2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa – Chiefs vs Blues Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Chiefs vs Blues taking place? Saturday 20^th June, 2020 – 08:05 (UK)

Where is Chiefs vs Blues taking place? FMG Stadium Waikato

What channel is Chiefs vs Blues on? Sky Sports Action

Where can I stream Chiefs vs Blues? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for Chiefs vs Blues? Visit this link for ticket information on Super Rugby games

THE TEAM NEWS

CHIEFS

• Chiefs lost their opening game of Super Rugby Aotearoa as they were beaten in dramatic circumstances against the Highlanders last week with a late drop goal seeing them lose by just a solitary point.
• The Chiefs will now head home for the first time in this tournament but they still have a long injury list to contend with that includes All Blacks captain Sam Cane after he failed to recover from a back issue to take his place in the side.
• Aaron Cruden comes into the starting XV at fly-half while lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi is also promoted from the bench with Warren Gatland hoping that those changes are enough for his side to right the wrongs of last week’s loss.

BLUES

• Blues produced a strong second half display to see off the Hurricanes last week and they will be eager to build on that their impressive win in front of a full house at Eden Park but they must deal with a double injury blow if they are to do so.
• Tom Robinson and Blake Gibson have both been ruled out of this contest with Akira Ioane and Dalton Papali’i coming into the side with Tony Lamborn earning a spot on among the replacements.
• Leon MacDonald had plenty of options at his disposal in the backs but has opted to stick with Beauden Barrett at fullback after a solid showing last weekend which means the head coach keeps the same backline that faced the Hurricanes.

THE PREDICTION

This is another mouth-watering contest as Super Rugby Aotearoa moves into the second round of fixtures after an exhilarating start last week. The Chiefs were edged late on last week and will be keen to respond against a Blues side that were too good for the Hurricanes. This will be a tough assignment for the Blues having won just one of their last 17 games against the Chiefs with their last eight away meetings ending in defeat but they will be full of confidence after last week’s success and can at least keep the scores close which makes them the pick with a +3 start.