Force vs Rebels
The Force will be looking to get back to winning ways after their loss to the Brumbies in their last match. They have now lost three of their last four matches with the only win in this period against the struggling Fijian Drua. The Rebels finally broke their win drought with victory over the Drua in their last match. This will be a revenge match for them after they lost 28-3 to the Force at home. The Rebels look like they finally playing as a team with an unlikely stand out being prop Cabous Eloff. He has been superb in the last few matches with his ball carrying and has scored in his last three matches.
TIP: Since the win against the Rebels the Force have regressed especially in their defence. They have never been a flashy team that scores many points but they always defended well but this was again their problem in the last match when they shipped 39 points against the Brumbies. The Rebels will look to continue with their recent good form and will look to test the Force defence. The bookies have the Force as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.33, Playabets 1.34 and Sunbet 1.37.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Force vs Rebels
- In the last five matches between these sides there has been two wins apiece with one draw.
- The Force have won the last two matches against the Rebels.
- The away team has won the last three matches between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Force lost their last match 39-38 to the Brumbies while the Rebels won 42-27 against the Fijian Drua in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Force will need to get back to basics and play their structured type of match. Their defensive problems started when they tried to play an expansive game. They will have to go back to the pick and drive style that brought them success last season. The Rebels on the other hand have been more adventurous in attack and the likes of Reece Hodge and Andrew Kellaway have started to make their mark on the match. The Rebels will again rely heavily on Matt Toomua to guide them around the park with his kicking game. I am backing the Force to bounce back in this match and win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Force
15 Jake Strachan, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Tim Anstee, 7 Ollie Callan, 6 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Tom Robertson
Rebels
15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Lukas Ripley, 12 Ray Nu’u, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Tamati Ioane, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Michael Wells (c), 5 Josh Canham,4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Force victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.33
Playabets 1.34
Sunbet 1.37
Odds comparison on the Force handicap :
The complete odds on the Force handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.85
Sunbet (-7.5) 1.86
Playabets (-7.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
One of the reasons that the Force are struggling to replicate their form of last season is the form of their Captain Feleti Kaitu’u. Last season in his debut season he was excellent in the scrums and with ball in hand but hasn’t found the same form as yet. The Rebels will need to stand up to the Force forwards and if they are able to do this then they could cause an upset. There are only decent odds on the Force win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.85, Sunbet (-7.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-7.5) 1.82
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.
