Blues vs Hurricanes Predictions & Tips - Blues backed to cover handicap at Eden Park

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 26 May 2023

Ralph Staniforth 26 May 2023

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Watch Blues vs Hurricanes on Saturday in Super Rugby (08:05 BST)
Hosts have won 5 of their last 7 games against the Canes
Can the Blues put pressure on the Brumbies for 3rd place?

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Blues backed at home to win (Getty Images)

Blues vs Hurricanes Predictions

This should be a cracking fixture with one point separating the sides on the table. It is basically a playoff for a home quarter-final, while both sides can still sneak into third.

Blues vs Hurricanes Predictions
Head to Head
Blues Form
Blues Injuries & Team News
Hurricanes Form
Hurricanes Injuries & Team News

The Blues have the better form coming into the fixture and have already beaten the visitors this season. My best bet is for the Auckland side to cover the -5 handicap.

Blues have won 5 of their last 7 matches against the Hurricanes.
Blues have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Hurricanes have lost their last 2 away matches.

Head to Head

Blues have won five of their last seven fixtures against the Hurricanes, including a victory in Wellington earlier this season.

Blues Form

The Blues are currently fourth in Super Rugby, a point ahead of the Hurricanes. Victory here could see the Blues climb to third if the Chiefs beat the Brumbies later on Saturday.

The Auckland side have not had their best season as they’ve struggled for consistency throughout. They do, however, come into this clash having already beaten the Hurricanes this season on the road, and have five wins from their last six.

After a disappointing 15-3 away defeat to the Crusaders, the Blues bounced back last week to beat the Reds 45-26 away from home. It was a fine performance from the Blues, one they will need to replicate this weekend on home turf.

Blues Injuries & Team News

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clark, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

Bench: Kurt Eklund, Kordan Lay, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam/Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Hurricanes Form

The Hurricanes are just a point behind the Blues in fifth place. With this being the penultimate weekend, it is basically their final chance to claim a top four spot and a home quarter-final.

While their opponents have been inconsistent this season, the Canes have been even more so. They lost 23-12 to the Chiefs last weekend but thrashed Moana 71-22 the week before.

The result that has really hurt the Canes is their 27-24 defeat to Fijian Drua three weeks ago. Had that gone in their favour they’d be in prime position to get a home quarter-final.

Hurricanes Injuries & Team News

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby

Bench: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Justin Sangster, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi

Verdict

Blues v Hurricanes

Blues are strong at home and should be able to see off the Hurricanes challenge. I'm backing the hosts to win by more than five points.

Blues -5

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

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