Blues vs Western Force Prediction: Blues to blow force away

Following a 31-13 defeat at Fijian Drua last time out, things look set to go from bad to worse for Western Force as they take on Super Rugby Pacific title contenders the Blues in Auckland on Friday morning (08:05).

Sat rock bottom of the table after the first six games with just one win to their name, the Force must now head to the formidable Eden Park, to face a Blues side that have the meanest defence in the competition.

Team news 

Starting with the hosts, the Blues will be without Patrick Tuipulotu, so Dalton Papalii will skipper the side on Friday, in a back-row that also includes Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu.

There’s a new-look combination in the half-backs, with Harry Plummer at fly-half and Taufa Funaki at scum-half.

Corey Evans joins Rieko Ioane form a formidable centre partnership, while head coach Vern Cotter has handed Cole Forbes a first start for the Blues at full-back after some strong performances off the bench.

As for the visitors, Harry Potter is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury that will require surgery.

Max Burey therefore comes in at full-back, while Henry O’Donnell is set to make his debut for the Force when he comes off the bench.

Marley Pearce and Will Harris both return to the bench following a suspension and head injury protocols respectively, while the game will come too soon for the injured Josh Bartlett.

Match odds

The Blues are the 1/25 favourites to claim the win, while the Force are available at 12/1 to cause a major upset at Eden Park.

A stalemate on the day is available at 40/1, while the Blues to win by between 26-30 points inclusive is currently 6/1.

Blues -25 handicap @ 21/20

Only the Hurricanes and the Queensland Reds have scored more than the Blues’ 25 tries in the opening six rounds this season.

With a powerful pack and electric runners in the backline, this side under former Scotland boss Cotter are well-drilled and in ruthless form.

Given the Force have already conceded 198 points in their opening six games at an average of 33 per-game, the Blues on home soil should have enough quality to fall on the right side of the -25 handicap this week.

Under 55.5 total points @ 21/20

While the Blues have been impressive in attack, they have been equally as good, if not better, in their defensive work.

Conceding just 12 tries this season, no side has a meaner defence than the Blues so far this term.

With the hosts’ defence set to be strong once again, it means that while they can build the scoreboard, the Force are likely to struggle to build a score of their own.

With that in mind, the 21/20 on offer for under 55.5 total points in the game looks to be the way to go here.

Check out our other Rugby Union Tips here.