Crusaders vs Chiefs Predictions & Tips - Chiefs to give Crusaders a fight in final of 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa

The Chiefs are in excellent form and recently took down the Crusaders on home soil. While the Crusaders are clear favourites in Christchurch, I expect this to be a very tight final. My best bet is for the Chiefs to lose by less than 10 points.

Crusaders have won seven of their last 10 matches against the Chiefs.

Their last encounter took place a few weeks ago where the Chiefs won 26-25 at home.

The Crusaders topped the Super Rugby Aotearoa table with six wins from their eight matches. They have been comfortably the top points scorers during the competition while they also boast the best defensive record.

The tournament started well for the defending champions but their recent form has been somewhat disappointing. In round six the Saders lost only their second match in 41 at home when they went down 33-12 to an incredible Highlanders performance.

That was followed by a 30-27 extra time victory at the Hurricanes before the Crusaders lost 26-25 against the Chiefs in round eight.

In their last match the Crusaders found some of their early form again. They comfortably saw off the Blues 29-6 at home, outscoring the Auckland-based outfit by four tries to zero.

The Crusaders have no injury concerns ahead of this weekend after enjoying a bye last week. Richie Mo’unga and Mitchell Drummond continue their partnership as halfbacks.

The Chiefs are the form team of Super Rugby Aotearoa after winning five of their last six matches. A slow start to the season saw the Chiefs lose their opening two fixtures, but that was followed by a five-match winning streak.

Having already confirmed their place in the final, the Chiefs made 21 changes to their match-day squad last week against the Blues. Despite a fully second-string lineup, the Chiefs were in the match until the final 20 minutes when the Blues pulled away to win 39-19.

Prior to that the Chiefs beat the Highlanders 26-23 away, the Crusaders 26-25 at home and the Hurricanes 26-24 at home.

After resting their first choice players last weekend, the Chiefs return to full strength for the final. Bryn Gatland retains the flyhalf jersey while the in-form Damian McKenzie starts at fullback.