Brumbies vs Moana Pasifika Prediction: Brumbies can run riot in Canberra

The Brumbies were the standout Australian side in Super Rugby Pacific last year and have started the 2024 season well as they prepare to host Moana Pasifika for an 08:35 kick-off Friday morning. We've previewed the game for you and given our betting predictions.

With the Canberra outfit keeping hold of head coach Stephen Larkham amid reported interest for the Australia job, the Brumbies have a settled style and will be eager to kick on this year.

Winning three of their first four games, the Brumbies prepare to face a dangerous Moana side that have managed two wins already this term.

Team news

Starting with the hosts, last week’s impressive 27-21 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin came at a price, with vice-captain Andy Muirhead suffering a knee injury.

Len Ikitau (knee) and Blake Schoupp (shoulder) also picked up knocks and won’t be ready for the game at GIO Stadium on Friday.

Larkham has named lock Darcy Swain as skipper for this game, while Hudson Creighton gets a first run out for the season in the centres alongside Tamati Tua.

Ollie Sapsford moves on to the wing to replace Muirhead, while Harry Vella will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut in the front row.

As for Moana, Tonga back-row Semisi Paea is set to make his Super Rugby debut after being named off the bench.

Friday will also see a return of former Brumbies fly-half Christian Lealiifano to his old stomping ground after the former Australia stand-off was named in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Alamanda Motuga, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu, James Lay, Jonathan Taumateine, Julian Savea are among the names of injured players unavailable for the trip to Canberra.

Match odds

The Brumbies are firm favourites to claim the win on home soil at 2/13 in the match winner market.

Moana Pasifika are 9/2 for the victory, while a tie is available at 33/1.

Expecting a strong start from the hosts, the Brumbies are 4/11 to be leading at half-time, while the visitors are 12/5 in the same market.

Brumbies -15.5 handicap @ 1/1  

Despite their mounting injury list, the Brumbies are understandably the heavy favourites to come out on top in Friday’s clash.

There’s little value in siding with a straight home win, so look to the Brumbies at -15.5 in the handicap market.

Moana Pasifika have conceded 114 points in their first four games of the season, at an average of 28.5 points a match.

The Brumbies have attacking threats in the backline in Creighton, Sapsford and Tom Wright to cause this leaky Moana defence real problems.

With that in mind, the Brumbies are capable of falling on the right side of the handicap.

Over 59.5 total points @ 10/11  

A high-scoring game looks to be on the cards at GIO Stadium, with Moana also capable of scoring points.

Moana have amassed 105 points in the first four rounds, while the last meeting between these sides ended in a 62-36 win for the Brumbies.

If the trend of end-to-end rugby between these sides continues, consider over 59.5 total points.

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