2023 Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 Preview

The World Cup year in the Southern Hemisphere officially gets underway this weekend with the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific.

Every game will mean just a little bit more for the players as they eye off a spot in their respective national squads that will be travelling to France in September.

It all gets underway on Friday evening with the tournament favourites the Crusaders taking on third favourites the Chiefs in what could very well be a preview of June’s final.

For the Aussies, the 2022 Semi Finalists the Brumbies will be tasked with leading the way once more, however the Waratahs and Reds will be eyeing off a return to the finals as well.

We’ve got you covered all season starting with our Round 1 previews and best bets below.

It’s the tried and true theory with Super Rugby, don’t back against the Crusaders.

In last year’s Semi Final, the boys from Canterbury took care of their local rivals 20-7 and they are returning essentially the same squad, minus winger George Bridge.

As for the Chiefs they welcome back playmaker Damian McKenzie from Tokyo Sungoliath as he looks to press his case for All Blacks selection.

It might not be an easy win for the home side but they should find a way to get the job done to start the season.

The Crusaders tend to start off a little slowly, and even on their day a blowout seems unlikely so I’ll start the year off backing them to win a close one.

Back the Crusaders to Win by 1-12 Points @ $3.00

It’s tough to really class this as a rivalry considering the Brumbies carry a nine game winning streak against the Waratahs into this season opener.

The Brumbies have lost a trio of key players in Scott Sio, Folau Fainga’a and Tom Banks, as well as coach Dan McKellar who has taken up an assistant role on Eddie Jones’ staff.

Stephen Larkham steps into the void and with a couple of notable backline changes they should be able to keep rolling.

As for the Waratahs, there is no question they have strengthened their team with the additions of Tom Lambert, Tolu Latu and Fijian flyer Nemani Nadolo but it’s tough to say they have definitively closed the gap on the Brumbies.

The Tahs may force me to eat my words on Friday night but for the time being I’ll continue to give the benefit of the doubt to the Brumbies.

Back the Brumbies to Cover -1.5 @ $1.91

A battle between the competition’s newest sides kicks off a busy Saturday afternoon of action.

The Drua claimed the lone meeting between the sides last season 34-19 in Sydney and will start as favourites for this game as well.

As expected they have bolstered their squad with a number of players from the local Fijian competition while also adding some top level experience with the likes of Emosi Tuqiri and Mesake Doge.

Aaron Mauger will have a big task ahead of him steering the Pasifika side off the bottom of the standings with their two win campaign in 2022 an expected beginning to their life in Super Rugby.

The Drua look like the much stronger side and they should find a way to hit the ground running and take care of business in this game.

Back Fiji to Cover -2.5 @ $1.91

It’s a repeat of the 1-8 Quarter Final from last season with the minor premiers Blues travelling south to take on the Highlanders in the always raucous Forsyth Barr Stadium.

For the Auckland based side, they had no reason to mess with what was a largely successful formula and have returned most of their squad as they chase silverware once again.

The Highlanders have taken over the mantle as the liability of the New Zealand conference, although the rest of the group sets such a high bar, that is not the insult some may think.

They will be competitive with plenty of teams throughout the season but this is a less than ideal starting point for them with a very strong Blues team coming to town.

Taking any side on the road that is favoured by more than a converted try is always a dicey proposition but the Blues are a good side and they love to attack, it’s tough to see the Highlanders being able to keep pace.

Back the Blues to Cover -7.5 @ $1.91

The season has not kicked off for the Reds and Brad Thorn is already dealing with an injury crisis amongst his squad with a number of pivotal players set to miss this trip to Townsville.

Queensland will need every miniscule advantage if they are to spring an upset in this game with locks Angus Blyth and Ryan Smith both in significant doubt to play due to injury (at the time of publish).

But the biggest absence will be flyhalf James O’Connor who has been the Reds most critical player in attack since his re-signing, and there are deserved high hopes for young Tom Lynagh to step in and fill the void, it’s asking a lot for him in his first game.

Especially when taking on a Hurricanes side they have not beaten since 2013 that is returning plenty of top line players with an eye on France.

The Reds have won one of ten games against New Zealand opponents in the last two years and as competitive as they have been in some of those games, it’s enough of a trend to follow here.

Back the Hurricanes to Cover -3.5 @ $1.91

It all wraps up out west as the Force christen the rebuilt HBF Park with this all-Australian clash.

There has been plenty of change at both clubs in the offseason with players chasing vital minutes and it’s hard not to be impressed with what the Force are building.

As for the Rebels their additions should also strengthen the team but they still appear to be a step behind the Force.

If the Perth based side are going to make the leap and play finals this season, they have to make the most of their home games, starting with a win against a side they are expected to beat.

The trips to Perth can trip up even the best sides so the Force have to find a way to get off to a winning start here.

Back the Force to Cover -3.5 @ $1.80