What an exciting conclusion to another significant weekend of Super Rugby Pacific!
The match in Canberra was a nail-biter, with the Brumbies emerging victorious against the Blues, while the Western Force secured their first victory of the season and the Reds triumphed over the Highlanders, resulting in three Australian wins in Round 3.
However, the competition is intensifying with two major derby matches scheduled for Saturday, as the Waratahs aim to reclaim the top position on the ladder.
Best of luck with your predictions. Haven’t set up a tipping competition yet? No need to worry, there’s still ample time; join ESPN Footytips today!
Friday, March 6
Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupeae, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Seuseau Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukeai’aho, Benet Kumeroa. Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Kyle Brown.
Moana: Glen Vaihu, Tevita Ofa, Tevita Latu, Ngani Laumape, Solomon Alaimalo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Augustine Pulu, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millenium Sanerivi, Abraham Pole. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malaki Hala-Ngatai, Lolani Falevia, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Taelangi, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini.
Officials: Referee: Todd Petrie; Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr; Warwick Lahmert TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs: $1.01, -26.5 $1.85; Moana: $17, +26.5 $1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Hurricanes
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Andrew Kellaway, Triston Reilly, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Jake Gordon, Pete Samu, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Daniel Botha, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon; Dan Moore TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: Currently on an unbeaten streak at the start of the season, the Waratahs will be eager to maintain this momentum, but they understand the need to elevate their performance to overcome their Kiwi opponents. With four changes, including the return of Andrew Kellaway, the Tahs will aim to unlock centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who has yet to make an impact this season, while Max Jorgensen continues to be their most potent threat on the wing. The Hurricanes will be looking to recover after their loss to the Drua. They have also made four changes, reinforcing their back row with the return of captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, while Cam Roigard is set to activate their dynamic backline. If a motivated Waratahs team shows up on Friday, this match promises to be exciting, but a sluggish start and turnovers similar to those seen in their initial two victories could allow the Hurricanes to capitalize. Tip: Waratahs by 7
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs: $2.10, +2.5 $1.85; Hurricanes: $1.68, -2.5 $1.90
Saturday, March 7
Highlanders vs. Western Force
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Jacob Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasawa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reeshan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a
Force: Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Divad Palu, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Ben Donaldson, Nathan Hastie, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale.
Officials: Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr; Warwick Lahmert TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders: $1.27, -9.5 $1.90; Force: $3.50, +9.5 $1.85
Blues vs. Crusaders
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papal’i, Torain Barnes, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Anton Segner, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Xavi Taele.
Crusaders: Taha Kemara, Chay Fihaki, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackkadder, Dom Gradiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louie Chapman, James White, Dallas McLeod
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle; Louis Trisley TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: The first of the significant derby matches for the weekend, the Blues return home to face their long-standing rivals, the Crusaders. After narrowly missing out last week, the Blues
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues: $2.15, +2.5 $1.90; Crusaders: $1.65, -2.5 $1.85
Brumbies vs. Reds
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachie Shaw, Rhys van Nek, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
Reds: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Carter Gordon, Louis Werchon, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Nasser, Aiden Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jefferey Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillis, Treyvon Pritchard.
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way; Jeremy Markey TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: The second derby match of the weekend, this encounter is anticipated to be a thrilling contest with the current Wallabies coach Les Kiss likely eager to make a statement against Australia’s top Super team. With varied outcomes thus far this season, the Reds will be keen to build on their recent victory over the Highlanders, with the return of Filipo Daugunu strengthening a backline that has begun to click under Carter Gordon. Meanwhile, the Brumbies have had a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten and sitting atop the standings after a breakthrough win against the Crusaders and a victory over the Blues last week. They will require Charlie Cale and Tuaina Taii Tualima to perform well in the absence of Rob Valetini. With Wallabies players throughout the lineup, this match is set to be exciting. Tip: Brumbies by 12.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $1.42, -6.5 $1.87; Reds: $2.75, +6.5 $1.87
