Chiefs vs Brumbies Predictions: Brumbies can run Chiefs close

The Crusaders are waiting in the Super Rugby final for the winners of Saturday’s semi-final (08:05, live on Sky Sports Action), when Chiefs and Brumbies go head-to-head.

Read on for my Chiefs vs Brumbies predictions, as well as the latest odds and team news for Saturday’s clash in Waikato.

Having finished top of the table, there are plenty of rugby pundits expecting the Chiefs to go all the way and lift the trophy for the first time since 2013.

But they have lost the last two finals and there is that shadow hanging over them as they prepare to face a Brumbies side who have built on last season’s performance.

The Australians have finished third in back-to-back campaigns and, although they haven’t been crowned champions since 2001, this could be a big opportunity.

Chiefs look strong enough to get over the line, especially with home advantage, but a narrow defeat to Blues last week will cause some doubts amongst punters.

Chiefs vs Brumbies Odds

Chiefs are odds-on to claim a place in the final, with the New Zealanders available to back at 1/5 to win Saturday’s semi-final.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies can be backed at 4/1 to pull off an upset, while the draw in 80 minutes is 22/1.

Team News

Chiefs have been handed a double boost ahead of the semi-final, with key duo Quinn Tupaea and Luke Jacobson fit to return.

Both players missed the defeat to Blues and have been named in the starting XV, with forward Jacobson back to skipper the side.

The home side have also made a change at number eight, with Wallace Sititi replacing the injured Simon Parker.

Following their impressive win last week, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named an unchanged-23 man squad.

Noah Lolesio recovered from injury to face the Hurricanes and is fit to keep his place at fly-half, while Australian international Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side.

Brumbies +12 @ 21/20

The visitors have shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can at least make this a contest.

Brumbies lost by just two points to Crusaders in the last round of the regular season, before beating the Hurricanes 35-28 in the quarter-finals.

The performance of Wallabies ace Noah Lolesio could be crucial to the Aussies’ chances, with the former Toulon man kicking all five conversions in the last-eight.

They will also look to play on the nerves of the Chiefs, who suffered that surprise 19-20 lost to the Blues last weekend.

It looks like being an all-New Zealand final though, with the firepower of the hosts likely to see them bounce back and set up a thrilling final against the Crusaders.

Over 54.5 total points @ 21/20

These two teams met back in March and it was a high-scoring affair, with the Chiefs running out 49-34 victors, with no fewer than 12 tries scored.

The Kiwis have been racking up the points over the last few weeks, averaging 45 points per game in their last four matchups.

Brumbies, who have lost their last four games against the Chiefs, have scored 30+ points in four of their last five Super Rugby encounters.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights