Fijian Drau vs Moana Pasifika
This will be the battle of the debutants as the Drua take on Moana. Both teams have struggled thus far in the competition and have only one win apiece. After this match either team will have two wins under the belt. These teams biggest problem has been their poor discipline. Both teams give away the most penalties that have allowed opposition teams to constantly win the territory battle. The Drua have made multiple changes from the last match that they lost 67-5 and have brought back their start players in Onisi Ratave and Vinaya Habosi.
TIP: The Moana team will again be led by Wallaby great Sekope Kepu and he will need to ensure that his team maintain their defensive structures against a Drua team that can run the ball from anywhere on the field. Both teams have shown a weakness in their forwards and the team that can get forward domination will win this match. The bookies have the Drua as favourites but I tip Moana for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.10, Playabets 2.05 and Sunbet 2.05
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Fijian Drau vs Moana Pasifika
- This is the first meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Fijian Drua were beaten 67-5 in their last match against the Hurricanes while Moana Pasifika were beaten 26-20 by the Waratahs.
PREDICTION
Both teams have dangerous players all over the field that can score at any time but consistency over 80 minutes will be the key. The battle between wingers Onisi Ratave and Timoci Tavatavanawai looks to be one of the highlights of the match as both players can never be stopped by one defender and often need three players to stop them which generally opens up spaces for their teammates. The Moana will use their driving maul as a weapon as the Drua have struggled to defend against the maul. We are predicting a Moana win by eight points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Fijian Drua
15 Kitione Taliga, 14 Onisi Ratave, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvovu, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 7 Mesulame Dolokoto, 6 Meli Derenlagi (c), 5 Viliame Rarasea, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet
Moana Pasifika
15 William Havili, 14 Tima Fainga’anuku, 13 Solomone Kata, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 10 Lincoln McClutchie, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Henry Time-Stowers, 7 Solomone Funaki, 6 Sione Tu’ipulotu, 5 Alex McRobbie, 4 Michael Curry, 3 Sekope Kepu (c), 2 Ray Niula, 1 Abraham
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Moana Pasifika victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.10
Playabets 2.05
Sunbet 2.05
Odds comparison on the Moana Pasifika handicap :
The complete odds on the Moana Pasifika handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+2.5) 1.89
Playabets (+2.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
This match should be a high scoring contest as both teams are great at attacking but their defence has been very poor. The Moana team will have the experience in the backline as the trio of Danny Toala, Lincoln McClutchie and Ereatara Enari have plenty of experience playing together at Hawkes Bay. There are great odds on the Moana upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+2.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+2.5) 1.81
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.
