Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs
Moana will be glad to be back home as they welcome the Chiefs to the MT Smart Stadium. The home are currently lying in 9th spot, just three points out of the playoff positions while the visitors are sitting comfortably in fourth position. Moana will be disappointed with their showing in the last match as they lost to the Highlanders. The Chiefs on the other hand were on fire in a 57-9 demolition of the Force. Both teams have made major changes with the home side replacing their entire backline while the visitors will be without their talisman Damian McKenzie who is on his rest week.
TIP: Moana will be looking for revenge after they suffered a record 68-12 defeat the last time these sides met earlier in the season. Coach Tana Umaga will be hoping that the rotation of players will mean they are fresh and will give a much-improved performance in this match. There will be much pressure on youngster Josh Jacomb as he has to fill the shoes of McKenzie. The home side will no doubt look to put him under pressure early in the match to unsettle him. The bookies have Chiefs as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Bettabet 1.01, Tictacbet1.01 and Soccershop 1.01
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Moana vs Chiefs
- The Chiefs have won all four previous matches between the sides.
- The smallest margin of defeat between the sides was 23 points.
Latest results for both teams
Moana lost 28-17 to the Highlanders in their last match while the Chiefs beat the Force 56-7 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Two key players return from long term injury in the shape of Luke Jacobsen for the Chiefs and Alamanda Motuga for Moana. They will be wearing seven jersey for their respective teams with their personal battle one of the highlights of the match. Despite the Chiefs missing a few first team regulars, they still have selected a very strong side. There is bound to be cohesion problems in the Moana backline as they have not played together this season as a group. The biggest problem facing the home side could be the All Black centre pairing of Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea. If they link up the potent backline then this match could have a cricket score. I am predicting an away win by 25 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Moana Pasifika
15 Danny Toala, 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Pepesana Patafilo, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Neria Fomai, 10 D’Angelo Leuila, 9 Aisea Halo, 8 Lotu Inisi, 7 Alamanda Motuga, 6 Miracle Faiʻilagi, 5 Allan Craig, 4 Semisi Paea, 3 Suetena Asomua, 2 Sama Malolo (c), 1 Saketi Latu
Chiefs
15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Daniel Rona, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Chiefs victory are as follows:
Bettabet 1.01
Tictacbet1.01
Soccershop 1.01
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Moana handicap:
Bettabet 1.90 (+28.5)
Tictacbets 1.90 (+28.5)
Soccershop 1.90 (+28.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Chiefs outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Bettabet 1.90 (+28.5), Tictacbets 1.90 (+28.5) and Soccershop 1.90 (+28.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Newcastle vs Bath
Scarlets vs Ulster
Leinster vs Ospreys
Bristol vs Saracens
Exeter vs Harlequins
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.
