Hurricanes vs Crusaders
Both these teams will be looking for redemption as they both suffered losses in their last game. The Hurricanes can consider themselves unlucky as a few marginal decisions went against them but the Crusaders can have no such complaints as they were thoroughly outplayed by the inspired Highlanders. Crusaders are in unfamiliar territory as they very seldom lose and the Hurricanes can expect a mighty backlash from them. Richie Mo’unga so often touted as the best flyhalf in the business but showed his human and cracked when put under severe pressure by the Highlander defence. He more than anybody else will want a commanding performance but that can only is achieved if his forwards can gain dominance upfront. The Hurricanes will look to the blueprint provided by the Highlanders on how to beat the Crusaders and they certainly have the players to do it in Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea. The Crusaders coach Scott Robertson was furious with his players after the last match and he will demand a better showing from the champions. I feel the Hurricanes are really struggling in attack as their halfback pairings show no spark leaving their attack very easy to defend. They rely too much on Barrett but against this fired up Crusaders team I can’t see them beating the visitors.
TIP: The Hurricanes playing at home should be a difficult proposition but the Crusaders will be super keen to show that last week was just a speed wobble in their season. I expect the visitors to come out firing and if the Hurricanes can handle the initial onslaught then we could be in for a cracker of a game. Last week the Crusaders were caught off guard in wet weather and couldn’t adapt but I’m certain that will not happen this weekend. The Crusaders will prove too strong in this match and the bookies agree with me with the best odds on the visitor’s victory at Worldsportsbetting 1.28, Sportingbet 1.28 and Sunbet 1.25
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Hurricanes vs Crusaders
- In the last 8 matches between these teams there has been just 1 Hurricanes win.
- Hurricanes have lost their last 2 home matches against the Crusaders.
- The Hurricanes last home victory against the Crusaders was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
The Hurricanes lost their last match against the Blues 17-27 while the Crusaders lost against the Highlanders 12-33.
PREDICTION
The Hurricanes have struggled in both defence and attack this season with over reliance on Jordie Barrett and his goal kicking ability. It won’t get any easier for them this week as they come up against the most miserly defence in the competition. The Crusaders on the other hand have attacking threats everywhere and will no doubt test the Hurricanes early on and I can’t see the home team with standing the onslaught. I am going for a Crusaders win by more than 12 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine 8 Devan Flanders, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Fraser Armstrong
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 George Bridge, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Odds for this bet
The best odds on a Crusaders win are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.28
Sportingbet 1.28
Sunbet 1.25
Odds comparison on a Crusaders handicap win:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.80
Sunbet (-10.5) 1.88
Sportingbet (-10.5) 1.91
Playabets (-10.5) 1.85
Predictions and Odds in details
You always fear for the side that comes up against the Crusaders after they lose as that does not happen often. The Crusaders have All Blacks all through the team and I expect them to step up in this match and although the Hurricanes will have their fans at home, the only logical result is a comprehensive victory for the Crusaders. The odds on the Crusaders outright victory is very poor therefore I suggest the handicap (-10.5) victory at Sportingbet (1.91). A Crusaders victory and total points under 54.5 gets you great odds of 2.32 at Playabets
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.
