The Oracle, a self proclaimed Lions fan, is not letting emotion sway his opinion this week. He is trusting his punter’s instincts in calling a Lions defeat in Buenos Aires. Keo agrees and also agrees with the Oracle about most things Super Rugby, although Keo, unlike the Oracle, doesn’t really care about most things Pro 14. 

Super Rugby

Crusaders v Bulls – 08h35

Oracle: The Bookies have overestimated the Crusaders and again under estimated the Bulls. I cannot see the home team winning by more than 20. Call: Bulls +20.5 at 3 units

Keo: The Crusaders have Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty back. They will be hurting after two New Zealand derby defeats. I have them to win well in a high scoring game but would be surprised if the differential is more than 20, as the Bulls have shown they can score tries. Equally, they’ve shown they can concede more.

Rebels v Sharks – 10h45

Oracle: The Rebels got done last week, although I felt they had a great game, Waratahs were just better, this week they play a Sharks team that has not found 2^nd gear in 5 rounds, unfortunately for Sharks fans they will have to wait a little longer, it won’t happen this week either. Call: Rebels -5.5 at 2 units

Keo: The Rebels, at home, will win but it will be within seven points.

Sunwolves v Chiefs – 06h15

Oracle: This just seems to high. I cannot see the Chiefs beating this team in Tokyo by more than 15, let alone 24. Call: Sunwolves +24.5 at 2 units

Keo: Chiefs to win but not quite as easily as the bookies have it. I agree with Oracle, look to a differential closer to 15 than 24.

Hurricanes v Highlanders – 08h35

Oracle: I cannot see this Hurricanes team beating the Highlanders by more than 5, in fact I will be surprised if the Canes actually win the game. Call: Highlanders +5.5 at 3 units

Keo: I am equally surprised at the odds on this one. I have the Highlanders to win a one-score differential, despite being the away team. They are currently the form team in the competition. 

Stormers v Reds – 17h15

Oracle: When I saw this quote I had to clear my eyes, I could not believe the value here, it was an easy decision making this my BEST BET OF THE WEEKEND, The Reds are not the Blues, the Stormers showed us how bad the Lions really are and have discounted the fact that the Reds have come a long way since their round 2 smashing with the aid of the red card. Call: Reds +12.5 at 4 units

Keo: Reds had to travel from Buenos Aires to London to Cape Town. They’re a very different team to the Blues. Mentally tougher, more conservative in their approach and the Stormers will have to work a lot harder for this win. Home ground advantage influences me here. Stormers to win but again closer than the odds.

Jaguares v Lions – 23h40

Oracle: I am sorry but Swys de Bruin is 100% correct here, the Lions should not be favourites in Buenos Aires, I just cannot see this Lions team winning over there, they have failed in two previous attempts and nothing will be different come Saturday night!! Never mind the +8.5 about the Jaguares, I reckon they will win on the board: Call Jaguares on the board at 3/1 for 2 units

Keo: Some teams have a nemesis; the Jaguares are that team to the Lions. Hosts to win by 10. 

Pro 14

Dragons v Cheetahs – 21h35

Oracle: The bookies have it right as Cheetahs are favourites, I will be taking Cheetahs -3.5 at 3 units

Keo: Cheetahs to win by seven plus in what seems to an eternal season for those poor buggers who played an entire Super Rugby and Currie Cup campaign and are still going in a Pro 14 league system that just seems to have too many games.

Kings v Benetton – 15h00 SAT

Oracle: I think it is crazy that the bookies have named the Benetton team favourites in PE and will have a full Pro 14 go at Kings on the board for 3 units at 11/10. I will not be surprised if the Kings win this by 10 or more!!

Keo: The Kings have been awful. Benetton to win.

Other Games:

Oracle: I Like Edinburgh +2.5 at 2 units the best of the rest v Connacht, Glasgow -23.5 at 2 units v Zebre and Cardiff -3.5 at 1.5 units v Ulster.

With two small plays of 0.5 unit each on Scarlets +8.5 away at Munster and Ospreys +7.5 at home v Leinster.

Keo: I couldn’t care less, so you’ll have to trust the Oracle’s form guide.

The Oracle Link for this preview is: oraclerugby.com