Shaun Goosen previews Friday’s Super Rugby clash between the Reds and Brumbies.
The Reds will be licking their chops at the prospect of potentially jumping to second on the overall Aussie Conference, albeit temporarily, with a win at the Suncorp this Friday. The Australian trend-setting Brumbies meanwhile, will look for a fourth victory in succession to extend their already unassailable lead atop their Conference, when they travel to Queensland.
Reds v Brumbies | Friday 7 July | Suncorp Stadium | 11:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Reds 2/1 | Draw 22/1 | Brumbies 4/10
Handicap
Reds (+6.5) 9/10 | Brumbies (-6.5) 9/10
Reds
While the Reds’ hopes of qualifying for playoff rugby may be dashed for yet another season, they still have plenty to play for in the way of pride over the next fortnight. The Queenslanders are locked on 19-log points with the Western Force, while the Waratahs have managed just two more going into the penultimate round-robin weekend – the results of the franchises from ‘Down Under’ are going to be extremely intriguing as the competition nears its end.
All that having been said; Australia’s Super Rugby challenge has been as abysmal in 2017, and the Reds are no exception. A former championship-winning franchise recording just three wins from 13-matches is absolutely appalling; however, all indications are that their performances will only improve after one of Australia’s Super-sides is culled at the end of the season. The enhanced player-depth will only aid their challenge in 2018 and beyond, so there is always cause for optimism.
They would do well to beat the Brumbies this weekend, however. Some of the Reds’ home performances have been disappointing to say the very least (especially their 26-40 loss to the Force in May), and they should succumb to a superior Aussie outfit on Friday.
Brumbies
Despite sitting atop the Australian Conference and second in Australasia (to the unbeaten Crusaders); the Brumbies know this does not amount to much. The pathetic structure of the current Super Rugby system means that the Canberra-based outfit, who sit on 33-log points, lead the rest of New Zealand’s franchises – all of whom boast more points than them. Next year’s tournament revamp cannot come soon enough.
With the Aussie Conference all but wrapped up, the Brumbies will look to iron out any obvious chinks in their amour over the next two weeks in preparation for the playoffs. Currently sitting on a three-match winning run, they will look to add to it against a very average Reds side. Being the more balanced team, they should manage a win ahead of their date with the Chiefs in Waikato next week, and take some momentum into the knockouts.
However, with the performances we have come to expect from the Aussies over the last few years, they are more than capable of letting themselves and their supporters down.
Verdict: Brumbies (-6.5) 9/10
The Brumbies will be favourites to win in Queensland on Friday and extend their lead in their Conference. Their superior set-piece and defence should nullify the threat of the Reds attackers, who should struggle to make inroads.
Written by Shaun Goosen for @Hollywoodbets.net!
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