On the back of their best result for some time the Waratahs head to Auckland for a Super Rugby Pacific clash with Moana Pasifika on Saturday
Moana Pasifika v Waratahs, Saturday 7th May, Auckland, KO 06:35 (South African time)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistants: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
Weather Forecast – Auckland
Moana Pasifika:
Moana Pasifika came up just short in their quest for a second Super Rugby win when they went down 26-22 to the Rebels in Melbourne last week. Their opponents finished the game with 14 men but Moana couldn't find the try the needed.
Moana Pasifika were due to take on the Force in the Super Round but the game was postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the Force camp. Their only win so far came in the 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 5 log points and they are bottom of the standings with 1 win and 8 defeats against their name.
Waratahs:
The Waratahs hosted the Crusaders in Sydney last week, they were given around 22.5 points start on the handicap but there was confidence in the plus handicap among the Goodforthegame community and it proved well placed as the Tahs won 24-21. The Tahs were 17-0 to the good at half time and with a numerical advantage later in the game they held off a Saders comeback.
The Waratahs first match up with a New Zealand side came against the Chiefs in Super Round in Melbourne. They were given around 16.5 points start on the handicap and it wasn't enough as they went down 51-27.
Prior to last week's win over the Saders the Tahs had twice beaten both the Force and Fijian Drua and one other win came against the Rebels.
The Waratahs now have a record of 6 wins and 4 defeats and with 24 log points they finished the previous round in sixth position in the overall standings, third best of the Australian sides.
Team News (subject to change)
Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Veikoso Poloniati, Sam Slade, Michael Curry, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali'ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga'anuku, Danny Toala
Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe 'Apikotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Solomone Kata
Waratahs: Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Geoff Cridge, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Alex Newsome
Reserves: Tom Horton, Teterta Faulkner, Ruan Smith, Hugh Sinclair, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Ben Donaldson, Triston Reilly
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Moana Pasifika +10.5 points at 9/10
Waratahs -8.5 points at 17/20
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I initially handicapped this game as Waratahs -5.5, but in retrospect that was too low and I think the bookmakers have got this one right. The Waratahs have impressed me this season, but at the same time I am expecting resistance from Moana who I think will get their fair share of points. Conditions look good and I am looking for at least 53 points.
Click here for the video preview of Moana v Waratahs for the views of @TheCroweTips and @Goonchie05
Click here to access our forum where other punters will share their views and I will post any points bets
BET: 4 Units over 52.5 points at 9/10 at Sunbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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