The following are previews with betting tips for Super Rugby AU Round 10 of the 2020 Super Rugby season.
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To take advantage of odds before they possibly shorten, these previews are published before the team sheets are announced. Those who are more risk-averse may prefer to wait for the squad lists before wagering.
Saturday, 5 September
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Rebels vs. Force |
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View a detailed form guide for Rebels vs. Force
The Rebels fell 32-38 to the Waratahs last week which means they must win this clash to advance to the playoffs. The Waratahs dominated the first half and would have built a larger lead had they not been so wasteful at times, but the Rebels fought back well to claim a crucial losing bonus point to keep their season alive. A win by 4+ points or a bonus point win this week would guarantee the Rebels a spot in the Qualifying Final against the Reds.
The Force put in a spirited performance but fell 14-31 to the Brumbies last week to slide to 0-7 for the season. They dominated passages of the game and employed tactical kicking to good effect but were unable to convert sufficient possession and territory into points. They now get to play the role of the spoiler as they try to prevent the Rebels from making the playoffs.
Betting: the Rebels bring a two-game losing streak into this clash, which is being held on neutral ground in Newcastle. They only defeated the Force by 5 points in Round 5 so they will certainly not be taking their opponents lightly. Given the Rebels have so much more to play for I will back the Rebels HT/FT selection at 1.50 (bet365).
Confidence/value: low
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Reds vs. Brumbies |
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View a detailed form guide for Reds vs. Brumbies
Prior to their bye last week the Reds thrashed the Force 57-5. James O’Connor pulled the strings on attack well and was 8 from 9 from the tee. It was technically their first away win of the season but it was held at a neutral venue on the Gold Coast. With one round to play the Reds sit second in the standings with no chance of finishing 1st or 3rd. This fixture could be a preview of the final. The Reds will want to send a message that they can beat the Brumbies, but should they play their best hand given the Brumbies would have a fortnight to devise a counter plan?
The Brumbies secured the 1st seed for the playoffs with a gritty 31-14 win over the Force last week. The Canberra side is now 6-1 in Super Rugby AU and 11-2 overall for 2020. It wasn’t the best performance against the Force but it’s not easy to always bring your A-game against lacklustre opponents. The scoreline could have been wider had the Brumbies not had two tries disallowed in the first half.
Betting: the last nine meetings between the two were won by the host team and the Reds have gone 5-1 at home in 2020. I would back the Reds in the head-to-head at 2.10 (bet365). Six of the Reds’ last seven wins over the Brumbies were by 1-12 margins so those looking for more risk should consider the Reds 1-12 at 3.60 (bet365).
Confidence/value: low