THE MONEY MAN is putting his cash on the Sharks, Crusaders, Blues and Brumbies this weekend.
Bulls vs Sharks
With this game we have a form guide, which is all you can ask for as a punter. The Bulls lost badly to the Stormers and the Sharks surprised the Cape side at home. So on that form guide, I have to back the Sharks to record an outright win against the Bulls at Loftus and my R1,000 on this game pays out R1,800, plus my stake.
Sunwolves vs Rebels
I wouldn't touch this game, but for those of you who feel obligated, take the Rebels to beat the Sunwolves by six or more points.
Crusaders vs Kings
The Kings get a 35.5-point headstart by the handicappers. Considering they lost both home games by 30-plus points, this could well turn into a cricket score in favour of the Crusaders, despite the hosts making multiple changes to their lineup. This will be a positive for the Crusaders as it should help them keep the foot on the gas. This is my bet of the week and I expect the Crusaders to win by a 50-plus margin. I'm putting R2,000 down on this match, which pays R1,800, plus my stake.
Reds vs Blues
If it weren't for the Kings, the Reds would be the worst team in the competition. The Blues have looked much better than last year and I'll be offering a R1,000 bet on them to defeat the Reds by six or more points. It'll pay back R900 and the stake.
Lions vs Cheetahs
Whenever these two teams meet you can expect a high-scoring game. And it wouldn't surprise me if the combined tally at Ellis Park is 70 or more points. So, look to take advantage of any bookies who have mispriced their total points. The Lions have been installed as 10.5-point favourites and I think they'll cover this. I'll be looking at the total points market on World Sports Betting closer to kickoff. I won't be betting on the handicap, but if I had to, I believe the Lions will win by 11 or more points.
Stormers vs Brumbies
The Brumbies have emerged as early tournament favourites and it's hard to argue against their recent form. I thought the Stormers were woeful against the Sharks last weekend and for that reason alone I don't think they'll offer much against Stephen Larkham's men. I'll be betting R1,500 to win R1,200, plus my stake back, that the Brumbies will win outright.
Jaguares vs Chiefs
Now some of you will try to use this game to make up for losses earlier in the weekend, but I strongly advise you to treat it as a red-light special and avoid it at all costs. There are just too many unknowns. Will the Jaguares keep 15 players on the field for the entire match? Will the Chiefs' travel schedule be a factor? Will playing in Argentina be like playing at a fortress for the Jaguares? All these are legitimate questions and for that reason I have decided to rather be a keen spectator for this one. However, if you have to bet, take the Jaguares to win by three or more. I just feel that playing in Buenos Aires will turn out to be a fortress for the Jaguares.
Accumulator
R100 pays out R7,000, but all seven bet placings have to win in order for you to collect the payout
– 8/10 on the Sharks to defeat the Bulls at Loftus
– 8/10 on the Sunwolves to not lose by eight or more points against the Rebels
– 9/10 on the Crusaders to thump the Kings by 35 or more points in Christchurch
– 9/10 on the Blues to win by six or more against the Reds
– 8/10 on the Lions to beat the Cheetahs by 10 or more points
– 8/10 on an outright Brumbies win over the Stormers
– 9/10 on the Jaguares to beat the Chiefs by a maximum of three points
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
