After causing a huge upset last weekend Moana Pasifika prepare to take on the Blues in a Super Rugby Pacific catch up game at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland on Tuesday
Moana Pasifika v Blues, Tuesday 29th March, Auckland, KO 08:05 (South African time)
Weather Forecast – Auckland
Moana Pasifika:
Moana Pasiffika were given around 30 points star on the handicap for last weekend's clash with the Hurricanes at this venue 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.
That was just the third outing of the tournament for Moana who were beaten 59-12 by the Chiefs and 33-12 to the Crusaders and after this they will face the Blues again in Auckland at the weekend.
Blues:
The Blues survived a second half comeback by the Highlanders to claim a 32-25 victory in Dunedin last weekend. They were 18-3 up at half time and were hanging on in the closing stages and they also lost Beauden Barrett who suffered concussion.
The Blues now have 3 wins and 1 defeat against their name. They put in a strong second half performance to turn their first clash with the Highlanders in North Harbour around to win 32-20, claiming a bonus point with the final try at the death.
The Blues first 2 matches were full of late drama. They beat the Chiefs 24-22, taking the lead as late as the 76th minute before the Chiefs missed a last gasp penalty which would have given them victory. Prior to that they lost an amazing game 33-32 against the Canes who scored 3 tries in the final 10 minutes.
In the outright betting the Blues are now 5/2 to win the tournament, second favourites behind the Saders who are 15/10.
Team News
Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Luteru Tolai, Joe 'Apikoatoa, Michael Curry, Xavier Cowley-Tyioti, Penitoa Finau, Alamanda Motuga, Jack Lam (c), Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi, Tomasi Alosio, D'Angelo Leuila
Replacements: Ray Niula, Suetena Asomua, Chris Apoua, Alex McRobbie, Josh Kaifa, Manu Paea, Solomone Kata, Lolagi Visinia
Blues: Alex Hodgman, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Luka Romano (c), Sam Darry, Taine Plumtree, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Tanielu Tele'a, Tamati Tua, Mark Telea, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Fusitua, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Cameron Suafoa, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Finlay Christie, Corey Evans, Jock McKenzie
The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Moana Pasifika +18.5 points at 9/10
Blues -17.5 points aat 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I handicapped this game at Blues -14.5 so my initial thinking is Moana to beat the cap. Both sides look quite experimental though and after reaching out to the rugby punting network I like the thinking of @tipspunting who provided the following input:
@TipsPunting: 57.5 looks too high for me - Blues playing a young side and Pasifika will be up for it ! A closer game than we think with a few handling/set piece issues should help the unders
I also heard from @Bradie82 who felt the caps were well set and that the Pasifika u20.5 could be the play.
In the end I have settled on the u57.5 for a Tuesday morning interest.
Bet: 4 units under 57.5 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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