Super Rugby Round 12 Best Bets - Hurricanes to hand Crusaders a sixth defeat of the season
- Best bets for the 12th round of the 2026 Super Rugby season
- Featured games include Hurricanes vs Crusaders and Moana Pasifika vs Blues
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Hurricanes' Josh Moorby (Getty Images)
Hurricanes vs Crusaders
Hurricanes continue to impress in the 2026 Super Rugby season, with their exploits enough to send them to the top of the ladder. Nine games have resulted in seven wins and two defeats, while they sit level on points with the Chiefs in second despite playing one game less.
Their last outing against the Brumbies ended in a statement 45-12 win. This followed on from a heart-breaking 17-17 draw with the Chiefs that saw the 'Canes beaten 22-17 after extra time. With the Hurricanes chasing a seventh win in their last eight in 2026, I am backing a big performance against a side that is floundering this season.
The Crusaders have been very underwhelming this season, with their opening 10 matches resulting in five wins and five defeats. While they still sit in fourth on the ladder with 26 points, they find themselves 10 short of the 'Canes at the summit. Another defeat this week would all but end their hopes of topping the ladder in the regular season.
While the Crusaders have won seven of their last 10 against the 'Canes, the form of the latter in 2026 is such that recent meetings between the pair will mean little. Both sides will go all out to take the win, and I am backing the Hurricanes to lay down a marker as they hand the traveling side a sixth defeat of the season.
Moana Pasifika vs Blues
Moana Pasifika have lost touch with the sides above them on the Super Rugby ladder after a woeful season that has seen them pick up four points from their opening 10 matches. With the Force 10 points clear of the side at the bottom with a game in hand, this gap will likely stretch.
Their last outing ended in a battling 27-17 loss to the Highlanders, with this the same story in the game before as they were beaten 29-14 by the Waratahs. Prior to this, they were crushed 62-17 by the Chiefs. Their 40-26 win over Fijian Drua back on February 14 now feels like a long time ago.
The Blues are looking to continue their march up the ladder with the chance to leapfrog the Chiefs into second if they beat Moana Pasifika. If the Crusaders are able to beat the 'Canes then the Blues may end the weekend at the summit with the side so far securing seven wins from their opening 10.
Their last outing ended in a thrilling 36-33 win over the Reds after extra time, and they will look to channel this into their latest outing. The Blues have won six of their previous seven against their opponents, with a 43-7 win coming in their last clash. With Moana Pasifika in awful form, I am backing the travelling side to continue their rich run of form with another win.
Verdict
I am backing the Hurricanes to hand the Crusaders another chastening defeat as the Blues continue to build on their fantastic start with a big win.
Hurricanes 1-12
Hurricanes vs Crusaders Winning Margin
@9/4 - 1 Unit
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Blues 13+
Moana Pasifika vs Blues Winning Margin
@2/11 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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