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

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 nine of their last 10 matches against the Rebels.

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.

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.

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.

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