Blues vs Brumbies Prediction: Brumbies to frustrate Blues

There is a strong argument that this is the game of the weekend, as second-placed Blues face third-placed Brumbies at Eden Park on Saturday, kicking off at 08:05am (BST) on Saturday.

Our rugby union expert Alex Cox has previewed the Super Rugby clash and shared his Blues vs Brumbies predictions.

The Blues have won six out of their seven games, with a narrow loss to leaders Hurricanes their only blip to date. They are in fine form and have developed into an extremely strong defensive side, demonstrated by only conceding a remarkable total of 17 points in their last three games – although I think the Brumbies will ask more questions than they have had to answer recently.

The Brumbies will also be please by their current table position, and have the same record as the Blues - winning six of their seven games. They have been fortunate with injuries to date and it’s mean they have an extremely settled, cohesive side that has been guided by a competent fly-half in Lolesio. He has helped develop their attacking patterns to unlock defenses and has kicked his goals to keep the Brumbies on top in games. A double digit plus feels a few points too big and I think the Brumbies will take their opportunities to keep this game close.

Team News

Blues

Vern Cotter has certainly made an impact on the Blues this season and he’s picked a strong side for this encounter in Auckland. Tu’ungafasi, Riccitelli and Renata will make up the front-row, with skipper Tuipulotu and McWhannell in behind them. An All-Black trio of Ioane, Papali’I and Sotutu will be in the back-row and arguably are the best loose trio in Super Rugby.

Funaki will be at Scrum-Half and he’ll partner up with Plummer to cover the absent Perofeta who is still nursing a shoulder injury. Heem and Ioane are the midfield duo and the dangerous back-three will be Clarke, Tele’a and Forbes.

Brumbies

The Canberra-based side are fully loaded for this trip across the Tasman. Slipper, Pollard and Kautai will combine in the front-row with Swain and Neville in the Locks. Valentini and Brown will be on the flanks, with the dynamic Cale at no.8. The Brumbies pack have been very solid so far this season, and they’ll need to stand up to a strong Blues pack in this one.

Ryan Lonergan is back after his recent ankle injury and will partner Lolesio as half-backs. Tua and Creighton will continue their midfield partnership, with Toole and Sapsford on the wings, leaving Wright at full-back. The Brumbies are more reliant on their back-line to provide points this season than previous years – which highlights their shift in strategy.

Brumbies +10 Handicap @ 1/1

Although the Brumbies have not won in Auckland since 2013, they have a knack of pushing the Auckland side close. They have covered this handicap in 7 of the 9 games since that 2013 victory win, and in 4 of the last 5 games.

The Blues have answered most of the recent tests that have come their direction but a well-oiled, dynamic Brumbies team will offer a different type of challenge. Look for the Brumbies to frustrate the Blues and don’t be shocked if the Brumbies edge it late on.

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