Waratahs vs Chiefs Prediction: Samisoni to score in Sydney

The Waratahs face a tough test on Friday morning (10:35, Sky Sports Action) as Super Rugby Pacific frontrunners, the Chiefs, make the journey across the Tasman Sea to Allianz Arena.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Waratahs vs Chiefs prediction piece, as well as all the team news and match odds for the Sydney showdown.

Rugby Union Odds

Team News

Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha start in the front row for the Waratahs, with locks Hugh Sinclair and Ben Grant in behind.

Rob Leota, Jamie Adamson and Langi Gleeson are in the back row, with Teddy Wilson and Lawson Creighton forming the half-backs.

Joey Walton and Lalakai Foketi start in the centres, with Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the back three.

For the Chiefs, it’s Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho and George Dyer in the front row, with Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.

The pack is completed with the back-row trio of Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker.

In the backline, Cortez Ratima and Josh Jacomb start in the half-backs, with Quinn Tupaea and Gideon Wrampling in the centres.

The Chiefs go with a back three of Leroy Carter, Shaun Stevenson and Damian McKenzie.

Waratahs vs Chiefs Odds

The Waratahs might be on home soil, but they are the 18/5 underdogs for this one, implying a 21.7% chance, with the Chiefs the 2/9 favourites to head back to Hamilton with the victory.

A draw in Sydney is currently 22/1, while the Tahs to be leading at the half-time whistle is currently 21/10.

Chiefs -14 Handicap @ 6/5

This fixture has been dominated by the Chiefs in recent years and Friday morning’s encounter in Sydney is unlikely to prove any different.

The Chiefs have managed to win all of their last eight Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Waratahs.

This Kiwi outfit have not had it all their own way, with the Chiefs trailing at the break in all of their last three meetings with the Tahs before going on to claim the win in the second 40.

Winning by an average of 24 points per game in their last five meetings with the Waratahs on Australian soil, the Chiefs to come out on top with a -14 handicap gets the nod here.

Samisoni Taukei'aho Anytime Tryscorer @ 11/10

While there is some frightening attacking quality in the Chiefs back three with Carter, Stevenson and McKenzie starting off, there’s value to be had looking for a tryscorer in the front row.

Taukei'aho has managed to score five tries across his last seven games in Super Rugby Pacific, including one try in each of his last two outings.

Looking to score in tries in three matches on the spin, the Chiefs hooker is worth considering at 11/10.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights