Crusaders v Blues: Super Rugby Friday preview

After some thrilling encounters in the qualifying finals, the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign reaches the semi-finals, starting with the first clash between Kiwi rivals the Crusaders and the Blues on Friday.

The Blues looked a shadow of their title-winning side at the start of this campaign but the Auckland outfit have managed to turn it around and head to Apollo Projects Stadium this week still in with a shot of retaining their Super Rugby Pacific crown.

2024 was a bad year for the Crusaders but the Christchurch side are back and, after an impressive win over the Reds last time out, they will be a tough nut to crack on their own patch on Friday.

Crusaders v Blues betting preview

Crusaders formidable at home

Winning 32-12 to end the Reds' hopes of reaching the semi-finals, the Crusaders showed just how difficult they are to beat on their own patch.

Rob Penny’s side find themselves in great form, winning eight of their last nine games in Super Rugby Pacific.

Winning eight of their previous nine home games in the competitions, it’s understandable why the Crusaders are the 1.40 favourites to claim the victory in the 80 minutes on Friday.

Sevu Reece has enjoyed a strong season as the Crusaders’ joint-leading tryscorer and the New Zealand international is the shortest price at 1.90 in the anytime tryscorer market.  

Blues beginning to believe

Winning 20-19 at the Chiefs last time out in Hamilton, the Blues are starting to believe they have what it takes to stun the competition and retain their Super Rugby Pacific crown this season.

After a torrid start to the season, Vern Cotter’s men have been able to turn things around and their hard-fought victory at the Chiefs in the qualifying finals shows just how far they have come.

Another huge test awaits on Friday, with the Blues losing in all of their last four away games against the Crusaders.

The 3.10 underdogs going into this game, the Blues will have to produce another outstanding performance if they are to make a return to the grand final.

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Crusaders v Blues odds

Crusaders - 1.40
Tie - 21.00
Blues - 3.10

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.