Reds vs Crusaders Predictions & Tips - Crusaders to win in Brisbane

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 21 May 2021

Ralph Staniforth 21 May 2021

Share this article

Reds vs Crusaders predictions for Saturday’s Super Rugby trans-Tasman tussle
Fixture is being played at 11:45 SAST at the Suncorp Stadium
Reds have not won against the Crusaders since 2011, a run of 8 games
I'm tipping the Crusaders to cover the -8 handicap with relative ease
Betting tips, predictions and team news for Reds vs Crusaders

Expired

Reds vs Crusaders Predictions

In a battle of the Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa champions, I expect the Crusaders to emerge victorious. The Crusaders have a brilliant record against the Reds, so my best bet is a Crusaders win by more than eight points in Brisbane.

Reds lost their last match by 21 points.
Crusaders have won 19 of their last 22 matches against the Reds.
Crusaders have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
Crusaders have covered the -8 handicap in 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

The Crusaders have won 19 of their last 22 matches against the Reds. They met in the 2020 Super Rugby tournament before COVID-19 ensured the tournament was suspended. On that occasion the Crusaders won 24-20 at home.

Reds Form

The Reds never managed to carry the momentum of winning the Super Rugby AU into the first round of Super Rugby trans-Tasman. They suffered a heavy 40-19 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin last week.

It was clear that the Reds struggled to get up for the game after coming off a high the previous week. Whether they can now regain the momentum remains to be seen.

Last week the Reds were dominated in every aspect by the Highlanders. That cannot be allowed to happen at home this weekend or the Super Rugby AU champs could be in for a long night in front of their home crowd.

Reds Injuries & Team News

The Reds have made a few changes from their defeat to the Highlanders last week.

Harry Wilson, Hunter Paisami and Tate McDermott all return from injury. Big guns Taniela Tupou, Fraser McReight and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also start after being rested last weekend.

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders were expected to win the Super Rugby Aoteoaroa tournament this year and they managed to do just that. It was a bit more of a struggle than last season but in the end their quality shone through.

The trend continued last week in Super Rugby trans-Tasman. They did enough to win at home but they were hardly convincing.

After holding a 19-7 lead over the Brumbies at half time, the Crusaders built on the lead but allowed the Brumbies to come back at them late on. In the end the Crusaders were fortunate to come away with a 31-29 win with the Brumbies missing a last minute kick at goal to level the scores.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

Scott Robertson gives Oliver Jager a start at prop with Michael Alaalatoa on the bench. Codie Taylor will captain from hooker with Scott Barrett given another week off to recover from injury.

Mitchell Drummond and Will Jordan return to the side after being rested last weekend.

Reds vs Crusaders Live Stream FAQ

Where can I watch the Reds vs Crusaders live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Reds vs Crusaders live stream.

Verdict

Reds v Crusaders

The Crusaders have a hold over the Reds in recent meetings. They have won the last eight clashes between the sides. I'm backing the Crusaders to win by more than eight points in Brisbane.

Crusaders -8 Handicap

Handicap

@9/10 - 3 Units

R1000 Free Bet

100% first deposit match

Join today and get a R1000 Sign up Bet. T&Cs apply. No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. Winners know when to stop. National Responsible Gambling Programme: 0800 006 008. Warning: Gambling involves risk. By gambling on this website, you run the risk that you may lose.

Bet at betway