Super Rugby Pacific Round 15 Selections

Both these teams have a horror final week with two games in 5 days, and barring a miracle at least it won’t be for a finals spot. Moana Pasifika was very strong against a battered and bruised Reds outfit away from home and they will fancy themselves here against the Force. The positive for Moana Pasifika (who have got the raw end of the stick when it came to the way the season panned out) is they get to finish with two home games. Of their two remaining games, this looks the most winnable, so I expect them to leave everything they have on the field. The Force is mathematically a chance to play finals but they need to win their remaining two games against Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes. Their travel schedule is horrendous having to play in New Zealand before heading back to Perth, but I am sure they are going to give it a red hot crack.

I expect the Force to be very competitive considering there is a finals spot on the line but Moana Pasifika will be looking to end their season with at least one win out of the two.

Predictions:

Tip: Moana Pasifika ($2.20)

Line: Moana Pasifika +2.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Moana Pasifika 1-12

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 24/05/22

This looks like a preview of what is to come next weekend as the Crusaders look to nail down the second spot whereas the Reds, who are injury-plagued, just look to survive. The Crusaders flexed their muscles last weekend against the Fijian Drua and they get the benefit of remaining in New Zealand for three weeks running. The Reds on the other hand were very brave against Moana Pasifika, ensuring they got the win in a tough battle.

I can’t see this going anyway except towards a Crusaders win, and with their spot under siege mathematically, they will need to win.

Predictions:

Tip: Crusaders ($1.04)

Line: Crusaders -19.5 ($1.88)

Margin: Crusaders 13+ ($1.42)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

This is a contrasting view with the Fijian Drua’s season coming to an end in front of their home fans and a Chiefs squad looking to try and peg down a home final in fourth spot whilst also fighting for third. The Chiefs dominated the Force last weekend at home but they will meet a very hostile crowd in Fiji, looking to spoil the party. The Fijian Drua are looking to erase their 61-3 loss to the Crusaders last weekend and have a chance to finish the season with a win at home.

I think the Drua can make this a real fight for the Chiefs but I expect the Chiefs to be too strong in the end.

Predictions:

Tip: Chiefs ($1.11)

Line: Fijian Drua +17.5 ($1.83)

Margin: Chiefs 1-12 ($3.30)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

This could get ugly for a Moana Pasifika who has had the raw end of the stick all year and they will face a Brumbies team who look to hold their spot in third and avenge their last-second loss to the Blues last weekend. Moana Pasifika was dominated in the end by the Western Force and now has to face the best Australian team on a four-day backup.

Moana Pasifika will be tough and will right in this match early but as the match goes on, expect them to tire and the Brumbies to dominate on the scoreboard.

Predictions:

Tip: Brumbies ($1.02)

Line: Brumbies -20.5 ($1.91)

Margin: Brumbies 13+ ($1.42)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

Bet: The Brumbies look a good bet at the line. Moana Pasifika on a four-day backup after a 20-point defeat by the Western Force has the same line as their defeat by a lesser team. Brumbies -20.5 | 3u @ $1.91

The Blues secured first place and cannot lose it following their 2-point win over the Brumbies in Canberra. Coach Leon Macdonald has opted to rest some players which will bring the Waratahs right in this, especially at home with a mathematical chance of finishing as high as fourth if results fall their way. The Waratahs have been given no respect from the betting companies this year and last week showed just what they have been doing all year.

The Waratahs will win this in a tight game with one eye looking towards the finals.

Predictions:

Tip: Waratahs ($1.85)

Line: Waratahs -1.5 ($1.90)

Margin: Waratahs 1-12 ($3.00)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

Bet: I want to back the Waratahs here. Not sure how the margin will end up honestly with a second-string Blues team taking the field. Waratahs H2H | 3u @ $1.85

This could be a brilliant match, providing the Force haven’t had too much petrol taken from them after their big win of Moana Pasifika four days ago before travelling from New Zealand to Perth. The have a chance to secure a finals spot so I expect everything to be left on the field against a Hurricanes outfit who could finish as high as fourth with a win but also drop as low as seventh mathematically with a loss.

I will be very surprised if the Force pull this out following the week that has been.

Predictions:

Tip: Hurricanes ($1.08)

Line: Hurricanes -14.5 ($1.83)

Margin: Hurricanes 13+ ($1.72)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

I have based this match on results prior and that the Highlanders will have no issues losing their spot. If they know going into their match that they don’t need to win, I think they could switch off and or interchange players early/make late changes. This happening will bring the Rebels in big time and securing that value now especially on the line is a must. If the Highlanders have to fight for their finals spot, once they have the match in hand they will sub key players off which will bring out line in big time.

I think the Rebels will win (based on the Highlanders not needing a win)

Predictions:

Tip: Melbourne Rebels ($3.50)

Line: Melbourne Rebels +8.5 ($1.83)

Margin: Melbourne Rebels 1-12 ($3.75)

*Prices via Ladbrokes as of 26/05/22

Bet: Let’s play this game, small play on Rebels H2H (incase the Highlanders have to fight for eighth) but the bet on the line looks the bet here. Rebels H2H | 2u @ $3.50, Rebels +8.5 | 3u @ $1.83