Western Force vs Reds
The Force have shown that their heavy recruitment drive is paying dividends as they are they have won their last two matches. The most important part of those victories is that is has catapulted them into the playoff positions. This week however will be the greatest challenge as they face the unbeaten run away leaders the Reds. The Force will try to catch the Reds on the back foot as the leaders had their bye week. The Reds have shown throughout the tournament that they will find a way to win in any situation and their two victories over the defending champion Brumbies bear testimony to that. Playmaker and captain James O’Connor has stamped his spot as the Wallaby number 10 with his cool leadership and excellent all round game. He has certainly matured from his early days and is finally fulfilling the promise he showed from an early age. He is ably assisted with the strongest pack in the competition with the irrepressible Taniela Tupou leading the way. His scrummaging is matching his open field play and is near unstoppable once he gets close to the line. The Force is a dogged team who back their defence to win games but against the Reds I can’t see this happening as the log leaders have too much firepower in their ranks. The Force will try and make this an arm wrestle as this is the Force way, but the Reds are too experienced to fall into this trap and will look to run the ball and use their strike weapons like Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami to score tries. The Force will be hoping that Irish star Rob Kearney is fit for this clash as his defensive abilities will be needed in the last line of defence.
TIP: The Reds are the only side in the competition that can change their playing style mid match and either bulldoze teams with their forwards or play an expansive game involving their backline stars. This adaptability is down to the brilliant play of captain O’Connor and he has the electric Tate McDermott alongside him who is always looking for that sniping break. The Force will struggle to keep up with the high intensity of the Reds especially in the final quarter where the Reds are at their strongest. The Reds will win this encounter with all bookies having them as heavy favourites. The odds on the Reds victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.30, Sunbet 1.26 and Playabets 1.28
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Force vs Reds
- The last five matches have seen the Reds lead by 3 wins to the Force’s 2.
- In the last 8 home matches against the Reds the victories are split at four apiece.
- The last time the Reds visited the Force they inflicted a record 5-57 loss on the home side.
Latest results for both teams
The Force won their last match against the Waratahs 31-30 while the Reds won their last game against the Brumbies 24-22.
PREDICTION
The Force has only one way of playing and that is a game of attrition where they kick to the opposition and back their defence to keep teams out. This tactic may have borne fruit in their last two wins but against the Reds this will be flirting with disaster. The Reds can score from anywhere and would welcome this tactic from the Force as they will run it back with interest. The game should be tight early on but the bench strength of the Reds will see them seal it at the end. The Reds to win by less than 9 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Western Force
15 Jack McGregor, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin (c), 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 Domingo Miotti, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Brynard Stander, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Tim Anstee, 5 Sitaleki Timani, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Tom Robertson
Reds
15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Jock Campbell, 10 James O’Connor (captain), 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 best odds on the Reds victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.30
Sunbet 1.26
Playabets 1.28
Odds comparison on a Force handicap( +8.5)
Worldsportsbetting 1.90
Sunbet 1.94
Playabets 1.80
Predictions and Odds in detail
The chances of the Force causing an upset are very slim but the expectation that it will be a runaway victory for the Reds is also unlikely. The Force is an experienced unit and has players with international class like Tomas Cubelli and Rob Kearney that will keep the Force in the game until the last quarter. The home crowd will also no doubt buoy the Force but the class on the Reds bench will prove too strong in the last quarter. The Force will slow the game down and go to the set piece play to frustrate the Reds as this will keep them in the game. It’s for this reason I think the Force are worth a bet on the handicap of (+8.5). The best odds on the Force handicap (+8.5) is as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.90, Sunbet 1.94 and Playabets 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.
