The Reds host Moana Pasifika in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific in Brisbane on Friday and the Queenslanders are firm favourites to return to winning ways.
Reds v Moana Pasifika, Friday 20th May, Brisbane, KO 11:45 (South African time)
Referee: Graham Cooper
Assistant Refs: Jordan Way, Reuben Keane
TMO: Brett Cronan
Weather Forecast – Brisbane
Reds:
The Reds were in New Zealand in Round 13 and they crashed to a 53-26 to the log leading Blues in Auckland. They were given up to 20.5 points start on the handicap for that game and it delivered a fourth successive defeat to NZ opposition.
Other recent results include a 29-17 defeat to the Highlanders at Suncorp, they were edged out 27-25 by the Chiefs in another home fixture and they went down 30-17 to the Canes in the Super Round in Melbourne. After this the Reds finish the regular season away to the Crusaders.
Overall this season the Reds have won 7 and lost 5 and they finished the previous round in seventh place in the standings with 31 points. In the outright betting the Reds are trading at around 40/1 to win the tournament
Moana Pasifika:
Moana took on fellow newcomers Fijian Drua last week. The betting suggested it would be close but Drua came through with a 34-19 victory.
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.
They have had a couple of close calls against Australian sides, losing 26-20 to the Waratahs in Auckland and 26-22 by the Rebels in Melbourne.
Moana remain on just 6 log points and they are bottom of the standings with 1 win and 10 defeats against their name.
Team News (subject to change)
Reds: Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa'agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu
Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali'ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili
Reserves: Luteru Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe 'Apiokotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu
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Reds -17.5 points at 9/10
Moana Pasifika +18.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
The points line is set at 45.5 and I am tempted by the overs but am a bit concerned about the rain that is about. Nothing for me on the points lines for now but I fancy the Reds to put in a big effort and will take them to win by 18 points or more.
They are not at 100% strength but Moana have shown me very little that suggests they can run the Reds close in conditions that the Reds are used to and should suit them.
Bet: 4 units Reds -17.5 at 9/10 at Betxchange
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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