Hurricanes vs Chiefs Prediction: Canes unbeaten streak to roll on

We have some Saturday morning Super Rugby for you as the Hurricanes entertain the Chiefs in a match set to be broadcast live in the UK on Saturday morning at 08:05 oin Sky Sports.

Our Rugby Union betting expert Alex Cox previews the encounter and gives us his Hurrucanes vs Chiefs prediction...

This Kiwi derby is most certainly the game of the round and will kick off at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday at 08:05 am UK time. The undefeated Hurricanes take on the outright favorites in the Chiefs in a mouth-watering clash.

The Hurricanes have arguably over performed vs their expected results after 7 rounds, but have shown they have an extremely strong, deep squad with star names across the park. Their pack has been dominant throughout and provided a platform for Cameron to ignite a back-line that has proved too good for all opposition so far.

The Chiefs will probably feel they should have a few more log points than the 23 they’ve amassed so far. Losses to Reds and Crusaders were both games they were not at their best.

On their day though, they have a combative pack that can overpower sides and one of the worlds best fly-half’s to command their backline. It may not be a coincidence though, that their two losses this season were on the road. For that reason, along with Hurricanes just having a bye week to rest, I think there is value on the home side to get the win.

Prediction:  Hurricanes win @ 20/21

Team News: 

Hurricanes

After a week to freshen up, Craig Laidlaw has named his strongest possible side for this contest. Numia, Aumua and Lomax will be looking to give the Canes an edge up front, with Delany and Walker-Leawere partnering up in the second-row.

The back-row has grunt and ball-carrying ability with Shields, Lakai and Iose combining. That leaves turnover-king Kirifi on the bench for the final quarter.

With Cam Roigard unfortunately sidelined, the Canes turn to seasoned pro TJ Perenara to start in the 9 jersey. Cameron will continue at fly-half and will look to continue his early season form that is starting to bring his name into All Black squad territory.

Barrett and Proctor will be in the midfield and Naholo, Moorby and Love will offer speed and firepower in the wide channels.

Chiefs

The Chiefs have also named a very strong side for their trip to Wellington. Although they haven’t had a bye week yet, they have been rotating players over the last 3 games. Ross, Taukei’aho, and O’Neill will be in the front-row, with Vaa’I and Ah Kuoi in the second-row. Finau, Jacobson and Sititi will be in the back-row, with the latter impressing in his debut vs Moana Pasikifa last week.

Ratima and the wizard McKenzie will be in the half-backs. The former has been fighting Roe for the 9 jersey all year and neither have claimed it yet. McKenzie is in fine form and is the MVP for the Chiefs – so I expect to see some pressure from Shields, Lakai and Barrett to keep him on his toes.

A slight reshuffle in the midfield with Lienart-Brown moving into 12 and Rona coming into 13. Nanai-Seturo, Narawa and Stevenson are in the backfield meaning Canes defenders will need to be careful with their kicking game throughout.

Bet reasoning

The recent H2H’s between these two are very one sided – with the Chiefs winning the last 5 games. However the depth that the Hurricanes have been building over the years is starting to turn into fruition.

It has meant they are able to make 14 changes and still 50 odd points on a Rebels side. Additionally, it has meant they are able to put names such as Morgan, Rayasi, Higgins and Sinkinson in their second team this weekend. Their home form has been exemplary and I’m backing them to edge a close encounter on Saturday.

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