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Crusaders vs Highlanders Betting Tips, Preview & Odds – Crusaders to seal title
- Crusaders downed the Highlanders 40-20 in Dunedin in round 4 of Super Rugby Aotearoa
- Victory in this clash will secure the title for Crusaders
- Crusaders have beaten the Highlanders by 20 or more points in their last 5 meetings
The Crusaders can secure the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa title with a win over the Highlanders at the Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday. The home side have dominated this fixture over the years, with five successive 20+ point wins. I expect much of the same again.
Crusaders Form & News
The Crusaders sit proudly atop the Super Rugby Aotearoa table and will claim the title with a match to spare if they can claim a bonus-point victory.
In Christchurch, the Crusaders are usually immense, but their 36-match unbeaten run came to an end two weeks ago when they were downed 34-32 by the Hurricanes.
In their last fixture, the Crusaders defeated the Chiefs 32-19. As is the norm with the Crusaders, they pulled away in the final quarter thanks to their assets on the bench.
Braydon Ennor failed to pass a late fitness test last week but will surely feature at some point this weekend. Unfortunately for the winger the current back three are in magnificent form so a start is unlikely.
Highlanders Form & News
The Highlanders have endured a poor 2020.
They have mustered just two victories in Super Rugby Aotearoa - both against the struggling Chiefs. When the Highlanders met the Crusaders in round 4, they went down 40-20 on their own patch. Last weekend, the Highlanders lost 32-19 at home to the Blues.
The Highlanders have shown patches of class over the campaign, but not nearly enough to warrant more than their two wins to date. That is also unlikely to change in Christchurch.
The Highlanders have little to play for but are unlikely to steer too far away from full strength considering the opposition. I expect a similar line-up to last weekend with perhaps Jona Nareki getting a start on the wing.
Crusaders vs Highlanders Head to Head
The Crusaders have an 8-1 advantage over the Highlanders in their last nine meetings.
The Christchurch-based side have won the last five clashes by 23, 26, 24, 20, and 20 points.
Their last meeting took place earlier in Super Rugby Aotearoa. The Crusaders won 40-20 in Dunedin.
Crusaders vs Highlanders Odds
The Crusaders are available at 1.13 to win, while the Highlanders are priced at 6.00.
The handicap is set at 16 points.
Crusaders vs Highlanders Match Up
The Crusaders are stacked with All Blacks and their bench is the strongest in the competition. This is why they score so many points in the final quarter of games. The Highlanders will need to conserve their energy for the second half, but with the Crusaders relentless, that is not easy.
Crusaders vs Highlanders Stats
- Crusaders have covered the -16 handicap in their last 5 matches against the Highlanders.
- Crusaders’ Will Jordan scored 2 tries in his last match against the Highlanders.
- Crusaders’ Will Jordan has scored 15 tries in his last 17 Super Rugby matches.
- Highlanders have lost 4 of their 6 matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Crusaders vs Highlanders FAQ
Where can I watch Crusaders vs Highlanders live stream online?
Check out our online streaming calendar for the Crusaders vs Highlanders live stream.
Where is the Crusaders vs Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa match being played?
The Crusaders vs Highlanders match is being played at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand.
When is the Crusaders vs Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa match being played?
The Crusaders vs Highlanders match is being played on Sunday 9 August 2020.at 05:35 SAST.
What happened the last time these two met?
Their last match took place earlier in Super Rugby Aotearoa where the Crusaders won 40-20 in Dunedin.
Verdict
I'm backing the Crusaders to cover the -16 handicap.
