THE FACTS
When is Hurricanes vs Crusaders taking place? Sunday 21st June, 2020 – 04:35 (UK)
Where is Hurricanes vs Crusaders taking place? Sky Stadium
What channel is Hurricanes vs Crusaders on? Sky Sports Action
Where can I stream Hurricanes vs Crusaders? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Hurricanes vs Crusaders? Visit this link for ticket information on Super Rugby games
THE TEAM NEWS
HURRICANES
- Hurricanes suffered defeat in their first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa as they failed to live with the Blues in the second half of their contest last week as the hosts ran out 10-point winners despite just a point separating the two teams at half-time.
- The teams shared three points apiece but the Blues took advantage from the tee as penalties proved costly for the Hurricanes and their discipline is one of the areas they will have identified to fix for this contest.
- Head coach Jason Holland has made two changes among his forwards for this clash with the Crusaders with Ardie Savea coming in at number eight along with Vaea Fifita while Scott Scrafton and Gareth Evans drop to the bench.
CRUSADERS
- Crusaders will make their Super Rugby Aotearoa bow against Hurricanes and they will hope their lack of match practice does not hinder them as they were the only side not to feature last week with it been their bye.
- Head coach Scott Robertson is confident that it will actually work as an advantage for his side as they were able to observe the competition’s interpretations of the new rules and he believes his team have a good handle on them.
- While the Crusaders side is packed full of international talent including eight All Blacks in the starting XV, they have suffered a blow with captain Scott Barrett ruled out with a foot injury with hooker Codie Taylor taking the reins as skipper.
THE PREDICTION
Crusaders will begin their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with a contest against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium and the visitors will be confident they can mark their opening game with a win. The Hurricanes were outplayed in the second half of last week’s game against the Blues and while they will take a lot from that contest, the Crusaders have won the last five meetings between the two teams and should extend that run to six here.