The final action in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific comes from Canberra on Sunday where the Brumbies take on the Force
Brumbies v Force, Sunday 20th February, Canberra, KO 05:00 (South African time)
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistants: Damon Murphy, Reuben Keane
Weather Forecast - Canberra
Brumbies:
After finishing as runners up to the Reds in Super Rugby AU in 2021 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar makes full use of an experienced squad for the 2022 campaign.
A warm up against the Waratahs played in 3 x 30 minute periods on 29th January ended in a 24-14 defeat with both sides using the opportunity to give all fit members of their squads game time.
The Brumbies are currently trading at around 20/1 in the outright betting to win the tournament.
Force:
The Force conjured up a late comeback to beat the Reds 42-33 in their most recent warm up match whilst an earlier trial against Fijian Drua had to be cancelled.
Coach Tim Sampson has put his faith in 20 year old fly half Reesjan Pasitoa, one of 5 former Brumbies available to the Force this season.
The Force lost 21-9 to the Brumbies in the 2021 Super Rugby AU play off in Canberra and they are currently trading at around 66/1 in the outright betting to win the tournament.
Team News
Brumbies: James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tom Banks
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Ed Kennedy, Ryan Lonergan, Ollie Sapsford, Jesse Mogg
Force: Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u (c), Santiago Medrano, Fergus Lee-Warner, Izack Rodda, Brynard Stander, Kane Koteka, Tim Anstee, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Kyle Godwin, Toni Pulu, Jake Strachan
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Harrison Lloyd, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Jake McIntyre, Richard Kahui
The Betting, Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here
Brumbies -11.5 points at 9/10
Force +12.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
Chatting on last nights live THE HANDICAP betting show @ThoughtsonSports was leaning Force on the plus. He felt they have made good additions to the squad but he was concerned about their ability to score points. Fellow panelist @Chad_Reich felt the Brumbies had the superior backline and was leaning towards the Brumbies minus.
That tells me this handicap is well set ad I am going to wait for the points lines here a possible unders play looms and the bet will be posted Saturday but you can catch the video preview for Brumbies v Force here
Update:19 Feb 21h15
The points lines are out and there is 49.5 total, 30.5 Brumbies and 18.5 Force. Conditions look like they are going to be good and it is an early kick off so hopefuly we get some exciting rugby. I like over 49.5 points in this one.
Bet: 4 units over 49.5 points at 17/20 at Playabets
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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