Super Rugby
Super Rugby Round 8 preview, line-ups, team news, tips
ESPN staff
April 13, 2016
© Stefan Postles/Getty Images
Friday, April 15
Crusaders v Jaguares, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Jaguares have scored only twice in the opening 20 minutes of matches this season, the joint fewest in Super Rugby, while the Crusaders have scored the most in the same period (7).
Line-ups
Crusaders: TBA
Jaguares: Joaquin Tuculet, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago G. Iglesias, Emiliano Boffelli, Juan Martin Hernandez, Gonzalo Bertranou; Facundo Isa, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Rodrigo Baez, Matias Alemanno, Guido Petti, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustin Creevy, Santiago Garcia Botta. Replacements: Facundo Bosch, Felipe Arregui, Enrique Pieretto, Juan Cruz Guillemain, Pablo Matera, Felipe Ezcurra, Joaquin Paz, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Team News
*
The Jaguares have been boosted by the arrival of several fresh faces after leaving some players at home for the opening portion of their tough four-week tour. The two key inclusions for their trip to Christchurch come in the form of skipper Agustin Creevy at hooker and the mercurial Juan Martin Hernandez at No.10.
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Crusaders: $1.17, Jaguares $5. The Crusaders have won five in a row while the Jaguares are on a five-match losing streak. The Argentines are bringing back rested players but are tipped to lose by more than 12 points.
© Gabriel Rossi/LatinContent/Getty Images
Rebels v Hurricanes, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Hurricanes have won their last three matches against the Rebels, their only loss coming in their first ever encounter with the Melbourne side.
Line-ups
Rebels: TBA
Hurricanes: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Vince Aso, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Mark Abbott, Tony Lambourn, Jamison Gibson-Park, Otere Black, Ngani Laumape.
Team News
*
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has opted for a new-look midfield this week with Vince Aso and Matt Proctor taking over Nagani Laumape and Willis Haloholo at No.12 and NO.13 respectively. There is also a start for Jason Woodward at fullback against his former side, with veteran Cory Jane reverting to his favoured right wing. Up front, Vaea Fifita will start at lock after Blade Thompson was ruled out with bruised knee.
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Rebels $2.50, Hurricanes $1.53. The Rebels have improved this season, and have attracted support here at $2.50. Their home form is a worry though, following a big loss to the Highlanders and a narrow win over the lowly Reds.
© Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Cheetahs v Sunwolves, Toyota Park, Bloemfontein
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Sunwolves have lost both of their matches away from home so far this campaign, conceding 79 points in the process.
Line-ups
Cheetahs: TBA
Sunwolves: TBA
Team News
*
*
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Cheetahs $1.11, Sunwolves $6.50. The Sunwolves have lost every game, and that trend is expected to continue here. The Cheetahs are coming off a bye and three losses, but their best form is good enough to win easily here.
Saturday April 16
Blues v Sharks, Eden Park, Auckland
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Sharks have won their last 10 matches against the Blues, though six of those 10 wins have been by seven points or less.
Line-ups
Blues: TBA
Sharks: TBA
Team News
*
*
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Blues $1.48, Sharks $2.65. Two of the most inconsistent sides in the comp, but the Sharks have a fabulous record over the Blues. The South Africans have won 10 in a row, including the last four in NZ. They look good value.
Waratahs v Brumbies, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Ket stat (Opta Stats)
The Waratahs have won four of their last five matches against the Brumbies, though the ACT side snapped that streak with a 32-15 win in their last encounter.
Line-ups
Waratahs: TBA
Brumbies: TBA
Team News
*
*
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Waratahs $2.25, Brumbies $1.65. A tricky one. The Brumbies were flying until belittled by the Chiefs, and they will be without the suspended David Pocock. This pair played in Canberra in Round 2 with the Brumbies winning 32-15, but it expect it to be a lot closer here: maybe even a Waratahs win?
Bulls v Reds, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Key stat (Opta Stats)
The Bulls have won seven and drawn one of their last nine matches at home in Super Rugby.
Line-ups
Bulls: TBA
Reds: TBA
Team News
*
*
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Bulls $1.35, Reds $3.20. The Bulls are unbeaten since Round 1 while the Reds got their first win last week. The last 10 matches between this pair have gone the way of the home side, and the last time the Reds won in Pretoria was way back in 2001.
Lions v Stormers, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Key stat (Opta Stats)
Eben Etzebeth has stolen nine lineouts so far this season, the most of any player and four more than next best Elliot Dixon (Highlanders).
Line-ups
Kings: TBA
Bulls: TBA
Team News
*
*
Greg Growden's verdict:
UBET verdict: Lions $1.73, Stormers $2.73. The Stormers have won 15 of the last 16 against the Lions, but the Joburg side have been the big improvers this season. The Stormers have the tightest defence in the comp, and with a "lowish" score predicted, this could go either way.
© ESPN staff
Super Rugby Round 8 preview, line-ups, team news, tips
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire