Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika Prediction: Fresh Tahs can blossom against Moana

On the back of a bye week, the Waratahs return to Super Rugby Pacific action on Friday morning (10:35 BST, Sky Sports+) when they host Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium in Round 10.

Below are my Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Sydney.

Team News

Starting with the Waratahs, the hosts have gone with Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha in the front row, with Matt Philip and Miles Amatosero in the second row.

Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu start in the back row, while Jake Gordon and Jack Debreczeni combine in the half-backs.

Lawson Creighton and Joey Walton pair up in the centres, while the Tahs have a back three of Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway and Sid Harvey.

As for the visitors, Moana have gone with Abraham Pole, Mills Sanerivi and Chris Apoua in the front row, with locks Tom Savage and Veikoso Poloniati in the engine room.

Miracle Faiilagi, Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa start in the back row, while Melani Matavao and Patrick Pellegrini pair up in the half-backs.

Tevita Latu and Solomon Alaimalo start in the centres, with Moana’s back three made up of Glen Vaihu, Tuna Tuitama and William Havili.

Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika Odds

Looking at the match betting, the Waratahs are 1/14 to win at Allianz Stadium, while Moana are 7/1 to leave New South Wales with the victory.

A draw is currently priced at 40/1, while the Waratahs with a -11.5 first-half handicap are 1/1.

Waratahs -24 handicap @ 13/10

Last losing 42-14 away at the Chiefs on April 4, the Waratahs have had plenty of time to rest and reflect on that defeat in Hamilton in Round 8.

The Tahs next face a Moana side who were hammered at home 62-17 by the Chiefs last week and might well be feeling the effects of that defeat ahead of their trip across The Tasman.

Rooted to the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table, Moana next face a Waratahs side who they have had some joy against, winning all of their last three meetings against the Sydney outfit.

However, the Waratahs have made progress this season and against a Moana side who have managed just one win in their opening eight games, the hosts are backed to triumph and cover the handicap against a team who currently have a -207 points difference.

Max Jorgensen first tryscorer @ 6/1

Scoring six tries already this season, Wallabies winger Jorgensen has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign.

Jorgensen has the tendency to strike early and with the Tahs raring to go after their bye week, the Australia international, who has scored 14 tries in 33 appearances for the club, is good value to bag the opener.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds