Moana Pasifika take on the Force in a rescheduled Super Rugby Pacific clash in Auckland on Tuesday and the early betting suggests it could be a close game
Moana Pasifika v Force, Tuesday 24th May, Auckland, KO 09:05 (South African time)
Weather Forecast – Auckland
Moana Pasifika:
Moana were in Brisbane for a clash with the Reds last weekend and they were beaten 34-22. Prior to that they went down 34-19 to Fijian Drua and 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 to the Rebels in Melbourne.
Moana remain on just 6 log points and they are bottom of the standings with 1 win and 11 defeats against their name.
Force:
The Force were thrashed 54-21 by the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend. They also crashed and burned 61-10 away to the Highlanders in Dunedin recently and they went down 53-15 to the Crusaders in a home fixture.
The Force have 2 wins (and 10 defeats) against their name, early in the tournament they won 28-3 away to the Rebels and they also edged out Fijian Drua (20-18)
The Force are in tenth place overall with 14 log points, 8 shy of a top 8 place but with a game in hand on most sides and after this they finish up at home to the Hurricanes.
Team News (subject to change)
Moana: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Alamanda Motuga, Jack Lam (c), Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Neria Foma'i, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tomasi Alosio, Lolagi Visinia
Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, Joe 'Apiokotoa, Alex McRobbie, Penitoa Finau, Manu Paea, Fine Inisi, Anzelo Tu'itavuki
Force: Tom Robertson, Andrew Ready, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Richard Kahui, Bryon Ralston, Toni Pulu, Jake McIntyre
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu'u, Angus Wagner, Bo Abra, Izack Rodda, Jack Winchester, Michael McDonald, Kyle Godwin, Brad Lacey
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Moana +2.5
Force -1.5
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I handicapped this game Moana -5.5 and will stick with my gut here and will back them on the board
The points line is 54.5 and I don't have any strong views on that.
Bet: 3 units Moana win at 12/10 at Sunbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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