The Crusaders appear to remain New Zealand’s premier side after their return in the second round to Super Rugby Aotearoa, however the Blues’ good form, the history of brilliance behind the Chiefs and then the upset of the Highlanders over the Chiefs in Round 1 make for some tough betting when it comes to results. With this in mind, MoneyBoy selects some alternative markets worth looking at.
The Drop Goal
Drop goals, after not having one successful attempt from New Zealand sides in 2018 or 2019, have come roaring back in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Round 1 saw Damian McKenzie and Bryn Gatland exchange drop goals for their respective sides, with the latter landing the match winning points through his attempt. Fast forward a week and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop kept his side’s hopes alive for a while against the Crusaders with a drop goal, while Beauden Barrett added to the Blues’ points haul over the Chiefs with his own drop kick.
SA Rugby Magazine has speculated that the return may be in response to the “golden point” law that sees any draw go to extra time, where the match would be determined by the first side to score in any way in the added minutes. WSB currently offers a 16/10 and 18/10 return on the likelihood of a drop goal during the Crusaders v Chiefs and Blues v Highlanders games respectively. With all four sides having players more than capable of slotting drop kicks, it’s not a bad bet to look into. And it is one that is worth placing in-play if you follow the pace and atmosphere of the game.
Individual Points
Looking to total points for the following players would be a good shout. Damian McKenzie, playing at fullback, leads the points scoring for the tournament at 29 points after two rounds. Blues flyhalf Otere Black sits just behind at 23 points, tied with his Hurricanes counterpart Jackson Garden-Bashop. Impressively, Richie Mo’unga of the Crusaders sits on 19 points from just one game. The odds aren’t out for individual efforts yet, but the three players playing this weekend promise to rack up points.
