Blues vs Hurricanes
A few weeks ago the Blues were top of the log and the Hurricanes were winless, how all of that has changed. The Blues have lost their last two matches while the Hurricanes had a morale boosting win over the Highlanders away from home. The Blues are back home and will be a formidable opponent although they will be missing their skipper Patrick Tuipulotu who is out injured. In the Hurricanes last match Jordie Barrett had the performance of the weekend as he scored all his teams points for a record personal record tally of 30. The Blues will need to find a way to keep Barrett quiet otherwise he will dictate play with his big boot and incisive running from the back. The one player that I feel needs to step up for the Blues is All Black winger Caleb Clarke, after a sensational debut season he has been very subdued and will no doubt look to get more involved as he can be a match winner on his own. The halfbacks of both teams need to improve as they have not provided the platform for the backs to perform. We can never discount the effect of Dane Coles on this Hurricanes team and it’s no coincidence that his return resulted in Hurricanes winning their first game. Once again the bench strength of the teams will come into effect later in the game and the Blues certainly have the edge in this department.
TIP: The Blues will be desperate to avoid a third straight loss and this desperation should see them win this match. The Eden Park faithful will give the Blues the boost they so urgently need and the return of stalwart TJ Faiane will ensure there is control in the midfield. The Blues have swopped their front rows for this match and the new props will want to lay down a marker against the Hurricanes front row. The Blues will bounce back and win this one at the Fortress although the victory margin could be single digits. The bets odds on a Blues victory are at Sunbet (1.38), Playabets (1.37) and Supabets (1.36).
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Hurricanes
- In the last 5 clashes, the Blues are leading 3 wins to 2.
- The Blues last 6 homes matches against the Hurricanes has resulted in just 1 victory..
- Their most recent encounter saw the Blues win it 16-31 away from home.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues lost their last match against the Chiefs 15-12 while the Hurricanes won their last match 19-30 against the Highlanders.
PREDICTION
The Hurricanes rely heavily on players like Barrett and Captain Ardie Savea and the Blues management will focus on negating their threat. The Blues are blessed with a team laden with All Blacks and many game breakers that can turn any match. The Blues can call on players like All Black Akira Ioane from the bench and their other replacements will ensure the Blues get over the line. I fancy the Blues to end their losing streak and win this match by more than 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Otere Black, 9 Sam Nock; 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Tom Robinson (c), 5 Sam Darry, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Orbyn Leger, 9 Luke Campbell, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Scott Scrafton, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Xavier Numia
Odds for this bet
The Blues will be eventually wear the Hurricanes down and will cover the handicap (-7.5) with these odds the best being offered:
Sunbet 1.90
Playabets 1.90
Supabets 1.90
Odds comparison on a Blues victory by more than 7 points
The complete odds on the Blues handicap victory are as follows:
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.90
Playabets (-7.5)1.90
Supabets (-7.5) 1.90
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The Blues have made some refreshing changes for this game and these incoming players will be keen to impress the Coach Leon McDonald. The scrum has been the Hurricanes weakness this season and this is an area of strength for the Blues who have All Black front rowers on the bench. The Blues victory at 1.37 is a decent return but the value for money option is the Blues handicap (-7.5) victory. The bookies seem to be in agreement with their odds as Sunbet, Supabets, Playabets and Worldsportsbetting all have them at 1.90 on the (-7.5) handicap.
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.
