SUPER RUGBY AU – 17 and 18 April
The Reds had me questioning the meaning of life for the majority of their match but werefinally able to sneak the victory over the Brumbies last week. Unfortunately the Rebelsweren’t as kind in repaying my faith. Let’s look at this weekend’s coming action to try and spot some value.
Force vs Waratahs – Saturday 17 Apr @ 11:45, Perth
The last time the Tahs were in action was 02 April and in that game they finally showed some fight at the SCG – the question is whether this was just a delayed April Fool joke or whether they actually have a decent shot at breaking their duck against fellow strugglers, the Force. The men from the West picked up their second “W” of the season last week and will be pretty confident as they head back home. Of course banging your chest after beating the Rebels in that excuse of a rugby game last week is like being proud of nailing your first kiss despite the fact that it was from your cousin (and it was your birthday and she forgot to bring a gift).
Call me crazy but with or without a coach I reckon the Waratahs might just be able to run their hosts extremely close in this one. Not having Will Harrison will make things tougher but I can’t have the Force.
Betolimp Bets:
I don’t see this Force side capable of dishing out a hiding regardless of their opposition. In the other clash I expect a professional, clinical showing from the defending champs.
I wish I could take a bet on number of tackles made by a player – I would have gone overs on Carlo Tizzano. A cross between ex Springbok hooker Lucas van Biljon and the bone collector Willem Alberts this young Aussie loosie is a feisty character who loves getting stuck into the battle. He might like the physical contact more than a meat pie but with little structure to the Tahs attack it’s a roll of the dice ito who gets over the line for them. I’ll back this lively fighter to battle his way into a betting victory for me.
The Force sealed a late victory last week by reverting to the driving maul. There is no reason this scenario can’t play out again and though he doesn’t know his way to the line quite like Mafi or Fainga’a I’m happy to throw some small change at Andre Ready to take the back seat in the bus and be rewarded with the perfect drop-off spot.
Rebels vs Brumbies – Sunday 18 Apr @ 06:00, Melbourne
The Rebels stumbled over their own feet yet again this past weekend. In five of their 7 matches the Rebels have been kept to 21 points or less – these blokes couldn’t score in a brothel! Much like what happened against the Tahs, the Brumbies again couldn’t maintain their fast start against the Reds last week.
Another fast start by the Brumbies will leave the Rebels with way much ground to make up considering they have zero artillery to utilise in trying to sink the Brumbies ship.
Betolimp Bets:
I might look to go UNDERS on Rebels points closer to the time but below are my other exotic plays for the game.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the visitors charge out to an early lead but then take their foot off the gas in a scrappy second forty.
Its’ time to go back to the tried and tested combination which has treated me so well these past few seasons. Rumble big man, rumble!
Banks is the standout player in the Brumbies back division, so I expect him to have success late on against a tired Rebels defence. (I was tempted by the returning Naisarani but will give him one more week to get back up to speed).