Many, many pundits predicted it and of course it has materialised – two New Zealand sides will contest the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final on Saturday evening.
The Blues were unlucky not to make the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final, but they have been the absolute standout in this competition and are fitting $1.33 favourites defeat the Highlanders ($3.20).
I’ve run the rule over both sides, and you can find my complete Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final Tips below.
Blues
They appeared to be in the box seat to make the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final alongside the Crusaders before slipping at the final hurdle, and the Blues will be eager to atone in the Trans-Tasman Final.
Having wiped the floor with the Rebels to the tune of 50-3, the Blues piled 48 points on the Waratahs in Week 2, but truly stamped themselves as the franchise to beat with a comfortable win over Super Rugby Australia finalists the Brumbies.
They followed that effort with a gutsy win over the Reds and completed their lead-up by beating the Force at home last week.
Given this match is scheduled to take place at Eden Park, their favouritism is understandable, but I’m not entirely convinced at the price.
Highlanders
The Highlanders have been the real surprise packets in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman tournament.
They were let down by injuries and inconsistency during the Aotearoa season, but the flew the blocks in this tournament with a thrashing win over the Reds.
That effort was franked with gritty wins over the Force and the Rebels, before they put 59 on the Waratahs at the beginning of the month.
Last week’s win over the Brumbies was the ideal lead-in to this contest, and they are a live chance of winning at a lovely price.
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final Betting
The Blues are fitting favourites to win the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final, and I believe they will have too much fire power for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders, while clearly too good for all the Australian sides, didn’t measure up to the Blues during their domestic season, and they are still dealing with a few key injuries.
I’m going to back the Blues to cover the line (6.5 points at publish), and I’m also going to back Mark Telea to score the first try, and Jona Nareki to score at any time.