Force vs Crusaders
The Force play host to the defending champions Crusaders with both teams in complete disarray. The home team have won just one of their seven matches but the manner of their defeats have been awful. They were thrashed 50-3 in their last match against the Blues and will be desperate for a bounce back from their players. The Crusaders have also only won one of their matches and sit second bottom on the log, only above their opponents in this match. The Force have never been a flashy team but this season they have completely fallen apart.
TIP: One of the most disappointing aspects of the Force has been their attack that was meant to be boosted by the signing of Wallaby halfbacks Ben Donaldson and Nic White. Both players have struggled but they will have experienced Aussie international Kurtley Beale at fullback which will help the attack. The Crusaders were desperately unlucky to lost the last match due to error from their replacement flyhalf. The bookies have the Crusaders as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.18, Gbets 1.18 and Hollywoodbets 1.18
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Force vs Crusaders
- The Crusaders have won the last six matches between the sides.
- The last time the Force beat the Crusaders was in 2013.
Latest results for both teams
The Force lost 50-3 to the Blues in their last match while the Crusaders lost 43-40 to the Waratahs in their last match.
PREDICTION
The desperation of both teams could see a lot of kicking which will suit the Force as they don’t play an expansive game. The Crusaders attack looked good in the last match with Sevu Reece back to his best. The winger was everywhere and will again be the man to watch out for. The Force will need Beale to weave his magic in the backline as the Force attack has been non-existent. He has often played as a second playmaker and the home team need his to be at his attacking best. The Crusaders best chance of winning is to dominate the forwards exchanges with their big pack. I am predicting an away win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Force
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Bayley Kuenzle, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Chase Tiatia, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Nic White (c), 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Will Harris, 5 Thomas Franklin, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Ryan Coxon
Crusaders
15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Riley Hohepa, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie (c), 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Joe Moody
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.18
Gbets 1.18
Hollywoodbets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Force handicap:
The complete odds on the Force handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+15.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+15.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+15.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+15.5), Gbets 1.90 (+15.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+15.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Glasgow vs Sharks
Ulster vs Cardiff
Saracens vs Gloucester
Connacht vs Zebre
Edinburgh vs Scarlets
Benetton vs Dragons
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.
