Couch Critic nails up his Super Rugby Aotearoa betting tips for the match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders which takes place on 21st June
Hurricanes vs Crusaders – Sunday 21 June @ 05:35, Wellington
Having disappointed in Auckland the Hurricanes will be looking to return to winning ways when they host the celebrated Crusaders. The Canes and their home faithful will be hoping to catch the visitors cold since the decorated champions are yet to take to the field in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
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One look at the Crusaders tight five and you have to respect that they will probably be able to lay the best platform of all the Kiwi sides - even without Scott Barrett. The Hurricanes will struggle to stick with them and will rather look to their backrow to try and steal an advantage having had a week to get used to the new law interpretations as well. Ardie Savea will be tasked with leading this charge. Both teams have dangerous backlines with the potential to decimate opponents if given the opportunity to do so.
Tactics
The first port of call for the Canes will be to fix their troublesome lineout. This set-piece was woeful against the Blues and cost them much momentum in the game. The tight five will also be well tested by a Crusaders team that is known for not taking prisoners in hard graph upfront.
For Scott Robertson’s team it will be a venture into the unknown. Their opponents have had the opportunity of a competitive match under the new interpretation of the laws and despite an organised hit-out this past weekend the men from Christchurch will have to learn on the hoof and do so fast.
Verdict
Despite the advantage of playing at home as well as having had a taste of the new rules this Hurricanes team just doesn’t have the personnel to mix it with the standard bearers of New Zealand (and possibly the world) rugby. I’m expecting the Crusaders to find their rhythm in the second stint and putting the home side away with a bit of room to spare.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
These Saders just have lethal weapons all across the park and the Hurricanes won’t be able to keep pace with them.
Half-Time / Full-Time: Hurricanes / Crusaders @ 5.24
The visitors might take a bit of time to get rid of the cobwebs before firing.
First Tryscorer: Codie Taylor @ 18.00
Another hooker at the back of a rolling maul for the opener – why not!
Last Tryscorer: Will Jordan @ 18.00
Getting his chance to start rather than be limited to time off the bench, Jordan has shown that he has an appetite for scoring tries.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
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