Crusaders vs Rebels
The Crusaders welcome the Rebels to Christchurch for this season defining match for the defending champions. It is almost impossible to believe that the visitors are sitting in fourth position with 24 points while the hosts are in last place, 17 points behind their opponents. The Crusaders are having their worst season since 1996 but miraculously they still have a chance of making the playoffs. They have only managed to win one of their eight matches but are still are only six points behind the eighth placed Moana Pasifika. If the Crusaders can win their remaining five matches, then they can make the top 8.
TIP: The good news for the Crusaders is that Captain Scott Barrett is back from injury and that fact that they convincingly won their last home match against the Chiefs. The Rebels have turned their season around after a shaky start with three wins on trot to catapult themselves into the top four. Much of their success has been due to the return of form of Carter Gordon as he has been brilliant in getting the best out of his backline. The bookies have the Crusaders as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.28, Gbets 1.28 and Hollywoodbets 1.28
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Crusaders vs Rebels
- The Crusaders have won the last seven matches between the sides.
- The last time the Rebels beat the Crusaders was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Crusaders lost 37-15 to the Waratahs in their last match while the Rebels won 47-31 against the Highlanders in their last match.
PREDICTION
There has been no team better than the Crusaders than handling pressure in the history of Super Rugby and they will need to be at their best in their next five matches if they are to stand a chance of defending their title. The man that has been a standout in their disastrous season has been Sevu Reece. He is one of the form players in this season’s competition and if they he can get some ball in space, then it could be deadly for the Rebels. The visitors have been using Wallaby powerhouse Taniela Tupou off the bench with great results but it remains to be seen if he can replicate that form against a strong home front row. I am predicting a Crusaders win by 16 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Crusaders
George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Heremaia Murray, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl
Rebels
Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.28
Gbets 1.28
Hollywoodbets 1.28
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-10.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-10.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-10.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-10.5), Gbets 1.87 (-10.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-10.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
