Super 12 final

[hoss]

The end of the season is here already! It's been nowhere near as successful as last season 70%+ run, however in common with last year everytime I've gone for a big play it's got beat + all the little plays have won :shrug:

Record so far 14/10 58.3% +3.6pts

For the final I'm having 4pts (may as well play it up!) on THE BLUES (-3) 10/11

I've had them clear top of my figures all season + although the Crusaders have been gaining fast, I think last week showed the Blues have maybe just lacking a bit of an incentive these past few weeks. The home advantage they'll have is worth more than the 3pts they have to concede on the handicap.

Everyone seems to think that bad weather will favour the Crusaders more, but I'll hope that it doesn't get too bad + that class will prevail.

Good luck to all

hoss

 

[ChuckyTheGoat]

hoss:

Blues are -2.5 at Grecian Formula, fyi.

GL

 

[crookycymru]

Auckland Blues vs Canterbury Crusaders

The Blues have undoubtedly been the best Super 12 team all season. They have taken every point bar six in the league, and considering there are bonus points on offer in every game, to drop only six points is quite staggering. Their offensive play has been exciting, and a joy to watch. Carlos Spencer must go into the summer as All Black number one fly half, after a great season directing affairs. They lost just one game against the Otago Highlanders.
The Crusaders meanwhile have been a bit patchy, but seem to be hitting form at the right time. Launched by a great victory against the odds in Canberra a few weeks ago, they easily disposed of the Hurricanes last week, and they will feel that the most important thing to come out of the season, is that despite their patchy form, they are into the final and are in with a huge chance.
Any team who can leave the likes of Andrew Mehrtens on the bench can safely say they have a world class team. They are pastmasters at winning in the latter half of the season, and I am taking them to do it again tomorrow. In the late nineties, the final was played by similar teams under the same circumstances. Nobody gave the Crusaders a chance, but they won to begin a long sequence of winning the Super 12.
Weather conditions already favour the Crusaders. The rain will stifle the Blues expansive game, which should play into the hands of the more positional Crusaders outfit. Up front, again I think the Crusaders have the edge.
Goal kicking will be crucial, every missed penalty will count. I am kind of expecting a low scoring affair, which again should favour the Canterbury Crusaders.

2 Points Crusaders (+5) at 4/5 with Bet Direct

1 Point Crusaders at 11/8 with Bet Direct

 

[crookycymru]

Auckland Blues 21-17 Canterbury Crusaders

Well both myself and Hoss go home happy.....I should have backed them both!!

That match was a great game of rugby. Anybody who has not watched a rugby match before, need not look elsewhere. Ball handling skills by every player was unbelievable, and apart from that drop just before half time, I think Carlos Spencer was man of the match. There were some big big performances.....for the Crusaders Justin Marshall, Richard McCaw were everywhere, while Keeven Maelamu for the Blues stood out. But that man Spencer, controlled the game for me. His kicking game was superb, he always had the Crusaders on the backfoot, and his goal kicking under pressure was just as good.
At half time, I feel the Crusaders had the edge. However, before the game I said that missed kicks would turn out to be crucial, and this was the case. Daniel Carter missed two penalites and a conversion in the first half, while Andrew Mehrtens hit the post with a long effort. As expected this was crucial, as Spencer failed with just one of his kicks.
Having said that, the best team in Super 12 won this season, so justice has been done.

It was a great end to a great Super 12 season. This is undoubtedly the best domestic tournament in world rugby, and although not a hugely profitable one from a betting point of view, every round has been thrilling to watch!!

YTD updated shortly!

 

[hoss]

Indeed - a nice result all round! I'd forgotten you'd played +5 so everyones a winner!

Blues were the dominant side for much of the game + how on earth they didn't score in the first 15 minutes I'll never know. However, Crooky is right that their kicking cost the Crusaders dear! Still nice to end the season on a high.

Season record 15/10 60% + 7.2pts

roll on next year.

hoss

 

[ageecee]

Need score on Paramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm..

 

[proline]

Eels 10
Storm 12