We preview both Semi-Final matches, analyse the form and help you to pick a big winner. Semi-Final 1 – Canterbury Crusaders v Wellington Hurricanes Christchurch – New Zealand – 28 July 2018 Teams Canterbury Crusaders $1.45 $1.45 $1.45 Wellington Hurricanes $2.70 $2.75 $2.75 In a match befitting of a final, the Crusaders and the Hurricanes meet in an epic battle in Christchurch. The much-maligned Crusaders forward pack was stung-into-action against the Coastal Sharks in the weekend’s Quarter Final win. After comments made by the Coastal Sharks coaching staff about the ‘softness-and-vulnerability’ of the Crusaders forward pack, they awoke the ‘sleeping giant’. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, Canterbury have been run-into-form and forward meanness ahead of this Semi Final. Our tip – Crusaders. Best Value Bet – Crusaders $2.65 – 1-12 point Winning Margin with William Hill. Semi-Final 2 – Golden Lions v New South Wales Waratahs Johannesburg – South Africa 28 July 2018 Teams Golden Lions $1.37 $1.35 $1.35 New South Wales Waratahs $3.35 $3.20 $3.20 The Waratahs will be brimming with confidence when they take on the Lions in the Semi Final clash in Johannesburg. Despite being very inconsistent this season, the 2014 Super Rugby champions will be boosted by their record against their South African hosts and riding the momentum of a superb come-from-behind Semi Final win against the Otago Highlanders. Huge underdogs going into the match with the Lions, the Waratahs will be playing like a team with nothing to lose after their weekend Quarter Final win The Waratahs trailed 23-6 at the half-time break. However, they scored all 24 points after the break to run out 30-24 winners. Their backline big guns all fired, with Bernard Foley scoring two tries and fullback Israel Folau one, and centre Kurtley Beale setting up two and Folau the other. A penalty to Foley, who scored a personal-best Super Rugby 25 points completed the fine win. Our tip – Waratahs in an upset. Best Value Bet – Waratahs $4.00 – 1-12 point Winning Margin with William Hill.
