Highlanders vs Crusaders
The Highlanders will be looking to bounce back after their defeat in the last match against the Chiefs. They will have fond memories of beating the Crusaders the last time they played each other. Crusaders had a win over the Hurricanes in the last match and will look to continue their winning run. The absence of Richie Mounga was hardly missed as they ran out winners. The home team will be playing in an empty stadium due to Covid restrictions
TIP: The Highlanders know that another loss could make it very difficult to be in a playoff position. They will look to Aaron Smith to lead from the front as the All Black nine had a very quiet game by his standards. The Crusaders are dominant in the forwards but if the Highlanders can stand up to them then we could see a close match. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites but I tip the Highlanders on the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 5.00, Playabets 4.90 and Sunbet 4.10
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Crusaders
- Crusaders have won four of the last five matches against the Highlanders.
- The Highlanders last won at home against the Crusaders in 2018.
- The Highlanders won the last match between the sides 33-12.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders lost their last match 26-16 to the Highlanders while the Crusaders won their last match 42-32 against the Hurricanes.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders have All Blacks throughout their team and will look to the likes of Leicester Fainga’anuku and Will Jordan to provide the magic. Fainga’anuku was unstoppable in the first match and if the Highlanders are to have any chance then he will need to be stopped before he gets a head of steam. The Highlanders will look to Shannon Frizell and Ethan de Groot to give them the go forward ball they need to beat the Crusaders. I predict the upset win for the Highlanders by three points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Sam Gilbert,14 Mosese Dawai,13 Fetuli Paea,12 Scott Gregory,11 Josh Timu,10 Mitch Hunt,9 Aaron Smith(C),8 Gareth Evans,7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell,5 Josh Dickson,4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit,3 Jermaine Ainsley,2 Liam Coltman,1 Ethan de Groot
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
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 5.00
Playabets 4.90
Sunbet 4.10
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap :
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+10.5) 1.88
Playabets (+10.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The match will be decided by the forward packs. The Crusaders are known for their dominant pack but they will be up against the only team in NZ that can probably match them up front. Ethan de Groot will have a key role to play and if he can match up to the Crusaders at scrum time then an upset could be on the cards. There are excellent odds on the Highlanders win but if you looking for a safety bet then the home team on the handicap is a value bet. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+10.5) 1.88 and Playabets (+10.5) 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.
