Chiefs vs Crusaders
It’s the clash of the round as the unbeaten Chiefs take on the Crusaders in this match in Hamilton. The home side have been in brilliant form and they reiterated this in the last match when they came from 17-7 down at halftime to blow the Hurricanes away 25-0 in the second half with deadly finishing and excellent defence. The Crusaders also had to overcome a halftime deficit to beat the Rebels in their last match. The champions will be out for revenge as the Chiefs beat them in the first round in Christchurch.
TIP: The Crusaders have been decimated with injuries this season and have struggled even in the matches they have won. In the last match they had hooker Codie Taylor pull out on the morning of the match and as a result they battled in the lineouts. He has been passed fir for this match. The Chiefs have had no such problems and have based their game on having a rock solid defence and lightning attack on turnover ball. The bookies have the Chiefs as favourites but I’m tipping the Crusaders for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.75, Gbets 2.70 and Hollywoodbets 2.70
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Crusaders
- The Crusaders won three of the last five matches against the Chiefs.
- The Chiefs have lost two of their last three home matches against the Crusaders.
Latest results for both teams
The Chiefs beat the Fijian Drua 50-17 in their last match while the Crusaders beat the Rebels 43-27 in their last match.
PREDICTION
One of the highlights in this match will be the incumbent All Black flyhalf Richie Mo’unga against the form flyhalf in the competition Damian McKenzie. The Chiefs ten has been the major reason for their unbeaten start to the season as he has controlled the game brilliantly choosing the right moment to kick or to run. The Crusaders will be looking for a much improved performance from Mitchell Drummond as the nine was woeful in the last match. It was his replacement Willie Heinz that sparked the comeback in the match. The home team have plenty of game breakers in Shaun Stevenson Emoni Narawa but the Crusaders should have the edge in the forwards. I am predicting an upset win for the visitors by four points
Probable Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (cc), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Crusaders
15 Fergus Burke, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili,11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Betway 2.75
Gbets 2.70
Hollywoodbets 2.70
Odds comparison on the Crusaders handicap:
The complete odds on the Crusaders handicap:
Betway 1.85 (+4.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+4.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+4.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent returns on the Crusaders upset win but if you looking for a safer bet then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (+4.5), Gbets 1.87 (+4.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+4.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Lions vs Pumas
Cheetahs vs Griffons
Sharks vs Griquas
WP vs Bulls
Scarlets vs Glasgow Warriors
Toulon vs Benetton
Checkout the betting latest offers here
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.
