Super 14 - Week Three Preview

Week two of the Super 14 again saw some excellent games and interesting results. Favoured home teams like the Waratahs, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Stormers were all very lucky to get away with wins at home, but none of them managed to cover the all important spread. The two South African power houses of the Bulls and the Sharks were both impressive scoring home wins and look good top four chances.
The Hurricanes were pathetic against the Highlanders and were 7 points behind with under 10 minutes to play and somehow put on two late tries to steal the game. If they lost that game their season was basically over as you can't afford to lose your first two games at home in this competition. It sets up a very interesting clash this weekend with the Crusaders down in Christchurch. The Crusaders are also 1 from 2 and have been brave in their first two games if not impressive. The winner of this game will become the most favoured Kiwi team to make the finals but the loser will start to worry a little.
The Blues travel to the Stormers in what is also a must win for both teams. If the Blues can win this game then they appear nearly certain to make the finals. They have an incredible run of home games in the next two months after a very hard start to the season. They were a lot better than the score line suggested against the Bulls and this will be a great game.
The Aussie teams have had a good start to the year and the winner of the local derby between the Brumbies and the Force will certainly join the Waratahs as series contenders this year.
Sportsbet.com.au should be your betting home when it comes to rugby as they have all the bases covered and very competitive markets. Here are my line bets for week 3; Hurricanes, Waratahs, Chiefs, Brumbies, Bulls, Blues and the Reds.

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