Crusaders v Blues Prediction, Tips and Bet Builder

The Crusaders have hit their stride at just the right time of the season and the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions will look to keep their title defence alive on Saturday morning when they host the Blues at One NZ Stadium.

Adapting well to life in their new stadium, Crus look to be a force to be reckoned with and the Blues have a huge challenge on their hands to secure one of the four coveted semi-final spots.

Crusaders v Blues Tips Summary

Best Bet - Crusaders -8.5 handicap @ 1.80
Alternative Bet - Leicester Faingaanuku anytime tryscorer @ 2.05
Bet Builder - Crusaders to win, Sevu Reece & AJ Lam anytime tryscorers @ 6.50

Crusaders v Blues Prediction

Best Bet: Crusaders -8.5 handicap @ 1.80

Currently on a three-game winning streak, the Crusaders enjoyed a strong end to the regular season campaign.

The Canterbury outfit have had three home games on the spin, beating the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes in that time.

Having dispatched the Blues 36-20 at One NZ Stadium last month, the Crusaders are backed to win and cover the handicap against the Auckland outfit again on Saturday.

Alternative Bet: Leicester Faingaanuku anytime tryscorer @ 2.05

One of the most exciting attacking players in the Super Rugby Pacific this season, utility star Leicester Faingaanuku can’t be ignored in the anytime tryscorer market.

With a try in six of his last eight appearances, Faingaanuku knows where the try line is and it would be little surprise to see the back-rower go over again this weekend.

Crusaders v Blues Bet Builder Tip

• Crusaders to win

• Sevu Reece anytime tryscorer

• AJ Lam anytime tryscorer

  Pays 6.50

With the Crusaders backed for the win this weekend, Sevu Reece and AJ Lam are also tipped in the anytime tryscorer market for this three-fold bet builder.

Reece scored a brace of tries last time out against the Hurricanes and is backed for a try on Saturday, while Lam, who has scored in each of his last three appearances, is also tipped to touch down for the Blues.

Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.

Key Match Stats

• The Crusaders have won 23 of their last 26 completed games against the Blues

• Crus have won five of their last six matches against the Blues

• The Blues have lost all of their last three games against the Crusaders in the finals

• Crusaders are on a three-game winning streak going into this match

Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.