As we approach the midpoint of the season, the Super Rugby Pacific standings are beginning to take form.
The Waratahs experienced another challenging week as they prepare to face their rivals, the Brumbies, in Canberra. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have positioned themselves as contenders for the title but will encounter a challenge from the Reds on Saturday.
Best of luck with your predictions. Haven’t set up a tipping competition yet? No need to worry; there’s still ample time to join ESPN Footytips today!
Friday, March 27
Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Latu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Glen Vaihu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Joel Lam; Dominic Ropeti, Niko Jones, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Abraham Pole. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Ola Tauelangi, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Taniela Tela’a, Jona Nareki, Reesjan Pasitoa, Nic Shearer; Hugh Renton, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Tomas Lavanini, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Officials: Referee: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: This could be one of the best opportunities for Moana to secure a victory, especially after the Highlanders suffered a defeat against the Hurricanes. Tana Umaga’s team managed to stay competitive with the Crusaders for 60 minutes last week before the visitors’ substitutes allowed them to pull ahead late in the match. Those placing bets might consider the 14.5 point start for Moana. Highlanders by 7.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana: $5.20 +14.5 $1.85; Highlanders: $1.14, -14.5 $1.90
Brumbies vs. NSW Waratahs
GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadyern Neville, Lachie Shaw, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton.
Waratahs: Sid Harvey, Andrew Kellaway, Joey Walton, Lawson Creighton, Jack Debreczeni, Jake Gordon; Pete Samu, Jamie Adamson, Clem Halahalo, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Dan Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Folau Fainga’a, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction: This matchup features two teams on contrasting trajectories. However, such factors are not always reliable indicators in derby matches. The Brumbies were somewhat fortunate to secure a win against the Chiefs in Round 6, while the Waratahs generated enough opportunities to win multiple games but were unable to convert them. The Waratahs have not triumphed in Canberra for eight matches, and the ACT have claimed 14 of the last 15 encounters between the two teams. Perhaps Dan McKellar can motivate his squad effectively? Brumbies by 10.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $1.20, -11.5 $1.90; Waratahs: $4.20, +11.5 $1.85
Saturday, March 28
Hurricanes vs. Queensland Reds
Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand 2:35pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Louis Werchon; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Nick Bloomfield, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Treyvon Pritchard.
Officials: Referee: Angus Mabey; Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter; TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: This is the standout match of the round. The Hurricanes are currently at the top of the standings, having scored over 50 points for the second time this season last week, showcasing a backline that is more effective than any other in the league. The Reds, on the other hand, performed excellently in their victory over the Drua, marking their first win in Fiji. Although Carter Gordon is still unavailable, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips excelled in Lautoka. Tom Lynagh is also set to make his season debut from the bench. Hurricanes by 7.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes: $1.16, -12.5 $1.85; Reds: $4.80, +12.5 $1.90
Blues vs. Fijian Drua
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Payton Spencer, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Taufa Funaki; Malachi Wrampling, Anton Segner, Torian Barnes, Sam Darry (capt), Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Jed Melvin (debut), Finlay Christie, Xavi Taele, Cody Vai.
Drua: Iliasia Droasese, Epeli Momo, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Namocee, Ponipate Loganimasi, Kemu Valetini, Frank Lomani (c); Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokolo, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Virimi Vakatawa
Officials: Referee: Reuben Keane; Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The first Joeli Vidiri Cup will be contested in this match, as both franchises pay tribute to the late great Fijian winger. Vern Cotter’s team allowed the Waratahs to defeat themselves and capitalized on their opportunities in the second half last week, while the Drua were unable to score any tries against the Reds. This could be a challenging evening for the Fijians, who have had difficulty scoring against the Auckland team. Blues by 25.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues: $1.04, –20.5 $1.90; Drua: $9, +20.5 $1.85
Western Force vs. Chiefs
HBF Park, Perth, Australia, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Force: Max Burey, Darby Lancaster, George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson; Vaiolini Ukuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Samipeni Finau, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Jared Profitt. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Fiti Sa, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Brown, Kyren Taumoefolau.
Officials: Referee: Marcus Playle; Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Chiefs are likely still pondering how they lost in Canberra after leading 24-7 with 22 minutes remaining. Ultimately, they can only blame themselves for that loss. In Saturday’s match, Damian McKenzie will shift to fullback, where he should enjoy more space and fewer playmaking duties. The Force will be well-rested following their bye; they could pose a challenge and keep the Chiefs on their toes until the final quarter. However, it is difficult to envision the Kiwis squandering another winnable match. Zac Lomax’s debut will have to wait another week. Chiefs by 18.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force: $5.20, +14.5 $1.85; Chiefs: $1.44, -14.5 $1.90
