Crusaders vs Blues
The Crusaders have been far from convincing this season and struggled to victory in their last two matches while the Blues were superb in their last match when they beat the Chiefs 25-0. Both teams are on 27 points with six wins and a loss. The Crusaders have not looked their dangerous selves and were lucky to win against the Hurricanes in the last match. The Blues looked like championship material as they held the Chiefs scoreless in their match. The match will see two teams that rely on their forwards to give them the platform to attack although that will be difficult as the opposition packs won’t give them much time on the ball.
TIP: The battle between the two All Black 10s, Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett will undoubtedly be the highlight of the match. Mo’unga has struggled this season while Barrett was on fire in the last match. This could be a straight shootout to who will wear the national team’s 10 jersey. The Crusaders have brought in dangerman Leicester Faingaanuku and he will be one to watch. 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 1.53, Playabets 1.51 and Sunbet 1.52.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Blues
- The Crusaders have won their last five matches against the Blues. .
- The Blues last beat the Crusaders in 2014.
- The Crusaders have won their last 12 home matches against the Blues.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 24-21 in their last match while the Blues beat the Chiefs 25-0 in their last match.
PREDICTION
It will be interesting to see how the set piece battle turns out as they winner at the scrum and lineout time will in all likelihood win the match. The Crusaders have a star studded backline but it will be up to Mounga to link them up. The Blues also have dangerous players like Rieko Ioane and Mark Telea in their backline so both teams will need their defence to be solid. The stand out attacker for the Crusaders this season has been Will Jordan and if he is given space then the Blues will be made to pay. I predict the Crusaders to win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Bryce Heem, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Alex Hodgman
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.53
Playabets 1.51
Sunbet 1.52
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap :
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89
Playabets (-4.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Both these teams love the driving maul and the team that can dominate in this area will go a long way to winning the match. The Crusaders have always lifted their game when the chips are down and the Blues will be hoping they can finally claim a win over the Crusaders. There are poor odds on the Crusaders win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
