The first Super Rugby semi-final of 2016 is taking place in Wellington with the Hurricanes hosting the Chiefs in an all New Zealand affair. Here we briefly discuss match previews, betting odds and predictions.
Super Rugby Semi Final Betting Odds and Preview
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes crushed the Sharks 41-0 in their quarter final clash and have been on a winning streak by beating the New Zealand side in their last 3 derby matches; however their last encounter was a 27-28 loss to the Chiefs on 23 April 2016. The Hurricanes have a formidable backline lead by Beauden Barrett and the elusive Perenara. In the pack Ardie Savea and Dane Coles have been in sensational form this season. At the time of writing Dane Coles is a major injury concern and may miss the game with a rib injury.
Chiefs
The Chiefs also looked good in their quarter final clash against the Stormers, showcasing their attacking force running in 8 tries. The Chiefs will take confidence from their 1 point victory over the Canes in late April and have the ability to break sides open with their attacking back three.
Chiefs currently have bragging rights winning 4 of their last seven matches against the Hurricanes.
Predictions
The Hurricanes have been on a superb run and are playing impressive rugby. The Chiefs have just returned from South Africa and may be suffering from the travel. The game is going to be extremely tight with the Hurricanes edging the Chiefs by 3.
Betting Odds
Hurricanes to win – 6/10
Chiefs to win – 16/10
Please note betting odds quoted are correct at time of publication and are subject to change. View the latest super rugby betting odds
Team line ups
Hurricanes
15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles (captain)/Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Loni Uhila
Substitutes: 16 Ricky Riccitelli/Leni Apisai, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Vince Aso, 23 Julian Savea
Chiefs
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sam McNicol, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden (co-captain), 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Kane Hames
Substitutes: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 18 Mitchell Graham, 19 Lachlan Boshier, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Toni Pulu, 23 Shaun Stevenson
Match Details
Date : Saturday 30 July 2016
Venue : Westpac Stadium Wellington
Kick Off local: 18:00 local
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Ref 1:Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 2:Paul Williams
TMO :Ben Skeen
Super Rugby Fun Facts
Take a look at our useful Understanding Rugby Betting if you’re wanting to place a few bets on this year’s Super Rugby.
