Moana Pasifika vs Blues Prediction: Blues to bag Auckland bragging rights

There is an all-Auckland affair in Super Rugby Pacific to take in on Saturday morning (08:05 BST, Sky Sports+) as Moana Pasifika face the Blues at North Harbour Stadium.

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

Moana Pasifika vs Blues Odds

Moana Pasifika are the underdogs at 14/1 to pull off a shock win in Auckland this weekend, while the Blues are the overwhelming favourites at 1/50 for the victory.

A draw is available at 50/1, while over 61.5 total points to be scored in this match is currently 4/5.

Team news

Moana have gone with Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Mills Sanerivi and Atu Moli in the front row, while locks Allan Craig and Jimmy Tupou start in the engine room.

Miracle Faiilagi, Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa complete the pack, while Jonathan Taumateine and William Havili start in the half-backs.

Tevita Latu and Solomon Alaimalo are the centres, while the hosts have a back three of Tuna Tuitama, Israel Leota and Glen Vaihu.

As for the visitors, the Blues go with Ben Ake, Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata in the front row, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry in the second row.

Torian Barnes, Anton Segner and Hoskins Sotutu complete the pack, with Sam Nock and Stephen Perofeta in the half-backs.

Pita Ahki and Xavi Taele combine in the centres, with Caleb Clarke, Kade Banks and Zarn Sullivan in the back three for the Blues.

Blues -31 handicap @ 11/10

Having won six of their seven meetings in Super Rugby Pacific, the Blues have undoubtedly been the dominant force in this relatively newly-formed rivalry.

These two sides have already crossed paths earlier this season and it was Vern Cotter's Blues who cruised to a 43-7 victory.

Moana are currently on a nine-game losing streak and it's hard to see head coach Tana Umaga getting one over on his former team this weekend.

Given the Blues won by 36 points when these sides met earlier this term, Cotter’s men with the -31 handicap gets the green light here.

Zarn Sullivan anytime tryscorer @ 21/20

At 6ft 4in and 101 kg, Blues full-back Zarn Sullivan is proving to be a tough man to stop and Moana are likely to have their hands full with him in the wide channels.

The 25-year-old scored two tries last time out in the Blues' narrow win over the Reds and he's tipped to continue that scoring form on Saturday against Moana.

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