Waratahs vs Reds
The Waratahs have lost all their matches in this year’s competition and frankly they don’t seem like they can win any time soon. It doesn’t get any easier for them as they come up against the only unbeaten team in Super Rugby AU. This is a classic David vs Goliath contest with the top of the table Reds playing the last placed Waratahs. In the first round clash between these two teams the Reds ran out 41- 7 victors. The Waratahs were unlucky in that game as they had Izaia Perese sent off and their ill-discipline certainly cost them in that game. The worrying stat for the Waratahs is that the 4 matches that they lost were by an average of 27 points. The Reds led by James O’Connor have no such concerns with a dominant pack led by Wallaby Taniela Tupou and outside backs like Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu causing havoc for opposition teams. The Waratahs have never lost 5 matches in a row and will be desperate to prevent this from happening but I’m glad to see they have made changes to the team, hopefully there will be new energy in the team.
TIP: A win for the Waratahs will rank as one of the biggest upsets in Super Rugby AU and I honestly can’t see that happening. Brad Thorn has done a great job in turning this Reds team into a well-oiled machine. They have talent all round and should easily beat the Waratahs. The bookies have the Reds has heavy favourites at 1.09 and there is no value in this bet. I expect the Waratahs to show fight especially playing at home and I tip them to cover the handicap (+15.5). Supabets is offering 1.90 on the Waratahs handicap (+15.5). Worldsportbetting has the Waratahs handicap (+14.5) at 2.04 while Sunbet on the same handicap is offering 1.94
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Waratahs vs Reds
- In the last 10 matches there have been just 2 victories for the Reds.
- The Waratahs have won their last 6 home against the Reds matches.
- The Waratahs last home loss to the Reds was in 2013.
Latest results for both teams
The Waratahs lost their last game to the Rebels 33-14 while the Reds won their last match against the Force 26-19.
PREDICTION
The Waratahs are a very young team and are missing Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper and they have also lost their captain Jake Gordon to injury but their performances have not shown any fight. They are proud rugby team with great history and I predict this is the match in front of their home fans that they will show a marked improvement and may not win the game but will definitely cover the handicap(+14.5). The margin of victory will be less than 12 points.
- Confirmed Starting XVs
Waratahs
15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Alex Newsome (c), 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Izaia Perese, 11 James Ramm, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Jack Grant, 8 Will Harris, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Hugh Sinclair, 5 Sam Caird, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Tetara Faulkner, 2 David Porecki, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes
Reds
15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor (c), 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Seru Uru, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Ryan Smith, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Dane Zander
Odds for this bet
The Waratahs will cover the handicap (+14.5) and the best odds on this are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.04
Sunbet 1.94
Supabets (+15.5) 1.90
Odds comparison
The best odds on the Waratahs handicap (+14.5) is at Worldsportsbetting at 2.04 while Supabets (+15.5) is at 1.90. Sunbet has them at 1.94 on the +14.5 handicap
Predictions and Odds in detail
The Reds are unbeaten and produced the result the competition so far when they came from behind and beat the Brumbies in Canberra. There is a suspicion from many people that they play well against the top teams but seem to be complacent against the weaker teams therefore I feel that this match will be closer than the bookies have predicted. It may well be a Reds victory but the margin of victory will be less than 12 points. The best odds on the Waratahs handicap (+14.5) win is at Worldsportsbetting at 2.04 Supabets (+15.5) at 1.90. Sunbet has them at 1.94 on the +14.5 handicap
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.
