With the Hurricanes already securing the No.1 seed ahead of the knockout stages of the Super Rugby Pacific season, it's a much-changed 'Canes side who will make the trip to One NZ Stadium on Friday to face the Crusaders.
Currently on a five-game winning streak in Super Rugby Pacific, the Hurricanes are sitting pretty at the top of the standings and head coach Clark Laidlaw has named three debutants in his starting line-up.
While the Crusaders are the favourites, this is still a 'Canes side packed with quality and they will give their hosts a run for their money.
Crusaders v Hurricanes Tips Summary
Best Bet - Hurricanes +14.5 handicap @ 1.80
Alternative Bet - Josh Moorby anytime tryscorer @ 2.40
Bet Builder - Kini Naholo & Cam Roigard anytime tryscorer @ 6.50
Crusaders v Hurricanes Prediction
Best Bet: Hurricanes +14 handicap @ 1.80
While the Hurricanes have made substantial changes, there is more than enough quality in this side to make Friday's game a real contest.
There is plenty of experience littered through the pack, with Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere and skipper Brad Shields starting from the off, while All Blacks scrum-half Cam Roigard makes a welcome return in the half-backs.
The Crusaders have earned impressive wins already in their new home at One NZ Stadium with victories over the Blues and the Chiefs.
However, having beaten the Crusaders 38-31 earlier this month in Wellington, the ‘Canes are backed with a +14 handicap here.
Alternative Bet: Josh Moorby anytime tryscorer @ 2.40
Currently on an excellent run of form, it’s hard to look past Hurricanes full-back Josh Moorby getting his name on the scoresheet again on Friday.
The 27-year-old has managed to score in all of his last five appearances for the Wellington side, scoring no less than nine tries in that spell.
A man who clearly knows where they try line is, Moorby is backed to go over for the visitors in Christchurch this week.
Crusaders v Hurricanes Bet Builder Tip
Kini Naholo anytime tryscorer
Cam Roigard anytime tryscorer
Pays 6.50
With the Crusaders conceding more points than any other side in the top eight in the table, the Hurricanes are backed to score a handful of tries on Friday.
Both Kino Naholo and Roigard are tipped to go over for the ‘Canes, in what might well be a high-scoring contest in Canterbury.
Naholo has scored in all of his three appearances in Super Rugby Pacific this season, scoring five tries in that time.
Roigard has returned from injury and, having scored in his last game which came against the Crusaders, the No.9 is tipped to touch down again here.
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Key Match Stats
The Crusaders go into this game following back-to-back home wins against the Blues and the Chiefs
The Hurricanes go into this match on the back of a 45-28 victory in Wellington against the Highlanders
The 'Canes are on a five-game winning streak, scoring an average of 45 points per match in that run
Crusaders have conceded more points (374) than any other team in top eight in Super Rugby Pacific standings
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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.
