The first action in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific comes from Christchurch on Friday where the Crusaders host Fijian Drua and the pre-match handicap is a big number.
Crusaders v Fijian Drua, Friday 20th May, Christchurch, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Refs: Brendon Pickerill , Jono Bredin
TMO: Glenn Newman
Weather Forecast – Christchurch
Crusaders:
The Crusaders came away from a trip to Canberra with a 37-26 win over the in form Brumbies last week. Their opponents were missing a couple of key players and market support came for the Saders who covered a 6.5 point handicap.
That was the last of 4 games in Australia for the Saders who won 3 of those matches and suffered a shock defeat to the Waratahs. Their other defeats came in home fixtures against the Chiefs and the Blues.
With a record of 9 wins and 3 defeats the Saders come into the weekend second in the standings with 43 log points, the same total as the Brumbies and 7 points behind the Blues.
The Crusaders are currently trading at around 13/8 second favourites in the outright betting to win the tournament with WSB who make the Blues 15/10 favourites.
Fijian Drua:
Fijian Drua came out on the right side of their clash with Moana Pasifika last week. It was near enough a choice game with the bookmakers by match day but Drua won it 34-19.
Their only other win came in Round 3 when they beat the Rebels 31-26 on the Sunshine Coast. Drua's early results against NZ sides include a 35-18 loss to the Blues in Round 10 (in Melbourne), they ran the Highlanders close (27-24) in Suva and were thrashed 67-5 by the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Drua now have a record of 2 wins and 10 defeats and with 11 log points they are second from bottom overall.
Team News (subject to change)
Crusaders: Finlay Brewis, Ricky Jackson, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
Reserves: Shilo Klein, Tamaiti Williams, Oli Jager, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, Simon Hickey, George Bridge
Fijian Drua: Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Mesulame Dolokoto, Nemani Nagusa (c), Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Vinaya Habosi, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Taliga
Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Raikabula Momoedonu, Leone Nawai, Ilaisa Droasese, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
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Crusaders -29.5 points at 9/10
Fijian Drua +30.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I set the handicap at -34.5 Crusaders for this game and even though they have not named a full strength side I think the minus is the play here. The Drua were awful when they played the Hurricanes away and I am not sure they are up for the fight on the road against New Zealand teams.
The points line is 61/62 and with some moisture about I am undecided on that and will stick to a tentative handicap play to get the weekend underway.
Bet: 3 units Crusaders -29.5 at 9/10 at Sunbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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