The Reds host the Rebels in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific in Brisbane on Saturday and the home side start as firm favourites with the bookmakers.
Reds v Rebels, Saturday 19th February, Brisbane, KO 10:45 (South African time)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistants: Damon Murphy, Nic Berry
Weather Forecast – Brisbane
Reds:
The Reds are seen as Australia's best hope of success in this tournament, trading at around 9/1 in the outright betting.
The Reds won Super Rugby AU last year under Brad Thorne, Warm up results comprised of back to back defeats 21-14 to the Tahs and the Force 42-33 but the real business starts here.
James O Connor starts at 10 and Hunter Paisami is on the bench.
Rebels:
The Rebels lost their final warm up match, 28-26 to Fijian Drua but they did beat the Tahs 35-14 in their first prep back in December.
Coach Kevin Foote has named 4 débutantes in his side and Michael Wells takes over as skipper. Carter Gordon starts at 10 and Matt Toomua has also been passed fit to play. Wallabies Rob Leota, Andrew Kellaway, and Pone Fa'amausili are not available and star wing Marika Koroibete is now playing his rugby in Japan.
The Rebels are trading at around 50/1 to win the tournament.
Team News
Reds: Dane Zander, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Fraser McReight, Spencer Jeans, Hunter Paisami, Lawson Creighton
Rebels: Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eboff, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Sam Wallis, Brad Wilkin, Michael Wells, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Matt To’omua, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Reece Hodge
Replacements: Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Sef Fa’agase, Thomas Nowlan, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Raymond Nu’u, Young Tonumaipea
The Betting, Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Reds -11.5 points at 9/10
Rebels +12.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
This handicap looks fairly well set and while the panel on last nights The Handicap were leaning Reds minus I am going to stay away from the handicap and will focus on points lines. I don't often get involved in the winning margin markets but quite like Reds by 11-20 inclusive at 27/10 and that is my early play.
Click here for the video preview for Reds v Rebels
Points bets will be posted in the Goodforthegame forum
Bet: 2 units Reds by 11-20 inclusive at 27/10 at Sunbet
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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