Blues vs Crusaders preview:

These two teams is coming of opposite results in their previous games but I believe that the Crusaders is coming into this game in better form. They have both lost to the Chiefs and the Waratahs. They both had a great start to their games against the Chiefs and that why this is going to be a great game of running rugby to watch. The Crusaders would want to set the record straight and show that they are still the team to look out for in the Competition. The Blues is a great team and they will want to show that they are a great team even without Beauden Barrett who will be returning later on in the season. If the Blues are able to win this game they will well and truly make themselves one of the favorites for the competition.

Key Match-ups:

Joe Marchant vs Braydon Ennor: The Englishman who came to Super rugby for a new challenge and he will definitely have his hand full this game. Ennor is one of the players I believe will become a great All Black. He is one of the best in the business and he gets all this praise at such a young age. Joe is another great and have already played for England. The International will want to make his mark against one of the best teams in the competition and show that he is a treat in the competition.

Dalton Papali’i vs Tom Christie: These two is not the best known flankers in the comp but they are some of the most hardworking in any team. Tom made my team of the week last time and it was because of his work of the ball. His defense and work at the break down puts his team in the prime position to turn defense into attack. Dalton will want to counter Tom by carrying hard, and making sure his team gets quick ball. These two will be very influential in their teams success and will have to work hard to get there teams over the line.

Patrick Tuipulotu vs Scott Barrett: This is arguably the two best locks in New-Zealand and they will want to show that they are the new enforcer for the national side. Patrick arguably the better lock is a very big and physical player. He will want to try and dominate the game and lead his teams physical charge and if he is able to dominate it will help his team play of the front foot. Scott will want to show that he is more than just a lock and that he has more to offer than just physicality.

Teams:

Blues:

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe
2. James Parsons
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
5. Joshua Goodhue
6. Dalton Papali’i
7. Blake Gibson
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Jonathan Ruru
10. Stephen Perofeta
11. Mark Telea
12. TJ Faiane
13. Joe Marchant
14. Jordan Hyland
15. Matt Duffie
16. Kurt Eklund
17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth
18. Sione Mafileo
19. Tom Robinson
20. Tony Lamborn
21. Sam Nock
22. Harry Plummer
23. Emoni Narawa

Crusaders:

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Oli Jager
4. Scott Barrett
5. Mitchell Dunshea
6. Cullen Grace
7. Tom Christie
8. Tom Sanders
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. George Bridge
12. Jack Goodhue
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. David Havili
16. Andrew Makalio
17. George Bower
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Luke Romano
20. Sione Havili Talitui
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Brett Cameron
23. Will Jordan

My Prediction:

I Believe that this is going to be the game of the week and it is going to be thrilling to watch. I believe that the Crusaders with all their experience will be able to claim victory.