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Blues vs Fijian Drua Predictions - Drua can get close against Blues in Super Rugby clash

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 22 Feb 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 22 Feb 2024

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Predictions for Blues vs Fijian Drua in Super Rugby on Saturday
Drua lost their last game to the Blues by 16 points
Can Telea continue is try-scoring form from last season?

Expired

Blues to win by narrow margin (Getty Images)

Blues vs Fijian Drua Preview

This should be an exciting fixture as both sides enjoy the ball-in-hand approach. I expect tries to reign in at Eden Park, but I fancy the Drua to get inside the 17-point handicap.

Blues vs Fijian Drua Preview
Head to Head
Blues Form
Blues Injuries & Team News
Fijian Drua Form
Fijian Drua Injuries & Team News

Given the form Mark Telea showed last season, I am backing him in the try-scoring markets as well.

Blues won 10 of their 14 matches last season.
Blues finished 3rd on the Super Rugby table last season.
Blues beat Fijian Drua by 16 points last season.
Blues’ Mark Telea scored 12 tries in Super Rugby last season.
Fijian Drua finished 7th on the table last season.

Head to Head

Last season the Blues beat Drua 30-14 away from home.

Blues Form

The Blues have been one of the more consistent sides in Super Rugby over the last four years. Last season they finished third on the table with 10 wins from their 14 games.

In the quarter-final, the Blues were in a confident mood, wiping the Waratahs aside 41-12 in Auckland. The following week they were however hammered 52-15 in Christchurch by the Crusaders.

This season there is much hope for the Blues yet again. They do however have stiff competition from their fellow New Zealand sides.

Blues Injuries & Team News

There is no shortage of quality within the Blues ranks. With plenty of international experience, they should be fighting it out towards the top of the table.

Finlay Christie will need a big season with the All Blacks scrumhalf position up for grabs. Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane are regular starters for the All Blacks so should feature for the majority of the tournament.

Fijian Drua Form

Fijian Drua have been very impressive since joining Super Rugby. They enter their third season in 2024 and after making the 2023 quarter-finals, they will fancy themselves again this year.

The Drua won six of their 14 games last season, a big improvement on their first season, where they also showed impressive signs. Making the last eight was a massive achievement for the side.

After beating the Crusaders earlier in the season, the Drua fell short in the last eight, losing 49-8 to the eventual champions. It was no disgrace given their season, but this time around they will want to once again qualify for the knockouts.

Fijian Drua Injuries & Team News

A key player for the Fijian Drua will be flyhalf, Caleb Muntz. He was sublime last season and nailed down a starting spot in the Fijian national side. Unfortunately, injury put an end to his World Cup dreams, but he will once again be key to how the Drua perform.

Verdict

Blues v Fijian Drua

Fijian Drua are tipped to get inside the 17-point handicap. On the Blues side, I’m backing Mark Telea to get busy in the try-scoring markets.

Drua +17

Handicap

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