The Crusaders are favourites despite their dip in results. I am backng them to cover the -4.5 handicap.
Key Stats - Crusaders Finding some Form
- Reds have won 3 of their last 5 home matches.
- Reds have won 1 of their last 5 meetings against the Crusaders.
- Reds come into this match on the back of a 42-19 loss against the Force.
- Crusaders have won 3 of their last 5 away matches.
- Crusaders come into this match on the back of a 50-21 win at Moana Pasifika.
Dominant Saders
In their last five matces, the Crusaders have managed four wins and Reds just once.
Reds Suffering a Dip in Results
Reds have had a mixed run of form at home, winning three of their last five home matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 42-19 loss against the Force.
Their previous home results include a loss against the Hurricanes (31-27), followed by wins against Fijian Drua (52-7), the Highlanders (31-14), and the Waratahs (26-17).
Reds are currently sixth in Super Rugby with 18 points after seven matches.
Crusaders Form
Crusaders have experienced a mixed run of form on the road, winning three of their last five matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 50-21 win at Moana Pasifika.
Their previous away results include a win at the Brumbies (33-31), a loss at the Highlanders (25-23), a win at the Chiefs (43-33), and a loss at the Blues (29-13).
Crusaders are currently fifth in Super Rugby, with 18 points after seven matches.
Crusaders Starting Lineup & Team News
Starting line-up: 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 4 Seru Uru, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6 Joe Brial, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 9 Kalani Thomas, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Tim Ryan, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Josh Flook, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 15 Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Isaac Henry.
Unavailable due to injury: Lachie Anderson, George Blake, Josh Canham, Nicholas Conway, Massimo De Lutiis, Tate McDermott, Josh Nasser, and Treyvon Pritchard.
Starting line-up: 1 George Bower, 2 George Bell, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Corey Kellow, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Taha Kemara, 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Johnny McNicholl.
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Johnny Lee, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, Dallas McLeod.
Unavailable due to injury: Kyle Preston (knee), Braydon Ennor (hamstring), Liam Jack (hamstring), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Aki Tuivailala (concussion), Will Jordan (calf), Codie Taylor (hamstring), Cullen Grace (knee), James White (shoulder), and Tamaiti Williams (discitis).