Excitement is building as Super Rugby returns this weekend with 2 matches taking place in Australia.
We take a look at the Outright Markets as well as both games from a betting angle. The Brumbies are firm favourites to win Super Rugby AU and they are currently priced at 27/20 with the Reds 9/4, the Waratahs 5/1, you can get 13/2 the Rebels and the Western Force are rank outsiders at 11/1.
There are other long term markets on offer such as “Most Losses” where you can get the Rebels at 23/20 and “Top Tournament Try Scorer” where Brumbies hooker, Folau Fainga’a is a 15/2 second favourite.
Click here for Outright Betting Markets
REDS v WARATAHS
The Reds performed well last season eventually going down by 5 points to the Brumbies in the final. The Reds are always a tough side to beat in Brisbane and they start worthy favourites for this game.
The Waratahs were very inconsistent in the first Super Rugby AU Tournament last year and they turned in some excellent performances, but also some very mediocre ones eventually finishing 4th on the table. They have lost a number of experienced players, but should be competitive and in with a chance at the title.
The Reds edged this fixture 32-26 last season with the Waratahs hammering the Reds 45-12 in Sydney.
BETTING- Click here to bet
Reds 1/3
Draw 25/1
Waratahs 3/1
Handicap: Reds (-8.5) at 9/10, Waratahs (+8.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Waratahs (+8.5) at 9/10
This is certainly not a confident pick given we don’t have much form to go on, but I like the look of some of the Waratah’s youngsters and think they can keep this to an 8 point losing margin or less.
WESTERN FORCE v BRUMBIES
The Force may not have won a game in last year’s tournament, but they beat plenty of handicaps and given they have made some nice additions to the squad they could be more competitive this year and I must admit to being tempted by the 11/1 that they win the Tournament. To do so they would probably have to beat the defending champions, the Brumbies first up and they have named a very strong team for this clash with plenty of experience and also some exciting, young talent coming through the ranks so they will no doubt will be looking to their maul as a weapon and hooker, Folau Faingaa will no doubt be amongst the tries.
The Brumbies did the double over the Force last season, winning by 17 points in Canberra and 24 points on neutral territory with the Force unable to play home games.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Western Force 21/10
Draw 25/1
Brumbies 40/85
Handicap: Western Force (+5.5) at 9/10, Brumbies (-5.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Brumbies under 12.5 points at 17/10
The Force have found some betting support and it would not surprise me if they were to push the Brumbies close here.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
