Couch Critic previews the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Crusaders and the Highlanders including best bets with @Olimp_SA
Crusaders vs Highlanders – Sunday 09 August @ 05:35, Christchurch
Victory on Sunday will seal the Aotearoa title for the Crusaders. Having also lost last time out in front of their home fans there should be no lack of motivation from Codie Taylor and his crew. The Highlanders on the other hand would be excused for not packing their 110% effort for this trip to Christchurch as there is little left for them play for in 2020. Of course, that is not the New Zealand way however. The Highlanders are team of scrappers and one struggles to see them just going belly-up without a fight.
Verdict
The Highlanders use Michael Collins at thirteen and for mind this is a big step down from Rob Thomson. It will however be exciting to see Nereki get a full run whilst the loosies look a dangerous bunch. Josh Ioane has already shown that he is a huge improvement for the side at flyhalf. The Crusaders have Tom Moody back at loosehead, Whetu Douglas at the back of the scrum and Braydon Ennor in the centres.
I see the Crusaders breathing fire straight out the gate in front of a sold-out home crowd for the last time in 2020 and also coming off a rare loss the last time they ran out on their home patch.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Half Time / Full Time Winning Margin – Crusaders (8+) / Crusaders (1-12) @ 12.00
The Crusaders have tended to start well and as mentioned they should be the more motivated side of the two. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the home side put in a dominant first half performance and then perhaps coast home in the second.
First Tryscorer: Braydon Ennor @ 17.00
He’s back and will be chomping at the bit. The Crusaders love striking with their backs nice and early in a game.
Anytime Tryscorer: Codie Taylor @ 2.20
Taylor has been all over the park and has a healthy appetite for the old meat pie. Oh, and he’s a hooker of course!
Last Tryscorer: Shanon Frizell @ 26.00
This bet would have won last week. Sticking with my theory of the Crusaders starting with venom but then perhaps cruising home in the end a Highlander could very well be on hand to score the last try of the clash. Frizell has been in superb form in the second half of this comp so he should prove good value for us in this market.
BET HERE ON CRUSADERS V HIGHLANDERS
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
