There are five-thrilling Round 3 Super Rugby matches taking place on Saturday the 3rd of March.
Rugby fans were treated to some spectacular action last weekend with the Kiwi and Aussie sides kicking off their campaigns in style. Some Australasian teams truly made a statement – the Rebels, Crusaders, and Waratahs all secured impressive victories. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes and Reds didn’t quite hit the mark.
On the South African front, the Lions made it two wins out of two, while the Bulls started the John Mitchell era with a bang, stunning the Hurricanes through a dazzling offload game that earned them a thrilling two-point win.
While Bulls and Lions supporters have plenty to smile about, the Stormers are keen to bounce back after narrowly missing an upset against the Waratahs in New South Wales. Robbie Fleck’s men face a mountain to climb this Saturday when they take on the mighty Crusaders in Christchurch.
Other key fixtures see the Bulls and Lions collide at Loftus Versfeld, and the Sharks returning from their bye week to host the Waratahs.
Sunwolves v Rebels
Prince Chichbu Memorial Stadium
06:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Sunwolves 21/20
Draw 25/1
Rebels 7/20
Handicap
Sunwolves (+7.5) 9/10
Rebels (-7.5) 9/10
The Sunwolves meet Australian opposition for the second week running as they welcome a confident Rebels side. The Rebels kicked off their 2018 campaign with a commanding 45-19 win over the Reds at AMI Park. Although the Reds played much of the match with just 14 men due to a controversial red card, the Rebels were clinical with ball in hand.
Despite not getting a win last weekend, the Sunwolves earned a losing bonus point in their 25-32 defeat to the Brumbies. They were their own worst enemy, with shaky defence and poor attacking execution – captain Yutaka Nagare’s own goal line pass a glaring example.
Verdict: Back the Rebels (-7.5) at 9/10. The only previous meeting in 2016 saw the Rebels dominate with a 35-9 win.
Crusaders v Stormers
AMI Stadium
08:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Crusaders 1/12
Draw 30/1
Stormers 11/2
Handicap
Crusaders (-19.5) 9/10
Stormers (+19.5) 9/10
The reigning champs, fresh off a sensational win over the Chiefs, face a Stormers team eager to rebound after slipping up against the Waratahs. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, aka Mr Bust-a-Move, was undoubtedly thrilled with his side’s stellar performance, which included a try-scoring bonus point versus a traditionally tough Chiefs team.
The Stormers, meanwhile, let victory slip away in the final minutes against the Waratahs. Their lapse showed a lack of maturity that the Crusaders will exploit mercilessly.
Verdict: The Crusaders (-19.5) at 9/10 look like a strong play. I’ll be placing my biggest bet of the weekend on them clearing this handicap.
Sharks v Waratahs
Kings Park Stadium
15:05
To Win (80 Mins)
Sharks 1/3
Draw 25/1
Waratahs 22/10
Handicap
Sharks (-8.5) 9/10
Waratahs (+8.5) 9/10
The Waratahs start their South African tour with a tough encounter against a well-rested Sharks side at Kings Park. The Sharks enjoyed a bye in Round 2, recovering from a bruising loss to the Lions in Round 1. Coach Robert du Preez can take positives, especially the impressive play of his son at fly-half.
Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau’s chemistry was a highlight against the Stormers, with potent attacking plays. If they spark like that again, an away win is on the cards.
Verdict: Take the Waratahs (+8.5) at 9/10. The match should be a spectacle early on but expect a tight finish with the Sharks likely to edge it close, making the plus handicap attractive.
Bulls v Lions
Loftus Versfeld
17:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Bulls 5/2
Draw 25/1
Lions 2/7
Handicap
Bulls (+8.5) 9/10
Lions (-8.5) 9/10
The trans-Jukskei derby promises fireworks as the Bulls, rejuvenated under John Mitchell, take on the Lions. The Bulls thrilled fans with their spectacular offloading game to down the Hurricanes by two points last week.
Swys de Bruin’s Lions also impressed with a comprehensive 47-27 win over the Jaguares. Their attacking flair and improved lineout make them formidable opponents.
Verdict: Take Bulls (+8.5) at 9/10. While the Lions have dominated recently, this weekend looks like the Bulls will swing the pendulum.
Jaguares v Hurricanes
Estadio Jose Amalfitani
23:30
To Win (80 Mins)
Jaguares 4/1
Draw 28/1
Hurricanes 1/6
Handicap
Jaguares (+13.5) 9/10
Hurricanes (-13.5) 9/10
The weekend finishes with the Jaguares and Hurricanes locking horns in Buenos Aires. The Jaguares struggled recently on tour in South Africa, picking up only two bonus points.
The Hurricanes, despite a narrow opening loss to the Bulls, have history on their side, having lost badly to the Brumbies in 2016 before winning the title.
Verdict: Back the Hurricanes (-13.5) at 9/10. Both teams endure heavy travel this week, but the Jaguares will likely tire late, allowing the Hurricanes to surge home strong.