SATURDAY 23rd MARCH 2024 EDEN PARK AUCKLAND NZ
Blues vs. Crusaders Rugby Clash: Tuipulotu Returns Amidst Injury Woes
The Blues’ spirits soar as captain Patrick Tuipulotu makes a triumphant return from a preseason jaw injury, yet their joy is tempered by the absence of Rieko Ioane, who remains sidelined after a significant head injury last week. While history isn’t on the Blues side – they’ve claimed just two wins over the Crusaders since 2014 – they should get the job done on Saturday night.
Anticipated Rivalry Match in Auckland
This Saturday’s match in Auckland marks one of New Zealand rugby’s greatest rivalries, though expectations suggest it may not reach the heights of previous years. With a dismal 0-4 record, the Crusaders are enduring their worst start to a Super Rugby season, raising the possibility of further cementing their unfortunate streak.
Injury Updates and Line-ups
Going down narrowly to the Hurricanes, Rob Penney has retained Riley Hohepa in the No.10 jersey and has made just one injury-forced change with Zach Gallagher benched through concussion, while he was forced to replace Owen Franks through suspension. They find solace in the return of seasoned players like Joe Moody, with Mitchell Drummond also making way for a replacement.
Blues
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Crusaders
George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Riley Hohepa, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
Reserves. Ioane Moananu, Joe Moody, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
PREDICTION.
At 0-4 the defending champions have fallen a long way and after getting held to just 10 points in each of their last two games, you have to wonder how they are going to right the ship.
It might not be their year, and they are long overdue for a reversion to the mean but the Blues are well placed to extend their seven game winning streak at home.
The Crusaders have lost their opening four matches of Super Rugby, their longest ever losing streak in the competition. It is also the longest ever losing streak to start the tournament of any defending champion.
The change in coaching personnel has certainly played a role in their indifferent form but it is hard to believe that the Saders won’t get it together at some point. However, when that point comes remains to be seen.
Their losses this season have come at the Chiefs, in Melbourne against the Waratahs, the Fijian Drua and last week at home to the Hurricanes. In two of those four defeats they have picked up losing bonus points. Unfortunately I can not see this week changing. They have so many injuries and the Blues will not care. I have to go with the Blues. God, I hope my friends in the South Island of New Zealand don’t ever read this prediction.
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