Super Rugby Pacific Teams: Round 5 rosters, predictions, betting lines, and essential information for the upcoming weekend

Super Rugby Pacific delivered another thrilling round last weekend, with the Reds concluding the matches with a remarkable victory in Canberra.

With no team remaining unbeaten, the competition standings are extremely close, as only six points separate the top seven teams, with some clubs having a game in hand.

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 13

Hurricanes vs. Western Force

McLean Park Napier, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)

Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Jone Rona, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard; Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delaney, Pasilio Tosi, Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Warner Dearns, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Ruben Love, Riley Higgins.

Force: Max Burey, Darby Lancaster, George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson; Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Lopeti Faifua, Nathan Hastie, Taj Annan, Hamish Stewart.

Officials: Referee: Todd Petrie; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Ben Woolerton; TMO: Glenn Newman

Prediction: The Hurricanes were formidable against the Waratahs last week, scoring 59 points in an explosive offensive performance. The Force showed resilience in Dunedin despite their loss to the Highlanders, but this match poses a significant challenge against one of the top contenders. The recent signing of Zac Lomax is a positive development for the Force, but it is unlikely to have a lasting impact in Napier. Hurricanes by 30.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes: $1.05, -20.5 $1.85; Force: $8.50, +20.5 $1.90

Saturday, March 14

Fijian Drua vs. Brumbies

Four R Stadium, Ba, Fiji, 2:35pm (AEDT)

Drua:

Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Kye Oates, Tane Edmed, Klayton Thorn; Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Toby Macpherson, Nick Frost, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, Lington Ieli. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton.

Officials: Referee: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Michael Winter; TMO: Aaron Peterson

Prediction: The Brumbies were on track for a 4-0 record until an unexpected comeback by the Reds resulted in a loss of four crucial competition points. Coach Stephen Larkham has made adjustments this week due to resting protocols, but welcomes back Rob Valetini and Corey Toole, while Nick Frost is set to make his first Super Rugby appearance this season. The Drua should be rejuvenated after last week’s bye, and this marks a historic first Super game in Ba. Drua by 2.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua: $2.45, +3.5 $1.90; Brumbies: $1.52, -3.5 $1.85

Crusaders vs. Highlanders

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEDT)

Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham: Christian Lio-Willie, Johnny Lee, Ethan Blackadder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis. Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod.

Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau , Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava; Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Tomás Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa

Officials: Referee: Jordan Way; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: James Leckie

Prediction: Conditions are not ideal in Christchurch, where the Crusaders return home to face the Highlanders. After a disappointing performance in Auckland last week, the Crusaders have welcomed back Will Jordan at fullback. However, they need to significantly improve their ball retention. They will aim to avoid dragging this match into the later stages against a Highlanders side that previously defeated them this season and can pose a serious threat. Crusaders by 12.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders: $1.25, -9.5 $1.85; Highlanders: $3.70, +9.5 $1.90

Queensland Reds vs. NSW Waratahs

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm (AEDT)

Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Tim Ryan, Carter Gordon, Louis Werchon; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Zane Nonngorr, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Treyvon Pritchard.

Waratahs: James Hendren, Max Jorgensen, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Sid Harvey, Jack Debreczeni, Jake Gordon; Pete Samu, Charlie Gamble, Clem Halaholo, Angus Blyth, Matt Philip, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Harry Potter

Officials: Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly

Prediction: The Reds will be buoyed by last week’s thrilling victory over the Brumbies and are eager to seek revenge for their earlier defeat to NSW in Round 1. Les Kiss has reinstated Tim Ryan on the wing, while Seru Uru takes the lock position with Josh Canham sidelined. The Waratahs, on the other hand, struggled significantly against the Hurricanes, prompting coach Dan McKellar to make changes, including promoting Triston Reilly in place of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who may be out for two months due to a hamstring injury. Expect some impressive moments from second-game player Sid Harvey, but this match appears to favor Queensland. Reds by 15.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds: $1.38, -6.5 $1.86; Waratahs: $2.90, +6.5 $1.90

Sunday, March 15

Blues vs. Moana Pasifika

Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 1:35pm (AEDT)

Blues: Coles Forbes, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i (captain), Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Lachlan McWhannell, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Zarn Sullivan.

Moana: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Tevita Latu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Glen Vaihu, Patrick Pellegrini, Augustine Pulu, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Atu Moli, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Monu Moli, Lolani Faleiva, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Ngani Laumape, Tuna Tuitama.

Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Glenn Newman

Prediction: The Blues are performing better than their 2-2 record indicates, as they could easily have been 4-0 after four rounds. Beauden Barrett returned last week and could excel in this match, alongside hat-trick scorer Caleb Clarke. Moana Pasifika managed to stay competitive with the Chiefs until halftime in Round 4, but then fell behind significantly. This match is expected to follow a similar pattern. Blues by 35.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues: $1.01, -27.5 $1.85; Moana: $15, +27.5 $1.90