Waratahs vs Brumbies
The Waratahs welcome the Brumbies to the Allianz Stadium, Sydney in this opening round match. The Waratahs will be delighted to be back at their traditional home and will be hoping that that they can break their win drought against the Brumbies. Their last win over the visitors was in 2018 which is the longest they have gone without beating the Brumbies. The visitors have got the core of their team from last season and will again be the favourite to qualify for the playoffs among the Australian sides. The Waratahs welcome back giant wing Nemani Nadolo although his return will be via the bench.
TIP: The Brumbies are the one Australian side that has constantly done well in the competition that has been dominated by the NZ sides. They built their success on the back of an excellent rolling maul and very strong set piece game. The Waratahs on the other hand have deadly attackers all across the field and will adopt a ball in hand approach. If their forwards can lay a decent platform for them, then they could shock the Brumbies. The bookies have the Brumbies as favourites but I’m tipping the Waratahs for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.25, Gbets 2.20 and Hollywoodbets 2.23
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Waratahs vs Brumbies
- The Brumbies have won the last nine matches against the Waratahs.
- The Waratahs last beat the Brumbies in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first round of matches for Super Rugby 2023.
PREDICTION
The Waratahs have one of the most exciting backlines in the competition led by the fearsome midfield combo of Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi. Both players are powerful ball carriers and always get over the advantage line. The Brumbies will need to stop them before they gain momentum otherwise they will create havoc. The visitors will once again test the home side with their driving maul but if the Waratahs maul defence is good then they will win this match. Former Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper will make a big difference to the young Waratahs side and this is the reason I am predicting a home win by five points.
Probable Starting XVs
Waratahs
15 Ben Donaldson, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Charlie Gamble, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Taleni Seu, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Archer Holz, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Brumbies
15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Tamati Tua, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Connal McInerney, 1 Blake Schoupp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Waratahs victory are as follows:
Betway 2.25
Gbets 2.20
Hollywoodbets 2.23
Odds comparison on the Waratahs handicap:
The complete odds on the Waratahs handicap:
Betway 1.85 (+2.5)
Gbets 1.88 (+2.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (+2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent odds on the Waratahs upset win but if you looking a safety bet, we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (+2.5), Gbets 1.88 (+2.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (+2.5)
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.
