Crusaders vs Reds
The Crusaders will be looking for their second win on the trot when they host the Reds. It is almost unbelievable to think that this will be the first time this season that the defending champions have won two matches in a row. They produced their best performance of the season in the last match as they blew the Rebels away 39-0. The Reds on the other hand will be wandering how they lost to the Blues, having led by 14 points with just 12 minutes left. They conceded three tries in that time to lose 41-34.
TIP: The home side despite their crushing victory still lacked cohesion in attack which has prompted the team’s management to throw David Havili into the flyhalf position. It remains to be seen how he performs in the pivot position. There is also a first start for Welsh legend Leigh Halfpenny as he returns from injury for his debut. The Reds have stuck to their tried and tested team for this match. The bookies have the Crusaders as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.30, SoccerShop 1.30 and Bettabets 1.30
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Reds
- The Crusaders have won the last 12 matches between the sides.
- The last time the Reds beat the Crusaders was in 2011.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders beat the Rebels 39-0 in their last match while the Reds were beaten 41-34 by the Blues in their last match.
PREDICTION
The undoubted individual performance of the previous round was youngster Tim Ryan getting a brilliant hattrick on his full debut for the Reds. The Crusaders will need to keep a close eye on him as he can be deadly if given any space. The home teams scrum demolished the Rebels front row and they will be looking to do the same to the Reds. If the visitors can get parity in the set pieces, then they could keep in touch with the Crusaders otherwise the champions could run away with the win. The return of Scott Barrett has transformed this team and we expect a home win by more than 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 David Havili, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 George Bower
Reds
15 Jock Campbell, 14 Tim Ryan, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (c), 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Peni Ravai
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.30
SoccerShop 1.30
Bettabets 1.30
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-9.5)
SoccerShop 1.90 (-9.5)
Bettabets 1.90 (-9.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-9.5), SoccerShop 1.90 (-9.5) and Bettabets 1.90 (-9.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
