Waratahs vs Brumbies
The struggling Waratahs welcome the Brumbies to Sydney for this make-or-break clash. The home team are currently second from bottom with just 12 points and two wins this season. They will need to find a way to beat the high flying Brumbies if they are to have any chance of making the playoffs. The visitors have no such problems as they are comfortably sitting in third position with 35 points. They will want another win to secure a top four position which will ensure a home quarter final. The Waratahs have been decimated with front row injuries with this week’s hooker Jay Fonokalafi being their fifth choice selection.
TIP: The Brumbies have one of the best defensive lineouts in the competition so we can expect them to target the Waratahs lineout especially as the hooker is making his debut for the Tah. The visitors have given regular flyhalf a rest as Jack Debreczeni start in the pivot position. They have taken a risk as there is no back up ten in the matchday squad. The home side welcome back some key players in Jed Holloway and Lachlan Swinton who are both hard men in the pack. The bookies have the Brumbies as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.30, SoccerShop 1.30 and Bettabets 1.30
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Waratahs vs Brumbies
- The Brumbies have won the last 12 matches between the sides.
- The last time the Waratahs beat the Brumbies was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
The Waratahs lost 41-12 to the Canes last time out while the Brumbies beat the Drua 28-20 in their last match.
PREDICTION
It is surprising that the Waratahs have only won twice this season, considering the talent in the team. Captain Jake Gordon will need his team to be better defensively as this has been their biggest problem this season. Will Harrison has been selected at flyhalf in the hope that he can ignite the backline that includes dangerous players like Mark Nawaqanitawase and Triston Reilly. The Brumbies strength is their forward pack and certainly have the edge in this contest. If Debreczeni can settle into the match early then they should claim the win. I am predicting a Brumbies win by 5 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Waratahs
15 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 14 Triston Reilly, 13 Joey Walton, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Jed Holloway, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Jay Fonokalafi, 1 Hayden Thompson-Stringer
Brumbies
15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Tamati Tua, 11 Ollie Sapsford, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Nick Frost, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Connal McInerney, 1 Harry Vella
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Brumbies victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.30
SoccerShop 1.30
Bettabets 1.30
Odds comparison on the Waratahs handicap:
The complete odds on the Waratahs handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+10.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (+10.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+10.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent 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 (+10.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (+10.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+10.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Newcastle vs Bath
Scarlets vs Ulster
Leinster vs Ospreys
Bristol vs Saracens
Exeter vs Harlequins
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.
