Crusaders vs Blues
The defending champions play host to the Blues in this Super Rugby encounter. The Crusaders will be out for revenge for the loss they suffered last season when the Blues visited Christchurch. The home team looked in great nick in the last match as they thrashed the Western Force 48-13. It was their best performance of the season and it’s no coincidence that Will Jordan made his first appearance of the season. The fullback was sorely missed and his X factor was plain to see regardless of him being match rusty. The Blues scraped a win against Moana in their last match albeit with a largely second string team.
TIP: The home team have not been in the best of form this season and this is largely down to the injury crisis that they have experienced. The return of key personnel will no doubt boost the team but they will have to do without Sam Whitelock in this match. The Blues are missing Stephen Perofeta but otherwise they have a full squad available for this match. The big boost for them is the return of Captain Patrick Tuipulotu in the starting XV. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.42, Gbets 1.44 and Hollywoodbets 1.44
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Blues
- The Crusaders have won 16 of the last 17 matches against the Blues.
- The Blues won 27-23 on their last visit to Christchurch.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders beat the Force 48-13 in their last match while the Blues beat Moana Pasifika 31-30 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders have already lost more matches at this point of the season then they did the entire of last season’s campaign. One of the biggest issues this campaign is the erratic form of Richie Mo’unga. The All Black number 10 has looked a shadow of himself from past seasons which has meant his teams attack has been disjointed. The Blues will be looking to Beauden Barrett to launch their attacks but he too has not been in the best of form this season. The winner of this match will be the side whose forward pack comes out on top. The Crusaders have the edge in the pack therefore I predict a home win by 10 points
Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Christian Lio-Willie, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Blues
15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Harry Plummer, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Adrian Choat, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.42
Gbets 1.44
Hollywoodbets 1.44
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-6.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Crusaders outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-6.5), Gbets 1.87 (-6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Griffons vs WP
Pumas vs Sharks
Griquas vs Bulls
Saracens vs Northampton Saints
Brumbies vs Highlanders
Cheetahs Vs Lions
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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.
