Moana Pasifika vs Reds
History will be made when Moana Pasifika play their first ever match in Samoa as they welcome the Reds to Apia. The home team are the only winless team in the competition and they will be desperate to end their win drought in front of their home fans. The Reds have also had a dreadful start to their season, winning just two of their seven matches but the 54-26 defeat to the Brumbies last time out will hurt the most. Moana will take a lot of heart from their last match when they led defending champions Crusaders at halftime only to falter badly in the second half.
TIP: The Reds at the start of the season were eyeing a top four position but they have looked a shadow of the team from past seasons as they are struggling in attack and in defence. Moana have started matches well but have looked tired in the second half as they have remained scoreless in the second half of both their last two matches. They will be looking for an impact from their bench players. The bookies have the Reds as favourites but I’m backing Moana Pasifika for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.50, Gbets 2.50 and Hollywoodbets 2.52
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Moana Pasifika vs Reds
- The Reds won the only previous meeting between the sides 34-22.
Latest results for both teams
Moana Pasifika lost 38-21 to the Crusaders in their last match while the Reds lost 52-24 to the Brumbies in their last match.
PREDICTION
Moana will not have a better chance to break their duck as they face an out of form Reds team. The visitors pride themselves on having a powerful pack but they have been bullied into submission at scrum time this season. They don’t seem to be able to string together a meaningful attack sequence therefore they have moved regular flyhalf James O’Connor to the inside centre position. Moana will be missing their skipper Christian Leali’ifano who is still out injured but they will be looking to his replacement Lincoln McClutchie to provide that spark in attack. I am predicting a close match with the home side winning by 4 points
Probable Starting XVs
Moana Pasifika
15 William Havili, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Neria Fomai, 10 Lincoln McClutchie, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Solomone Funaki (c), 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Mike McKee, 4 Michael Curry, 3 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 2 Samiuela Moli, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Reds
15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 James O’Connor, 11 Jordan Petaia, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Tate McDermott (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jake Upfield, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Connor Vest, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Sef Fa’agase
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Moana Pasifika victory are as follows:
Betway 2.50
Gbets 2.50
Hollywoodbets 2.52
Odds comparison on the Moana Pasifika handicap:
The complete odds on the Moana Pasifika handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+3.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+3.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+3.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are great odds on the Moana Pasifika upset win but if you looking for a safer bet then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+3.5), Gbets 1.90 (+3.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+3.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Bulls vs Zebre
Stormers vs Munster
Connacht vs Cardiff
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.
