Round 10 is a special round for Super Rugby Pacific. This is the ANZAC/Heritage Round and that means that all six games were to be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne from Friday through Sunday as a bumper rugby event. Unfortunately, Covid-19 is still a thing, and due to cases in the camp of the Western Force their game against Moana Pasifika is off.
Here is a look at the remaining matches.
Chiefs VS Waratahs – AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Waratahs blasted the Force 41-24 last weekend while the Chiefs outclassed Moana Pasifika 45-12 in Hamilton. The Chiefs are 15.5-point favorites and that seems like a big number and is pretty disrespectful to a ‘Tahs team that is one point better off on the overall log. Sure, they have played New Zealand teams which is a much harder slog, but the’Tahs will do more than enough to keep this close. Take them +15.5 and don’t be shocked if this one stays within a try.
Blues VS Fijian Drua – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Blues – Off the Board
- Drua – 12/1
- Draw – 36/1
Top of the table Blues has won seven of eight matches in this comp. Second-bottom Drua has lost seven of their eight contests in their inaugural Super Rugby season. The Blues are also on an emotional high having just removed a giant monkey off of their back. Their 27-23 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last time out was their first win away from home in that fixture in over a decade. The Drua are competitive in the loose, but when it comes to set pieces they struggle to compete. The line here is 29.5 and I think the Drua could sneak a cover as the Blues take a while to get going after their exploits one week ago.
Hurricanes VS Reds – AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Reds are third on the log with an impressive seven wins out of eight and are one point behind the Blues and Brumbies on 30 points. The Hurricanes have struggled against their New Zealand compatriots and have an even four wins and four defeats in 2022. The Canes have won 19 of 21 against Aussie sides, but they have lost two on the bounce and face a Reds team in fine form. Losing James O’Connor at 10 hurts the Reds and they will also be without Liam Wright and Jordan Petaia. I like the ‘Canes to cover based on who they are missing.
Highlanders VS Brumbies – AAMI Park, Melbourne
If an upset is coming then this is where it will be. The Highlanders have been excellent at losing games close in 2022 and have just one win and eight points on the season. The Brumbies have been outstanding, with seven wins and 31 points from their eight games. Somehow, the Highlanders are still the favorites, such has been the dominance of New Zealand rugby over the last decade. This line is in the wrong direction, however, and the Brumbies will win outright at 15/10.
Crusaders VS Rebels – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Crusaders – Off the Board
- Rebels – 11/1
- Draw – 36/1
This feels like a bad place for the Rebels to be. They lost in a very competitive game last week against the Reds (36-32) and they will be the only team this round playing on home soil. They (unfortunately) face an angry Crusaders team that will want to obliterate the -28.5 they are giving here. Look for the New Zealand side to win by more than that number with BetXchange.
