Get ready for the second half of Super Rugby Aotearoa as the four other Kiwi sides continue their campaign to try and chase down the Crusaders.
With the Christchurch based side on a bye this weekend every team has an opportunity to gain some ground on them starting with the second placed Blues facing the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Check out or previews and predictions for both Super Rugby Aotearoa games below!
HurricanesvsBlues
Saturday 18 July, 5:05pm, Westpac Stadium
For a few minutes last Saturday, it looked like the Blues might suddenly slide into competition favouritism when they lead the Crusaders 15-9 before the irritatingly good hosts showed why they are irritatingly good, running away 26-15 winners.
This Saturday they have a chance to bounce back with their third win over the Hurricanes in 2020.
When they played in Wellington in the original Super Rugby competition, the Blues won 24-15 with a 10 point rally in the final 11 minutes after the Canes suffered a red card 33 minutes from time.
Having proved it was no fluke in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa with a 30-20 win in Eden Park, the Blues should come away with a statement win here and cover the small line.
Back the Blues to Cover -2.5 @ $1.91
ChiefsvsHighlanders
Sunday 19 July, 1:35pm, Waikato Stadium
Here is your upset special for the weekend, the Highlanders are in a great position to knock off the Chiefs here.
After defeating them at home in Round 1 of Super Rugby Aotearoa they will look to win back to back games against them for the first time since 2016.
Their last loss to the Chiefs came in June 2018, winning two and drawing once since then, they are offering phenomenal values at their current price.
If you want to go for the safe option, the Highlanders with the +5.5 head start, that would have been a winning play in four of the last five meetings.
Back the Highlanders to Win @ $2.75