Crusaders vs Blues
The old enemies clash in Christchurch when the Crusaders welcome the Blues in this crucial Super Rugby encounter. It is hard to fathom that the multiple time defending champions are languishing in tenth spot with only a mathematical chance of making the playoffs. This is arguably their worst ever season with a host of injuries and departures compounding their problem. The Blues have no such problems as they sit top of the table and will be looking for two wins in the last two games to confirm top spot which will give them home ground advantage all the way to the final if they get that far.
TIP: The Blues have looked like a different team under the guidance of Vern Cotter as they have dominated all teams with their forward play. The Crusaders under Rob Penney have played like a team with no leadership or cohesion as they look lost with ball in hand while their set pieces have been in shambles. Their scrum has started to look good with the return from injury of Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor but their lineouts are still poor. The bookies have the Blues as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.47, SoccerShop 1.45 and Bettabets 1.48
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Blues
- The Crusaders have won three of the last four matches between these sides.
- The last three matches between the sides have been won by the home side on the day.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders lost 31-24 to the Brumbies in their last match while the Blues beat the Highlanders 47-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Blues will be delighted with the return of Stephen Perofeta from injury as he takes his place in the fullback position while Harry Plummer continues in the 10 jumper. The Crusaders were unlucky to lose their last match against the Brumbies but the biggest positive was the return of Fergus Burke. The team looked great in attack and will be further bolstered in this match by the returning Levi Aumua. The Crusaders won multiple titles due to their excellent set piece yet that could be their biggest weakness yet again as they come up against an in form Blues team. I am predicting an away win by 5 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 David Havili, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Joe Moody
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Tele’a, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Corey Evans, 11 AJ Lam, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Taufa Funaki, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Adrian Choat, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.47
SoccerShop 1.45
Bettabets 1.48
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Force handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+6.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (+6.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Reds outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (+6.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (+6.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Chiefs vs Hurricanes
Beziers vs Brive
Suntory Sungoliath vs Canon Eagles
Griquas vs Pumas
Wild Knights Vs Brave Lupus
Gloucester vs Sharks
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.
