Chiefs vs Blues
The Chiefs will be keen to make it two wins in a row after their victory in the last match against the Hurricanes. The Blues are also coming of a win after they easily saw off Moana Pasifika. The Chiefs were lucky to win their last match as they surrendered a 15 point lead to win by a single point. The visitors are currently four points ahead of the Chiefs on the log and a victory for the home team could see them leapfrog the Blues. The Blues will be boosted by the return of Beauden Barrett after he recovered from his head injury.
TIP: Both teams have lost key players before this match with the Chiefs losing Josh Ioane to injury and the Blues lost Caleb Clarke to suspension. The Chiefs love throwing the ball around while the Blues will rely more on their forwards to gain the victory. The visitors will have difficulty trying to dominate the Chiefs pack even though they will be missing All Black Brodie Retallick. The bookies have the Chiefs as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.83, Playabets 1.78 and Sunbet 1.80
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Blues
- The Blues have won four of the last five matches between the sides.
- The home team have won the last four matches.
- The Blues have only won one of the last 11 matches away to the Chiefs.
Latest results for both teams
The Chiefs won their last match 30-29 against the Hurricanes while the Blues won 46-16 against the Pasifika in their last match.
PREDICTION
One of the stand out players for the Chiefs this season has been Alex Nankivell who has been brilliant in the centre position. In the last match he was shifted out to the wing but was not that effective. The highlight of this match will be the contest between the two eighth men Pita Gus Sowakula and Hoskins Sotutu. They could be playing for the All Black number eight jersey. The Chiefs have the much stronger bench with players like Chase Tiatia, Quinn Tupaea and Luke Jacobsen to come on later in the match. It is for this reason that I predict the Chiefs to win by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Kaleb Trask, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Bryn Gatland, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 5 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Bryce Heem, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Alex Hodgman
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Chiefs victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.83
Playabets 1.78
Sunbet 1.80
Odds comparison on the Chiefs handicap :
The complete odds on the Chiefs handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.86
Playabets (-1.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
The scrum is a traditional strength of the Blues but they will be up against a very strong front row and could struggle in this area. The Chiefs will be looking to Sowakula to get them over the advantage line and set the backline up for attack. The Blues will be hoping that Rieko Ioane can regain his form as he has looked flat this season. There are decent odds on the Chiefs win but we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-1.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-1.5) 1.88
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.
