Hurricanes vs Waratahs Prediction: Tahs can run Canes close
The Waratahs have shown great signs of progress in the early stages of this 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, and they will have a good acid test on Friday morning (06:05, Sky Sports Action) when they take on the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium.
Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Hurricanes vs Waratahs prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Wellington.
Team News
Starting with the Hurricanes, Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax start in the front row, with Caleb Delany and Zach Gallagher in the engine room.
Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai start in the back row, with Cam Roigard and Riley Hohepa teaming up in the half-backs.
Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan start in the centres, while the hosts have a back three of Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai and Ruben Love.
As for the Waratahs, the visitors start with Angus Bell, Julian Heaven and Taniela Tupou in the front row, with locks Miles Amatosero and Ben Grant in behind.
Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble and Langi Gleeson form the back row, with Teddy Wilson and Lawson Creighton starting in the half-backs.
Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii start in the centres, with Archie Saunders, Darby Lancaster and Max Jorgensen in the back three.
The Hurricanes are the favourites on home soil to win at 2/9, implying an 81.8% probability, while the Waratahs are the 18/5 underdogs to cause an upset in Wellington.
A draw is available at 25/1, while the Hurricanes to win by 1-12 points inclusive is available at 11/5.
Waratahs +11 handicap @ 11/10
It’s been an excellent start to the season for Dan McKellar’s Waratahs, who have won four of their opening five games of the campaign.
The Tahs only managed two wins across the entirety of last season, and they are now battling with the likes of the Brumbies and the Reds to be considered the top Australian side in Super Rugby.
Losing all of their last seven games against the Hurricanes, this has not been a kind fixture for the Waratahs but they are a different animal this season.
The Canes are also a different beast this year and seem to be still adjusting to life after veteran stars TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett moved on to pastures new.
With the Hurricanes losing three of their opening five games of the season, the Waratahs with a +11 handicap get the nod here.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Under 57.5 total points @ 10/11
These games have been comprehensive wins for the Hurricanes in the past, but this should be a closer encounter on Friday morning.
With some rain expected in the Kiwi capital leading into the game, a slippery ball might help keep the scoreboard down, with more handling errors likely.
If the Tahs are to fall on the right side of the handicap, they will need to neutralise this Hurricanes’ attack, meaning under 57.5 total points in the game appeals.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights
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