Blues vs Crusaders Predictions - Close but no cigar for the Crusaders

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 21 Mar 2024

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Marc Thomas 21 Mar 2024

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Tips for Blues vs Crusaders in Super Rugby on Saturday
Hosts have won 3 of their last 4 games
Can the Crusaders avoid 5 straight losses?

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Tips for Blues vs Crusaders in Super Rugby on Saturday (Getty Images)

Blues vs Crusaders Predictions

The Crusaders have just wo points and sit second from bottom, not something many would have predicted at the start of the season. They still have a very good side and will surely put a run of results together at some point.

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

However, the Blues are playing well so a win at Eden Park will be tough. Regardless, the Crusaders will back themselves and I can see them getting within the nine-point handicap.

Blues have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Blues have won 18 of their last 20 matches at Eden Park.
Crusaders have lost their last 4 matches.
Crusaders have won their last 4 matches against the Blues.

Head to Head

The Crusaders have won their last four games against the Blues. Their last meeting ended in a 52-15 win in 2023.

Blues Form

The Blues have won three of their opening four matches of the tournament. They are in fourth place, one point off the Chiefs in third.

In round one, the Blues comfortably won 34-10 at home against Fijian Drua before seeing off the Highlanders 37-29 in Melbourne. A 29-21 loss at the Hurricanes followed in round three.

Last week the Blues won 12-10 against the Waratahs in Sydney. It was hardly an epic, but it was tight throughout. It was the sort of game the Blues needed to get through to show they can guts it out at times.

Blues Injuries & Team News

(1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan

Subs: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders have lost their opening four matches of Super Rugby, their longest ever losing streak in the competition. It is also the longest ever losing streak to start the tournament of any defending champion.

The change in coaching personnel has certainly played a role in their indifferent form but it is hard to believe that the Saders won’t get it together at some point. However, when that point comes remains to be seen.

Their losses this season have come at the Chiefs, in Melbourne against the Waratahs, at Fijian Drua and last week at home to the Hurricanes. In two of those four defeats they have picked up losing bonus points.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

(1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Riley Hohepa, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.

Subs: Ioane Moananu, Joe Moody, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod.

Verdict

Blues v Crusaders

Crusaders are backed to get inside nine points of the Blues.

Crusaders +9

Handicap

@-109.89 - 3 Units

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