Blues vs Chiefs
The Blues will still be trying to figure out how they lost their last match against the Hurricanes when they were leading 32-14 with 12 minutes to play. They paid the price of sitting on the lead and stopped attacking. The Chiefs had no such problems as they won their first match against the Highlanders in round one. The Blues are at home for the first time and will know nothing but a win will be good enough. The home team are star studded and have captain Dalton Papalii back for this match.
TIP: The Chiefs are always a difficult team to beat and with Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick back they will be challenging for the title. The Blues need to play for the full 80 minutes if they are to get their first win of the season. They will be looking to Harry Plummer to ignite the potent backline and if he is successful then the Blues will win. The bookies have the Blues as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.50, Playabets 1.54 and Sunbet 1.56
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Chiefs
- The Blues have won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- The Blues have won their last two home matches against the Chiefs.
- The last time the Chiefs won at Eden Park was in 2020.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues lost their last match 33-32 while the Chiefs won their last match 26-16 against the Highlanders.
PREDICTION
The man that was one of the stand out players for the Blues in their last match was rugby union debutant Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his duel with opposite number Quinn Tupaea is sure to be one of the highlights of the match. The Blues have firepower all through their backline with Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke the biggest threats. If these players are given any space then they will make the Chiefs pay. The Chiefs will be hoping new recruit Josh Ioane continues with the great form he showed in the first match. I am predicting a home win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Alex Hodgman
Chiefs
15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.50
Playabets 1.54
Sunbet 1.56
Odds comparison on the Blues handicap :
The complete odds on the Blues handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.89
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87
Playabets (-4.5) 1.98
Predictions and Odds in details
The Blues usually have the edge over most opponents in the forwards but this match they could have problems as the Chiefs are strong in the forwards. They have a very strong scrum and if they can stop the Blues driving maul then they could cause an upset. The Chiefs best chance of a win is to play their high tempo game. There are good odds on the Blues win but if you looking for higher odds then I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.89, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-4.5) 1.98
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.
