Rugby Super 14 - 2009 Season - Round 4 Betting Preview

The Hurricanes defied the odds, The Force pulled off a miracle, and the Blues took advantage of a woeful Stormers side team to screw up not just mine, but most other people's picks I would imagine.

It's time to knuckle down and hopefully improve in my picks for Round 4.

(Odds shown below were at the time of writing and may fluctuate depending on the odds being laid at the exchange.)

Friday 6 March- Chiefs vs Force

The Chiefs did everything but win against the Sharks. They would have gone looking for the video ref in the stands after the Sharks game, having had two tries disallowed. At some stage though the Chiefs have to pull off a win and I think it will be this weekend. The Force impressed against the Brumbies and got outplayed in every facet of the game, except on the scoreboard. They won't get lucky again in Hamilton. Chiefs stutter to a 7+ victory.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Chiefs 1.57, Force 2.88

Waratahs vs Reds

This is "other" big local derby this weekend and it's a game that's always talked up but usually produces boring rugby. I have a feeling though that the Reds are going to try and outrun the Tahs with a wide game this time around, but that the Tahs will punish them for the type of mistakes they made against the Cheetahs. Tahs scrape home by less than seven.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Tahs1.34, Reds 3.8

Saturday 7 March - Hurricanes vs Cheetahs

Blowout! They want 15 teams in the competition. This game will remind us that there are already too many teams from SA.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Canes 1.09, Cheetahs 8.8

Blues vs Sharks

The bookies favor the Blues, who would have arrived in Auckland after a couple of bruising encounters in SA with a few niggles. The Sharks should have put the Chiefs away earlier in the game last weekend, but will take heart from a huge defensive effort. Auckland though has been a tough place for SA teams, so I go with the bookies. Blues nudge this one by a whisker in a thriller.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Blues 1.81, Sharks 2.26

Highlanders vs Crusaders

There really isn't much to say here. Crusaders will be smarting after their loss last week and will bounce back comfortably by more than 12.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Highlanders 2.82, Crusaders 1.53

Bulls vs Stormers

Match of the round, and should be played in a packed Loftus. The Bulls have played a surprisingly effective game so far this year and actually for once look dangerous in attack. The Stormers have been, well the Stormers. What's more, Rassie must be thinking that this is a good idea to celebrate Grandpa's day with Percy and AJ Venter starting. Add to that the slowest flyhalf in the comp and a flank on the wing and the Bulls look good. Bulls by 7 or more.

Match Odds at Betfair.com: Bulls 1.41, Stormers 3.6

Remember to always bet responsibly.

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