THE MONEY MAN is tipping the Stormers to be ahead on the scoreboard at half-time and full-time of their match against the Bulls at Newlands.
The Blues and Highlanders kick off this year's Super Rugby tournament and 18 teams should make for an interesting season.
Remember last year and the disastrous start for many punters as the 4/7 favoured teams went down in flames? The bookies made a fortune and people were playing catch-up for the rest of the season.
I managed to turn R5,000 into R30,500 by being pragmatic and picking games I felt offered real value. I refer to these as 'bankers' and had a success rate of over 70% with them.
I will make picks for every game and my bankroll for this year is R25,000. So let's get started.
Blues vs Highlanders
The Blues have won 10 out of 12 games at home against the Highlanders. Unfortunately for them last year wasn't one of those games as they received a 44-7 drubbing. The Highlanders did the double over the Blues and at 8/10 they are my pick to win Friday's game too. I am putting R500 down to win R400, plus my stake.
Brumbies vs Hurricanes
Perfect rugby conditions await these teams in Canberra. Going on the fact that the Hurricanes have retained so many key players, I fancy them to pip the Brumbies. It's my banker for R1,000 because the 14/10 on offer is good value.
Cheetahs vs Jaguares
I reckon the Jaguares will defeat the Cheetahs by 10-plus points, based on the assumption that the Argentina national side would beat the Cheetahs. I won't be betting on this match, but keep an eye on the Money Man Facebook page for in-running bets.
Sunwolves vs Lions
I imagine the Lions will ease past the Sunwolves by at least 10 points, but I won't be betting on games involving the Japanese franchise until I've seen what they are capable of.
Crusaders vs Chiefs
I'd like the Crusaders to win by a minimum of three points against the Chiefs, but I will not be putting any money on this one either, because it's too close to call.
Waratahs vs Reds
While I expect the Waratahs to beat the Reds by seven or more, I will not bet on this encounter.
Rebels vs Force
I would like the Rebels to beat the Force, as outright it pays 6/5. And I'm paying R500 for them to cause a minor upset against the hosts in Perth.
Kings vs Sharks
The Sharks should see off the Kings' challenge comfortably and I'll be offering in-running advice on the Money Man Facebook page.
Stormers vs Bulls
The Stormers should beat a youthful Bulls side at Newlands in the last game of the opening round. I'll be putting down R500 even money for the Stormers to lead at half-time and full-time.
Accumulator
R100 pays out R8,316, but all nine bet placings have to win for you to collect.
– 20/15 on the Highlanders to beat the Blues
– 9/10 on the Hurricanes to not lose by five or more points against the Brumbies
– 11/20 on the Jaguares to win their first Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs
– 5/10 on the Lions to beat the Sunwolves by eight or more points in Tokyo
– 8/10 on the Crusaders to upset the Chiefs in Christchurch
– 1/5 on the Waratahs to win against the Reds
– 11/10 on the Rebels to beat the Force
– 1/5 on the Sharks to beat the Kings in Port Elizabeth
– Even money on the Stormers to be winning at half-time and full-time against the Bulls
Photo: Peter Heeger/Gallo Images
