Drua vs Rebels
The Drua have everything to play for when they welcome the Rebels in this final league phase encounter. The home side are currently in 8th position with 21 points but there are a host of teams just three points behind them. Among those teams is the seven time defending champion who have an easy match against Moana where they will most likely bag five points and leapfrog the Drua. The home side needs any kind of victory to make certain of eighth place. The Rebels have no such problems as they secured their playoff spot a few rounds ago.
TIP: The Rebels will be desperate to end their run of five consecutive defeats with their team selections being the major talking points. A sixth straight defeat will leave them very low on confidence going into the playoffs. The Drua have been largely disappointing this season with their attack in particular having no cohesion. Young flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula is a bright prospect for the future but he has struggled to bring his game breakers into the match. The bookies have the Drua as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.18, SoccerShop 1.18 and Bettabets 1.17
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Drua vs Rebels
- Each team has won two of the four matches played between them.
- The home team has won on all four occasions.
Latest results for both teams
The Drua lost 39-3 to the Highlanders in the last match while the Rebels were beaten 57-13 by the Brumbies in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Drua welcome back live wire scrumhalf Frank Lomani after his six weeks ban for a horrific red card. He will no doubt bring the much-needed energy into the attack. The likes of Selestino Ravutaumada and Iosefo Masi have gone off the boil at the wrong time as their team is fighting for their playoff survival. The Rebels will be hoping that Taniela Tupou can bring the power to their front row as they were bullied by the Brumbies in the last match. The Drua despite their struggles on the road have been excellent at home, losing just once all season in Fiji. I am predicting a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Drua
15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Kemu Valetini, 11 Waqa Nalaga, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Meli Derenalagi (c), 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Haereiti Hetet
Rebels
15 Mason Gordon, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Filipo Daugunu, 12 David Feiluai, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Rob Leota (c), 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Josh Canham, 4 Angelo Smith, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Isaac Kailea
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Drua victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.18
SoccerShop 1.18
Bettabets 1.17
Odds comparison on the Rebels handicap:
The complete odds on the Rebels handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+13.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (+13.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+13.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Drua outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (+13.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (+13.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+13.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Waratahs vs Reds
Force vs Brumbies
Stormers vs Lions
Scarlets vs Dragons
Cardiff vs Ospreys
Bath vs Sale Sharks
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
