Get Ready for Super Rugby Pacific: The New Zealand-Based Teams That Sports Bettors Should Keep an Eye On
Image – Pexels
While the Rugby World Cup has come and gone, the excitement isn’t over for enthusiastic rugby fans and sports bettors worldwide. The 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season is approaching. It is a professional men’s rugby union club that hosts a range of matches between teams from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands and teams from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa on occasion.
With it, rugby fans and sports bettors should expect to witness exciting, electrifying matches, intense rivalries, and strong lineups within the participating teams. This article, in particular, will take a closer look at some of the competing New Zealand-based squads, noting some facts that sports bettors should consider before placing their bets.
The Hurricanes
A force to be reckoned with in the Super Rugby Pacific, the Hurricanes will bring their all to the up-and-coming competitions. They are the local team of New Zealand’s capital city, windy Wellington, and their name befits the windy city that they hail from. The Hurricanes have a strong track record of success and consistent performances in past Super Rugby seasons. This year, the team’s lineup is looking strong. While Ardie Savea, an experienced player, is off to Japan for a sabbatical with the Kobelco Steelers, the return of former Captain, Brad Shields softens that blow for many Hurricanes fans.
In addition, the ex-Highlanders, Crusaders, and Chiefs winger, Ngatungane Punivai has been brought home and will fill the spot of Julian Savea, who switched to Moana Pasifika. Journeyman Richard Judd will support Cam Roigard and TJ Perenara in the halfback position. As Perenara, unfortunately, was missing for almost the entire 2023 season due to an Achilles injury, he will likely feel like a brand-new signing for the team. Speaking of brand new, the team is also welcoming a new coach, Clark Laidlaw. Overall, the Hurricanes are a team to keep an eye on.
The Crusaders
The Crusaders, based in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, are the defending champions of the Super Rugby Cup. As the defending champions, they’ll be full of confidence heading into this season. However, hopefully, they won’t be too swayed by the several adaptations they will have to make. Codie Taylor is taking a sabbatical, and Oli Jager recently announced his sudden and unexpected departure.
To take their place, 10 fresh faces are lining up to join the squad. However, it’s likely Coach Rob Penney will navigate these changes with grace. Sports bettors should expect the Crusaders to stay near the top of the tables once again. To get involved in the betting yourself, look at the best sportsbooks in New Zealand, whether you are a Crusaders fan or otherwise.
The Blues
The Blues are based in Auckland, New Zealand. Historically, the team has undergone its ups and downs, but its potential should not be discounted in the approaching Super Rugby season. This year, a new coach, Vern Cotter, sits at the helm of a team of seasoned players which includes several World Cup All Blacks players. Some big-name players will be missed this season, not the least of which include Beauden Barrett, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Nepo Laulala.
However, this gives an opportunity for several promising players to step up and prove their worth, such as Stephen Perofeta, who will be fulfilling Barrett’s shoes, Angus Ta’avao in the front row, and Lucas Cashmore. Unchanged, the midfield will remain a battleground between Harry Plummer and Bryce Heem. Sports bettors shouldn’t underestimate the Blues, a team that consistently surprises people with impressive performances.
Moana Pasifika
Moana Pasifika is a team name that strikes fear into the hearts of their opponents. Moana Pasifika comprises rugby warriors from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, as well as New Zealand or Australian-born players of Pasifika heritage. 2024’s squad has both familiar names and fresh-faced players. Julian Savea is returning and will play alongside Moana Pasikifa veterans like Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano. Overall, there will be a significant level of experience and depth in the roster, which boasts 19 World Cup players and 11 Super Rugby debutants.
The Chiefs
The Chiefs are a Hamilton-based team and they have a strong reputation. The departures of established star players such as Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick open doors for rising rugby talents like Luke Jacobson and Anton Lienert-Brown to take the helm. In addition, Liam Coombes-Fabling and Kaleb Trask are relative newcomers to the professional world and are injecting the team with youth, vigour, and energy. On the other hand, All Blacks winger Emoni Narawa is returning from injury, hopefully, Josh Loane as well, meaning the team will also have its fair share of experienced players.
The Highlanders
The Highlanders come from Dunedin, and with their “never back down” attitude, they are an exciting team to watch for fans and sports bettors. Youthful players Tanielu Tele’a, Ricky Jackson, and Matt Whaanga add to an already stacked roster. Infusing youngsters from their high-performance program shows how the Highlanders are committed to nurturing local talent. In addition, Rhys Patchell and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will join the ranks, helping the team stay optimistic despite losing a few players to injuries.
Overall, the Super Rugby Pacific season will be an exciting one, with several strong teams representing New Zealand. Good luck to fans supporting their teams and sports bettors.