Crusaders vs Blues Prediction: Crusaders to best Blues

Two New Zealand giants go head-to-head in the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying round on Saturday (4:45pm local, 5:35am BST, Sky Sports+) as rivals the Crusaders and the Blues prepare to do battle at One NZ Stadium.

Below are my Crusaders vs Blues predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Christchurch.

*Click here for the latest Rugby Union Odds

Team News

Starting with the Crusaders, Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor and George Bower form the front row, with Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah pairing up in the second row.

Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Christian Lio-Willie complete a powerful pack, while Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara start in the centres.

David Havili and Dallas McLeod start in the centres, while the Crusaders go with a back three of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki and Johnny McNicholl.

As for the Blues, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater and Marcel Renata start in the front row, with locks Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry in the engine room.

Torian Barnes, Anton Segner and Malachi Wrampling-Alec start in the back row, while Sam Nock and Stephen Perofeta combine in the half-backs.

Pita Ahki and Xavi Taele start in the centres, while the Blues have a formidable back three of Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam and Zarn Sullivan.

Crusaders vs Blues Odds

The Crusaders are the favourites at 4/11 for the win, while the Blues are 23/10 to head back to Auckland with the win and a place in the semi-finals.

A draw on Saturday morning in Canterbury is 18/1, while the Crusaders are available at 4/6 to be leading at the half-time and full-time whistles.

Crusaders -9 handicap @ 10/11

Riding a three-match winning run, the Crusaders finished the regular season in impressive fashion.

The Canterbury side have been consistent on home soil of late, claiming victories over the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes in their last three outings.

After recording a convincing 36-20 win over the Blues at One NZ Stadium only last month, the Crusaders are fancied to come out on top once again and cover the handicap when the two sides meet this weekend.

Leicester Fainga'anuku anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

Versatile Crusaders star Leicester Fainga'anuku is difficult to overlook in the anytime tryscorer market right now given his recent form.

Crossing for a try in six of his last eight matches, Fainga'anuku has consistently shown a nose for the line.

Whether playing in the backline or the back row, Fainga'anuku is an attacking threat and it would come as no surprise to see the 26-year-old Tonga-born All Black add to his tally again this weekend.