Blues vs Hurricanes
The Blues play host to the Hurricanes in the pick of the matches this weekend. The visitors are top of the table, just a point ahead of their opponents. The Blues are unbeaten at home this season while the Hurricanes have only lost one match. The home side suffered a setback when Rieko Ioane was ruled out with concussion while the visitors have a crisis in the hooker position. Kianu Kereru-Symes has been entrusted with the number two jersey after performing well in the last match. His throwing will be tested by the likes Sam Darry and Patrick Tuipulotu who are excellent at disrupting lineouts.
TIP: The Blues will be looking to their forwards to dominate the match as this has been their tactics under the coaching of Vern Cotter. The Hurricanes will need to find at least parity in the forward if they are to challenge the home side. One of the highlights of the match will be the contest between the two loose trios as the winner of this contest is most likely to come from the better loose trio. The bookies have the Blues as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.75, SoccerShop 1.72 and Bettabets 1.74
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Blues vs Hurricanes
- The Blues have won four of the last six matches between the sides.
- The Blues have only lost once to the Hurricanes in the last four meetings in Auckland.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues beat the Rebels 38-11 in their last match while the Hurricanes beat the Waratahs 41-12 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Hurricanes have shown that they are deadly on turnover ball so the Blues will need to be accurate with their play. The likes of Ruben Love and Josh Moorby have been in superb form on attack but they will need to be excellent defensively as Caleb Clarke and Mark Telea are arguably the best wingers in the competition. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu has transformed the team since his return from injury with the power play from the forwards laying the platform for the dangerous backline. I am predicting a Blues win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Mark Tele’a, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Bryce Heem, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Taufa Funaki, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hurricanes
15 Ruben Love, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Kianu Kereru-Symes, 1 Xavier Numia
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.75
SoccerShop 1.72
Bettabets 1.74
Odds comparison on the Blues handicap:
The complete odds on the Blues handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-2.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-2.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent odds on the Blues 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 (-2.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-2.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers
Newcastle vs Bath
Scarlets vs Ulster
Leinster vs Ospreys
Bristol vs Saracens
Exeter vs Harlequins
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.
