Moana Pasifika vs Rebels
Moana Pasifika and the Rebels clash at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland for this round 9 match in Super Rugby. These teams bring up the rear of the log with the Rebels in 11th position and Moana in last place. The visitors have only won two of their eight matches while the home side is still winless after eight matches. Both teams seem to have the same problem of falling away badly in the second half of their matches. Moana have been held scoreless in the second half three times already this season.
TIP: The Rebels have compensated for their poor second half performances by leaving their first choice front row on the bench and thus creating their very own bomb squad. Moana welcome back their talisman Christian Lealiifano who has been out of action the past few matches due to injury. His leadership was sorely missed and they will be counting on him to get them their first win of the season. The bookies have the Rebels as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.53, Gbets 1.52 and Hollywoodbets 1.50
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Moana Pasifika vs Rebels
- The Rebels won the only previous encounter between the sides 26-22.
Latest results for both teams
Moana Pasifika lost their last match 40-28 to the Reds while the Rebels lost 43-27 to the Crusaders in their last match.
PREDICTION
The battle between Lealiifano and his opposite number Carter Gordon will be one of the highlights as the ex-Wallaby ten takes on the future Aussie ten. Moana have shown that they can score but seem to use up all their points in the first half. Both teams actually led the champion Crusaders at halftime in the early rounds only to implode in the second half. The biggest problem for Moana has been their ill-discipline and poor defence especially in their own 22. The Rebels will have too much firepower in the second half therefore we are predicting an away win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Moana Pasifika
15 William Havili, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Neria Foma’i, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Solomone Funaki (c), 7 Jonah Mau’u, 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Mike McKee, 4 Michael Curry, 3 Isi Tu’ungafasi, 2 Samiuela Moli, 1 Abraham Pole
Rebels
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Brad Wilkin (c), 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Angelo Smith, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Matt Gibbon
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Rebels victory are as follows:
Betway 1.53
Gbets 1.52
Hollywoodbets 1.50
Odds comparison on the Rebels handicap:
The complete odds on the Rebels handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-5.5)
Gbets 1.91 (-5.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-5.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Sharks outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-5.5), Gbets 1.91 (-5.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-5.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Lions vs Pumas
Cheetahs vs Griffons
Sharks vs Griquas
WP vs Bulls
Scarlets vs Glasgow Warriors
Toulon vs Benetton
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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.
