Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes Prediction: ‘Canes to blow Moana off the park

There’s always plenty of intrigue in Super Rugby Pacific when the Crusaders and the Blues face off and fans can look forward to this all-Kiwi affair on Friday morning (08:05, Sky Sports+) at the brand-new One NZ Stadium.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Crusaders vs Blues prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Christchurch.

Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes Odds

There is no question that Moana Pasifika are the heavy underdogs going into this game, priced at 16/1 for the win, while the Hurricanes are the overwhelming favourites at 1/100.

A draw in Auckland is available at 50/1, while over 64.5 total points in this game is currently 10/11.

Team News

Starting with Moana Pasifika, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Mills Sanerivi and Atu Moli form the front row, while Allan Craig and Veikoso Poloniati are in the second row.

Miracle Fai'ilagi, Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa combine in the back row, with Augustine Pulu and William Havili in the half-backs.

Faletoi Peni and Solomon Alaimalo pair up in the centres, while the hosts go with a back three of Tuna Tuitama, Israel Leota and Glen Vaihu.

As for the Hurricanes, the visitors have a front row of Pouri Rakete-Stones, Vernon Bason and Pasilio Tosi, with locks Caleb Delany and Isaia Walker-Leawere in the engine room.

Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Brayden Iose start in the back row, while Ere Enari and Lucas Cashmore combine in the half-backs.

Jone Rova and Billy Proctor are the centres, while the ‘Canes go with a back three of Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby and Callum Harkin.

Hurricanes -31 handicap @ 21/20

With six wins in their last seven meetings with Moana, the Hurricanes have certainly been the dominant force in this new rivalry.

It’s been a tough season so far for Moana, with just a single win from their opening 11 games.

Conceding 465 points at an average of 42.3 points per game, that sort of defensive effort makes it incredibly hard to win matches in Super Rugby Pacific.

The ‘Canes have scored an average of 55.2 points per match across their last six wins against Moana and going with the visitors to cover the -31 handicap at North Harbour Stadium gets the green light for this bet.

Fehi Fineanganofo first tryscorer @ 11/2

Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo is enjoying a tremendous season and is on the verge of equalling the record for most tries in a Super Rugby campaign.

Scoring 12 tries in his last six appearances, Fineanganofo has moved to 15 for the season, just one behind joint record holders Ben Lam and Joe Roff.

Looking to join those names, Fineanganofo is tipped to bag the opening try on Saturday morning at an attractive price of 11/2.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights