Canon Eagles vs Auckland Blues Predictions - Blues set for comfortable victory

These sides have never met before.

The Canon Eagles have been in fine form domestically this season with four wins in their last five. They did, however, suffer a 31-27 home defeat to Kobe Steel in their last outing.

This is just a friendly fixture to prepare the Blues for their upcoming Super Rugby season, as well as to remain match-fit for the rest of the Japan Rugby League One season.

The Eagles are likely to feature some fringe players as going to full strength could compromise their season. It isn’t a risk worth taking, but we should see all the top players on the park at some point.

The Blues will be looking forward to another successful Super Rugby season in 2024. They struggled somewhat last season but still achieved a relatively solid finish.

While this is only a friendly fixture to prepare for the upcoming season, there will be a number of players laying down a claim ahead of the season. Expect the Blues to come at full throttle as they continue to seek peak condition ahead of Super Rugby.

Changes are expected in the Blues side from their warmup game last week. This is all out about getting match-fit and figuring out game plans and plays ahead of the more important fixtures.