Crusaders vs Rebels
Both teams come into this match on the back of close defeats. This weekend of fixtures represents the first time in the competition this season that the Australian and NZ sides will be playing each other. Last season the NZ teams won lopsided matches but things could be different this season starting with this match. The Rebels seem to have found form at the right time although they narrowly lost to the Reds in the last match. The Crusaders were beaten at home by the Blues in their last match and will be anxious to claim a win.
TIP: The Crusaders will welcome back Sam Whitelock after a long injury break and this is perfect timing as his lock partner Scott Barrett is suspended for the three games because of his red card in the last match. The Rebels will need to protect the ball better as they conceded three tries in the last match after they lost the ball in attack. 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 1.01, Playabets 1.01 and Sunbet 1.01
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Rebels
- The Crusaders have won the last five matches between the sides.
- The Rebels have only won once against the Crusaders.
- The only time the Rebels beat the Crusaders was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders lost 27-23 to the Blues in their last match while the Rebels lost 36-32 to the Reds in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders will want to show the loss in the last match was just a blip in their season while the Rebels will want to catch the champions when they are not at their best. The Crusaders will look to their forwards to gain the ascendency before launching the dangerous backline. The visitors will miss the services of their most attacking player in Will Jordan who has been rested. The Rebels must be assured with their kicking from hand as any wayward kicking will be punished. The Crusaders are not at their best but will still win the match by less than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Rebels
15 Reece Hodge, 14 George Worth, 13 Andrew Kellaway, 12 Stacey Ili, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Michael Wells (c), 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Josh Hill, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 James Hanson, 1 Cameron Orr
Crusaders
15 George Bridge, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Zach Gallagher, 3 Olie Jager, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 George Bower
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.01
Playabets 1.0
Sunbet 1.01
Odds comparison on the Rebels handicap :
The complete odds on the Rebels handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+27.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+27.5) 1.89
Playabets (+27.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Rebels forwards will be the key to this result, if they can match up to the Crusaders pack then they will be competitive in this match. The contest between the top international flyhalf’s could be on one of the highlights of the match. The scrum is another area that the Crusaders will use to gain advantage. 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 (+27.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+27.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+27.5) 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.
