Super Rugby tips: round one match betting previews

Jaguares v Lions

Sky Sports Action, 9.40pm Saturday

Last year's beaten finalists the Lions have lost all three meetings with Los Jaguares in Buenos Aires and didn’t win any matches outside South Africa last year.

But they have named a strong side, and this could be a good time to face the Jaguares, who were slow into their stride last season losing their first three matches - and five of their first seven. The hosts have three debutants in their line-up.

Recommendation
Lions to win by one to 12 points
1pt 21-10 Betfair

• Super Rugby season preview

Bulls v Stormers

Sky Sports Action, 3.15pm Saturday

There was nothing between these teams last year as both finished on 29 points with a moderate record of six wins and ten defeats, but the Bulls are strong favourites with home advantage in Pretoria.

The Stormers' 2018 victories all came in Cape Town and a physical Bulls unit look worth backing.

Recommendation
Bulls -3
2pts 10-11 general

Sunwolves v Sharks

Sky Sports Action, 10.55am Saturday

The Sunwolves finished bottom of the pile last year with just three wins while the Sharks made the last eight so a ten-point handicap may not go far enough in this opening-round clash in Singapore.

The Durban outfit have won all three meetings between the teams by a double-figure margin, scoring seven tries to three in a 50-22 victory last year.

Recommendation
Sharks -11
2pts 10-11 general

Waratahs v Hurricanes

Sky Sports Action, 8.45am Saturday

These teams didn't play each other last season but the Hurricanes were victorious in 2017 and 2016 meetings.

The Tahs rest Wallaby playmaker Kurtley Beale but have a new-look midfield in the shape of Karmichael Hunt and Adam Ashley-Cooper, and with the running strength of Israel Folau at full-back they have scoring power to at least keep this close.

Recommendation
Waratahs +7
1pt 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Blues v Crusaders

Sky Sports Action, 6.35am Saturday

The Crusaders have won the last eight meetings between these New Zealand rivals, going back to 2014, and are seven-point favourites in Auckland.

Despite resting their big international names for the opening weeks, the Blues still have ten All Blacks in their line-up and should have too much for a Blues side starting life under new coach Leon MacDonald.

Recommendation
Crusaders -7
1pt 10-11 general

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