Brumbies vs Reds background
This for me is the match of the season so far and is a repeat of last year’s final. The Brumbies will be without their captain, Allan Alaalatoa who was sent off in their last match against the Rebels. Reds skipper James O’Connor has made it clear that his team is viewing this as a revenge match. This promises to be a cracker of a match and not a place for the faint hearted. Both teams are laden with Wallabies and this should ensure that the quality of this game is superb. The scrumhalf battle win go a long way to deciding this match as the young energetic Reds number 9 Tate McDermott goes up against the wily old Nic White. Last week the Rebels frustrated White and he made uncharacteristic errors. This will be the blueprint that the Reds will want to follow. Brumbies record at home is 18 wins from 19 and the Reds to have any chance they need to nullify the Brumbies main weapon, the rolling maul. The Reds certainly have the firepower in their backs but they will also need to dominate up front so they can unleash the likes of Filipo Daugunu and Jordan Petaia.
TIP: The Brumbies brilliant home record makes them slight favorites for this one and although they won’t have their captain, I still feel they have enough experience and class to see this through. The margin of victory will be less than 8 points and if the Brumbies survive the early onslaught from the Reds they will win. Supabets and 1xBet have the Brumbies for the win at 1.67 while Sunbet has a Brumbies win at 1.60.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Brumbies vs Reds
- The last 5 matches have seen the Brumbies lead by 3 wins to 2.
- The home team has come out on top in the last 11 meetings.
- The last time the Brumbies lost at home to the Reds was in 2014.
Latest results for both teams
Both teams had narrow wins last time out as the Brumbies won 27-24 against the Rebels and the Reds had a bye last week but before that they had a 23-21 win against the same opponent.
PREDICTION
The Brumbies will need to improve their discipline from last week and if they do this I see them racking up yet another victory at home. Canberra has become a real fortress for the Brumbies but if there is one team that can push them all the way it’s the Reds. The revenge factor for the Reds could work against them and overzealous tackles could land them in trouble. Brumbies know how to win tight games therefore I predict a Brumbies victory.
- Confirmed Starting XVs
Brumbies
15 Tom Banks, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Tom Cusack (c), 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Tom Ross, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio
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 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Dane Zander
Odds for this bet
This match promises to be a close affair and the bookies also see it this way but I feel the Brumbies on the handicap (-3.5) is definitely worth a wager. The best odds for this handicap are:
1xBet 1.91
Supabets 1.90
Sunbet 1.95
Odds comparison
The best odds on the Brumbies handicap (-2.5) is at Sunbet 1.95. World Sports Betting has the Brumbies handicap (-4.5) at even money.
Predictions and Odds in details
There are great head to head battles at flyhalf and scrumhalf with potential Wallaby places up for grabs. I feel although the Brumbies don’t have their skipper for this one, they are the defending champions and have enough leaders in the squad to defeat a fairly indisciplined Reds outfit. Coach of the Brumbies, Dan Mckellar will outsmart the Reds and expect the unexpected when the Brumbies run out for this one. My best pick for the Brumbies (-2.5) is at Sunbet 1.95.
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.
