Rebels vs Fijian Drua
This is a rematch for these sides after the Fijian Drua shocked the Rebels 31-26 in their last encounter. The Drua are hardly recognizable from their first two matches when they were lost by huge margins. After beating the Rebels they were unlucky to lose 20-18 in their last match against the Force with the decisive penalty being kicked after the 80 minutes were up. The Rebels are five losses from five matches although they have started to play better in their last couple of matches. They will be have revenge on their mind when they play the Drua.
TIP: The Drua have shown dramatic improvement and the major reason for this is that they are now playing the style of rugby that suits them. In the first couple of matches they tried to play a structured set piece orientated game but that way is not the Fiji way. They are most dangerous in broken play and almost upset the Reds with that ball in hand approach. The bookies have the Rebels as favourites but I tip the Drua on the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.25, Playabets 2.23 and Sunbet 2.17.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Rebels vs Fijian Drua
- These sides met once before with the Drua winning 31-26 earlier this season.
Latest results for both teams
The Rebels lost their last match against the 24-19 to the Waratahs while the Drua lost 20-18 to the Western Force.
PREDICTION
Two contrasting styles of paly will collide in this match as the Rebels like a slow paced and set piece type of match while the Fijian Drua are a high octane side that avoid killing the ball. They have the most outrageous off loads and they also have dangerous wingers like Vinaya Habos and Selestino Ravutaumada who are almost impossible to stop near the tryline. The Rebels need Matt Toomua to ignite their backline as he plays too deep making it easier for the opposition to defend against them. I am backing Fiji to upset the Rebels once again and win by 6 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Rebels
15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Raymond Nu’u, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Michael Wells (c), 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Brad Wilkin, 5 Josh Hill, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Matt Gibbon
Fijian Drua
15 Kitione Ratu, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Nemani Nagusa (c), 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 3 Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Jone Koroiduadua
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Fijian Drua victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.25
Playabets 2.23
Sunbet 2.17
Odds comparison on the Fijian Drua handicap :
The complete odds on the Fijian Drua handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+1.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+2.5) 1.90
Playabets (+1.5) 1.86
Predictions and Odds in details
The Rebels must look to put pressure on the Drua at scrum time and the lineouts as these are two areas that the Drua have struggled. The Rebels have brought in James Tuttle in place of Joe Powell which is a surprise although Tuttle has impressed when he came on as a sub in the last match. There are excellent odds on the Fijian Drua outright win but if you looking for a safety bet then I suggest the Drua on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+1.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+2.5) 1.90 and Playabets (+1.5) 1.86
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.
