Chiefs vs Reds Predictions - Chiefs too strong for the Reds in Super Rugby Qualifying Final clash

Nigel Williams

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Last updated: 6 minutes ago

Nigel Williams 6 minutes ago

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Chiefs enter playoffs in top form, especially at home.
Reds have been inconsistent away from home.
-14.5 handicap for Chiefs looks achievable given current trends.

Chiefs too strong for the Reds in Super Rugby Qualifying Final clash (Getty Images)

Chiefs vs Reds Predictions

Chiefs are favourites at home, backed by a strong head-to-head and excellent home record. My best bet is the Chiefs to cover the -14.5 handicap.

Chiefs have won their last 6 home matches.
Chiefs beat the Blues 59-34 in their last match.
Chiefs have won 4 of the last 5 matches against the Reds.
Reds have lost 3 of their last 6 away matches.

Head to Head

The Chiefs have won four of the last five matches against the Reds.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs secured a dominant 59-34 victory over the Blues last weekend at the FMG Stadium Waikato, after trailing 19-15 at half-time. Despite resting several key players, the Chiefs ran in nine tries to overpower the Blues.

The Chiefs have been in excellent form at home this season. They beat Moana Pasifika 57-24, the Waratahs 42-14, the Hurricanes 22-17, Fijian Drua 42-22, and the Highlanders 42-12.

The Chiefs finished second in Super Rugby in regular-season standings, with 51 points from 14 matches.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

Starting line-up:

1 Ollie Norris, 2 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3 Sione Ahio, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Wallace Sititi, 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Kyle Brown, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15 Isaac Hutchinson.

Replacements:

16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Leroy Carter.

Reds Form

The Reds controlled the first half against Moana Pasifika in their last away match and went into the break with a commanding 21-7 lead. Moana Pasifika mounted a strong second half comeback and took a 31-26 lead heading into the final minutes. With less than two minutes remaining, the Reds scored a try and slotted the conversion to steal a vital win.

The Reds have been inconsistent on the road this season. They beat the Brumbies (34-31)and Fijian Drua (21-6), before losing to the Hurricanes (52-14), the Blues (36-33), and the Force (19-14).

The Reds finished fifth in Super Rugby in regular-season standings, with 37 points from 14 matches.

Reds Injuries & Team News

Starting line-up:

1 Aidan Ross, 2 Josh Nasser, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 4 Josh Canham, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6 Joe Brial, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson, 9 Tate McDermott, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Tim Ryan, 12 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 14 Lachie Anderson, 15 Jock Campbell.

Replacements:

16 Matt Faessler, 17 George Blake, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Verdict

Chiefs v Reds

The Chiefs enter the playoffs in excellent form, and have been dominant at home throughout the season. With the Reds struggling for consistency on the road and the hosts boasting a strong recent record in this fixture, the -14.5 handicap looks achievable.

Chiefs -14.5

Handicap

@1.91 - 3 Units

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