The first of the Super Rugby Pacific semi finals comes from Christchurch on Friday, an all New Zealand affair between the Crusaders and the Chiefs
Crusaders v Chiefs, Friday 10th July, Christchurch, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistants: Brendon Pickerill, Jordan Way
TMO: Chris Hart
Weather Forecast – Christchurch
Crusaders:
The Crusaders hosted the Reds in the first of last week's quarter finals. They started as favourites at around 20.5 points on the handicap and although the Reds were very much in the game for an hour the Saders finished strongly and came out on top 37-15.
The Crusaders finished second in the overall standings during the regular season, 6 points adrift of the Blues with a record of 11 wins and 3 defeats. One of those defeats came at home to the Chiefs, 24-21 back in Round 4 but next time out they turned things around, beating the Chiefs 34-19 in Hamilton. The Saders other defeats came at home to the Blues (27-23) and away to the Waratahs (24-21).
In the outright betting to be crowned champions the Crusaders are trading at around 13/10, now joint favourites with the Blues
Chiefs:
The Chiefs made home advantage count in their quarter final match up with the Waratahs last week. They started as favourites, in the region of 10.5 points and covered that minus handicap with a 39-15 victory, running in 5 tries.
The Chiefs finished third in the regular season standings, 7 points adrift of the Crusaders and 13 shy of the Blues with a record of 10 wins and 4 defeats.
Aside from the loss in the second clash with the Saders they were beaten home (25-0) and away (24-22) by the Blues and were also turned over at home by the Brumbies but they won 6 of 7 when travelling.
In the outright betting to win the tournament the Chiefs can be backed at around 15/2.
Team News (subject to change)
Crusaders: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Faninga'anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge
Chiefs: Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Angus Ta'avao, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (c), Bryn Gatland, Etene Nani-Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Alex Nankivell, Jonah Lowe, Josh Ioane
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Sam Cane, Xavier Roe, Rameka Pohipi, Chase Tiatia
The Betting - Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Crusaders -8.5 points at 9/10
Chiefs +8.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
There has been a lot of support for the Chiefs both on Twitter, in the Forum and on last nights #TheHandicap our rugby betting show. The line has not moved but when so many top betting minds align I am happy to follow and will back the Chiefs plus.
The total points line is 47.5 and that looks about right.
Here is the video preview of the game where @ThoughtsOnSports & @TheCroweTips
Click here to see what other punters fancy as well as any points bets I may play closer to kick off
BET: 4 units Chiefs +8.5 at 10/11 at Sportingbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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