Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes Prediction: Drua can halt Hurricanes charge

| 18th April |

3 mins read

The Hurricanes have made a perfect start to the Super Rugby Pacific season but they won’t have faced a challenge like the one they will have against Fijian Drua at ANZ Stadium in Suva on Friday morning (KO, 08:35). Taking on Drua in Fiji has become one of the toughest away days going for opposition teams this season in the competition, with conditions of 30C and humidity of 83% awaiting the Hurricanes.

More than comfortable competing in the tropical conditions, Drua have taken down some big names at Churchill Park and the Hurricanes might well be their next scalp for this game in Suva. Read on for my Fijian Drua vs Hurricans prediction, alongside all the latest team news and match odds.

Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes Betting Tips

Fijian Drua to win @ 3/1
Fijian Drua total points over 25.5 @ 11/10

Team News

Drua have been boosted by the return of Isoa Nasilasila to the second-row where he will be partnered by fellow lock Leone Rotuisolia.

Elia Canakaivata comes in at number eight, while hooker Tevita Ikanivere has been given the armband. The 19-year-old Isikeli Rabitu is given a starting role at fly-half and partners scrum-half Simi Kurovoli, who comes in for the suspended Frank Lomani.

As for the Hurricanes, head coach Clark Laidlaw has made no less than 10 changes to his starting lineup for the trip to Suva.

Tevita Mafileo, James O’Reilly and Pasilo Tosi make up the front-row, with Ben Grant and Isaia Walker-Leawere in the engine room.

Brad Shields wears the armband, alongside Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders in the back-row.

TJ Perenara and Aidan Morgan form the half-backs, with Salesi Rayasi and Jordie Barrett in the centres. A dangerous back-three consists of Billy Proctor, Kini Naholo and Josh Moorby.

Match Odds

Fijian Drua are 3/1 underdogs to win on home soil, giving them an implied win probability of 25%, while the Hurricanes are 3/10 to make it eight wins from eight this season. A draw on Friday morning is available at 25/1.

Fijian Drua to win @ 3/1

Drua have an outstanding record in Fiji, winning eight of their last nine games on their own patch, including all of their last six home games.

Reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders suffered a 20-10 defeat in Fiji earlier this year while the Waratahs and the Western Force have also left empty-handed this season.

With so many changes to the Hurricanes side, Drua can take advantage on Friday morning.

Having conditions also in their favour, Drua are a great price to inflict the first defeat of the season on the Hurricanes.

Fijian Drua total points over 25.5 @ 11/10

Drua have been in free-scoring form this season, especially at home. Scoring on average 34.2 points across their last six home games in Fiji, the hosts can build another substantial score this week.

Given their average total at home of late, Drua are well-priced at 11/10 to score over 25.5 points in this one against a much-changed Hurricanes side.