The Blues clash with Fijian Drua in the first of Saturday's “Super Round” matches in Melbourne and the New Zealand side come into the round as the new log leaders.
Blues v Fijian Drua, Saturday 23rd April, Melbourne, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistants: Nic Berry, Angus Mabey
TMO : Chris Hart
Weather Forecast – Melbourne
Blues:
The Blues were in Christchurch last week for a showdown with the Crusaders and they came away with a 27-23 victory. They were given up to 6.5 points start on the handicap and were 17-10 up before making the most of a numerical advantage to extend the lead further before surviving a last fightback to record their first victory in Christchurch in 18 years.
Prior to that the Blues put the Chiefs away 25-0 in Hamilton in a game the bookmakers made them marginal underdogs. The Blues only defeat so far came in an amazing game (33-32) against the Canes who scored 3 tries in the final 10 minutes in what was the Blues first action of the tournament. Since then the Blues have reeled off 7 straight wins and after last weekend's results they topped the standings ahead of the Brumbies on points difference.
In the outright betting the Blues are now trading at around 37/20 to win the tournament, second favourites behind the Crusaders who are 16/10.
Fijian Drua:
Fijian Drua were not in action last week and their most recent outing saw them go down to the Brumbies, 33-12 in Brisbane. They now have a record of 1 win and 7 defeats and their sole win came in Round 3 when they beat the Rebels 31-26 on the Sunshine Coast.
With 6 log points Drua are second from bottom overall as they prepare to face New Zealand opposition for the first time.
Team News (subject to change)
Blues: Jorday Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, James Tucker, Sam Darry, Tom Robinson, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett (c), AJ Lam, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Luke Romano, Anton Segner, Lisati Milo Harris, Tanielu Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan/Jock McKenzie
Fijian Drua: Meli Tuni, Mesulame Dolokoto, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Viliame Rarasea, Meli Derenalagi (c), Rusiate Nasove, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Onisi Ratave, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kitione Taliga
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Leone Nawai, Jona Mataiciwa, Frank Lomani
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Blues -29.5 points at 9/10
Fijian Drua +32.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
This is a huge handicap but is it big enough? The guests on last nights #TheHandicap our rugby betting show think not and when the punting minds of @ThoughtsonSports and @Chad_Reich align I am more than happy to tag along. As Chad pointed out the Drua have taken some big hits against Aussie sides and what has looked the best New Zealand side should put them away.
With +32.5 at Hollywood and -29.5 at Sunbet on offer at the time of posting punters have a decent range
Any points bets will be posted in the forum
Watch the Blues v Drua video preview
Bet: 4 units Blues -29.5 at 0.86/1 at Sunbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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