Blues vs Crusaders
The Blues welcome the Crusaders to Eden Park for this rematch of last year’s final. The home team will be out for revenge while the visitors will be desperate to bounce back from one of the biggest shocks in Super Rugby history after going down to the Fijian Drua in the last match. The champions rested their All Blacks player’s last time out with a disastrous result. This time round the national stars return although there is still a long injury list for them. The Blues will be missing their skipper Patrick Tuipolotu after he was injured in the last match.
TIP: The home team have however been lifted by the return of Mark Telea for this match with the winger recovering from his injury. In last year’s title match the Crusaders dominated the Blues in the forwards and once again this match will be decided by the stronger pack. The loss of Tuipolotu is a major blow for the Blues as the lineout will be an area that the Crusaders will be targeting. The bookies have the Blues as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.00, Gbets 1.95 and Hollywoodbets 2.00
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Crusaders
- The Blues have won the last three matches between the sides.
- The last two matches between the sides were decided by one and two point margins.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues beat the Hurricanes 25-19 in their last match while the Crusaders lost 25-24 to the Drua in their last match.
PREDICTION
Whenever these two teams meet there is bound to be a number of key match ups, seeing that the All Blacks national team is made up predominantly from these two teams. The highlight of this match could be the battle between Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett. The latter will be keen to show that he has not lost any of his game changing ability while Mo’unga will want to dictate play with his great attacking game. The flyhalf that can launch their potent backline will play a big part in helping their team win. The home ground advantage will tilt the match the Blues way by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii (c), 6 Adrian Choat, 5 Cameron Suafoa, 4 James Tucker, 3 James Lay, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Alex Hodgman
Crusaders
15 Fergus Burke, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Sione Havili Talitui, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Betway 2.00
Gbets 1.95
Hollywoodbets 2.00
Odds comparison on the Blues handicap:
The complete odds on the Blues handicap:
Betway 2.25 (-2.5)
Gbets 2.23 (-2.5)
Hollywoodbets 2.25 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Blues outright win but of you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.25 (-2.5), Gbets 2.23 (-2.5) and Hollywoodbets 2.25 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Pumas vs Lions
Bulls vs WP
Hurricane vs Waratahs
Brumbies vs Moana Pasifika
Reds vs Drua
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.
