Super Rugby NZ & AU | 2021-04-15

Our punter Neal Hoogwerf is back this weekend and has his eyes set on a full house. We preview every match from Super Rugby Aotearoa and AU.

Highlanders v Blues

Friday 16 April – 09:05

The Highlanders will be looking to erase last weekend’s result after they narrowly lost at home to the Chiefs in extra time. It’s tough to gauge what to expect from the home side on Saturday given their volatile performances. The Blues return from a week’s rest to restate their title hunt. It will be a battle of the packs on Friday night as the Blues will rely on the muscle up front to dominant the set-piece.

It’s time to oppose the Highlanders at home as the Blues head to Dunedin. The Highlanders have now only covered four of their last 18 fixtures at Forsyth Barr and there is little to indicate that this record will improve this weekend. While Leon MacDonald’s side haven’t hit their straps in recent performances, they have more than enough quality to see off the home side. The Blues have covered their last eight out of 10 fixtures on the road and I’ll be putting the chips on them to make it nine.

Chiefs v Crusaders

Saturday 17 April – 09:05

The Chiefs will be looking to extend their purple patch as they host the stuttering tournament leaders in Hamilton on Saturday. The Chiefs have reversed their 2020 misfortune of missing out on close games and have now recorded three straight victories by margins of six points or less. Despite boasting a record of 5-1 this season, the Crusaders have shown signs of vulnerability and will need to lift their performance against the in-form Chiefs.

The Chiefs have a good record as home underdogs having covered in 10 of the last 14 fixtures. The Crusaders will know that just a victory will assure them of hosting the final and will be focused on securing the victory rather than bonus points. You best believe that the cow-bells will be ringing in Waikato and I’m following the form guide here. Take the Chiefs to keep it close.

Western Force v Waratahs

Saturday 17 April – 11:45

The Force picked up their second victory of the season as they shocked the Melbourne Rebels away from home. They will be out to record their first victory at home since returning to Super Rugby as they welcome the improving Waratahs to Perth. The Waratahs have shaken off the sacking of coach Dave Penney as they produced their best performance in going down to the Brumbies by two points.

The return of Jake Gordon to the Waratahs side can’t be understated and they will be determined to record their first victory of the campaign. The Force have struggled against the spread at home this season having yet to cover the handicap. In a battle of the basement, I’ll be targeting a generous head start for the Waratahs and tip this fixture to be settled by less than a score.

Rebels v Brumbies

Sunday 18 April – 06:00

The Rebels head for their second consecutive fixture at AAMI Park looking to amend last Friday’s horror show. Coach Dave Wessels will without Reece Hodge and will be hoping that Matt Toomua will be able to steer the ship. The Brumbies are going through a mid-season stutter as they haven’t produced a commanding performance in four weeks.

The Rebels are a side that performs well as underdogs and relies on their defensive showing to strangle oppositions. The Brumbies have struggled against the spread this season, only covering in 2 fixtures. The Rebels have covered 9 of their last 13 against the Brumbies and I fancy another close encounter this weekend. Bet on the Rebels to make it difficult for the travelling Brumbies.