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S15 odds preview - Week 12

Cape Town - Last weekend was business as usual for the conference leaders as the Chiefs, Brumbies and Bulls all got bonus point wins, the latter taking them to the summit of the South African Conference. However, the Bulls will have a tough encounter this weekend against the Waratahs to retain their top spot. The Stormers have a considerably easier game against the Cheetahs (without Johan Goosen), all in all it sets the battle up very nicely for the top spot and automatic qualification.

The New Zealand Conference is also a dog fight with the Crusaders and Chiefs slugging it out. Both sides are on a winning streak at the moment. The Chiefs have the much tougher game this weekend travelling to Brisbane on Sunday to face the rejuvenated Reds. This game should be the highlight of the weekend.

A closer look at Super Rugby, Week 12 action with Bet.co.za:

Friday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)


Blues v Lions (Auckland) – 09:35
Odds: Blues 1/4 Lions 33/10


The bottom of the log clash, and although it is not possible for these two sides to qualify for the playoffs, they have a lot to play for. The Blues coaching position was first advertised this week, so the incumbent Blues players will be eager to stand up and impress whoever the next coach might be. The Lions although still injury ridden, the players who have been given a chance will be playing to keep their place when the more ‘qualified’ players come back. The Lions were by no means disgraced last week; a very stable organized set piece had a big role to play for that. With the Blues at an all-time low and still stuck to the base of the table, the Lions might well get up here and achieve their first win in Auckland. Either way the Lions shouldn’t be thumped.
Sport24 multiple of the week: Lions to either lose by less than 11 points, win or draw.
Prediction: Blues win by 3


Waratahs v Bulls (Sydney) – 11:40
Odds: Waratahs 17/20 Bulls 1/1


This game is very important for both sides but for contrasting reasons! The Bulls would like to remain conference leaders, whereas the Waratahs know that if they lose one more game this season, they will not be able to qualify for the last six! The Bulls must have the edge given their superior records against the men from Sydney. Waratahs have not beaten the Bulls since 2004, which includes two Bulls wins in Sydney. The Bulls have been stuck with a few injuries but should have the required depth to bring them through this game, provided they can improve their defence! To leak five tries against a side such as the Rebels is less than respectable. This game is going to most probably be a very low scoring, boring at times game that the Bulls should just edge out!
Prediction: Bulls by 2

Saturday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)


Highlanders v Hurricanes (Dunedin) – 09:35
Odds: Highlanders 6/10 Hurricanes 14/10


The Highlanders return from their South African trip where they experienced a mixed set of results. They managed an incredible comeback win against the Cheetahs, only to relinquish a lead against the Sharks last weekend. The Hurricanes after a few losses in a row had a fairly convincing win against the Blues (who knows what that means). This should be a real tight affair and the previous results between these two support that! The last seven games have been decided by seven points or less. The Hurricanes backs will enjoy playing in perfect conditions under the roof of the Dunedin Stadium and this has every chance of being a high scoring game. The Highlanders forwards with talisman Adam Thompson and stalwart Andrew Hore, should dominate and set the platform for a tight Highlanders win at home.
Sport24 multiple of the week: Highlanders to win
Prediction: Highlanders by 5


Rebels v Crusaders (Melbourne) – 11:40
Odds: Rebels 5/1 Crusaders 4/25


The Rebels will again be heavy underdogs for this encounter as the Crusaders are fancied to put quite a few past them! This was the case last week where the Rebels almost conquered a highly favored Bulls side. They will take plenty of heart from that one, and will not shy away from a contest here! Unfortunately they have lost one of their stars from last week, Luke Jones. Coupled with all the other injured players that are still on the sidelines, the Rebels shouldn’t give the Crusaders too many problems. The Crusaders are too good to slip up against a sub-standard side at such a crucial stage in the competition.
Sport24 multiple of the week: Crusaders to be winning at half-time and full-time.
Prediction: Crusaders by 11


Sharks v Force (Durban) – 17:05
Odds: Sharks 2/10 Force 4/1


The Sharks escaped a playoff ending loss last weekend with thanks to Patrick Lambie! What a great performance from the youngster. That has certainly given Patrick Lambie supporters more ammunition for the Bok Flyhalf debate. The Sharks will be hoping that the game doesn’t go quite as close this weekend, and that wish will most probably be granted. The Force have suffered many drama’s on and off the field this year and are still firmly in the race for the wooden spoon! Although Pocock and Sharpe have played their hearts out this season, they simply do not have enough skill, pace and firepower in the backline. The Sharks should win this comfortably and will be eyeing out a bonus point!
The Sport24 multiple of the week: Sharks to be winning at half-time and full-time.
Prediction: Sharks by 13


Stormers v Cheetahs (Cape Town) – 19:10
Stormers 1/4 Cheetahs 33/10


The Stormers are welcomed back to Newlands after their long and very successful overseas trip and bye. With the Bulls at the summit of the South African table the Stormers will be desperate to get a bonus point here. That however, is a luxury in any local derby and the win should first be achieved against a very hungry Cheetahs side that have the added bonus of being big underdogs and have nothing to lose. Should Johan Goosen have been fit for this encounter it would have been a lot closer. The Cheetahs are missing him dearly as last week showed and should not be able to compete with the physical and hungry Stormers. Stormers should win this one comfortably!
Sport24 multiple of the week: Stormers to be winning at half-time and full-time.
Prediction: Stormers by 12


Sunday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)


Reds v Chiefs (Brisbane) – 08:10
Reds 11/10 Chiefs 8/10


This is undoubtedly the clash of the weekend. Keeping the best for last comes to mind! The Reds were exceptional last weekend against the Crusaders and were unlucky not to win. The Chiefs were scrappy against the Lions, perhaps over complacency was the reason for that! They will have no such feelings this weekend against the Reds who look to be returning to their best, and are always difficult to conquer at Suncorp Stadium. This game will most probably be up and down non-stop action with the lead exchanging many times. This is incredibly hard to call but one has to go with the home team who will be looking to climb up the Australian conference as soon as possible!
Sport24 multiple of the week: Reds to win
Prediction: Reds by 4


Bye: Brumbies

Multiple of the week:

- Lions to lose to the Blues by less than 11 points (or win/draw)
- Highlanders to beat the Hurricanes
- Crusaders to be winning at half-time and full-time
- Sharks to be winning at half-time and full-time
- Stormers to be winning at half-time and full-time
- Reds to beat the Chiefs

Odds: 12/1

If you place:

R50 you will win R600   
R100 you will win R1 200
R200 you will win R2 400
R500 you will win R6 000

Visit www.bet.co.za for updated odds ahead of the weekend.
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