Crusaders vs Brumbies Predictions & Tips - Brumbies to push Crusaders all the way

The Crusaders are very strong at home but come up against a Brumbies side that are in good form. I am tipping the Brumbies to cover the +18 handicap. 

The Crusaders have dominated this fixture in recent times with nine straight wins over the Brumbies. Their last match took place in 2019 where the Crusaders won 36-14 at home.

The Crusaders come into cross-Tasman Super Rugby as favourites after retaining the Super Rugby Aotearoa title last weekend. They beat the Chiefs 24-13 at home in the final.

While the Saders’ dominated the tournament, they were nowhere near their imperious best. On their way to the title the Crusaders lost two matches, one to the Chiefs and a shock 33-12 defeat at home to the Highlanders.

Their victory in the final was ultimately well deserved despite the Chiefs wasting a number of opportunities to put pressure on their hosts. 

Regular captain Scott Barrett will feature off the bench this week after earning a well deserved break. Hooker Codie Taylor will captain for this match.

Star fullback Will Jordan suffered a foot injury in the final and will miss this encounter. He is expected back next week with George Bridge filling in at 15 against the Brumbies.

The Brumbies failed to defend their Super Rugby AU title as they went down 19-16 to the Reds in the final last week. It was a cracking encounter, one the Brumbies led for most of it but a last minute try saw the Reds snatch the win and the trophy.

That will still be hurting the Brumbies who arguably deserved to win the match. The Brumbies have won six of their nine matches this season with all three of their defeats coming against the Reds.

Going to Christchurch is the ultimate rugby challenge so this weekend will be tough.  The Brumbies have only managed two wins over the Saders in Christchurch in 13 attempts, the last being in the year 2000.

Rugby League convert Solomone Kata makes his Brumbies debut on the wing for the injured Andy Muirhead. Cadeyrn Neville is another who misses this match through injury.

Other changes include Ryan Lonergan coming in at scrumhalf for Nic White while Folau Fainga’a returns to the starting lineup in place of Lachlan Lonergan.