Crusaders vs Blues Betting Tips - Crusaders backed at home in Super Rugby playoff
The Crusaders enter their playoff clash against the Blues in tremendous home form, boasting six consecutive victories in Christchurch and a dominant recent record over the visitors. In contrast, the Blues have struggled on the road, dropping key away matches and recently slipping to fourth in the standings after a heavy defeat to the Chiefs. Despite some enforced team changes, the Crusaders’ depth and performance at home make them clear favourites. The recommendation is to back the Crusaders to cover the -8.5 handicap.
- Crusaders have won last 6 home matches and 5 of 6 vs Blues.
- Blues lost 3 of last 5 away games and recently dropped to 4th.
- Crusaders tipped to cover -8.5 handicap due to home dominance.
Crusaders are favourites for this clash given that they have won their last six matches at home while the Blues away form has been patchy at best. I am backing the hosts to cover -8.5.
- Key Stats - Crusaders Unbeaten in last Six at Home
- Crusaders Dominant
- Crusaders Rampant at Home
- Blues Form
- Crusaders vs Blues Starting Lineups & News
Key Stats - Crusaders Unbeaten in last Six at Home
- Crusaders have won their last 6 home matches.
- Crusaders have won 5 of the last 6 matches against the Blues.
- Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 47-14 in their last home match.
- Blues have lost 3 of their last 5 away matches.
- Blues lost 59-34 to the Chiefs in their last away match.
Crusaders Dominant
Crusaders lead 5-1 in their last six matches against the Blues. Earlier this season, the Saders won 36-20 against the Auckland outfit.
Crusaders Rampant at Home
The Crusaders powered past the table-topping Hurricanes, 47-14, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch last weekend, after leading 26-7 at half-time, which pushed the defending champions into third place and a home Qualifying Finals spot.
Crusaders have been impressive at home recently, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches. They defeated the Highlanders (29-18), Fijian Drua (69-26), the Waratahs (35-20), the Blues (36-20) and the Chiefs (36-32).
Crusaders finished third in Super Rugby, with 41 points from 14 matches.
Blues Form
The Blues lost 59-34 to the Chiefs last weekend, after trailing 19-15 at half-time. A dominant 40-point second-half surge by the Chiefs handed the visiting Blues their third consecutive defeat.
The Blues have been inconsistent on the road recently, beating the Waratahs (35-20), losing to the Hurricanes (42-19), beating Moana Pasifika (45-19), and losing to the Crusaders (36-20).
Blues finished fourth in Super Rugby, with 38 points from 14 matches.
The Blues' recent form has seen them drop from third to fourth place and surrender a home Qualifying Finals spot.
The Blues will be looking for an improved performance after suffering a heavy defeat to the Chiefs last weekend.
Crusaders vs Blues Starting Lineups & News
Crusaders: The Crusaders have been forced into a reshuffle in the front row this week, with Fletcher Newell and Seb Calder both ruled out through injury. George Bower shifts from loosehead to tighthead prop, adding experience and versatility to a forward pack that will need to stand up in a physical contest.
1 Finlay Brewis, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 George Bower, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 7 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Taha Kemara. 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili, 13 Dallas McLeod, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Johnny McNicholl.
Replacements:
16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 Gus Brown, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dominic Gardiner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Braydon Ennor.
Blues:
Starting line-up:
1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Sam Darry, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Malachi Wrampling-Alec, 9 Sam Nock, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 Xavi Taele, 14 AJ Lam, 15 Zarn Sullivan.
Replacements:
16 Eli Oudenryn, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Flyn Yates, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Corey Evans, 23 Payton Spencer.
Verdict
The Crusaders enter the playoffs in excellent form and have been dominant at home, while the Blues have struggled for consistency away from Auckland. Back the hosts to cover the -8.5 handicap.
Crusaders -8.5
Handicap
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