With the regular Super Rugby season in its final round, we take a look at the best bets from three key games which take place on Saturday.
Highlanders v Rebels
Melbourne Rebels know they can wrap up their progression to the play-offs with victory over a much-changed Highlanders outfit this weekend. The Dunedin side have decided to rest the likes of Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, Ash Dixon and Rob Thompson, which will have given the Rebels extra belief they can deprive the Sharks and Brumbies of the final spot in the qualifiers. It could well happen.
The Rebels look the stronger side on paper and with so much more to play for the 74/17 odds with Sportpesa to win seems a decent bet while BetVictor has them at 8/1 to win this on the half-time/full-time. Alternatively the safety net of the 12 point handicap is superb at 10/11.
Waratahs v Brumbies
Over in Sydney a few hours after the above game the Waratahs and Brumbies face off in a derby that could see the former secure home comforts for a possible semi-final. Currently they are three points ahead of the chasing Lions, who play host to the Bulls in Johannesburg later on.
The ‘Tahs are heavy 9/20 favourites with Marathon Bet while the Brumbies, who have slim hopes of making the play-offs are 41/20 with UniBet. On the try market Taqele Naiyaravaro has been in great form and is 9/1 with Bet365 to cross first, as is Israel Folau. What also intrigues us is what happens if the Brumbies know their fate is sealed by the Rebels, which is why the ‘Tahs by 15 or more at 11/5 with Bet Stars is tempting.
Sharks v Jaguares
Last up on Saturday is the game in Durban where the Sharks will hope the Highlanders did them a favour earlier in the day to give them a chance of sneaking through. They are 1/2 with Betway to beat a much-changed Jaguares side, who are 5/2 with SpreadEx to claim the victory.
It’s hard to look past the Sharks here as the Jaguares have little to play for ahead of next week’s game so the half-time/full-time option at 15/13 with 10Bet is tempting. They won’t need to win by any kind of margin so the Sharks by 1-12 points at 2/1 with the likes of Coral and Ladbrokes looks a decent punt. However, should you fancy the Sharks to run away with things at Kings Park, 13 or more is 19/10 with Betway.