The entire Super Rugby Pacific competition descends on AAMI Park in Melbourne for Round 2 for the second edition of “Super Round”.
For a team like the Crusaders, Round 2 provides an opportunity to rebound from a shocking first up defeat when they take on the Highlanders.
Opening weekend standouts the Blues and Hurricanes will be out to prove that their respective big wins are a sign of things to come this season.
Six games, three days, one venue, we’ve got you covered with our previews for every Super Round game below!
Crusaders Vs Highlanders
Friday 3 March, 6:00pm, AAMI Park
Through 21 minutes, things were looking pretty good for the Crusaders as they lead the Chiefs 10-0 at home but it was all downhill over the final hour.
It’s not very often you will see the Crusaders give up 31 unanswered points, but they did just that as they went down by three converted tries.
On the plus side, there are few opponents that would offer a better bounce back opportunity than a Highlanders side that just gave up 60 points in Dunedin last week.
In the past the Crusaders have had their struggles with the boys from the south, but this is not a team that plays two bad games in a row.
Even with a line of two converted tries, the Crusaders should bounce back and cover this one, possibly by half time.
Back the Crusaders to Cover -14.5 @ $1.83
Rebels Vs Hurricanes
Friday 3 March, 8:10pm, AAMI Park
It’s a simple rule when an Australian team takes on an opponent from across the Tasman, back the New Zealanders to get the job done.
The Rebels looked alright out in Perth last week, only going down by seven in the last ten minutes, but the Hurricanes just looked so impressive against the Reds in Townsville.
While they did take a while to get going, once the Wellington based side did hit the accelerator, the Reds had no answer.
It should be a similar story here as the Rebels just don’t look like they will be able to match up.
Back the Hurricanes to Cover -15.5 @ $1.91
Moana Pasifika Vs Chiefs
Saturday 4 March, 5:05pm, AAMI Park
The Chiefs might have been surprise winners in Round 1, but there is no arguing with their heavy favouritism over Moana Pasifika in Saturday’s first game.
In both meetings last year, the Chiefs recorded resounding wins by 47 and 33 points and anything less than a repeat effort here would be a surprise.
Moana Pasifika showcased an ability to score points against the Drua but it’s tough to see them having that same level of success against a much better organised opponent here.
Don’t overcomplicate this one, just keep it simple.
Back the Chiefs to Cover -21.5 @ $1.91
Drua Vs Waratahs
Saturday 4 March, 7:35pm, AAMI Park
It’s not very often you will see a first up winner as a clear underdog against a team that fell short in Round 1, but that is exactly the case with the Drua and Waratahs.
Admittedly when you dig a bit deeper and realise that the Drua beat Moana Pasifika and the Tahs went down to the Brumbies, it does provide a bit more context.
Last season the Sydneysiders won both games by a combined margin of 54 points and they look like a much improved side on last season, in spite of losing Angus Bell through a foot injury.
They were far from perfect and have plenty to work on in the lead up to this next game but should be able to take care of business against the Fijians.
The line looks a few points too low and I’ll happily back the Waratahs to get the job done.
Back the Waratahs to Cover -7.5 @ $1.91
Blues Vs Brumbies
Sunday 5 March, 2:00pm, AAMI Park
Day Three of the Super Round kicks off with a proper battle between the Blues and Brumbies.
In Round 1, the Brumbies went against their stereotype and utilised their backline to great effect in their 31-25 win in Sydney.
Ryan Lonergan was heavily involved early on before being replaced by the team’s heavy hitters including Nic White and Noah Lolesio.
They will need to be firing on all cylinders once again with the Blues flying out of the gate in their 40 point victory.
Their eight tries came from five different players and it will be a big ask of the Brumbies defence to keep them in check for this game.
However with their attacking approach to the game, the Brumbies could find a way to keep pace, even if they fall short.
A double digit line looks like it might just be a bit high and it’s enough encouragement to back the Brumbies to find a way to stay competitive.
Back the Brumbies to Cover +10.5 @ $1.91
Force Vs Reds
Sunday 5 March, 4:30pm, AAMI Park
If this game was getting played in Perth and the market was priced the same, you would be very tempted to jump on the Force as underdogs based on their respective Round 1 showings.
Ill-discipline and injuries consigned the Reds to a big defeat in Townsville and with a mounting absentee list, they could be in for a long season.
The Force are still lacking talent in certain areas, however there is no questioning their commitment and ability to turn every game into a scrap to give themselves a chance.
Outright the Force do look like decent value, even though they are playing away from the west coast and we’ll give ourselves a margin for error by taking them at the line.
Back the Force to Cover +6.5 @ $1.83
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