The final action in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific comes from Wellington on Sunday where the Hurricanes clash with Fijian Drua
Hurricanes v Fijian Drua, Sunday 8th May, Wellington, KO 05:35 (South African time)
Referee: James Doleman
Assistants: Mike Fraser, Dan Waenga
Weather Forecast – Wellington
Hurricanes:
Despite starting the game as slight favourites the Hurricanes went down 42-25 to the Brumbies in Canberra last week. A round earlier they came through a potentially tricky match up with the Reds in Super Round in Melbourne. They were 17-0 down at one stage but then scored 30 unanswered points to win with daylight.
The Canes now return to Wellington where their last outing delivered a 53-12 win over Moana Pasfika on 12th April, revenge for a shock defeat to Moana earlier in the tournament.
The Canes have 5 wins and 5 defeats against their name and they have 24 log points, seventh overall. In the outright betting they are 10/1 to win the tournament.
Fijian Drua:
Drua hosted their first game in Suva last week. 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 9 defeats and their sole victory came in Round 3 when they beat the Rebels 31-26 on the Sunshine Coast.
With 7 log points Drua are second from bottom overall.
Team News (subject to change)
Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Justin Sangster, Blake Gibson, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Tyler Laubscher, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Wes Goosen, Josh Moorby
Reserves: Dane Coles, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks/Pasi Tosi, Caleb Delany, TK Howden, Cam Roigard, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Riley Higgens
Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Meli Derenalagi (c), Kitione Salawa, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Simione Kuruvoli, Kitione Ratu, Jona Mataiciwa, Apsialome Vota, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Taliga
Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Tuni, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Raikabula Momoedonu, Leone Nawai, Teti Tela, Onisi Ratave
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Hurricanes -17.5 points at 9/10
Drua +17.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
The money has come for the Hurricanes with the handicap shifting out from 15.5 to 17.5 and I expect them to win this game fairly comfortably. The Blues showed against the Force on Friday what New Zealand sides are capable of if they hit their straps and I am backing the Hurricanes to win this one going away.
Click here for the video preview of Hurricanes v Drua for the views of @TheCroweTips and @Goonchie05
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BET: 4 Units Hurricanes -17.5 points at 19/20 at Playabets
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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