Fine margins at the top

Two losing bets by just a single point meant it was a tough weekend for THE MONEY MAN.

My SuperBru grew wings this weekend and I was a perfect 7/7, unfortunately my Stormers bet and Lions banker both fell short by one point each.

By now you should know there is no such thing as a last-minute consolation try or kick. When you bet with the handicap, every made or missed kick converts cash for the punter or bookie.

These things swing in roundabouts and we will get our share of victories by one point. Funny how my best SuperBru week could equate to my worst betting week in terms of cash.

I started with R5,000 and now have R18,200 which is still an ROI of 264%, so all things considered, we are still ahead of the game.

The game at Newlands was a bruising affair and the sold out stadium lived up to its hype. The Lions clawed their way past a stubborn Cheetahs team, the Rebels were well-organised and gave the Waratahs a close game only to lose by two points, the Reds were predictably blown away by the Hurricanes, the Brumbies and Crusaders cruised past the Highlanders, who rested their three All Blacks, and dismal Blues respectively, and the Chiefs battered the Force until they pressed cruise control.

This week promises some great betting opportunities and as always I will price them up first and see where WSB prices are on Tuesday.

Highlanders (-7.5) vs Sharks (+7.5)

Brumbies (-2.5) vs Waratahs (+2.5)

Blues (-3.5) vs Force (+3.5)

Hurricanes (-4.5) vs Crusaders (+4.5)

Rebels (+5.5) vs Rebels (-5.5)

Cheetahs (+4.5) vs Stormers (-4.5)

Bulls (-5.5) vs Lions (+5.5)

There are some must-win games for several teams. The game between the Bulls and Lions stands out as another brawl. The Stormers and Crusaders games are crucial as well and yes, even the much maligned Australian conference has a top-of-the-table clash crucial to qualifying for the post-season. I will not be posting my predictions until I have the team sheets so expect it out on Thursday afternoon.

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