Force vs Reds
Two teams with contrasting first round results meet in this match at the neutral venue of Melbourne. The Force will be ecstatic with their come from behind win over the Rebels to kick of their campaign this season while the Reds will be fired up to bounce back from their embarrassing 47-13 loss to the Hurricanes. The Force have largely stuck to the same team that won last week while the Reds have made wholesale changes with the incoming players significantly strengthening the team. Coach Brad Thorn has made changes in the forward pack and the backline with the dangerous Suliasi Vunivalu back on the wing.
TIP: The Reds have enjoyed plenty of success in recent seasons under Coach Thorn and he has prided this team on having a dominant forward pack led by the irrepressible Taniela Tupou although the Tongan Thor is still out injured. The biggest disappointment in their defeat was the way the scrum was bullied by the Hurricanes. This is bad news for the Force as they can expect a backlash from the Reds forward pack that is bolstered by the return of international stars Fraser McReight and Liam Wright. The bookies have the Reds as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.38 and Hollywoodbets 1.37
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Force vs Reds
- The Reds have won four of the last five matches between the sides.
- The last three matches between the sides have been decided by seven points or less.
Latest results for both teams
The Force beat the Rebels 34-27 in their last match while the Reds lost 47-13 against the Hurricanes in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Force were hit with a couple late withdrawals prior to their opening match but that did not seem to faze them as they came back from 10 points down to win. Those players that pulled out are available this week so they are also stronger looking this week. The Reds handed a debut to Tom Lynagh last week and the youngster showed plenty of promise as he looked a lot like his legend dad Michael. The Force will look to pressurize the 18 year old and if they can prevent him from linking up with his potent backline then they could cause an upset. I am predicting a Reds win by at least 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Force
15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Bayley Kuenzle, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Zach Kibirige, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Ollie Callan, 6 Tim Anstee, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Tom Robertson
Reds
15 Jordan Petaia, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Tate McDermott (cc), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (cc), 5 Seru Uru, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Dane Zander
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Reds victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.38
Hollywoodbets 1.37
Odds comparison on the Reds handicap:
The complete odds on the Reds handicap:
Betway 1.88 (-6.5)
Gbets 1.91 (-6.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Reds outright win therefore we suggest taking them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.88 (-10.5,
Gbets 1.91 (-10.5), and Hollywoodbets1.90 (-10.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints
Leicester Tigers vs Bath Rugby
Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
Newcastle Falcons vs London Irish
Sale Sharks vs Saracens
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.