Couch Critic previews the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Blues and the Chiefs including best bets with @Olimp_SA
Blues vs Chiefs – Sunday 26 July @ 05:35, Auckland
After an impressive start to 2020 the Blues have now suffered two straight losses in the Aotearoa tournament. For the Chiefs things just went from bad to worse as they let a 24-point lead slip against the Highlanders who came back to break their hearts at the death.
Team News
Big news for the Blues is that Beauden Barrett has finally been given a run in his preferred flyhalf berth. TJ Faiane back at inside centre is also a positive. Having ALB at thirteen has proven a big boon for the Chiefs and they continue with this option.
Tactics
The Chiefs had ideals of pushing for the title pre-tournament yet have nothing in the win’s column to date. Gatland and his team will be desperate for a victory but it will be tough going against a dangerous Blues outfit. The Blues have the forwards who can roll up their sleeves and with BB at 10 I see another explosive outing for the likes of Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane and Mark Telea. One struggles to see the Chiefs being able to keep the dangerous Blues under the pump upfront.
Verdict
The Blues will be hurting after two successive defeats and I expect them to cut loose in front of their home fans at Eden Park. The Chiefs don’t have the pack to make life tough for their hosts and this spells danger. With Barrett pulling the strings and serious fire power outside him to capitalise on opportunities created I expect the Aucklanders to have things very much their own way on Sunday afternoon.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Blues -7.5 @ 1.85
Half Time / Full Time – Blues (1-8) / Blues (13+) @ 9.00
First Tryscorer: Akira Ioane @ 19.00
Last Tryscorer: Beauden Barrett @ 17.00
Anytime Tryscorer: Anton Lienert-Brown @ 5.00
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Couch Critic
