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Chiefs vs Blues Tips - Blues to return to winning ways
- Chiefs vs Blues predictions for Saturday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa match
- Chiefs have 1 win in their last 11 fixtures
- Blues have won 7 of their last 9 away games
- Preview, predictions, stats & team news
Blues beat the Chiefs 24-12 on their last visit to Waikato (Getty Images)
Chiefs vs Blues Tips
The Chiefs have lost 10 of their last 11 matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa while the Blues have been in good form this season. The Blues should be too good for the Chiefs with value on them covering the -5 handicap.
- Chiefs have lost 10 of their last 11 matches.
- Chiefs have lost 2 of their last 3 matches by 16 & 22 points.
- Chiefs have conceded the joint most tries (14) in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
- Chiefs have conceded 107 points in their last 3 Super Rugby Aotearoa matches.
- Blues have won 7 of their last 9 away matches.
- Blues have won 2 of their last 3 matches by 22 & 15 points.
- Blues have conceded the least tries (8) in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Head to Head
The Blues have won their last two matches against the Chiefs. Last season the Blues won 24-12 in Waikato and 21-17 in their last match in Auckland.
Chiefs Form
The Chiefs sit second bottom after three matches of Super Rugby Aotearoa. They have won one and lost two of their opening three fixtures.
In round one the Chiefs had a bye and then looked on course for victory in week two against the Highlanders. They led comfortably at half time but the Highlanders produced a brilliant second half performance to win 39-23.
The Chiefs then went down 39-17 at the Crusaders in what was their 10th consecutive defeat after losing all eight matches last season.
Last week however saw the Chiefs turn their fortunes around with an impressive 35-29 victory at the Hurricanes. The Waikato side will hope the victory signals a change in momentum.
Chiefs Team News
The Chiefs have changed both left and right wing for this encounter. Jonah Lowe and Etene Nanai-Seturo both miss out through injury with Shaun Stevenson and Sean Wainui coming in.
In the forward pack, lock Tupoi Vaa’I makes way for Samipeni Finau.
Blues Form
The Blues hold second place in the Super Rugby Aotearoa table. The Auckland-based outfit is the one side that can challenge the Crusaders for the title.
The Blues kicked off their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with a 31-16 win at the Hurricanes. That result was followed by a bye in round two before the Blues outplayed the Highlanders in a 39-19 victory at Eden Park.
This past weekend saw the match everyone had wanted to see as the Crusaders visited Eden Park. The Blues were superior in many facets including possession, metres carried and defenders beaten but crucial mistakes cost them.
The Crusaders managed to win 43-27 but the match was much tighter than that suggests as both teams crossed for four tries each.
Blues Team News
At right wing, Mark Telea comes in this week to replace Bryce Heem. The only other change in the Blues backline sees Jonathan Ruru missing out and Finlay Christie coming in at scrumhalf.
Among the forwards there is one enforced change. Dalton Papali’I replaces the injured Blake Gibson at flank.
Chiefs vs Blues FAQ
Where can I watch the Chiefs vs Blues live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Chiefs vs Blues live stream.
When is Chiefs vs Blues being played?
The match is being played at FMG Stadium in Waikato on Saturday, March 27.
Verdict
The Chiefs will be buoyed by their first win in 11 matches last weekend but still have serious concerns about their defence. The Blues will look to take advantage of that vulnerability so my best bet is for the Auckland side to cover the -5 handicap.
