict: Hurricanes by 10 or more
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
