Brumbies vs Crusaders
Second placed Brumbies take on third placed Crusaders in a top of the table clash. The Australian side have won four matches in a row and are looking to beat their 4th straight NZ side. They start this match as underdogs as two key players Rob Valentini and Noah Lolesio out with injuries and no doubt the Crusaders will be targeting the replacement flyhalf from the first whistle. Valentini will be sorely missed as the Brumbies don’t have any ball carrier as powerful as him.
TIP: The Crusaders will welcome back All Blacks Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor for this match and these players will certainly boost their pack. The battle at scrum time is worth the ticket price alone as the front rows are evenly matched and both teams have excellent replacement front rowers as well. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.40, Playabets 1.38 and Sunbet 1.35
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Brumbies vs Crusaders
- The Crusaders have won the last 10 matches against the Brumbies.
- The Brumbies last beat the Crusaders in 2009.
Latest results for both teams
The Brumbies beat the Chiefs 38-28 in their last match while the Crusaders beat the Force 53-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Brumbies have always been known as a forward dominated team that used their driving maul to great effect but they have now added an extra dimension to their attack play as they have very dangerous backline plyers like Tom Wright. His battle with Sevu Reece and Will Jordan will go a long way to deciding who will win this match. The Crusaders have attacking threat all over the park but it is their strength in the pack that will give them the win. I am predicting a Crusaders win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Brumbies
15 Tom Banks, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Andy Muirhead, 10 Rodney Iona, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 James Slipper
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.38
Sunbet 1.35
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap :
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-6.5) 1.89
Playabets (-6.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Brumbies must continue their adventurous backline plays as they will only defeat the Crusaders if they score tries. Taking three point penalties is not either of these teams style of play. Both teams have great driving mauls and the team which can defend the maul the best will win the match. There are poor odds on the Crusaders win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-6.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-6.5) 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.
