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The Pacific Championship expert tips and predictions for all games are available from our analyst. Includes latest odds and analysis. Available on the Betfair Hub!

MATCH 2: MEN – NEW ZEALAND V TONGA

Betting Strategy

BACK (HANDICAP) TONGA +7.5 @ $1.70 or better

There won't be many better bets on the board in 2024 than Cook Islands getting more than two converted tries against a Fiji team that was utterly hopeless last week. Fiji are poorly coached without an ability to kick or organise. The fact only superficial changes were made to the team says everything. Cook Islands have Karmichael Hunt in charge and have a team with eight players possessing NRL experience. They have historically played the Bati well. Tremendous bet.

LAY (WIN) NEW ZEALAND @ $1.75 or shorter

This looks a great matchup with the winner of New Zealand and Tonga advancing to the Pacific Cup final and the loser forced into a relegation matchup, likely against Papua New Guinea. Tonga look big odds and are especially tasty at the prop. Whatever way you cut it, Tonga have a far superior forward pack and should lay the foundation for Tongan success. The key to this is Shaun Johnson. If Tonga can shut down the veteran No.7, they have no other playmakers. Given their coaching, that will likely be the aim.

MATCH 4: MEN – PAPUA NEW GUINEA V COOK ISLANDS

Betting Strategy

BACK PAPUA NEW GUINEA -18.5 @ $1.50 or better

The Kumuls are an elite bet laying a line that is half of what it should be. PNG have played Cook Islands three times in Port Moresby and have won each by at least 28 points. This Kumuls team is well balanced and plays with a ton of energy and speed while Cook Islands look lethargic, unfit and low on effort. The edges should be particularly worrying for the Cook Islands. Nene MacDonald is airborne. This is going to be a one-goer.

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