A blockbuster to start the Super Rugby Semi-finals, coming out of Hamilton, where the Chiefs play host to the Crusaders, with a lot of history behind this matchup.
The Chiefs will be looking for another shot at the final, while the Crusaders have looked like a different team in the last month. A team that looks like they’re built to win.
The Chiefs are -4.5 point favourites, but that just comes down to home-field advantage.
Something tells me, though, that this is the defending champions’ game for the taking. David Havili is in serious form, the experience of Codie Taylor and Sevu Reece. X-Factor with Chay Fihaki and Leicester Fainga’anuku. This feels to me like a chance for the champs to flex their muscles.
It won’t be easy, though the Chiefs have a lot of experience in their own regard and not to mention a vendetta for last year’s final…
It’s going to be an arm wrestle no doubt but I think the Chiefs were made to work more than the Crusaders last week and that might take it’s toll in what could be another bruising game.
Look I know we’re backing the ‘Saders to win, but the Chiefs will score points, and their hooker has five in his last four games. The home side will know they need to score five pointers so expect kicks to the corner off penalties and lineout drives… plenty of opportunities for Taukei’aho to dot down.
Best: Crusaders to Win @ $2.45
Next: Crusaders 1-12 @ $4.00
Try Scorer: Samisoni Taukei’aho @ $2.05
This line has shifted out from earlier in the week from -16.5 to -19.5, so there is plenty of money coming the Hurricanes’ way and rightfully so. They’ve been the best team in the comp this whole season and continued their dominant run of form when they wiped the floor with the Brumbies!
Really, the Blues shouldn’t be here. They’ve been lucky and, to their credit, making the most of being the lucky loser, but I don’t give them a chance at knocking off the ‘Canes.
Last week I thought we may see some playoff-style footy from them like we’ve seen in the past but the Crusaders were too much for the 09 to handle.
The Hurricanes are another level again… I can’t get enough of them, -19.5 isn’t enough.
They’ve had the luxury of naming a very similar 23 with the exception of Fehi Fineanganofo and Siale Lauaki returning from injury.
Fineanganofo will replace Kini Naholo on the wing but I don’t think it would matter who is out there anyway. The leading try scorer of the comp to have 2+ tries on his return?
I can see it.
The only positive for the Blues is that Beauden Barrett returns to play 15 and Finlay Christie and Hoskins Sotutu join the starting XV as well. However I don’t expect that to change the outcome down at HNRY Stadium.
Best: Hurricanes -19.5 @ $1.90
Next: Hurricanes 21 – 30 @ $3.60
Try Scorer: Fehi Fineanganofo 2+ Tries @ $3.10