Super Rugby Pacific Teams: Round 8 rosters, predictions, betting lines, and essential information for the weekend
Wishing you a joyful Easter! May it be filled with an abundance of chocolate and some time spent watching rugby on television.
Regrettably, there are only three matches scheduled in Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific, starting with the Crusaders facing the Fijian Drua on Good Friday.
Best of luck with your predictions. Haven’t set up a tipping competition yet? No need to worry; you still have ample time to join ESPN Footytips today!
Friday, April 3
Crusaders vs. Fijian Drua
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Crusaders: Will Jordan (capt), Chay Fihaki, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Johnny Lee, Corey Kellow, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: George Bell, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor.
Drua: Iliasia Droasese, Joji Nasova, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Namoce, Manasa Mataele, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila (c), Joseva Tamani, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Phillip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Isikeli Rabitu
Officials: Referee: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: This match marks the Crusaders’ farewell to Apollo Projects Stadium, concluding a 15-year tenure at a venue initially intended as a temporary solution. The accomplishments of the Crusaders during this period are remarkable. Coming off a bye, they could dominate this match, providing a spectacular send-off for the venue. Crusaders by 30.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders: $1.03 -22.5 $1.85; Drua: $8.00, +22.5 $1.90
Saturday, April 4
Chiefs vs. NSW Waratahs
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Profitt, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Brown, Daniel Sinkinson.
Waratahs: Sid Harvey, Andrew Kellaway, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Jack Debreczeni, Teddy Wilson; Pete Samu, Charlie Gamble, Clem Halahalo, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Dan Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Folau Fainga’a, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Jamie Adamson, Jack Bowen, Jake Gordon, George Poolman
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: This matchup is the highlight of the round, with the Waratahs traveling to Hamilton following their best performance of the season. They will need to elevate their game from the victory over the Brumbies, as coach Dan McKellar has strengthened his midfield by reinstating Triston Reilly to the centers, while Charlie Gamble returns for added physicality. The Chiefs, having done just enough in Perth, will see Damian McKenzie rested, with Liam Coombes-Fabling stepping in at fullback. The Chiefs are justifiably favored, but the outcome may not be as straightforward as the odds suggest. Chiefs by 10.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs: $1.06, -20.5 $1.90; Waratahs: $8, +20.5 $1.85
Queensland Reds vs. Western Force
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Treyvon Pritchard, Carter Gordon, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Nick Bloomfield, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan.
Force: Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch, George Bridge, Bayley Kuenzle, Darby Lancaster, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Jack Daly, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Franco Molina, Misinale Epenisa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax
Officials: Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: Zac Lomax is set to make his return to rugby after 15 years, coming off the bench for the Force, while Dylan Pietsch will also make his season debut. Jack Daly is a new addition to the pack. The Reds struggled in Wellington, suffering a heavy defeat to the Hurricanes, prompting coach Les Kiss to reinstate Carter Gordon and Josh Flook to the starting lineup. If the Force can hold their own in the forwards, they now possess a backline capable of inflicting damage. Nevertheless, the Reds are expected to be too powerful at home. Reds by 6.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds: $1.16, -12.5 $1.87; Force: $4.80, +12.5 $1.87
