Rebels vs Blues
The Rebels welcome the high flying Blues to AAMI stadium for this Super Rugby encounter. The home side will be looking for an immediate response after they were thrashed 39-0 by the Crusaders in their last match. They went into the match, fancying an upset win but were instead blown off the park by the home side. Their attack was non-existent as they failed to register a single point. The Blues on the other hand scored an incredible three tries in the last 12 minutes to snatch a brilliant 41-34 win over the Reds in their last match.
TIP: The Rebels scrum was absolutely demolished by the Crusaders, so it comes as no surprise that the entire front row has been replaced by the experienced Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese and Isaac Kailea. They will need to be at their best against a very strong Blues front row. There has also been changes in the backline with Filipo Daugunu returning to his favourite position in the wing with Matt Proctor getting a rare start. The bookies have the Blues as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.18, SoccerShop 1.18 and Bettabets 1.17
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Rebels vs Blues
- The Blues have won five of the last six matches against the Rebels.
- The last time the Rebels beat the Blues in Melbourne was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Rebels were beaten 39-0 by the Crusaders in their last match while the Blues beat the Reds 41-34 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Blues will be confident coming into this match as they have had massive victories over the Rebels on their last two visits to Melbourne. The Rebels on the other hand will be looking for a response from their team after being whitewashed in the last match. The man that needs to step up for the home team is Carter Gordon as he is the key to their attack. If he can get his backline into the match early on, then they could test the Blues defence. The Reds showed that the Blues struggle when the game is constantly played at high pace. The visitors will win the match in the last quarter by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Rebels
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Rob Leota (c), 7 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Josh Canham, 4 Angelo Smith, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Isaac Kailea
Blues
15 Cole Forbes, 14 Mark Tele’a, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 AJ Lam, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Taufa Funaki, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Laghlan McWhannell, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 PJ Sheck, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.18
SoccerShop 1.18
Bettabets 1.17
Odds comparison on the Rebels handicap:
The complete odds on the Rebels handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+14.5)
SoccerShop 1.90 (+14.5)
Bettabets 1.90 (+14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Blues outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (+14.5), SoccerShop 1.90 (+14.5) and Bettabets 1.90 (+14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
