2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa – Crusaders vs Hurricanes Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Crusaders vs Hurricanes taking place? Saturday 25th July, 2020 – 08:05 (UK)
Where is Crusaders vs Hurricanes taking place? Orangetheory Stadium
What channel is Crusaders vs Hurricanes on? Sky Sports Action
Where can I stream Crusaders vs Hurricanes? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Crusaders vs Hurricanes? Visit this link for ticket information on Super Rugby games
THE TEAM NEWS
CRUSADERS
- Crusaders come into this clash on the back of a bye week after they made it four wins from four to begin their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign thanks to a 26-15 success in their last outing against the Blues.
- The Crusaders’ winning streak looked to be under threat at half-time with the Blues holding a one-point advantage at the break before increasing that to six points but the Crusaders ran in 17 unanswered points to seal the win.
- Despite that success, the injuries are starting to mount for the Crusaders and with Scott Barrett and Cullen Grace already sidelined, they will now be without David Havili and Ethan Blackadder for the rest of the campaign but that does hand young fullback Will Jordan another chance in the side.
HURRICANES
- Hurricanes made it three wins in a row as they edged a thrilling contest against the Blues last week and they will be full of confidence ahead of this important clash with the Crusaders, although they will have to end a long drought against their opponents here.
- In a closely-fought match, the teams were level at the break but the Blues looked to have done enough for the win until the Hurricanes snatched it in the closing stages thanks to Jordie Barrett converting from the touchline after Asafo Aumua had crossed to level the scores.
- They come into this on a high after that late victory but they have lost their last six games against the Crusaders and their last win against them in Christchurch came in July 2016 and to make matters worse, they have lost All Blacks hooker Dane Coles to a back injury.
THE PREDICTION
Crusaders have made a perfect start to Super Rugby Aotearoa and will look to take a step closer to earning the title as they face Hurricanes. The visitors arrive on the back of three straight wins but know they face a tough task to add to those successes as they travel to Christchurch looking to an a poor run against the Crusaders. They have lost in their last six meetings and with the Crusaders going 36 matches unbeaten on home soil, this is an almighty challenge for them which should mean the hosts come out on top once again and the Crusaders can win by at least 10 points.
