Latest Lions incarnation can keep Crusaders at bay in third game
Published:
This British and Irish Lions tour may not be going exactly to plan but Warren Gatland’s side should at least prevent the marauding Crusaders from running roughshod this Saturday.
The Christchurch-based outfit have been imperious so far this season, winning each of their 14 Super Rugby matches.
However, despite losing to the competition’s bottom side last time out, it could pay to keep the faith with the stuttering Lions.
That 22-16 defeat to the Blues was a chastening blow to the tourists but it needn’t be the start of a more alarming slide.
Alun-Wyn Jones has been named as captain, with Gatland also opting to field experienced names such as Connor Murray, Owen Farrell, George North, Jonathan Davies and Mako Vunipola.
As such, backing the Lions +4 at 4/6 looks to represent some good value. In terms of the match betting, the Lions are 11/10 underdogs with Crusaders just 4/5 and the draw available at 18/1.
Ben Te’o will also be involved at inside-centre. And having impressed against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians he’s an interesting 7/2 shot to score a try at any time.
For the hosts, top tryscorer David Havili is 15/8 to cross the line while seven-try winger George Bridge is the 9/1 joint-favourite to score first alongside team-mate Seta Tamanivalu.
Elsewhere, it’s 7/2 for the touring party to lose by 1-5 points or 4/1 for the Lions to win by that same margin.
Click here for the latest Crusaders v Lions odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
