Super Rugby Pacific: 5 Key Battles

Super Rugby goes into Round 4, and it is tighter than ever as the competition continues to grow stronger with all sides being competitive against each other. Bet Central brings you all the key battles in what another round of tightly contested fixtures should be.

Melbourne Rebels vs Reds: Front Row Battle

Peni Ravai is a player who has been a huge impact player for the Reds and his native Fiji in recent times off the bench. But this week he starts for a Reds side that is on form and firing at the moment.

The Fijian loosehead prop will be looking to show his quality as a ball carrier and a scrummager. His mobility is an added bonus for his team. Up against him will be a player of similar explosive power in Taniela Tupou. The Tongan Thor as he is affectionately known will be at tighthead prop for the Melbourne Rebels.

The Wallabies international has had some injury problems in recent times and will be looking to prove he is back to full fitness and his best as he faces off against stern opposition in Ravai. It should be a mouthwatering battle to watch.

Western Force vs Moana Pasifika: 9s Go Head-To Head

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa had a great 2023 when he became a fully-fledged Wallaby under Eddie Jones, the World Cup was forgettable for his country, but he now needs to prove to be more than a 1 season wonder by backing up his performances with substance.

He will face off against Samoan international Ere Enari who has been one of the Pasifika’s better players. His high-tempo style suits Moana and he will be crucial once again this weekend when they look to run Force off the park.

This battle is exciting because both players play with a high tempo and can give their players the much-needed impetus.

Highlanders vs Brumbies: Wing Duel

The loss of Aaron Smith has meant the Highlanders have lost their talisman of many years, so the team is now in search of a new general – a backline general in particular.

Timoci Tavatavanawai has proved to be a handy player in the 1st few rounds of Super Rugby and this week he will be using his brute power to force his way past Corey Toole.

Toole is a speed merchant for the Brumbies who will undoubtedly be looking to spark their attack with the likes of Noah Lolesio, but his biggest task will be stopping the tough and abrasive Tavatavanawai.

Chiefs vs Fijian Drua: Captains Clash

It has the makings of a blockbuster duel as both captains of the Chiefs and Fijian Drua look to battle for supremacy. The journey of Meli Derenalagi and Luke Jacobson is one and the same at times.

Derenalagi is a talented loose forward who is yet to break into his national side’s starting XV and he undoubtedly needs a big season to become a starter for Fiji.

Similarly, Jacobson has been in the All-Blacks setup for many seasons but is yet to hold down a place in the team that renders him a massive contributor to the team. Both are excellent at the domestic level, and any could inspire their teams to a win this weekend.

Waratahs vs Blues: Blindside Bruisers

The forgotten men will clash this weekend on the blindside flank. Ned Hanigan was once a highly-rated flanker for the Wallabies and Waratahs, but in recent years has lost out and become a forgotten man in those circles.

Akira Ioane is also struggling to stay relevant in the All-Blacks circle despite having been a part of the setup for many seasons, but the Blues man has always been able to bring it for the Blues and they will be hoping for more of the same.

It will be a proper battle of attrition between men who bring a hard edge and good mobility around the park in the last of the weekend fixtures.

BET Contributor