Rebels vs Reds
This promises to be an exciting and close encounter with the flyhalf battle likely to decide this match. Matt Toomua and James O’Connor are not just captains of their sides but are also the generals who dictate the way their teams play and both of them are deadly with the boot. The Rebels were unlucky to lose their first two matches at the death but have bounced back with victories over the Force and Waratahs while the Reds are flying high at the top of the standings with a perfect five from five record. The Reds have rotated their team and rested Wallaby Filipo Daugunu and this should give the Rebels some hope but the Reds have class all through the team and have a formidable Wallaby loose trio. There are many head to head battles but the one I’m most looking forward is between Taniela Tupou and Cabous Eloff. These two props are big but they run like backline players and that is awesome sight unless you the defender they running towards. Both teams need to be disciplined as the two best goal kickers are in this match.
TIP: The Rebels were superb at home in their last match and will be keen to continue with that run while the Reds will want to keep their perfect record intact. Although the Reds have rested key players from their starting XV they can they still call on them as they are still in the matchday 23. The Rebels lack that attacking threat and struggle to score against well organised defences while the Reds can score tries from anywhere. This for me will be the difference between the two sides and I expect the Reds to win a close match by less than 7 points. The best odds on a Reds victory are at Worldsportsbetting 1.65 while Sunbet and Playabets have them at 1.62 and 1.64 respectively.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Rebels vs Reds
- In the last 5 matches the Reds have won 3 and the Rebels 1 with 1 draw.
- The Reds have won the last 3 encounters, with the Rebels last win coming in 2019.
- Their most recent encounter saw the Blues win it 16-31 away from home.
Latest results for both teams
The Reds won their last match against the Waratahs 14-46 while the Rebels last match was also against the Waratahs which they won 33-14.
PREDICTION
As I mentioned earlier this match will come down to the two No10s and both are class acts and fighting for the Wallaby flyhalf berth. I would have to say that James O’Connor is the more complete player because he is equally adept in a kicking role or a running role. He will be the deciding factor in this match and I’m predicting the Reds to win this close encounter by less than 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Rebels
15 Tom Pincus, 14 Frank Lomani, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt To’omua (c), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Joshua Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Steve Cummins, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cabous Eloff
Reds
15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Jock Campbell, 10 James O’Connor (c), 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Feao Fotuaika
Odds for this bet
The Reds will be too strong for the Rebels especially in the second half when their bench strength will show. Odds on a Reds win:
Sunbet 1.62
Playabets 1.64
Worldsportsbetting 1.65
Odds comparison on a Reds victory by more than 3 points
The complete odds on the Reds handicap victory are as follows:
Sunbet (-3.5) 1.90
Playabets (-2.5)1.82
Supabets (-2.5) 1.90
Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
The Reds have brought in Hamish Stewart into the midfield to help with the playmaking options while Bryce Hegarty has been named as fullback. This is quite a major reshuffling of the backline but if they get into trouble they will still have names like Filipo Daugunu Seru Uru on the bench to call on therefore I predict the Reds to eventually win this tight encounter. The Reds win is being offered on the best odds at Worldsportsbetting at 1.65. You can also check out the handicap odds which are listed here :Sunbet (-3.5) 1.90, Playabets (-2.5)1.82, Supabets (-2.5) 1.90, Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.80
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
