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The enigmatic, yet frustratingly inconsistent Bulls, continue their Australasian tour when they meet the Crusaders in Christchurch in a bumper Round 6 clash. Join The Roar for live scores from the match 5:35pm AEDT.
Round 6 kicks off with the Bulls, who gave the Chiefs a mighty shake-up before being beaten late, meeting the heavily fancied Crusaders in New Zealand.
The odds reflect not only the history of this fixture, but also the frustrating nature in which John Mitchell’s Bulls outfit haven’t been able to close out games they could, and probably should, win.
Last week against the Chiefs they led by two converted tries at oranges, before changing their entire game plan, and changing their attack-oriented play into defence. In the first half, Kriel, Gelant and Roussouw would look to counter-attack and keep ball in hand, and they scored four impressive five-pointers.
After the break, it was as though they were keen to protect a lead that wasn’t nearly sizeable enough to do so. Kicking the ball back to the Chiefs allowed for counter-attack after counter-attack, and they were run down to lose by 13.
That makes it two straight defeats on this tour, and they’ll be desperate to nab a victory this evening. Embrose Papier returns at scrumhalf, whilst Hanro Liebenberg shifts to the openside of the scrum; Tim Agaba taking his place from last start at number 8. The tight five is unchanged but for Jason Jenkins, who starts in the second row.
For the Crusaders, the big news is the return of Ryan Crotty from a head knock suffered two rounds ago. Mitchell’s Drummond and Hunt continue to mature as a halves combination, whilst Scott Barrett starts in the row with skipper Sam Whitelock.
Where the game will be won
As I said last week, history is a good indicator of the future. The Bulls haven’t won in NZ for five years, and the Crusaders have an immaculate record against their South African counterparts in Christchurch. Crotty’s return for the Crusaders is a huge in, and they should be strong enough
Crusaders by 15
Join The Roar for live scores from the match starting from 5:35pm AEDT.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.