Chiefs vs Crusaders Predictions - Chiefs backed to cover against Crusaders

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 20 Feb 2024

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Marc Thomas 20 Feb 2024

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Tips for Chiefs vs Crusaders in Super Rugby on Friday
Crusaders are the 2-time defending champions
Can the Chiefs avenge their final defeat from last season?

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Can the Chiefs avenge their final defeat from last season? (Getty Images)

Chiefs vs Crusaders Predictions

This is a great way to start this Super Rugby season with a rematch of the 2023 final. The Chiefs were magnificent throughout last season, but fell at the final hurdle. I am backing them to get off to a good start again by covering the -5 hadnicap.

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

Chiefs have won 16 of their last 18 Super Rugby matches.
Chiefs beat Crusaders in 2 of their last 3 encounters.
Crusaders are the Super Rugby champions.
Crusaders beat Chiefs in their last encounter.

Head to Head

The Chiefs beat the Crusaders twice in the round robin format last season, but then came up short against them in the final. The 25-20 defeat at home will still hurt for the Chiefs.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs were sublime last season and would have been deserved winners, but the Crusaders upset the odds in a cracking final. During the round robin stage, the Chiefs won 13 of their 14 matches, picking up 59 points, 11 clear of second place.

In the knockout stage, the Chiefs beat the Reds and Brumbies at home. In neither game did the Chiefs look their best as concern of fatigue started to set in among the squad. While they gave it as good as they got, the Crusaders were just a touch better over 80 minutes in the final.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

The Chiefs should be right up there challenging again this year based on their squad. They have plenty of All Blacks in their squad and once again, mercurial Damian McKenzie will be their chief creator on attack.

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders come into this season looking for their third successive Super Rugby title. Last season, for large periods, the perennial winners looked out at sea, well below their usual best.

But, as usual, the Crusaders come out on top when it counted. They finished second on the table, 11 points off the Chiefs and lost four games of their 14 round robin fixtures.

The Crusaders then cruised past Fijian Drua and the Blues in the quarter and semi-finals. It was clear they started peaking at the right time, and it was enough to see them over the line in the final, beating the Chiefs 25-20 in Hamilton.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

As usual, the Crusaders have plenty of internationals in their squad. Scott Barret, Codie Taylor, Sevu Reece, Joe Moody, David Havili to name but a few. Welsh international, Leigh Halfpenny is an international addition to add some experience.

Verdict

Chiefs v Crusaders

I am backing the Chiefs to cover the -5 handicap in this Super Rugby opener on home soil.

Chiefs -5

Handicap

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