Chiefs vs Hurricanes Betting Tips – Hurricanes to beat the handicap in Hamilton

The Chiefs entertain the Hurricanes at the FMG Stadium on Sunday for a Super Rugby Aotearoa clash. Neither side is in the best of form, but I’m tipping the Canes to beat the handicap.

The Chiefs kicked off their Super Rugby Aotearoa journey with a 28-27 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Week two ended in the same manner, as the Blues won 24-12 at home before the Crusaders beat the Chiefs last weekend. It may have ended 18-13 in Christchurch, but the hosts were far the better side. The awful weather conditions were a major factor in the Chiefs being able to stay within touching distance.

The Chiefs have now lost three in a row and are in desperate need of a pick-me-up.

The Chiefs are expected to remain largely unchanged with no reported injuries. Kaleb Trask could however earn a recall ahead of Aaron Cruden at fly-half.

The Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs 27-24 in Waikato in their final fixture of Super Rugby in 2020. Since the return to action, the Canes have struggled, but their matches were against the two best sides in the competition.

A 30-20 loss to the Blues in Auckland was followed by a 39-25 loss to the Crusaders in Wellington. With just 12 minutes to go in the match, the Hurricanes were very much in the game at 25-25, but two late tries handed the Crusaders the win.

The Hurricanes have no injury worries after enjoying a bye last week. South African-born winger Kobus van Wyk may earn himself a first start in Canes colours.

The Hurricanes have a 4-1 advantage over the Chiefs in their last six meeting, along with one draw. When the sides clashed in March 2020, the Hurricanes were 27-24 victors thanks to an 84th minute penalty kick by Jordie Barrett at the FMG Stadium.

The Chiefs are available at 1.50 and the Hurricanes at 2.70. A draw pays 23.00.

There is great value in the handicap market, with it set at 5 points and pays 1.90 for both sides.

If the weather plays its part, we are in for an attacking game of rugby. The Canes have the advantage in terms of recent results, so they will look to exploit the Chiefs' fragile pack to grab another victory.