Blues vs Force
The Blues welcome the Force to Eden Park for this match in Super Rugby. Both teams come into the match on the back of defeats as the home team lost to the Crusaders while the Force were beaten by another NZ side, the Highlanders. The Blues will be kicking themselves as they dropped the ball over the tryline twice in the last ten minutes of their defeat. The Force led in their match only to be beaten late in the match. The home team have chosen to rest many of their All Black players so the Force will be sniffing an upset win.
TIP: The visitors have stuck largely with the same team from the last match but will be hoping for more from the players on the bench as they lost the match late in the game. The Blues have almost completely changed their backline with Stephen Perofeta playing in the ten jersey in place of Beauden Barrett. The Force will look to put pressure on the players coming in as they have not played in weeks. 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: Betway 1.07, Gbets 1.06 and Hollywoodbets 1.07
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Force
- The Blues have won nine of the ten matches against the Force.
- The closet the Force came to beating the Blues was a 22-22 draw back in 2011.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues lost 34-28 to the Crusaders in their last match while the Force lost 43-25 to the Highlanders in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Blues have one of the strongest forward packs in the competition and often rely on their pack to provide the platform for their dangerous backline stars to attack. They will also be missing some key players from the pack and if the Force can gain parity among the forwards them the match could be a close affair. The Force looked at their best in recent matches when they ran the ball and it is hoped that they adopt a ball in hand approach rather than kicking away possession. The man the Blues will look to again is Mark Telea as the winger has been arguably the player of the season so far. We are predicting a Blues win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Jacob Ratumaintavuki-Kneepkens, 13 Bryce Heem, 12 Harry Plummer (c), 11 Mark Telea, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Adrian Choat, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Cameron Suafoa, 4 James Tucker, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Joshua Fusitu’a
Force
15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Zach Kibirige, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Gareth Simpson, 8 Rahboni Vosayaco, 7 Tim Anstee, 6 Michael Wells (c), 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Felix Kalapu, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Angus Wagner
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Betway 1.07
Gbets 1.06
Hollywoodbets 1.07
Odds comparison on the Force handicap:
The complete odds on the Force handicap:
Betway 1.91 (+20.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+20.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.91 (+20.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Blues outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.91 (+20.5), Gbets 1.90 (+20.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.91 (+20.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Highlanders vs. Fijian Drua
Moana Pasifika vs. Hurricanes
Rebels vs. Reds
Blues vs. Western Force
Sharks vs WP
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.
