Shaun Goosen takes a look at this Sunday’s clash between the Crusaders and Chiefs taking place at Orangetheroy Stadium (formerly the AMI Stadium).
Crusaders v Chiefs
28 June 05h35
Orangetheory Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Crusaders 1/4
Draw 25/1
Chiefs 3/1
Handicaps To be published on release
Crusaders (-) 9/10
Chiefs (+) 9/0
The Chiefs will be hard-pressed to break their duck in Super Rugby Aotearoa round three when they face the Crusaders at the Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday.
Warren Gatland’s side have fallen to the Highlanders and Blues in the opening two rounds of action despite many believing they were on course to challenge for the title. That’s not to say they’re out of the running entirely but considering the quality of the rest of the Kiwi sides, it’s going to be nothing short of an uphill battle for the rest of their campaign.
The Crusaders, meanwhile, played their first match last week and totally outclassed the Hurricanes in a thrilling 39-25 Wellington win. It took them less than a minute to register their first try and aside from a few scrappy showings at the lineout, as well as a tall penalty count (15), they could not be denied.
Despite skipper Scott Barrett having been ruled out of action for the remainder of the tournament, Scott Robertson has more than enough senior players to fall back on to step up and lead the side in the big lock’s absence. Especially following the return of Sam Whitelock, the loss of Barrett has been alleviated somewhat.
Verdict: Crusaders by 12 or more
With their first game now out the way, Crusaders may be in a belligerent mood this weekend and should cruise to victory
