Super Rugby round 18: match previews, TV details and tipping

Rebels v Chiefs

Sky Sports Action, 10.45am Friday

The Melbourne Rebels occupied the eighth and last playoff place at the end of round 17 and they are the narrowest of favourites in their final fixture against the Chiefs.

The Rebels rested some star names, notably half-backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper, for last week's trip to the Crusaders and were duly hammered 66-0.

That duo are back in the line-up but the Rebels have picked up just two wins in their last eight while the Chiefs gained a victory over the table-topping Crusaders before a bye last week.

The points line has been pitched high in anticipation of an end-of-season blowout, but with so much at stake this could be cagey, at least in the opening exchanges. Just one of six Super Rugby clashes between these two has featured more than 52 points.

Recommendation
Under 52.5 points
1pt 5-6 Sky Bet

Highlanders v Waratahs

Sky Sports Action, 8.35am Friday

Although neither of these sides is completely out of the playoff running it would take a lot of results to go their way if they were to make it into the final eight.

The Highlanders have one point more and are at home so their chances look better if still remote, and have been set a 20-point handicap.

The Waratahs' only victory outside Australia this season was against the Sunwolves in Tokyo in round two, and although they beat the Highlanders twice last season in the regular season and playoffs, both of those clashes were in Sydney.

The Highlanders have won just five matches all season, and apart from a 52-0 rout of the Sunwolves, those victories have come by three, five, 12 and five points.

They are without All Black Ben Smith but the Waratahs have rested five of their Wallabies including Michael Hooper, Kurtley Beale, and Bernard Foley, and this could be a chance for the Highlanders to sign off with a bit of a swagger.

Recommendation
Highlanders to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 3-1 Betfair

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