THE MONEY MAN will be betting on the Hurricanes to beat the Lions in Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final at Ellis Park.

I would love to predict the opposite – and I hope that I lose this bet – but I just can't see the Lions beating the Hurricanes.

Both teams are explosive and I see a high-scoring game as these teams only know one way to play. Kicking away possession will be suicidal for either team and I expect both to retain the ball and do what they do best.

The Hurricanes certainly hold the edge from last year and their form also makes them slight favourites, but for me not having Warren Whiteley available is a huge disadvantage for the Lions. He is immense in terms of leadership and ability, and will be sorely missed.

I am putting R1,000 on the Hurricanes to win by three or more. It pays R900. I am also putting R500 on the Hurricanes to beat the Lions by 10 or more, which returns R1,000.

I sincerely hope the Lions win, and I will be cheering against my bets, but I am confident the money I win will help ease the pain of a Lions loss.

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Meanwhile, almost arctic temperatures await the Crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.

I expect a low-scoring match, which the Crusaders should win with relative ease against the travel-weary Chiefs.

I am putting R500 on the hosts to win by nine or more points. It pays R450.

Photo: Martin Hunter/AFP Photo