Chiefs vs Crusaders
Chiefs take on Crusaders in a blockbuster encounter to kick off the 2024 Super Rugby competition. The home side will be out for revenge of they lost the title to the visitor’s last season. Both sides have lost some key personnel from last season although the Chiefs seem to have the better-quality replacements. Crusaders biggest loss will be playmaker Richie Mo’unga who has moved to Japan and of course their multiple title winning coach Scott Robertson who has been promoted to the All Blacks top position. The match is likely to be a tight affair as both teams will be looking to shake off the early season rustiness.
Tip: The Crusaders were hit with a further blow this week when superstar winger Will Jordan was ruled out for the season due to a shoulder operation. The Chiefs also have their All-Black winger Eroni Narawa out for the opening few matches with injury. The home side seem to have the edge in most positions except in the front row where the visitors have the likes of Bower and Tamati Williams. The bookies have the Chiefs as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.47, Gbets 1.48 and Hollywoodbets 1.47
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Crusaders
- The last four matches between the sides has seen two wins apiece.
- The home team have lost three of the last five matches.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the new season.
PREDICTION
Both teams will welcome back long term injury causalities in Sevu Reece and Quinn Tupaea. The home side certainly have the advantage in the backline with an all-international midfield pairing of Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Shaun Stevenson. They however will have their work cut out with Crusaders debutant Levi Aumua lining up against them. The gigantic number 12 made the move from Moana Pasifika and will chomping at the bit to make a big impression. The Chiefs have the stronger bench with the likes of Tamisoni Taukei’aho and Ollie Norris therefore I predict a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Aidan Ross
Crusaders
15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Dominic Gardiner, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 George Bell, 1 George Bower.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Chiefs victory are as follows:
Betway 1.47
Gbets 1.48
Hollywoodbets 1.47
Odds comparison on the Chiefs handicap:
The complete odds on the Chiefs handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-5.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-5.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-5.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Chiefs 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 (-5.5), Gbets 1.90 (-5.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-5.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Western Force vs Hurricanes
Blues vs Fijian Drua
Montpellier vs Bayonne
Pau vs Toulon
Lyon vs Oyannax
Castres vs Bordeaux
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
