Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes Prediction: Drua to dig in against Canes

Fijian Drua have endured a tough start to the Super Rugby Pacific campaign but at a rain-soaked Churchill Park they could give the Hurricanes a run for their money in the early hours of Saturday morning (03:35, Sky Sports Action).

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Lautoka.

Team News

Starting with Fijan Drua, the hosts have gone with a front row of Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila in the second row.

Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray and Elia Canakaivata complete the pack, while Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula pair up in the half-backs.

Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre start in the centres, while Epeli Momo, Joji Nasova and Ilaisa Droasese form the back three.

As for the Hurricanes, they have opted for Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua and Tevita Mafileo in the front row, with locks Hugo Plummer and Warner Dearns in the engine room.

Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose start in the back three, with Cam Roigard and Callum Harkin in the half-backs.

Jordie Barrett skippers the side alongside fellow centre Billy Proctor, while Fehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan and Josh Moorby start from the off in the back three.

Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes Odds

The Reds are 4/6 favourites to win on Friday morning, while the Highlanders are 13/10 to claim the victory in Brisbane.

A draw is available at 20/1, while the Highlanders are 6/5 to be leading at the half-time whistle.

Fijian Drua +11 handicap @ 21/20

The Hurricanes have managed to win three of their four games against Fijian Drua, but they have often been tight affairs.

Two of the last three meetings between these teams were won by a margin of four points or fewer and Drua with a +11 handicap appeals in this game in the wee small hours of Saturday morning.

The weather conditions in Lautoka are also set to play a key role, with thundery showers and heavy rain expected in the build-up to this match.

Drua should be able to adapt to the conditions better than the visitors and this should be a closer encounter than many might expect.

Under 55.5 total points @ 8/11

Given the rain expected across Fiji in the next 24 hours, a wet ball will tend to bring the total points tally down in a game like this.

Expansive rugby will be hard to achieve and the forwards will have to do much of the heavy lifting in this game.

With that in mind, the under 55.5 total points is worth considering at 8/11.

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