Hurricanes vs Blues Predictions & Tips - Blues to claim narrow victory

The Hurricanes and Blues both look evenly matched on paper ahead of thier Super Rugby Aotearoa encounter. However, the Blues are very strong on the defensive front and that could well be the difference, so I’m tipping a narrow win by 12 or less for the side Auckland.

The Hurricanes hold an 11-2 advantage over the Blues in their last 13 meetings. The Blues, however, won two of their three encounters last year.

In their previous clash, the Hurricanes beat the Blues 29-27 at home in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

The Hurricanes endured an inconsistent 2020 but still managed a third-place finish in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

With five wins from their eight games in the last campaign, the Hurricanes will carry some confidence over this time around. One of their most impressive performances came in a victory over the eventual champions, Crusaders.

Shoring up their defence will be the main priority this time around after conceding 213 points in eight matches in 2020. That was the second highest in the competition.

The Hurricanes have always possessed a potent attacking side, so getting the defensive side right will make them a real contender.

The Hurricanes have not brought in any new names but utility back, Jonah Lowe has departed, as has  outside back Chase Tiatia.

Since the departure of Beauden Barrett, the Hurricanes have struggled at flyhalf. Jackson Bachop is the likely starter this weekend but will need to produce consistent performances.

In the outside channels, the Hurricanes have plenty of quality. None more so that breakout player from 2020, Wes Goosen who has made try scoring look easy.

The Blues had a magnificent 2020 and finished second behind the Crusaders. They were superb defensively, conceding 149 points in seven matches which was one point more than the champions.

Other than the Chiefs who finished bottom, the Blues scored the least amount of tries (23). That will be of concern going into this season but they do have the personal to turn it around and challenge for the title.

The Hurricanes will be a tough opening challenge for the Blues, but against 2020's leakiest defence, they will fancy their chances.

The Blues have signed prop Nepo Laulala from the Chiefs and flank, Dillon Hunt from the Highlanders. Both of them offer additional depth to the Blues squad.

At flyhalf, Otere Black enjoyed a fantastic season in 2020. He will want to replicate that from this time around and push for international honours.