The Super Rugby seasons has reached its climax as the Lions take on the Hurricanes in the Final on Saturday. Here we briefly discuss the teams, betting odds and predictions.
Super Rugby Final Betting Preview: Hurricanes versus Lions
Lions
The Lions are full of confidence after comfortably beating the Crusaders in the quarter final and then demolishing the Highlanders in the semi-final at Ellis Park. The Lions ran in 5 tries in their victory with Elton Jantjies putting up an absolute masterclass in fly half play. With Jantjies running the backline and the fast distribution of Faf de Klerk the Lions pose a real threat on attack through the likes of Mapoe, Combrink and the powerful Rohan Janse van Rensburg .
Inspirational captain Warren Whitely is back for the final and will lead from the front with a high work rate followed by in form Jaco Kriel and Franco Mostert.
The Lions lost 17-50 to the Hurricanes at Ellis Park earlier in the competition, but have since grown from strength to strength and will feel confident heading into the Final.
The Lions have been the top attacking side in the competition this year, averaging more points, tries, defenders beaten and metres per game of any team.
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes finished top of the combined standings and have secured home advantage after beating the Chiefs convincingly (25-9) in the semi-finals. Last year’s runners up will be looking to make amends to their loss at home to the Highlanders in last year’s Final. The Hurricanes are on a 7 match winning streak and will take confidence from their victory over the Lions in Round 10 of the competition.
The Hurricanes have only lost one game at home this season which was to the Chiefs in round 9 and have demonstrated tremendous attacking power via their backline lead by Beauden Barrent.
Prediction
The final is shaping up to be a mouth-watering contest as both sides play entertaining, fast paced rugby. The key clashes will be between the two sets of loose forwards and the half back combinations.
Weather conditions in Wellington are forecast to be cold, wet and windy.
The Lions will take confidence in winning in New Zealand earlier in the competition (against the Chiefs) and the fact they have managed to beat two New Zealand sides on the way to booking their final spot. The travel factor should also not play a major part as their starting 15 are well rested having missed out on the trip to Argentina.
The Hurricanes have beaten the Lions on the last six occasions and are in tremendous form. This form together with the home ground advantage should take them over the line and claim their first Super Rugby title. Hurricanes by 5 points.
Betting Odds
Lions to win – 2/1
Highlanders to win – 4/10
Please note betting odds quoted are correct at time of publication and are subject to change. View the latest super rugby betting odds
Last 6 Results
30 Apr 2016 Lions v Hurricanes 17-50 Johannesburg
13 Feb 2015 Lions v Hurricanes 8-22 Johannesburg
02 Mar 2012 Lions v Hurricanes 28-30 Johannesburg
04 Jun 2011 Lions v Hurricanes 27-38 Wellington
27 Feb 2010 Lions v Hurricanes 18-33 Wellington
28 Mar 2009 Lions v Hurricanes 32-38 Johannesburg
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/Reggie Goodes, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins/Tony Lambourn, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Vince Aso, 23 Julian Savea
Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5, Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylon Smith
Substitutes: 16 Armand ‘Akker’ van der Merwe, 17 Corner Fourie, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Jaco van der Walt
Match Details
Date : Saturday 6 August 2016
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35 local
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2:Ben O’Keeffe
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.
