Western Force vs Rebels Background
This promises to be an incredible close game as both of the last 2 matches the Rebels played, they lost by less than 4 points while the Force won their last match by 4 points. The Force won their last game although they had Andrew Ready sent off in what can only be described as a moment of madness as he punched a player in the face. The Rebels were heartbroken for the second week in a row when Ryan Loneran landed a 55 meter monster kick to win the game for the Brumbies after the hooter. In week one Matt Toomua missed a kick after the 80 minutes that gave the Reds victory over the Rebels. Marika Koroibete has been sensational for the Rebels and is the player to watch for the Rebels. The Force and their newly recruited international stars still look like they are learning to play as a team but that has to happen this week as the Rebels will be hungry to get their first win.
TIP: The Force are back home this week while the Rebels are on the road for the third straight week because Melbourne is still in lock down. The Rebels should win this one although they need to start scoring tries as the first 2 matches saw Matt Toomua kick all the Rebels points. The near misses of the first 2 matches will spur the Rebels to victory while the Force must not give away penalties as Toomua will be ready to punish them. Sunbet has the Rebels at 1.60 for the win while Supabets has them at 1.67 for the win.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Western Force vs Rebels
- The last 5 matches has seen see the Rebels winning three.
- These teams last match against each other saw the match go into extra time after they were locked 20-20 after 80 minutes. The Rebels won that match in extra time.
- The home team has won 4 of the last 5 matches.
Latest results for both teams
The Force won their last match against the Waratahs 20-16 while the Rebels narrowly lost their match against the Brumbies 24-27.
PREDICTION
The Rebels will be desperate for victory having lost their first 2 matches while the Force will want to repay the large amount spend recruiting international stars like Rob Kearney and Thomas Cubelli. Both these teams struggle to score tries so the team with the better discipline will win. The Rebels will win as they have the better goal kicker and playmaker in Matt Toomua but the margin of victory will be less than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Western Force
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Tevita Kuridrani. 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Brynard Stander (captain), 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Tom Anstee, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Tom Robertson
Rebels
15 Tom Pincus, 14 Lachlan Anderson, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt To’omua (captain), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Joshua Kemeny, 5 Trevor Hosea, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Pone Faamausili, 2 James Hanson, 1 Cabous Eloff
Odds for this bet
This match should be a close affair and the draw at 23/1 at Sunbet should not be completely ruled out. The best odds for a Rebels victory are as follows:
Supabets 1.67
Betway 1.63
Sunbet 1.60
Odds comparison
The best odds on a Rebels victory are at Supabets at 1.67 while Betway has the Rebels at 1.63 for the victory. Sunbet has them at 1.84 on a handicap (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
The Rebels will win this one as they have had their first two matches against last year’s two finalists and only narrowly lost those matches. Rebels coach Dave Wessels is a master tactician and will pull out all the stops to engineer a victory for his boys. A Rebels victory is available at Supabet at 1.67 and at Betway at 1.63 while I suggest the Sunbet odds of 1.84 for the Rebels on the handicap (-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.
