Blues vs Brumbies Prediction: Brumbies to get the blues in Auckland

Finally landing their first win of the season in Round Three, reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions the Blues return to Eden Park on Friday morning (06:05, Sky Sports Action) for the arrival of the Brumbies. 

 Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Blues vs Brumbies prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Auckland.

Rugby Union Odds

Team News

Starting with the Blues, Josh Fusitu'a, Ricky Riccitelli and Angus Ta'avao start in the front row, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Josh Beehre partnering up in the second row. 

The back row consists of Cam Christie, Anton Segner and Cameron Suafoa, with Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett in the half-backs. AJ Lam and Rieko Ioana start in the centres, with a back-three made up of Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele'a and Cole Forbes. 

As for the visitors, the Brumbies' front row is made up of James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan and Allan Alaalatoa. Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw start in the engine room, with a back row of Tom Hooper, Rory Scott and Charlie Cale. 

James Goddard and Declan Meredith form the half-backs, with David Feliuai and Len Ikituai in the centres. 

Blues vs Brumbies Odds

The Blues are 1/3 to claim their first win on home soil this season, while the Brumbies are 5/2 to head back to Canberra with the victory. 

A draw on Friday morning is available at 22/1, while over 57.5 total points in the match is currently 10/11. 

Blues -13 handicap @ 6/5 

After disappointing in the opening two rounds, the Blues finally got their season up and running with an impressive 33-29 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington last time out. 

Scoring five tries to the Canes' two, the Blues were the deserved winners at Sky Stadium and should head back to Eden Park with renewed confidence ahead of the arrival of the Brumbies. 

Stephen Larkham's side are also on one win from their first three games following a 49-34 defeat at the Chiefs in Round Three. 

Conceding 126 points in their first three games, only rock-bottom Moana Pasifika have conceded more than the Brumbies at this early stage of the season. 

Coming up against a formidable Blues XV, and given their recent defensive frailties, it's hard to see the Brumbies keeping this one close at Eden Park and the hosts should cover the handicap on Friday.

Ricky Riccitelli anytime tryscorer @ 1/1

While there should rightly be plenty of attention on the formidable Blues' backline, Ricky Riccitelli is worth considering in the anytime tryscorer market for this one. 

The hooker has scored in his last two games for the Blues and the rolling maul is clearly an area they have been working on under head coach Vern Cotter. 

Given the size of the Blues pack, Riccitelli to go over from close range appeals in Friday's contest.