For all of the consternation over the Super Rugby Conference system, we have wound up with the best four teams of the season in the Semi Finals this weekend.
It will no doubt be a momentous occasion seeing the Jaguares hosting the first Semi Final in team history with a (slight) chance of hosting next weekend’s Grand Final if they win and the Crusaders get upset.
On Saturday afternoon it will be the two highest points totals in the competition facing off as the Crusaders look for another Super Rugby title and they face off against the Hurricanes who would love to steal the crown from them.
Check out our Super Rugby Semi Finals Tips right here.
These are two of the most in form sides in the competition and this should be a really interesting game, if you’re into forwards. Whichever pack can assert their dominance early will be the reason their team gets over the line here and you have to give the slight edge to the Jaguares for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s an easy line, but they do have the bulk of the Argentine test pack on hand while the Brumbies are down on back rowers. Secondly, and this really is important, they haven’t had to fly 16 or so hours to get to this game. Travel at this time of year is a huge factor and because of that, I have to give the edge to the Jaguares here and back them to win a tight one.
You really could make a case that this game is worth the billing of a Super Rugby Grand Final considering it features the two best sides over the course of the season. The Crusaders won both meetings during the season, but the Hurricanes actually won 12 games over the season compared to the Crusaders 11. It’s been a fairly simple strategy over the course of the season but even with a double digit line I have to continue to back the Crusaders to win and cover. They have had the wood over the Hurricanes lately including four straight covers so I think they will get the job done.