The first of the Super Rugby Pacific play off matches comes from Christchurch on Friday where the Crusaders are firm favourites for their clash with the Reds
Crusaders v Reds, Friday 3rd July, Christchurch, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Refs: James Doleman, Angus Mabey
TMO : Glenn Newman
Weather Forecast – Christchurch
Crusaders:
The Crusaders finished second in the overall standings during the regular season, 6 points adrift of the Blues with a record of 11 wins and 3 defeats.
The Saders took on Friday's opponents the Reds at this venue in the final round last Friday, the handicap line was pretty to similar to what we have for this play off and the Saders won the game 28-15, scoring 4 tries to 2.
In earlier results against Australian opposition the Crusaders came away from a trip to Canberra with a 37-26 win over the Brumbies. They also hammered the Force 53-15 in Perth and the Rebels 42-17 in Melbourne but they suffered a shock 24-21 defeat to the Waratahs. Their other defeats came in home fixtures against the Chiefs and the Blues.
In the outright betting to be crowned champions the Crusaders are trading at around 16/10, second favourites behind the Blues who can be backed at 27/20.
Reds:
The Reds started the tournament well but the wheels came off when they started to face New Zealand opposition. Defeat at this venue last week means they are 0 from 5 against NZ teams with earlier results comprising of a 53-26 defeat to the Blues in Auckland, a 29-17 loss to the Highlanders at Suncorp, they were edged out 27-25 by the Chiefs in another home fixture and they went down 30-17 to the Canes in the Super Round in Melbourne.
Overall during the regular season the Reds won 8 and lost 6 and they finished in seventh place in the standings. In the outright betting to win the tournament they can be backed at 33/1.
Team News (subject to change)
Crusaders: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Faninga'anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge
Reds: Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Kalani Thomas, Hunter Paisami
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Crusaders -20.5 points at 9/10
Reds +20.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
This handicap looks a bit on the large side but at the same time I am nervous to go against the Crusaders at home in a quarter-final. Conditions don’t look bad but there is some moisture around and I think this could get quite scrappy. The lads on #TheHandicap were keen on the unders and I am aligned.
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BET: 4 units under 54.5 points at 9/10 at WSB
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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