Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika
The winless Highlanders take on Moana Pasifika in this Super Rugby encounter at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Highlanders are the only team in the competition who are yet to win a match. They have been close on a few occasions but seem to lose concentration in the crucial moments in the match. Moana Pasifika have come crashing down to earth after their shock win against the Hurricanes. They have suffered to heavy defeats to the Blues in their last two matches. Moana Pasifika have a near full strength team so they should be much better this time out.
TIP: Moana Pasifika have had major struggles in their set pieces and unless their fix their issues at scrum and lineout they will have serious problems against this Highlanders team. The home team pride themselves on their scrum and with All Black Ethan De Groot back, the Pasifika could be in serious trouble. The visitors need to adopt a more ball in hand approach in this match if they are to cause an upset. The bookies have the Highlanders as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.06, Playabets 1.05 and Sunbet 1.07.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika
- This is the first meeting between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
Highlanders lost their last match 17-14 to the Crusaders while Moana Pasifika lost 46-16 to the Blues in their last match.
PREDICTION
It’s incredible to believe that the Highlanders have lost six straight matches but they have had their share of injuries and close finishers as well. In their last match they came within three points of beating the Crusaders. They will need to be more clinical in this match against Pasifika because they just don’t go away. The standout players for the Highlanders have been Sam Gilbert and Shannon Frizell. If they can get these two players into space then they will win this match. Moana Pasifika will look to their star player Levi Aumua to get them over the advantage line as he has been brilliant this season. I am predicting a Highlanders win by ten points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Connor Garden-Bachop, 14 Sam Gilbert, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Scott Gregory, 11 Mosese Dawai, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith (c), 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Moana Pasifika
15 William Havili, 14 Tima Fainga’anuku, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Neria Foma’i, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Henry Time-Stowers, 7 Solomone Funaki, 6 Sione Tu’ipulotu, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Mike McKee, 3 Sekope Kepu (c), 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.06
Playabets 1.05
Sunbet 1.07
Odds comparison on the Moana Pasifika handicap :
The complete odds on the Moana Pasifika handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.85
Sunbet (+19.5) 1.86
Playabets (+19.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The Highlanders will no doubt attack the Pasifika at scrum and line out time as this is their weakness. The Pasifika need to also sort out their discipline as they give away too many penalties that allows the opposition to dominate the territory battle. The playmaker for the visitors is Christian Leali’ifano and he will be vital in controlling the match. There are poor odds on the Highlanders win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.85, Sunbet (+19.5) 1.86 and Playabets (+19.5) 1.82
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.
