HURRICANES V CRUSADERS – click here to bet
The Hurricanes have now shortened to 1/1 from 5/1 to be the bottom placed side in this competition and they know that a victory against the Crusaders is a must if they are to contend. The Crusaders, of course, are Tournament favourites and they have been priced up at (-6.5) here, a handicap that hasn’t moved all week.
The Hurricanes were very much in the match against the Blues in Auckland last week in the first half, but a poor performance in the 3rd quarter cost them as the Blues built an unassailable lead.
The Crusaders had a bye in Week 1 and they will be hoping to continue the sort of form they showed in the original competition where they had 5 victories and just 1 defeat which came away to the Chiefs.
The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 32-8 in Wellington last season, but prior to that the Hurricanes had dominated this fixture at home winning the previous 3 head to heads.
BETTING
Hurricanes 47/20
Draw 25/1
Crusaders 4/10
Handicap: Hurricanes (+6.5) at 9/10, Crusaders (-6.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-time result, Hurricanes (+3.5) at 9/10
I think the Hurricanes will be competitive early and the Crusaders may have a little bit of rust having not played in so long. I am backing the home team to be no more than 3 points behind at the break.
