Super Rugby Pacific Teams: Round 9 rosters, predictions, betting lines, and essential information for the weekend

We have reached the midpoint and are heading towards the finals of Super Rugby Pacific.

Concerningly for Australia, New Zealand teams occupy the top four spots on the standings, although a series of derbies among Kiwi teams leading up to the playoffs could alter that ranking.

The Brumbies, for their part, can influence the standings by adding the Highlanders to their list of Kiwi scalps when they kick off Round 9 in Dunedin on Friday.

Good 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!

[Note: all odds accurate as of 11am 8/4]

Friday, April 10

Highlanders vs. ACT Brumbies

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEST)

Highlanders: Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cam Millar, Nic Shearer; Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Saulu Ma’u, Hugh Renton, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Taniela Tele’a

Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Lachie Shaw, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachie Lonergan, Black Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby McPherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton.

Officials: Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Warwick Lahmert, Todd Petrie; TMO: Richard Kelly

Prediction: These teams should be well-rested after the Round 8 bye. The Brumbies receive a boost with the return of Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead and Lachie Lonergan on the bench, while the ACT has triumphed in the last five encounters between the two sides, including their latest meeting in Dunedin. Conversely, the Highlanders faced a heavy defeat against the in-form Hurricanes in their previous outing in Dunedin and must secure a victory to remain competitive for a top-six finish. Nonetheless, it appears that the Brumbies possess slightly more talent at their disposal, and their 3-0 record against Kiwi teams this season should provide additional confidence. Brumbies by 12.

Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders: $1.90; Brumbies: $1.90

Saturday, April 11

Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, New Zealand, 12:05pm (AEST)

Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Latu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Glen Vaihu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Augustine Pulu, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Niko Jones, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Veikoso Poloniati, Tom Savage, Paula Latu, Millenium Sanerivi, Malaki Hala-Ngatai. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Atu Moli, Jimmy Tupou, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini.

Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Leroy Carter, Kyle Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i (capt), Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi,. Reuben O’Neill, Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Profitt, Sione Ahio, Fiti Sa, Luke Jacobson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Reon Paul.

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

Prediction:

Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana: $21, +31.5 $1.90; Chiefs: $1.01, -31.5 $1.90

Fijian Drua vs. Western Force

Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji 2:35pm (AEST)

Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Iosefo Namoce, Isikeli Rabitu, Isikeli Basiyalo, Tailrace Samusamuvodre (co-c), Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa; Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Etonia Waqa, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila (co-c), Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Manasa Mataele

Force: Mac Grealy, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Jack Daly, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jeremy Williams, Franco Molina, Misinale Epenisa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax

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

Prediction:

Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua: $1.50, -4.5 $1.85; Force: $2.50, +4.5 $1.90

Hurricanes vs. Blues

Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, 5:05pm (AEST)

Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett (co-captain), Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova.

Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Malachi Wrampling, Anton Segner, Che Clark, Sam Darry (capt), Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Tristyn Cook, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Payton Spencer.

Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley; TMO: Brett Cronan

Prediction:

Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes: $1.34, -8.5 $1.90; Blues: $3.20, +8.5 $1.90

Queensland Reds vs. Crusaders

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, 7:35pm (AEST)

Reds: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Carter Gordon, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Sakakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Nick Bloomfield, Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Isaac Henry

Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Johnny Lee, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, Dallas McLeod.

Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan; TMO: Aaron Paterson

Prediction:

Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds: $2.80, +6.5 $1.95; Crusaders: $1.42, -6.5 $1.85