HIGHLANDERS v CRUSADERS – Click Here to bet
The Highlanders were originally favourites to finish bottom of the table, but they edged the Chiefs in their opening encounter and last week came very close to rolling the Blues in Auckland. They are a team that punch above their weight and while they have lost their last 4 matches to the Crusaders, all of those have been in Christchurch and the last time these teams met in Dunedin the Highlanders edged it 25-17 in 2018.
The Crusaders were convincing winners in their opening encounter against the Hurricanes, but last week they were made to fight hard by the Chiefs eventually winning by 5 points.
BETTING
Highlanders 7/2
Draw 28/1
Crusaders 1/4
Handicap: Highlanders (+10.5) at 9/10, Crusaders (-10.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Alternative Winning Margin Crusaders by 11-20 points inclusive at 26/10
The Crusaders haven’t been at their best yet as this New Zealand Super Ruby Tournament started, but I think they will pack too much class for this Highlanders side. The handicap looks fairly well set and rather than take the minus I am going for the Crusaders to beat it, but for the score line to be respectable with the winning margin of 11 to 20 points for the visitors.