Crusaders vs Rebels Predictions - Crusaders set for home victory over Rebels

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 23 Apr 2024

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Marc Thomas 23 Apr 2024

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Tips for Crusaders vs Rebels in Super Rugby on Friday
Rebels have won their last 3 games
Can the Crusaders avoid another disaster?

Expired

Crusaders backed to end their losing streak (Getty Images)

Crusaders vs Rebels Preview

The Crusaders are in a crisis at the moment and desperately need results. On the other side, the Rebels have surprised many this season with their performance, but are quite inconsistent, particularly defensively.

Crusaders vs Rebels Preview
Head to Head
Crusaders Form
Crusaders Injuries & Team News
Rebels Form
Rebels Injuries & Team News

While form suggests the Rebels could pull it off this weekend, I still fancy the Crusaders to have enough to cover the -10 handicap.

Crusaders have won 9 of their last 10 matches against the Rebels.
Crusaders have lost 7 of their last 8 matches.
Rebels have won their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

Crusaders have won nine of their last 10 matches against the Rebels.

Crusaders Form

This is comfortably the worst Crusaders season since Super Rugby began back in 1996. They are bottom of the table after eight matches with just one win.

That victory came at the end of March when they held on to beat the Chiefs 37-26 on home soil. It was thought to be the catalyst for another Crusaders masterclass in the second half of the season, but they have lost their two subsequent games.

A fortnight ago, the Crusaders lost 43-40 to the Waratahs away from home and last week went down 37-15 at the Western Force. The latter result was nothing short of an embarrassment for the Crusaders who were utterly woeful on the night.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

The Crusaders have little choice but to field what they believe is their strongest side. They need a result simply to get off the bottom of the table.

Rebels Form

The Rebels are currently fourth on the Super Rugby table with five wins from eight matches. They are definitely the surprise package this season as many expect them to be closer to the other end of the table.

After conceding 50+ points in two successive games against the Reds and Hurricanes from mid to late March, the Rebels have won three successive games. The Melbourne-based outfit were superb in their 27-21 victory in Sydney against the Waratahs before they beat Fijian Drua 41-20 at home.

Last time out, the Rebels beat the Highlanders 47-31 on home soil. They had a bye last weekend so have enjoyed a two-week recovery.

Rebels Injuries & Team News

The Rebels should be at full strength this weekend having not played last week.

Verdict

Crusaders v Rebels

Despite their form this season, the Crusaders did beat the Chiefs at home a few weeks back. I am backing them to end their losing streak with a 10+ point win.

Crusaders -10

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