Crusaders vs Hurricanes Predictions & Tips - Routine victory for Crusaders tipped

The Crusaders are almost always exceptional at home, making this a tough ask for the Hurricanes. The Crusaders are at full strength for this encounter and I'm tipping the hosts to cover the -12 handicap with relative ease.

The Crusaders have beaten the Hurricanes in six of their last seven meetings.

Their last meeting, however, saw the Hurricanes claim a 34-32 win in Christchurch. That was the Crusaders' first defeat at home in four years.

The Crusaders came into 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa as the defending champions and are favourites to retain their title. 

On the opening weekend of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Crusaders ran in four tries to two as they beat the Highlanders 26-13 away.

It was a very even contest but the Saders' superior quality shone through in the end. They will certainly be looking for improvement going into week two though.

The Crusaders were forced to make 130 tackles last week, missing 20 while the Highlanders were only required to make 90. Considering the Crusaders are so good at holding onto possession, that stat will be of concern.

David Havili is fit again and will start at fullback in place of Chay Fihaki. Breakout star from 2020, Will Jordan is also back from injury but will start on the bench.

The only other change sees Mitchell Drummond start at scrumhalf with Bryn Hall shifting to the bench.

After an inconsistent 2020, the Hurricanes were hoping for a more positive 2021 as they look to challenge for the title. Their bid didn’t get off to the best of starts as the Blues beat them 31-16 at home in the first week.

It all looked positive at half time with the Hurricanes in the lead. The second half however saw the visitors completely dominant and run in a comfortable victory.

The Hurricanes were outscored by four tries to two while they carried only 285 meters compared to the 534 of the Blues. Set pieces will be a huge concern for the Canes after the Blues annihilated them at scrum time.

Another point of focus will be discipline after two yellow cards were shown to the Hurricanes during the match.

Peter Umaga-Jensen will start at outside centre after impressing off the bench last week.

Among the forwards, head coach, Jason Holland has opted to start Isaia Walker-Leawere, Reed Prinsep and Du’Plessis Kirifi.