Crusaders vs Chiefs Predictions & Tips - Crusaders to make light work of Chiefs at home

The Crusaders have hit the ground running in Super Rugby Aotearoa, while the Chiefs have flattered to deceive. My tip for this one is for the Crusaders to comfortably cover the -15 handicap.

Crusaders have won seven of their last nine meetings with the Chiefs, including the last two.

Their last meeting was in 2020 in Super Rugby Aotearoa where the Crusaders won 32-19 in Waikato.

The Crusaders have made a superb start to the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament with two comfortable victories in their first two matches.

The defending champions kicked off their campaign with an away 26-13 success against the Highlanders. That was followed by a 33-16 home win over the Hurricanes last week.

The Crusaders have already racked up nine tries in their two matches whilst only conceding four. Defensively the Saders not been at their best in the opening two rounds but they have been strong at set piece and on attack.

Prop George Bower comes into the side at the expensive of Joe Moody while Sione Havili Talitui comes into the starting lineup. Ethan Blackadder misses out after getting a knock at training.

David Havili will start at inside centre to accommodate Will Jordan who comes in at fullback. 

The Chiefs would have been hoping for a far better 2021 after losing all eight Super Rugby Aotearoa matches in 2020. Unfortunately that was not the case as they went down 39-23 at home to the Highlanders.

It was a brilliant start by the Chiefs who led 20-6 at half time. After the break their defence however fell apart as the conceded five tries.

Last season the Chiefs only managed to score 14 tries in their eight matches whilst conceding 28. That was the major concern going into 2021 for coach Warren Gatland. 

After a bye in week one, Gatland will hope that the performance can be put down to his charges being a bit rusty after a long break.

Chiefs have made a number of changes to their side to face the Crusaders. Angus Ta’avao will start in the front-row. Mitchell Brown makes his first start of the competition alongside Sam Cane at flank.

At the back, All Black international, Anton Lienert-Brown has been dropped to the bench with Quinn Tupaea coming in to start at inside centre.

At right wing, Shaun Stevenson shifts off the bench to start this week.