Fijian Drua vs Waratahs Predictions - Fijian Drua to condemn the Waratahs to another defeat

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

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Brad Newcomb 2 hours ago

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Fijian Drua have strong home form, winning 4 of last 5.
Waratahs struggling, with 3 straight away defeats.
Fijian Drua are predicted to cover the -9.5 handicap.

Fijian Drua have been in solid form at home this season (Getty Images)

Fijian Drua have been in solid form at home lately and must win to remain within distance of making the play-offs. The Waratahs must also secure victory in hopes of reaching the play-offs, but they have been in a slump lately.

Fijian Drua have won 3 of their last 4 fixtures.
Fijian Drua have won 4 of their last 5 home games.
Fijian Drua have won 2 consecutive home matches against the Waratahs.
Waratahs have lost 3 consecutive fixtures.
Waratahs have lost 3 consecutive away matches.

Head to Head

The Waratahs have the advantage with six victories to two against the Fijian Drua in eight meetings.

Fijian Drua Form

The Fijian Drua shut the Highlanders out in the second half in their recent clash, winning 24-14 at home after trailing 14-12 at half-time.

Before that result, the Fijian side had been in solid form at home this season. They lost to Moana Pasifika 40-26 in their opening game, defeated the Hurricanes 25-20, the Brumbies 42-27, and lost 21-6 to the Reds before beating the Western Force 24-22.

Toso Drua are 9th in the Super Rugby standings with 20 points from 11 matches.

The Fijian Drua have momentum coming into their match against the Waratahs and will aim to pocket all the points on offer to give their chances of making the play-offs a boost.

Waratahs Form

The Waratahs made a comeback in the second half against the Highlanders last weekend, but lost 31-26 away from home after trailing 28-7 at the break.

Before that, the team from New South Wales had little success away from home in the league this season. They lost 26-17 to the Reds and beat the Brumbies 30-28 before losing 42-14 to the Chiefs and 35-20 to the Crusaders.

The Tahs are 8th in the Super Rugby table with 21 points from 11 games.

The Waratahs have not been at their best lately and have lost three consecutive away matches, which is not the ideal form to have in hopes of finishing inside the top six places to make the season-ending play-offs.

Starting Line-ups

Fijian Drua

Starting XV: Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Frank Lomani (co-c), Isikeli Rabitu

Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini

Waratahs

Starting XV: Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly, Lawson Creighton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen

Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey