Blues vs Hurricanes
The Blues will be out for revenge when they host the Hurricanes at Eden Park. The home team lost a thriller 33-32 the last time the visitors were in town. They will be out to avoid a repeat of that performance when Ardie Savea scored after the final hooter to snatch the win. These teams currently occupy 4th and 5th spots with the Blues just a point ahead so the battle to gain a top four position is bound to be fierce especially among the forwards. The Blues seem to have the slightly stronger pack so they start the match with an advantage.
TIP: The Hurricanes received plenty of criticism for their selection in the last match as they rested their All Blacks in their loss to the table topping Chiefs. They have recalled all the rested players and explosive hooker Asafo Aumua is also over his injury problems. The Blues are without their playmaker Beauden Barrett after he cut his heel in the last match. It remains to be seen if Harry Plummer can fill the big void left by the All Black pivot. The bookies have the Blues as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.47, Gbets 1.45 and Hollywoodbets 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Hurricanes
- The Blues have won three of the last five matches against the Hurricanes.
- The Blues were beaten 33-32 in the corresponding fixture last season.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues beat the Reds 45-26 in their last match while the Hurricanes lost 23-12 to the Chiefs in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Blues have also recalled a number of their rested All Blacks and will be looking for a big performance from Caleb Clarke in particular as he has been overshadowed by fellow winger Mark Telea this season. Telea has been the Blues player of the season and his battle with Kini Naholo promises to be one of the highlights of the match. The Hurricanes have been free scoring this season and they will hope to continue in that vein against the Blues who are missing their lynchpin. This match is likely to go down to the wire with the Blues sneaking home by two points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Bryce Heem, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Adrian Choat, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Cameron Suafoa, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Hurricanes
15 Josh Moorby, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Aidan Morgan, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Caleb Delany, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Betway 1.47
Gbets 1.45
Hollywoodbets 1.48
Odds comparison on the Hurricanes handicap:
The complete odds on the Hurricanes handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+6.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent 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 1.90 (+6.5), Gbets 1.87 (+6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+6.5)
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Pumas vs Bulls
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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.
