Couch Critic previews Waratahs v Rebels and Force v Brumbies in Round 4 of Super Rugby Australia including best bets from @Olimp_SA
Round 3 again delivered two tight tussles and there was certainly some proper excitement delivered by the Aussies. Will they continue to lift the standard into Week 4 again…
Waratahs vs Rebels – Friday 24 July @ 11:05, SCG Sydney
The Tahs showed some bottle in Round three as they built an impressive lead over the Brumbies only to come up agonisingly short in the end. The Rebels return from a bye week still looking for their first victory.
Teams & Tactics
For 25 minutes against the much-fancied Brumbies the Waratahs looked like a complete outfit. If they can channel this effort for a prolonged period at the SCG on Friday they will have a good chance of getting the job done over the Rebels. Despite a rather dismal match with the Reds at the last time of asking the Melbourne team did prove for the majority of this match, as well as during a strong second half fight-back in the opener against the Brumbies, that they can dictate terms.
Verdict
The Tahs showed what they are capable of last week yet consistency has hardly been their trademark in recent times. The Rebels will be desperate to finally get a “W” behind their name and I give them the edge in this one – where I am expected another close-run affair. Look out for the big barging prop, Pone Fa’amausili for the Rebels.
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Western Force vs Brumbies – Saturday 25 July @ 11:15, ANZ Sydney
After two outings the returning Force are yet to be shown as out of their depth in this competition. This past weekend they fought fire with fire as they produced four tries against the Reds and made them sweat till the final seconds. The Brumbies had to fight back from 20-5 down at the half hour mark to escape with the narrowest of victories in Sydney. Despite the fact that they have hardly hit their straps thus far the Brumbies are still the team to beat with 2 wins from 2 outings.
Team & Tactics
The Brumbies pack didn’t quite have it all their own way against a Waratah unit which was expected to struggle in this regard. Their lineout work was also not nearly as accurate as it usually is. Against a Force team that hardly dominates in this area the men from the Capital will look to get their mo-jo back by going back to basics and dominating the set piece. The Force have shown their best quality is pitching up for a fight and hanging tough for as long as possible. The Reds forwards were also expected to give them carrots yet they were able to remain in the contest.
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. The expected tactic so nearly came off for us last week with the Brumbies winning a penalty and kicking for the corner so I see no need for not expected big things from Fainga’a this weekend. Also look out for the returning monster – Solomone Kata.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Winning Margin: Rebels to win by 1-10 @ 4.20
Half Time / Full Time – Tahs / Rebels @ 6.80
First Tryscorer – Marika Koroibete @ 13.00
Anytime – Pone Fa’amausili @ 11.00
Outright Play: Brumbies -13.5 @ 1.83
Half Time / Full Time Margin – Brumbies (1-8) / Brumbies (13+) @ 7.00
Wincast – Folau Fainga’a to score first try and Brumbies to win the game @ 10.00
To score 2 or more tries: Solomone Kata @ 4.70
To score 2 or more tries: Folau Fainga’a @ 3.60
(if the possibility of rain looks more likely closer to kickoff then back the burley hooker)
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
