Crusaders vs Reds
These teams met last week in the group stage but this will be a whole new ball game as the loser will be out of the competition. The Crusaders dominated last week and took a 21-3 lead at half time but took the foot of the pedal after that and eventually won the matches 28-13. The Reds will take heart from the fact that they outscored the Crusaders in the second half. It could be said the Crusaders took their foot of the gas as they were saving their energies for this match. The visitors will need to start better if they are to cause an upset.
TIP: The Reds lack fluency with James O’Connor out injured while the Crusaders welcome back their star player in Richie Mounga. The flyhalf has been out injured and the Crusaders lack direction without him in the team. The Reds also will have one of their Wallaby players back as Hunter Paisami returns albeit from the bench. The visitors have a very strong bench and if they can contain the home team till the second half then we could have a close contest. The bookies have the Reds as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.08, Playabets 1.07 and Sunbet 1.09
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Reds
- The Crusaders have won the last nine matches between the sides.
- The Reds last beat the Crusaders in 2011.
- The Crusaders have never lost at home to the Reds
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders beat the Reds 28-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
As with the case with knockout rugby the forward packs will decide the outcome of the match and the Crusaders certainly hold the key in this area. The home team have an extremely strong scrum and will look to dominate the Reds who are missing their front row kingpin Taniela Tupou who is still out injured. If the Crusaders can get quick ball to Mo’unga then he can ignite their potent backline that includes players like Sevu Reece and Will Jordan. They have arguably the most dangerous back three in the competition with Leicester Fainga’anuku completing the trio. I am predicting Crusaders win by more than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower
Reds
15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Tate McDermott (cc), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (cc), 6 Seru Uru, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Feao Fotuaika, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Harry Hoopert
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.08
Playabets 1.09
Sunbet 1.07
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-18.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-18.5) 1.89
Playabets (-18.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Crusaders are ultra-dangerous on turn over ball therefore the Reds need to treasure possession otherwise the home team will coast to an easy victory. The Crusaders pack have used the rolling maul to great effect this season and the Reds will need to find a way to defend it if they are to challenge the Crusaders. The Crusaders on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-18.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-18.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-18.5) 1.81
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.