Chiefs vs Blues
Before the previous weekend of matches the Chiefs were on an 11 game losing streak while the Blues were top of the log. All this changed as the Chiefs had a magnificent comeback against the Hurricanes after trailing at half time by 19 points and still winning. The Blues were brought back to earth with a thud after the Crusaders thumped them at Eden Park. Both these teams seem to lack a world class flyhalf who can take control of a game like Richie Mounga does at the Crusaders. The Chiefs looked great after Damian McKenzie moved into flyhalf in the second half and I am surprised that he is not starting at 10 this week. The Blues will want to put the disappointment of the last match behind them and the best way to do that is to beat the Chiefs. The Blues missed Mark Telea last week and will welcome him back from injury. He gives them that extra go forward with his strength and powerful leg drives. The Blues forwards will be licking their wounds after the mauling they received at the hands of the Crusaders pack. Last week Rieko and his brother Akira had games they will want to forget and no doubt they will be eager to show they are still class acts.
TIP: The Blues claimed to have the best forward pack in the competition but after last week there are serious doubts about that. They will be keen to put that right against the Chiefs and I feel that the Chiefs are in for a long day at the office. I can only see a Blues victory while the match may be close in the first 60 minutes I expect the powerful Blues bench to take control in the last 20 minutes. The best odds on a Blues victory are Worldsportsbetting at 1.53. Playabets and Supabets have them at 1.46 and 1.45 respectively.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Blues
- In the last 5 matches the Blues lead 3 wins to 2.
- In the last 9 home matches against the Blues the Chiefs have only lost once.
- The Blues have won the last two meetings between these sides but have never won 3 consecutive matches against the Blues.
Latest results for both teams
The Chiefs won the last match against the Hurricanes 29-35 while the Blues lost against the Crusaders 27-43.
PREDICTION
There were long periods that the Blues had possession against the Crusaders but could not turn that into points. One of the main reasons was that winger turned midfielder Rieko Ioane refusal to pass the ball when on attack. I’m sure the Blues attack will be firing this week and I expect them to win this encounter although their record in Hamilton isn’t very good. The Chiefs over reliance on Damian Mckenzie was evidenced in the last match and when got more involved the Chiefs looked great. If the Blues forwards dominate and release wingers Caleb Clarke and Telea then I predict a victory for the Blues. I just feel the Blues have too much firepower for the Chiefs. Blues to win by less than 8 points.
- Confirmed Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Kaleb Trask, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Samipeni Finau, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Blues
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Harry Plummer, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Otere Black, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Alex Hodgman
Odds for this bet
The Blues will win a close encounter and the best odds on them are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.53
Playabets 1.46
Supabets 1.45
Odds comparison on a Blues victory by more than 4 points
The best odds on the Blues handicap (-4.5) are at Sunbet at 1.85. Worldsportbetting has them at 1.80 while Supabets has them at 1.90 on the handicap (-3.5).
Predictions and Odds in details
I know the Chiefs will be pumped up in front of their long suffering fans and I expect them to come out firing. The Blues power will eventually wear the Chiefs down and I expect the Blues to show their strength in the second half. There is too much quality in the Blues team and the Chiefs can’t compete in the replacements department. The Blues have All Blacks Karl Tu’inukuafe and Ofa Tu’ungafasi to call on to take them to victory therefore I’m going for a Blues victory by less than 8. The best odds on the Blues handicap (-4.5) are at Sunbet at 1.85. Worldsportbetting has them at 1.80 while Supabets has them at 1.90 on the handicap (-3.5).
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.
