Couch Critic previews Reds v Force and Waratahs v Brumbies in Round 3 of Super Rugby Australia Round 1 including best bets from @Olimp_SA
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND 3
Two weeks into the comp we have seen a topsy-turvy nature to the comp with no result a foregone conclusion. Will the tight, too-close-to-call nature continue into Round 3 or can we expect a few more convincing results this weekend…
Reds vs Western Force – Friday 07 July @ 11:05, Suncorp Brisbane
The Reds fought back from the death to force the first ever Super Time event, yet the spoils were shared in the end. The Force had a positive first forty minutes returning to top-flight rugby but couldn’t contribute a point against the Waratahs after the break.
Teams & Tactics
Despite a competitive opening half the men from the West of Australia seemed out of their depth against a Waratahs side who look disinterested for the majority of the match at the SCG. The Force can expect the Reds to target them with a forward onslaught before unleashing the likes of Daugunu and Feauai-Sautia (the latter looked particularly impressive at the death against the Rebels).
Verdict
The Reds are a young team who will be licking their chops at having a go at the limited Force. Despite having the X-factor out the back the home side have the forwards who will put them on the front foot firstly and allow them to lay the pain onto the men from Perth.
Waratahs vs Brumbies – Saturday 18 July @ 11:15, ANZ Sydney
The Waratahs put in a forty-minute effort which was good enough for a victory over the Force last week, but it was hardly an impressive outing for the Tahs. The Brumbies return after having the week off and will look to replicate their four early tries in Round 1.
Team & Tactics
The Brumbies were up and running early doors in their opener and looked really sharp. As per usual their basics in the set pieces look a touch better than the other Australian sides. With a frontrow of Slipper, Fainga’a and Alaalatoa (and Scott Sio on the bench) this Brumbies side should have little issue with dictating terms upfront. Valetini, Cusack and Samu make for an impressive backrow as well. The K-Train and the returning Banks offer the strike power amongst the backs. They did take their foot off the gas midway through the second half and the Rebels almost made them pay. This time around they will want to keep running free till the final whistle.
The Waratahs have some impressive individuals but as a unit one has to wonder if their minds are always on the job (or ever). Good old Hooper is always running around trying his heart out but there just isn’t a lot of cohesion about their efforts on the park. To challenge the men from Canberra the home side will have to click as a collective.
Verdict
The Brumbies are a complete side do the basics better than any of the other teams in this comp. They also possess the necessary fire power to utilise this effectively. I can see only one winner in this one.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Outright: Reds – 16.5
First Tryscorer – Harry Wilson @ 14.00
Anytime – Taniela Tupou @ 4.00 (I’m keeping faith in the big man)
To score 2 or more tries: Chris Feauai-Sautia @ 5.00
Outright Play: Brumbies -8.5 @ 1.85
Half Time/Fulltime Margin – Brumbies (9+) / Brumbies (1-12) @ 11.00
Wincast – Folau Fainga’a to score first try and Brumbies to win the game @ 12.50
Last Tryscorer – Mark Nawaqanitawase @ 18.00 (Aka Mark Namaqua)
To score 2 or more tries: Tevita Kuridrani @ 8.50
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
