Blues vs Crusaders Prediction: Crusaders to leave Eden Park with the spoils
The last two teams to win the Super Rugby Pacific title clash on Saturday morning (06:05, Sky Sport+) as the Blues host reigning champions the Crusaders at Eden Park.
Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Blues vs Crusaders predictions piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Auckland.
Blues vs Crusaders Prediction
*odds correct at time of publication
The Blues are the 4/5 favourites for the win, while the Crusaders are 11/10 to head back to the South Island with the victory.
A draw at Eden Park is currently available at 20/1, while over 55.5 total points in the game on Saturday is 4/6.
Team News
Starting with the Blues, the hosts go with a front row of Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata, with locks Josh Beehre and Sam Darry in behind.
Torian Barnes, Dalton Papali'i and Hoskins Sotutu complete the pack, while Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta start in the half-backs.
Pita Ahki and AJ Lam combine in the centres, while Caleb Clarke, Codemeru Vai and Zarn Sullivan start in the back three.
As for the Crusaders, George Bower, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell start in the front row, while locks Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah form the second row.
Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie complete the pack, while Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana pair up in the half-backs.
David Havili and Leicester Fainga'anuku start in the centres, while the Crusaders go with a back three of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki and Taha Kemara.
Crusaders to win @ 11/10
Managing to win eight of their last nine encounters with the Blues, the Crusaders have been the dominant force in this rivalry over recent campaigns.
The Canterbury outfit go into this game on the back of an impressive 43-33 away victory over the Chiefs in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final, while last year's losing semi-finalists, the Blues, were second best in their 30-27 defeat against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra last time out.
Taking on a Blues side who have already suffered a home defeat against the Chiefs this season, the Crusaders look to be good value to triumph at Eden Park.
Conditions look set to be perfect for running rugby this weekend in Auckland and the Crusaders have the threats in the backline to unlock a Blues defence that struggled to contain the Brumbies in Australia's capital last week.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Leicester Fainga'anuku anytime tryscorer @ 9/5
The wonderfully named Leicester Ofa Ki Wales Twickenham Fainga'anuku has looked dangerous at outside centre with ball in hand and has a strong tryscoring chance at Eden Park.
At 6ft 2in and 109 kg, Fainga'anuku has already produced nine tackle breaks inside the opposition 22 this season and it wouldn't be surprising to see the powerful runner punch through for a try on Saturday morning.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Sports Welcome Offer
New customers only. 00:00 06/03/26 – 23:59 13/03/26. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1)+ on Sports in 7 days. £20 Sports & £20 in Acca Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excls & T&Cs Apply.
Sports Welcome Offer
New customers only. 00:00 06/03/26 – 23:59 13/03/26. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1)+ on Sports in 7 days. £20 Sports & £20 in Acca Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excls & T&Cs Apply.
Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds
Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights
Share Article
New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
