The first of Friday's matches in Super Rugby Pacific Round 8 comes from Dunedin where the Highlanders are favourites to finally chalk up a first win of the tournament when they host Moana Pasifika.
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika, Friday 8th April, Dunedin, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistants: Ben O’Keeffe, Jono Bredin
TMO: Aaron Paterson
Weather Forecast – Dunedin N/A (indoor arena)
Highlanders:
The Highlanders threatened to break their duck away to the Crusaders last weekend but they went down 17-14, a sixth successive defeat. Given around 18.5 points start on the handicap the Highlanders put in one of their best performances so far and after all the points came in the first half they missed a golden opportunity to tie the game up.
They now return to Dunedin where earlier results included a 34-19 defeat in the first clash with the Saders and a 32-25 loss to the Blues.
The Highlanders now have 3 losing bonus points against their name and finished Round 7 at the bottom of the overall standings, 1 point behind their opponents here, Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika:
Moana have just completed back to back matches against the Blues. They performed with credit in the first meeting, going down 32-19 but last week's 46-16 defeat was more clear cut.
Prior to that Moana were given around 30 points star on the handicap for a clash with the Hurricanes but they pulled off a historic first Super Rugby win. The game went in to extra time (19-19) and Moana scored a “golden” try by Danny Toala to spark jubilant scenes.
Moana have 4 log points and are second from bottom although they have played only 5 matches.
Team News (subject to change)
Highlanders: Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jemaine Ainsley, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Aaron Smith (c), Mitch Hunt, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop
Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Vilimoni Koroi, Denny Solomona
Moana Pasifika: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai, Sekope Kepu (c), Veikoso Poloniati, Samuel Slade, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Penitoa Finau, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali'ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga'anuku, William Havili
Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Dwayne Polataivao, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Highlanders -19.5 points at 9/10
Moana Pasifika +20.5 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 home team here with the early -17.5 being snapped up. This looks t me like a game where the points will flow and as I am undecided on the handicap I will have a go at the overs
Bet: 4 units over 55.5 points at Sportingbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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