We managed to steer Super Rugby Pacific punters into four winning tips from five games in our Round Two Super Rugby Pacific tips, including the Hurricanes’ exciting late rally win over the Blues at $3.00.
Moana Pasifika make their long-awaiting debut in the competition on Friday night with a daunting match against the Crusaders while the Western Force get to play a rare home game in Perth with dedicated fans behind them.
Let's take a look at Round 3 if the Super Rugby Pacific season.
2022 Super Rugby Pacific: Round 3 Betting Tips
Fijian Drua v Melbourne Rebels
Fri, Mar 4, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland 7.45pm (AEDT)
Whoever imagined the Fijian Drua hosting their first home game at a stadium on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast?
The resilience of the Drua is being tested already with this game switched from Suncorp Stadium which was under floodwaters at the start of this week. Even with some drying conditions, this night game will have wet conditions to impact ball handling. That will help the Rebels.
In dry, sunny, afternoon conditions favouring the run-and-stun of the Fijians, the Rebels might have been much more vulnerable after such a disappointing start to their season.The Rebels are asking huge things of three young backs in Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley and Carter Gordon in terms of the backline defence they must be ready for if the Fijians do start running. We particular mention silky Drua winger Vinaya Habosi, who threw that lovely behind-the-back ball against the Brumbies, and running halfback Peni Matawalu, who starts this week.
There is still no Andrew Kellaway or Rob Leota for the Rebels. Rebels backrower Tamati Ioane adds some tackling crunch which will be needed. The Rebels have just been plain uninspiring.
Rebels win by 13+ pts
$1.87
Western Force v Queensland Reds
Fri, Mar 4, HBF Park, Perth 10pm (AEDT)
The Force have been eye-catching in the opening two rounds but that’s something different to being consistent winners.
This is a fascinating clash. The Force have actually won four and drawn another from the Reds’ six most recent visits to HBF Park, including last year’s 30-27 win. That’s quite a record and we are predicting another win here.
The Reds have problems in the front-row that the Force can exploit. That’s why the Reds have scrum weapon Taniela Tupou on the bench. He’ll come on as soon as the Reds’ starting front-row of Dane Zander, novice hooker Josh Nasser and Feao Fotuaika get into trouble. Nasser is unproven in terms of pulling a Super Rugby scrum together so it’s a big test for the converted prop who also has to nail his lineout throws far more consistently.
Force lock Izack Rodda completely disrupted the Reds’ lineout when they pinched a trial win in January so the Force have their targets set already.
The Force have great workers like lock Fergus Lee-Warner and real spark in promoted halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
Fines-Leleiwasa set up two tries late in the trial win with his footwork and ability to get in behind the Reds’ sturdy defensive line. That’s why he’s starting here.
No Tate McDermott is a huge blow for the Reds because such creativity disappears. On the plus side, the return of Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami gives the Reds the direct, line-breaking weapon they have missed for two games. The Reds' superb scrambling in defence will keep this game alive to the end.
This match should be a beauty.
ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs
Sat, Mar 5, GIO Stadium, Canberra 7.45pm (AEDT)
The Brumbies have won the last eight matches between the sides and you have to think that will continue. The Brumbies have used a range of skills like no other Aussie side in the two rounds to date. They can pummel you with boring, super-efficient, rolling maul drives off lineouts, uncork a brilliant set play try like the first Jesse Mogg try against the Fijian Drua or dazzle with a passing rush. The variety is on the defensive side too with a knack for turnovers and starchy tackling.
They have a fuller package than the vastly improved Waratahs.
Waratahs centre Izaia Perese has broken more tackles (12) on attack than any player in the competition and more has to be made of that, including Perese passing in better positions. This is the hardest match the Waratahs have faced in the new Darren Coleman era. They dominated possession against the Reds and couldn’t put them away. They won’t enjoy that command of the ball against the Brumbies. Flyhalf Ben Donaldson made some poor decisions late against the Reds so how he measures up against Wallabies No.10 Noah Lolesio will be interesting.
Another cracker here.
Other Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 Tips
Moana Pasifika v Crusaders: Crusaders –38.5pts - $1.90 at TAB
Blues v Chiefs: Hoskins Sotutu Anytime Tryscorer - $2.50 at Ladbrokes
Hurricanes v Highlanders: Hurricanes –6.5pts - $1.90 at TAB
