Chiefs vs Crusaders
The Crusaders will be out for revenge after losing at home to the Chiefs a few weeks ago. They led by 12 points in that match with less than 10 minutes to play but lost when the Chiefs scored two late tries. Both these teams have been hit hard with Covid cases so it will be interesting to see how the players have recovered. The Chiefs had a much changed side in their last match against Moana Pasifika but still won 59-12. The Crusaders had to postpone their match last weekend against Blues due to Covid.
TIP: The rivalry between these sides is reminiscent of days gone by as they also contested the NZ Super Rugby final last season. The Chiefs so famous for their offloading game are showing the kind of form that made them champions almost a decade ago. All Blacks skipper Sam Cane seems to be back to his best and along with Brodie Retallick have formed the basis of an extremely strong forwards pack. The bookies are offering great returns on the away win and the best odds on the Crusaders win are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.85, Playabets 1.83, and Sunbet 1.85
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Crusaders
- The Crusaders have won three of the last five matches against the Chiefs.
- The home team have won three of the last four matches between the sides.
- The Chiefs won the last match between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Chiefs won their last match 59-12 while the Crusaders lost their last match 24-21 against the Chiefs.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders win most of their matches by their forwards dominating the opposition forwards but this tactic will not work against the Chiefs as they have arguably the strongest pack in the competition. The emergence of players like powerhouse hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho has strengthened the Chiefs at scrum time. The Chiefs still possess great attacking players that can match Crusaders like Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga’anuku. If Richie Mo’unga has a great game then the Crusaders will win. I predict an away win by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Kaleb Trask, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Bryn Gatland, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Samipeni Finau, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris
Crusaders
15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c) 3 Oli Jager, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Finlay Brewis
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.85
Playabets 1.83
Sunbet 1.85
Odds comparison on a Crusaders handicap victory
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.95
Playabets (-1.5) 1.85
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
One of the highlights of the match will be the battle between the halfbacks with the Chiefs relying heavily on Brad Weber’s service to the backline. The Crusaders will want to bring in Jordan into the game as much as possible as he can be a match winner if given any space. Both teams need to be accurate with their kicking or else they will be punished. The bookies slightly favour the Crusaders therefore I back then on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.95, Playabets (-1.5) 1.85 and Sunbet (-2.5) 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.
