Crusaders vs Hurricanes Betting Tips, Preview & Odds – Canes to push Crusaders all the way

The Crusaders entertain the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Aotearoa at the Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday. The Crusaders have emerged victorious in all of their Super Rugby Aotearoa matches so far, while the Hurricanes have won their last three. I expect a tight encounter in Christchurch.

The Crusaders have been their impressive selves in Super Rugby Aotearoa, winning all four of their fixtures to date.

Their first match of the competition saw them beat the Hurricanes 39-25 away from home, but the clash was a lot closer than the final score suggests. That result was followed up with an 18-13 home win over the Chiefs, and then a convincing 40-20 victory at the Highlanders.

The Crusaders' last game was an exciting one against the Blues in Christchurch. In what was a very tight match, the home side hit their straps in the final 10 minutes to win 26-15.

The Crusaders had a bye last weekend so should be at full strength this weekend. They have no reported injury concerns.

The Hurricanes look to have put their inconsistency firmly behind them. After kicking off their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with two losses, they have managed to bounce back to win three in a row.

That winning run started with a 26-18 victory over the Chiefs, before downing the Highlanders 17-11 in horrendous weather conditions. Last week, the Hurricanes took down the much-fancied Blues 29-27 at home. 

Dane Coles could return after missing last week through a calf injury.  Prop Fraser Armstrong and loose-forwards Reed Prinsep and Gareth Evans could also make a return this weekend.

The Crusaders have seen off the Hurricanes in each of their last six meetings

Their last encounter ended 39-25 to the Crusaders in Wellington a few weeks ago.

The Crusaders are priced at 1.24 to win the match, while the Hurricanes are available at 4.10. A draw pays 26.00.

The handicap market is set at 11.5 points, with the Crusaders paying 1.94 and the Hurricanes 1.86 to cover it.

The Crusaders are in brilliant form, but the Hurricanes are not playing badly themselves. Having tasted victory in their last three fixtures, the Canes will be brimming with confidence. While a win in Christchurch looks unlikely, they will test the Crusaders.

Crusaders have won 8 of their last 9 matches.

Crusaders have failed to cover the -11.5 handicap in 2 of their last 3 matches.

Hurricanes have won their last 3 matches.

Hurricanes have covered the +11.5 handicap in 4 of their last 5 matches.