We take a look at both matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each while also casting an eye at the long-term markets.
Let’s start with a look at the long-term betting where we have the Brumbies trading at 12/10 favourites ahead of the Reds 18/10. The Rebels who haven't played yet are 13/2 and you can get 9/1 the Waratahs and 16/1 the Force.
Click here for Outright Betting
REDS v REBELS
The Reds were very impressive last week when they destroyed the Waratahs in Brisbane building up a big first-half lead and then holding on to it to win 41-7. Most impressive to me was the speed at which they played the game and they left the Waratahs chasing shadows at times.
The Rebels finished 3rd in last season’s Super Rugby AU Tournament, but they were a tough team to call betting wise with some fluctuating results, the best of which was an 18 point win over the Brumbies on neutral territory. These sides met in the playoffs last season with the Reds winning 25-13 and the Rebels haven't beaten the Reds in their last 3 head-to-head meetings.
BETTING- Click here to bet
Reds 1/4
Draw 33/1
Waratahs 7/2
Handicap: Reds (-12.5) at 9/10, Rebels (+12.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Alternative Winning Margin, Reds 11-20 points inclusive at 5/2
This handicap looks fairly well set, but I do expect the Reds to win fairly comfortably and a winning margin ranging from 11 to 20 points should keep us in the running, hopefully right until the final whistle.
BRUMBIES v WARATAHS
Tournament favourites, the Brumbies beat the Force by 16 points in Perth last week. The Force had plenty of betting support with the Handicap coming in from (+9.5) to (+5.5), but it was the bookies who were smiling in the end as the defending Champions ran out comfortable victors.
The Waratahs took a 34 point hiding against the Reds in Brisbane and to add to that they have a fairly lengthy injury list as well.
The Brumbies have dominated recent head-to-heads between the teams and have won their last 6 games against the Waratahs. Last season they beat them by 27 points in Canberra and by 1 point in Sydney, a game which the Waratahs looked like winning for long periods.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Brumbies 1/8
Draw 40/1
Waratahs 13/2
Handicap: Brumbies (-15.5) at 9/10, Waratahs (+15.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Brumbies (-15.5) at 9/10
This is a big handicap, but given the Waratahs current woes and the fact that I was quite impressed with the Brumbies last week I am happy to take it on.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
