Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika
The Highlanders welcome Moana Pasifika to the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to kick off these teams Super Rugby campaign. Both team will be desperate to get their season off to a winning start and improve on their performance from last season. The home side finished in 9th place while the visitors claimed last position. The Highlanders have signed some exciting new players with the likes of Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Timoci Tavatavanawai coming into the wing and fullback position. It should be a fiery affair as Tavatavanawai comes up against his former club. His battle with opposite number Viliami Fine should be mouthwatering.
Tip: Moana Pasifika have also brought in new players of their own with All Blacks legend Julian Savea joining the team. He will start in the unfamiliar position of inside centre. It will be interesting to see how Welsh international flyhalf Rhys Patchell goes in his first start for his new team. If he can get his backline firing then the likes of Kneepkens and Jona Nareki could have a field day. The bookies have Highlanders as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.22, Gbets 1.22 and Hollywoodbets 1.23
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika
- The Highlanders have won the previous two encounters between the sides.
- The average winning margin in the two games was 24 points.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the new season.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders struggled all of last season with injuries and will be hoping for a fitter squad this time round. They attack was among the worst in the competition but have addressed that problem with some shrewd signings. Moana have lost their powerhouse winger and centre this season. They do however have quality replacements in Savea and Nigel Ah Wong. The home side will be looking to their superstar nine Folau Fakatava tgo spark them into life as he is the key in attack. The match will be decided in the backline and the Highlanders have the edge in this department. I am predicting a home win by more than 15 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Sam Gilbert, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Billy Harmon (c), 6 Sean Withy, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Henry Bell, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Moana Pasifika
15 Danny Toala, 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Pepesane Patafilo, 12 Julian Savea, 11 Viliami Fine, 10 William Havili, 9 Ere Enari, 8 Lotu Inisi, 7 Alamanda Motuga, 6 Miracle Faillagi, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Sione Mafielo, 2 Sama Malolo, 1 James Lay (c)
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.22
Gbets 1.22
Hollywoodbets 1.23
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap:
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-11.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-11.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-11.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Highlanders outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-11.5), Gbets 1.90 (-11.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-11.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Western Force vs Hurricanes
Blues vs Fijian Drua
Montpellier vs Bayonne
Pau vs Toulon
Lyon vs Oyannax
Castres vs Bordeaux
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.
