The first season of Super Rugby Pacific is here and the BetDeluxe crew is all hands on deck with everything you need to know about this weekend’s best bets.
The NSW Waratahs get the competition underway against Fijian Drua.
NSW Waratahs vs. Fijian Drua
february 18th 7:45pm
The NSW Waratahs host Fijian Drua at Commbank Stadium for the inaugural season-opener in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
As far pre-season form goes, the Waratahs could not have had a better run having gone undefeated.
But this could very well be a danger game for the Waratahs with Fijian Drua winning its only practice game against the Melbourne Rebels in impressive fashion.
Fijian Drua really is an unknown commodity this side of the Pacific, but one thing that is certain is its ability to hit the scoreboard from any part of the pitch.
The Waratahs should be able to get the job done, but this will be closer than people think.
Suggested Bet: Halftime/Fulltime double – NSW Waratahs/NSW Waratahs at $1.42
chiefs vs. highlanders
19th february 2:35pm
It will be the Chiefs versus the Highlanders to get the New Zealand side of Super Pacific Rugby started when the pair go head to head at Wakatipu Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon.
One of the interesting battles in this game will be Josh Ioane starting at number No. 10 against his former club.
It will definitely add some spice to this contest.
The Chiefs are expected to land the first blow despite being without Damien McKenzie.
The returns of All Blacks forwards Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick is going to ensure the home team had the advantage in this one.
Suggested Bet: Chiefs head to head at $1.42
crusaders vs. hurricanes
19th february 5:05pm
Forsyth Barr Stadium opens its door when the Crusaders come to blows with the Hurricanes on Saturday evening.
The Crusaders have been the benchmark of Super Rugby for last few years and nothing has changed coming into this newly-found competition.
Richie Mo’unga and Codie Taylor will both miss the season-opener and, while their presence will be sorely missed, the Crusaders still have more than enough class and depth to be considered strong favourites.
The signing of Pablo Matera will have Crusaders fans licking their lips for what is to come in 2022 and he is set to make his debut as the number six.
Should be a comfortable winning start for the home team.
Suggested Bet: Crusaders head to head at $1.34
queensland reds. vs melbourne rebels
19th february 7:45pm
The Queensland Reds host the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium as both teams begin their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific campaigns.
It has been whirlwind of a pre-season for the Reds with COVID interrupting their preparations, but they are certain to field full-strength squad come Saturday night.
Melbourne is not expected to make many inroads in this competition this year and with a few injury concerns coming into round one, it shapes as a game the Reds can take control of.
The Rebels do have some exciting youth to keep tabs on such as Carter Gordon, but it will not enough to deal with Queensland.
Suggested Bet: Halftime/Fulltime – Queensland Reds/Queensland Reds at $1.40
act brumbies vs. western force
20th february 2:00pm
The first week of Super Rugby Pacific concludes when GIO Stadium plays host to the ACT Brumbies and Western Force on Sunday afternoon.
There is real sense of optimism around the Brumbies camp heading into this new tournament with a very strong squad named for the first game.
Injuries have beset the Brumbies form in recent times, but with a host of Wallabies set to line up on Sunday, it is going to take an almighty effort from the Western Force to keep up with them.
The Western Force have made some key signings to strengthen up its list coming into the start of the season.
Izack Rodda, Manasa Mataele and Bayley Kuenzle are the new blood for the Western Force, but it will be the talent of Reesjan Pasitoa who could cause a few headaches for the Brumbies defence.
Expecting the Force to stick around for the first half of this contest, but the depth and talent off the bench for the home team should be able to wear down the visitors.
Suggested Bet: Halftime/Fulltime – ACT Brumbies/ACT Brumbies at $1.42
