Super Rugby AU Round 1 Betting Tips

The following are betting tips for Round 1 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU season.

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To take advantage of odds before they possibly shorten, these previews are typically published before the team sheets are announced. Those who are more risk-averse may prefer to wait for the squad lists before wagering.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out our 2021 Super Rugby season preview with betting tips.

Friday, 19 February

Reds vs. Waratahs

The Reds start the season without a few players due to injury and suspension, but they should be too strong for this youthful Waratahs side given they’re playing at home. At Suncorp Stadium the Reds have gone 7-0-1 over the last 12 months. In the line market I prefer the Waratahs +9.5 given they have covered the line in each of their last seven away games against the Reds. Pairing those bets together, the Reds 1-12 selection holds appeal.

Betting:
Reds in the head-to-head at 1.33 (bet365, PlayUp)
Waratahs +9.5 at 1.90 (Sportsbet)
Reds 1-12 at 2.65 (Unibet)
Confidence/value: medium

Force vs. Brumbies

The Force have recruited heavily in the off-season with many of their new players boasting international caps. The new signings include four Jaguares players and Irish fullback Rob Kearney. They’ve also recruited Tevita Kuridrani from the Brumbies. If he can’ rediscover his pre-2020 form they’ll be in business. The Perth side went 0-8 last season but they had only a short period of time to prepare for that campaign and they had to play all of their home games on the east coast. Their new squad now boasts more internationally capped players than any other Australian franchise, so they are well placed to be this season’s most improved team.

The Brumbies are the reigning champions and have retained the bulk of last season’s squad, with the notable departures being Lachlan McCaffrey and Tevita Kuridrani. The best news is they have retained the services of coach Dan McKellar through to the end of 2022. The Brumbies had by far the best defence in the competition last season which will put them in good stead for their title defence.

The Brumbies have won nine consecutive games against the Force but this year’s edition of the Perth side looks remarkably different. Nevertheless I will side with the Brumbies given they should have the greater squad cohesion. I’m backing that it will take time for the new-look Force squad to gel and for coach Tim Sampson to establish what their best starting XV is.

Betting: Brumbies in the head-to-head at 1.48 (bet365).
Confidence/value: low