The final action in Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday sees Fijian Drua clash with the Brumbies in Brisbane.
Fijian Drua v Brumbies, Saturday 9th April, Brisbnae, KO 11:45 (South African time)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistants: Angus Gardner, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Oli Kwellett
Weather Forecast – Brisbane
Fijian Drua:
Fijian Drua went down 38-14 to the Waratahs on the Gold Coast last week and they now have a record of 1 win and 6 defeats.
Their only victory so far came in Round 3 when they beat the Rebels 31-26 and after that they went down very late 20-18 to the Force before being soundly beaten in the return with the Rebels.
Fijian Drua came up against the Brumbies in Canberra in Round 2 and they were thrashed 42-3
With 6 log points Drua are third from bottom overall and the 2 sides below them, the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika have games in hand.
Brumbies:
The Brumbies 100% record was ended at this venue last week when they were beaten 21-7 by the Reds. Prior to that they ground out a couple of narrow wins away to the Force (39-38) and 16-12 in the first clash with the Queenslanders.
The Brumbies and the Reds now have identical records, 6 wins, 1 defeat and 26 log points but the New Zealand sides have been making up ground and some tough tests lie ahead.
The Brumbies are currently trading at around 14/1 in the outright betting to win the tournament.
Team News (subject to change)
Fijian Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuela Tawake, Viliame Rarasea, Chris Minimbi, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Vinaya Habosi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Apisalome Vota, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Ratu
Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Tiko, Isoa Nasilasila, Raikabula Momoedon, Rusiate Nasove, Simione Kuruvoli, Napolioni Bolaca
Brumbies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Nic White (c), Rod Iona, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Cam Clark, Tom Wright
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Fijian Drua +16.5 points at 9/10
Brumbies -15.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I handicapped this game Drua +12.5 but I just can’t bring myself to back them even at a handicap 3 points higher. This is a much changed Brumbies team but they should still be too strong for the Drua especially in the set piece.
I am going to keep my powder dry until the points ines are out and will post my bet closer to game time.
Update 08 April 23h45
The points line is at 51.5 and I was hoping for a few points under and an unders play. It looks like there could be some moisture about in Brisbane and if the ball is a bit greasy the Brumbies D should be able to keep the Drua in chanck and a small Drua unders is my play on this one.
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BET: 3 units Drua under 18.5 points at 17/20 at Sportingbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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