Crusaders vs Chiefs
It’s semi-final time in the Super Rugby Pacific as the Crusaders take on the Chiefs. The home team starts this match as favourites but the Chiefs will be confident coming into this match as they won on their last visit to Christchurch. Both these teams had fairly comfortable quarter final wins against Aussie teams. The Crusaders have lost Ethan Blackadder to injury while the Chiefs will be boosted by the return of All Black Captain Sam Cane albeit from the bench. He will be crucial in the last quarter of the match as this could be a close encounter right until the final whistle.
TIP: The forward battle is always crucial in knockout matches and this match is no exception. The battle between All Black locks Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett will be one of the highlights in the match. The Chiefs will need to stand up to the Crusaders front row as they were totally dominant in their quarter final win. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.35, Playabets 1.36 and Sunbet 1.38
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Chiefs
- These Crusaders have won three of the last five matches against the Chiefs.
- The Chiefs won the last match between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders won their last match 37-15 against the Reds while the Chiefs won 39-15 against the Waratahs in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams have excellent players in their backline but arguably the two best backs in the competition have been Will Jordan and Quinn Tupaea. These players always seem to break the first tackle and are always ready with an off load. If either team gives space to these players they will dictate the game. The battle between the flyhalfs Bryn Gatland and Richie Mo’unga will go a long way to deciding the outcome of this match. The Chiefs pivot is more of a kicking ten while Mo’unga is the more dangerous player but has struggled this season. I am predicting a Crusaders win by ten 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 Tom Christie, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower
Chiefs
15 Josh Ioane, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Bryn Gatland, 9 Brad Weber (c), 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.35
Playabets 1.36
Sunbet 1.38
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.89
Playabets (-7.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
These teams have used their scrum to great advantage during this competition and it will be interesting to see how they go against each other. In order to beat the Crusaders the Chiefs need to be adventurous otherwise the home team will grind their way to victory. We are backing the Crusaders to win this match. The Crusaders on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-7.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-7.5) 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.
