Super Rugby Pacific frontrunners the Crusaders will get a chance to see how they rate against last season’s champions as they host the Blues at Apollo Projects Stadium on Friday.
The Crusaders passed a good test in Wellington last week against the Hurricanes, as they came away from the Kiwi capital with a 31-24 victory.
Meanwhile, Round 9 also saw the Blues pick up a much-needed win at Eden Park against local rivals Moana Pasifika, with Vern Cotter’s side coming out on top 36-17.
The Blues are still struggling to reach the heights they achieved last season and next they must face the Crusaders on their own patch in Christchurch.
Crusaders v Blues betting preview
Crusaders can build on Wellington win
Picking up that big win and the bragging rights at Sky Stadium last time out, the Crusaders are showing just why they are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder going into Round 10.
The Crusaders do have a strong record when it comes to games against the Blues, beating the Auckland outfit in six of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific games.
Games between these sides tend to be high-scoring affairs, with the Crusaders scoring an average of 41 points across their last three wins against the Blues.
It’s little surprise the hosts are the favourite to claim the victory on Friday at 1.50, while a tie is currently available at 21.00.
Blues must put Christchurch ghosts to rest
It’s fair to say Christchurch has not been a happy destination for the Blues over the years.
Losing 13 of their last 14 Super Rugby Pacific games at Apollo Projects Stadium, the Blues have often headed back to Auckland with nothing to show for their efforts.
A win over Moana will have come as a confidence boost but the Blues will know they need to raise their performance even more to end a three-game losing streak at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Cotter’s side are 2.75 to win, while the visitors are available at 1.91 with +5.5 in the handicap market.
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Crusaders v Blues odds
Crusaders - 1.50
Tie - 21.00
Blues - 2.75
View the full market and more odds for Crusaders v Blues on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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