Blues vs Waratahs Predictions - Blues to cover in Super Rugby quarter-final

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 08 Jun 2023

Marc Thomas 08 Jun 2023

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Watch Blues vs Waratahs in the Super Rugby quarter-final on Friday (08:35 BST)
Hosts have won their last 8 games against the visitors
Can the Tahs’ halt a 2-match losing streak?

Expired

Blues set to dominate at home (Getty Images)

Blues vs Waratahs Preview

The Blues will be very confident of progressing to the semi-final this weekend. They have already comfortably beaten the Waratahs at home this season, and have won their last eight against the Sydney outfit. I am backing the hosts to cover the -18 handicap.

Blues vs Waratahs Preview
Head to Head
Blues Form
Blues Starting Lineup
Waratahs Form
Waratahs Starting Lineup

Blues have won their last 8 matches against the Waratahs.
Blues have won their last 3 matches.
Blues beat the Waratahs 55-21 earlier this season.
Waratahs have lost their last 2 matches.

Head to Head

The Blues are on an eight-match winning streak against the Waratahs. Earlier this season the Blues beat the Tahs’ 55-21 in Auckland.

Blues Form

The Blues finished third on the Super Rugby table behind the Chiefs and Crusaders. They won 10 of their 14 league matches, giving them a home quarter-final birth.

The Auckland-based outfit come into the quarter-final having won their last three games. Their last defeat came against the Crusaders a month ago, since then they’ve defeated the Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Earlier this season the Blues dismantled the Waratahs 55-21 in Auckland. It was a very convincing victory, and while things may be different on Friday, the Blues have a fantastic record against the Sydney side.

Blues Starting Lineup

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

Subs: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta

Waratahs Form

The Waratahs made a relatively poor start to Super Rugby but bounced back well to finish sixth. They won six of their 14 matches.

Unfortunately, after a superb four-match winning streak, the Tahs’ lost some confidence, losing their last two matches. That may be because their playoff spot was confirmed, but still, it doesn’t bode well for this weekend.

The Sydney-based outfit played themselves into the playoffs with victories over the Highlanders, Reds, Rebels and Drua, but have since lost to the Crusaders and Moana.

Waratahs Starting Lineup

Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Langi Gleeson, Harrison Goddard, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase

Subs: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Nephi Leatigaga, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson

Verdict

Blues v Waratahs

Blues beat the Waratahs 55-21 earlier this season. I'm backing the hosts to cover the -18 handicap again.

Blues -18

Handicap

@10/11 - 4 Units

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