25 June 2020, by: Carl Lewis

Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 3 Preview and Predictions

Super Rugby Aotearoa moves swiftly to Round 3. TThe Blues host the Highlanders in the Round 3 of Super Rugby Aotearoa on Saturday at Eden Park. While the Crusaders are big favourites to beat the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash on Sunday. 

Below is our betting preview ahead of Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 3.

Bet: Super Rugby Aotearoa

Saturday 27 June

09:05 – Blues v Highlanders

The Blues (1.19) host the Highlanders (4.45) in the Round 3 of Super Rugby Aotearoa on Saturday at Eden Park. The hosts have started with two straight victories and at home look solid value in the handicap market.

The Blues were in great form before the Super Rugby season was stopped in March because of Covid-19. Their last three matches ended in victory – first, the Blues beat the in-form Stormers at Newlands 33-14 before beating the Hurricanes 24-15 in Wellington.

In their final game before the season ended the Blues smashed the Lions 43-10 in Auckland. That form has continued in Super Rugby Aotearoa with a 30-20 victory over the Hurricanes at home and a 24-12 win in Hamilton against the more fancied Chiefs. Leon Macdonald’s team are certainly becoming a force once again in Auckland.

The Highlanders Super Rugby season was far from ideal before it was halted. With only one win in five matches, Aaron Mauger’s side lost their last two matches before the break 28-22 to the Rebels and 38-13 to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

As Super Rugby Aotearoa got underway the Highlanders were widely expected to finish bottom. However, to the surprise of many, they beat the Chiefs with a last-minute drop goal to secure a 28-27 win in Round 1.

The Highlanders hold a 7-3 advantage over the Blues in their last 10 Super Rugby matches. The last time they met was in the 2019 Super Rugby where the Highlanders won 24-12 in Dunedin. However, you have to fancy the Blues, considering they are at home and they are on a five-match winning streak.

Prediction: Blues by win 9.

Best Bet: Highlanders +11.5 at 1.84

Bet: Super Rugby Aotearoa

Sunday 28 June 

05:35 – Crusaders v Chiefs

The Crusaders are big favourites to beat the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash on Sunday.

The Crusaders have been in incredible form this season with just one loss in their six Super Rugby matches. Their last two matches before the enforced break – they saw off a fiery challenge from the Reds 24-20 in Christchurch before crushing the Sunwolves 49-14 in Japan.

The Saders enjoyed a bye in the first week of Super Rugby Aotearoa and then beat the Hurricanes comprehensively 39-25 in Wellington last week. Showing signs of rust but also moments of their absolute brilliance.

The Chiefs had a decent start to the 2020 Super Rugby, including a home 25-15 win over the Crusaders in week two. Prior to the break they beat a hapless Waratahs side 51-14 in Sydney but then returned home and lost 27-24 against the Hurricanes.

On the resumption of the season in the form of Super Rugby Aotearoa the Chiefs heartbreakingly lost 28-27 to the Highlanders in Dunedin. Last week the Blues made them rue missed chances in Auckland as the Chiefs slumped to a 24-12 defeat. So their confidence must be affected.

Prediction: Crusaders to win 15

Best Bet: Crusaders – 12.5 at 1.84

Bet: Super Rugby Aotearoa