Sunwolves still have fighting spirit to make Brumbies work

Highlanders v Hurricanes
Sky Sports Action, 8.35am Friday

The Highlanders have won five out of five at home but are five-point underdogs against the visiting Hurricanes, who are pushing the Crusaders for top spot with a game in hand.

The Canes were beaten by the Crusaders in Christchurch last week, ending a ten-match unbeaten run and they have won their last three against the Highlanders, so should be fired up to edge a high-quality contest.

Recommendation
Hurricanes to win by one to 12 points
1pt 2-1 Betfair

Blues v Rebels
Sky Sports Action, 6.15am Saturday

The Rebels have managed to halt their five-match losing streak with back-to-back successes over the Brumbies and Sunwolves.

They take on a Blues side who look hard to trust at just 4-11 as they go looking for a first win in Auckland this season. A nine-point start for the visitors looks generous.

Recommendation
Rebels +9
1pt 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes

Chiefs v Crusaders
Sky Sports Action, 8.35am Saturday

Leaders and defending champions the Crusaders came through a tough test against the Hurricanes last week with a 24-12 win and they now take on a Chiefs side they beat 45-23 at home in the opening round.

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has said last week's six-try success over the Waratahs has given real confidence to their attacking game and they should make a mark on the scoreboard, but the all-conquering Crusaders look to have just too much.

Recommendation
Crusaders to win by one to 12 points
1pt 9-5 Betway, Coral, Ladbrokes

Reds v Waratahs
Sky Sports Action, 10.45am Saturday

In the last month the Reds have beaten last year's finalists the Lions, lost to the hapless Sunwolves, and then been narrowly defeated by Kiwi outfits the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

They are seven-point underdogs against the Waratahs, who are just holding on to a playoff spot after winning just one of their last five.

The Tahs were beaten by the Chiefs last week but made by far the better start, scoring two tries in the first 15 minutes, and if they can come flying out of the traps again they may prove hard to rein in.

Recommendation
Waratahs-Waratahs double result
1pt Evs Betfred

Brumbies v Sunwolves
Sky Sports Action, 7.05am Sunday

Back-to-back home wins was as good as it got for the Sunwolves as they slipped to six tries to one defeat to the Rebels last week and the Japanese side are given a handicap start in the low 30s in Canberra.

The Brumbies are back on home soil after a double-header in South Africa and may be slow into their stride against a Sunwolves side who are becoming renowned for putting up strong early resistance.

Recommendation
Sunwolves +16 on first-half handicap
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports, Hills

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