Brumbies vs Fijian Drua Prediction: Brumbies to let loose in Canberra

After inflicting the first defeat of the season on Super Rugby Pacific frontrunners the Hurricanes last time out, the Brumbies will be brimming with confidence when they entertain Fijian Drua on Saturday morning (10:35).

The Brumbies are the ones leading the charge for the Australian teams in the competition this year, as they find themselves in third place going into Round 11.

While Drua have been strong at home this season, their performances on the road suggest it could be a tough game in store for the Pacific Islanders at GIO Stadium.

Team News

Connal McInerney is set to make his first start of the season for the Brumbies in the front-row, alongside the experienced James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.

Nick Frost returns from injury to feature in the second-row with Tom Hooper, while Jahrome Brown, Rory Scott and Rob Valetini make up the back-row.

Harrison Goddard pairs up with fly-half Noah Lolesio in the half-backs, with Tamati Tua and Len Ikitau in the centres.

Corey Toole will be a loss for the Brumbies on the wing through injury, so it’s Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright who make up the back-three.

As for Drua, head coach Mick Bryne has made no less than 10 changes from the side that beat Moana Pasifika 24-17 last week at Churchill Park.

Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere and veteran prop Mesake Doge start in the front-row, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila in the engine room.

Vilive Miramira returns to the lineup at blindside flanker, with Kitione Salawa and captain Meli Derenalagi completing the back-row.

As for the backs, Peni Matawalu starts at scrum-half alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at No.10.

Michael Naitokani starts at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi his partner in the No.13 jersey.

Taniela Rakuro retains his spot on the left wing after impressing last time out, with Junior Ratuva on the opposite flank and Selestino Ravutaumada at full-back.

Match Odds

The Brumbies are the heavy favourites going into this contest at 1/10, while Fijian Drua are 13/2 to cause an upset in the Australian capital.

A draw at GIO Stadium is available at 25/1, while Drua to be leading at the break is currently 3/1.

Brumbies -17 handicap @ 21/20

Drua have been strong at Churchill Park this season but on the road they have struggled, with a 41-20 defeat at the Rebels in their last away game highlighting that very fact.

This Drua side have lost all of their last 12 games outside of Fiji, while the Brumbies have won all of their previous three meetings.

All signs are pointing to a comprehensive home win and the Brumbies should fall on the right side of the -17 handicap on offer.

Brumbies win by 21-25 points inclusive @ 13/2

Looking back at those last 12 away games, which have all ended in defeat for Fijian Drua, the average losing points margin has been 21 per-game.

With that in mind, it’s worth considering the 13/2 on offer for a Brumbies win by 21-25 points inclusive this weekend. 

Check out our other Rugby Union Betting Tips here.