Crusaders vs Hurricanes
The Crusaders are the most successful team in Super Rugby and they will be gunning to win the inaugural Pacific Super Rugby. The Hurricanes will want to catch the home team off guard as it is the first match of the season. The Crusaders will be missing their star player Richie Mounga as he is on a three week break at the start of the season. They have given a debut to Argentinian flanker Pablo Matera and his duel with Hurricanes skipper Ardie Savea will be one of the highlights of the match.
TIP: The home team are filled with All Blacks players throughout the team but it is their backline that is electric. If new flyhalf Fergus Burke can ignite the backline then the Crusaders will win this match with ease. The Hurricanes will be looking to their Captain Savea to be his menacing best with ball in hand and at the breakdowns. 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 1.37, Playabets 1.43 and Sunbet 1.43
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Hurricanes
- Crusaders have won three of the last five matches with one draw and a loss.
- Hurricanes have only won once in their last five visits to Christchurch.
- The last match between these sides ended in a tie but the Crusaders won it in extra time.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the new season.
PREDICTION
Both teams have great attackers all over the park so we can expect an excellent running game. The Hurricanes have youngster Ruben Love at ten and he can expect the Crusaders to attack him all match and his defence will also need to be on top form. The Crusaders certainly have the advantage in the forwards and the scrums will be an interesting tussle. The Crusaders will want to leave a mark in their first game and I predict them to win by more than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 George Bridge, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Joe Moody
Hurricanes
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Justin Sangster, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.37
Playabets 1.43
Sunbet 1.43
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap :
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.82
Playabets (-7.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The Hurricanes will want to get Jordie Barrett and Peter Umaga-Jensen involved in the match as much as possible as they are game breakers. The Crusaders have the exciting Will Jordan at 15 and if he is given any space then he will make the visitors pay. The home team have an All Blacks centre pairing and much is expected of them.There are decent odds on the Chiefs win but we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-7.5) 1.82 and Playabets (-7.5) 1.90
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.
