superugby2018Super Rugby Pacific newcomers Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika clash in Parramatta on Saturday, an opportunity for either side to chalk up a rare victory.

 

 

 

 

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika, Saturday 14th May, Parramatta, KO 06:35 (South African time)

 

Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Refs: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Brett Cronan

 

Weather Forecast – Parramatta

 

Fijian Drua:

 

Drua were thrashed 67-5 by the Hurricanes in a one sided contest in Wellington last week. Prior to that they hosted their first game in Suva where they were given around 9.5 points start on the handicap for a clash with the Highlanders and they went down narrowly, 27-24.

 

 

Drua now have a record of 1 win and 10 defeats and their sole victory came in Round 3 when they beat the Rebels 31-26 on the Sunshine Coast. Losing bonus points came away to the Reds and at home to the Force and they now prepare to meet fellow newcomers Moana Pasifika for the first time.

 

With 7 log points Drua are second from bottom overall.

 

Moana Pasifika:

 

Moana have also won just once this season but they have threatened in their last 2 outings. Last week they lost 26-20 to the in form Waratahs in Auckland and a round earlier they were beaten 26-22 by the Rebels in Melbourne.

 

Their only win so far came in their first meeting with the Hurricanes, a huge upset with a “golden try” sealing victory after the scores were tied up at 19-19.

 

Moana now have just 6 log points and they are bottom of the standings with 1 win and 9 defeats against their name.

 

Team News (subject to change)

 

Fijian Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Manasa Saulo, Isoa Nasilasila, Viliame Rarasea, Meli Derenlagi (c), Mesulame Dolokoto, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvovu, Apisalome Vota, Onisi Ratave, Kitione Taliga

 

Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Samuela Tawake, Chris Minimbi, Nemani Nagusa, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada

 

Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Alex McRobbie, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tima Fainga'anuku, William Havili

 

Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe Apiokotoa, Veikoso Poloniati, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali'ifano, Henry Taefu

 

 

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Fijian Drua 9/10

Moana Pasifika 21/20

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.

 

Betting Angle

 

This is a game where I was well out with my handicap having gone +9.5 Fijian Drua in my Sunday night forum exercise. They opened 2.5 point favourites and not surprisingly there has been some money for Moana Pasifika. I am going to back my original instinct on this one and will have a punt on the visitors to win the game on the board.

Click here for the video preview of the game and the views of @ThoughtsOnSports and @Chad_Reich

Any additional bets and punts from other punters will be posted in the Goodforthegame Forum

 

BET: 4 units Moana Pasifika win at 21/20 at Hollywoodbets

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.

 

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