THE MONEY MAN is putting R1,000 on the Waratahs to not lose by nine or more points to the Crusaders in Sydney on Saturday.
Blues vs Force
The Blues, who've won two games and lost three, take on the Force, who've won one of four matches, and the bookies are expecting the Auckland-based side to win by 20. I think this handicap is too high. Although the Force aren't the best team in the competition, they certainly aren't the worst. I'll take the Force by +19.5 over an inconsistent and often error-strewn Blues side anytime. I've put down R500 on the Force to not lose by 20 or more points. The bet pays out R450 and my stake back.
Chiefs vs Blues
An undefeated Chiefs side take on one of the worst Bulls teams I've ever seen. Ryan Vrede was spot on in his week his analysis of flyhalf Handré Pollard and coach Nollis Marais. The bookies have the Chiefs to win by 20 or more, and based on what I've seen so far this year, there's little evidence that their prediction is wrong. The Bulls will suffer a double-digit defeat, but I'm not betting on this contest.
SUPERBRU: SA Rugby magazine team's picks
Reds vs Hurricanes
There's no doubt the Hurricanes are the better side, but -16.5 is a dangerous handicap to overcome on the road. Teams tend to lower their efforts when playing against a side like the Reds, and this presents a tricky betting proposition. My gut feeling (which is rarely wrong) is that -16.5 will be too much for the Hurricanes to overcome. I'm placing a R500 bet on the Reds to not lose by 17 or more. It pays R450 and my stake.
Stormers vs Cheetahs
The bookies are predicting a Stormers win by 10.5 or more points. This is spot on. I advise everyone to stay away from betting on this contest. Although for all you Superbru players, I do believe it will be a closer match than anticipated.
PREVIEW: Super Rugby (Round 6, Part 1)
Lions vs Sharks
By the beginning of the week, the Lions were favoured to win by 5.5 points. As of Friday, that number moved out to 9.5 points. Obviously lots of money has been pouring in on a Lions win and I don't believe it offers any more value. Yes, the Lions should win, but this one may be closer than a lot of people think. For those who like my Facebook page, I will be offering live in-running betting tips during the match.
Waratahs vs Crusaders
This match offers the trickiest bet of the weekend. It is a huge potential banana peel for the Crusaders and here's why. It'll be their sixth game in a row and they've not had the benefit of resting any players. Sydney is never an easy place to go and play and the Waratahs need a win way more than the Crusaders do. I actually have the Waratahs winning this game on Superbru. The Crusaders struggled against the Reds, winning by only two points in Brisbane, and a repeat of such a performance will result in a Waratahs victory. I'm putting R1,000 down that the Waratahs will not lose by nine or more points. This wager pays out R900 plus my stake.
PREVIEW: Super Rugby (Round 6, Part 2)
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
