Brumbies vs Crusaders Prediction: No Canberra raid for Crusaders

The Crusaders have enjoyed their trips to Canberra in recent years but their winning streak against the Brumbies could come to an end on Saturday morning (05:35) at GIO Stadium. 

Having won the Super Rugby Pacific title last season, the Crusaders are struggling to even make the top eight, as they find themselves down in 11th place in the table with just two wins from their first 11 games. 

In contrast, the Brumbies are flying the flag for the Australian teams at present, sitting up in third place on the ladder with nine wins from their first 11 outings. 

The Brumbies are certainly due a win over the Crusaders and Saturday provides a great opportunity to finally get one over on the Christchurch outfit. 

Team News 

Starting with the Brumbies, James Slipper, Connal McInerney and captain Allan Alaalatoa lineup in the front-row, with Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville starting in the second-row. 

Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown and Rob Valetini complete the pack, with Ryan Lonergan and Noah Lolesio starting in the half-backs once again. 

Ollie Sapsford and Andy Muirhead are the flying wingers starting on Saturday, with Tom Wright at full-back. 

Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau will be looking to punch holes in the Crusaders' defence after being named to start in the centres. 

As for the visitors, Joe Moody, skipper Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell start in the front-row, with Antonio Shalfoon and Quinten Strange in the engine room. 

Cullen Grace, Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie start in the back-row, with Noah Hotham and returning stand-off Fergus Burke in the half-backs. 

David Havili and Jone Rova form the centre partnership, with a back-three made up of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki and Johnny McNicholl. 

Brumbies vs Crusaders Odds

The Brumbies are the 4/11 favourites ahead of the game in the early hours of Saturday morning, while the Crusaders are 23/10 to come away from the Australian capital with the victory. 

A tie at GIO Stadium is available at 18/1, while the visitors to be leading at the half-time whistle is currently 6/4. 

Brumbies to win by over 12 points @ 8/5 

The Crusaders have won their last 12 games in this competition against the Brumbies, but that winning streak should come to an end this weekend. 

GIO Stadium has become a fortress for the Brumbies of late, with head coach Stephen Larkham overseeing his side winning all of their last seven games in Canberra. 

The Brumbies have won eight of their last nine games going into Saturday’s showdown against a Crusaders side who have dropped off significantly since last year’s Grand Final win over the Chiefs. 

With one win in their last five games against Australian opposition, the Crusaders are not the side they once were and the Brumbies are well-priced to win by over 12 points in this one. 

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