Crusaders vs Highlanders
The Crusaders had a bye last week and will be hoping that did not break their momentum as they are 4 wins from 4. In their last match against the Blues at Eden Park they showed their class and easily disposed of the Blues. It’s so difficult to find any weaknesses in this Crusaders team with game breakers all round the team. The poor old Highlanders dominated against the Hurricanes but possession does not equal points. They came up against a truly inspired Jordie Barrett who scored all 30 points for the Hurricanes including a hat trick of tries. The Crusaders at home are almost unbeaten and have lost just once in the last 14 matches. The Highlanders biggest problem this season has been that their rolling maul has been so ineffective and this used to be their best attacking weapon in the past. The Crusaders have no such problems and are directed around the park by the best flyhalf in the world, Richie Mo’unga and the most dominant forward pack in Super Rugby.
TIP: Crusaders at home are a daunting prospect but the Highlanders in their current poor form this could become ugly for them. I have no doubt that the Crusaders will win this one and the only debate should be by what margin they win. The bad news for Highlanders is that the Crusaders will be at full strength with the return of All Black winger George Bridge. The bookies have the Crusaders at 1.11 for the win which isn’t worth the bet. The best odds on the Crusaders handicap (-18.5) is at Worldsportsbetting while the same handicap is at offered at Sunbet and Supabets at 1.94 and 1.90 respectively.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Highlanders
- The last 7 matches between these two teams have been won by the Crusaders.
- The Crusaders last lost to the Highlanders in 2018.
- The Highlanders last victory in Christchurch was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders lost their last match 19-30 to the Hurricanes while the Crusaders won their last match 27-43 against the Blues.
PREDICTION
It’s almost impossible to look at anything other than a Crusaders victory and they also have the best defence in the competition while the Highlanders the poorest points scored tally. The Highlanders must try and catch the Crusaders cold as they had a bye last week but Scott Robertson won’t allow any complacency. I predict the early exchanges to be tight but then the Crusaders to run away with it and win by more than 20 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 George Bridge, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Highlanders
15 Connor Garden-Bachop, 14 Scott Gregory, 13 Ngatungane Punivai, 12 Patelesio Tomkinson, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Jack Regan, 4 Josh Dickson, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Odds for this bet
The best odds on a Crusaders handicap (-18.5) win are as follows:
Sunbet 1.94
Supabets 1.90
Odds comparison on a Crusaders handicap(-18.5) win:
Sunbet 1.94
Supabets 1.90
Playbet 1.85
Predictions and Odds in details
This is one of those matches that could possibly end up with a cricket score. The Highlanders can’t keep making basic errors especially against the Crusaders who are deadly on turnover ball. Tony Brown the Highlanders the Highlanders coach is renowned for being unorthodox and he will need to bring his A-game just to be competitive. The best odds on a Crusaders handicap (-18.5) win are at Worldsportsbetting 2.0, Sunbet 1.94 and Supabets 1.90
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
