Highlanders vs Crusaders
The Highlanders play host to the Crusaders in this crucial Super Rugby encounter. The home team have found form at just the right time of the season with wins in their last two matches. They are currently in 7th position with 19 points and need another win to secure their spot in the playoffs. The Crusaders on the other hand are in desperate need of a win if they are to maintain any hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals. They have won just of their matches all season but amazingly still have an outside chance of the top eight if they win their remaining matches.
TIP: The good news for the Crusaders is that their talismanic Captain Scott Barrett is fit for this match after he had to leave the field in the last game. He will be joined for the first time this season by Codie Taylor as the hooker is back from his sabbatical. The Highlanders were excellent in the rain last week in Tonga and will be looking for a repeat performance from Cameron Millar in particular. The flyhalf had his beat ever game in a Highlanders jersey last time out. The bookies have the Highlanders as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.40, SoccerShop 1.41 and Bettabets 1.40
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Crusaders
- The Crusaders have won the last three matches between the sides.
- The last time the Highlanders beat the Crusaders was in 2021.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders beat Moana 28-17 in their last match while the Crusaders lost 33-28 to the Reds in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders have continued with the experiment of David Havili in the ten position although it not bear fruit in the last match. In fact, it was a charge down of his kick that ultimately sealed their loss. The Highlanders will be looking to continue playing the expansive game they displayed against Moana as the visitors will have the advantage in the set pieces. One of the more interesting battles will be in the front row where All Black teammates Ethan de Groot and Tamaiti Williams go head-to-head. The match will be decided in the forwards therefore I predict a Crusaders win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Tanielu Telea, 12 Jake Te Hiwi, 11 Martin Bogado, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Oliver Haig, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Mitch Dunshea, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Henry Bell, 1 Ethan de Groot (c)
Crusaders
15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 David Havili, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Corey Kellow, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.40
SoccerShop 1.41
Bettabets 1.40
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-6.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-6.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-6.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-6.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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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.
