We preview Friday’s Super Rugby clash between the Western Force and the Rebels.
In Friday’s second Australian Derby, both the Western Force and the Rebels will be looking to advance their respective causes for inclusion in next year’s tournament when they collide in Perth.
Force v Rebels | Friday 7 July | nib Stadium | 13:55
To Win (80 Mins)
Force 1/3 | Draw 22/1 | Rebels 22/10
Handicap
Force (-7.5) 9/10 | Rebels (+7.5) 9/10
Force
It would appear that there isn’t much in favour of David Wessels’ side’s continued inclusion in Super Rugby from next year. Since the Western Force were drafted into the tournament back in 2006, they have done very little to enhance the quality of the tournament; more often on the losing side than not.
With Super Rugby’s imminent revamp ahead of next season, and with one of Australia’s sides set for the axe, it would seem that Perth will no longer have a participant in the competition from next season (especially since the Rebels, Australia’s other “weakest” franchise, is privately owned – meaning the chances of them being excluded are very slim).
The Force are level on points with the Reds but sit in fourth (on points-difference) in the Aussie Conference, and are two points behind the Waratahs – a win over the Rebels, and a Reds loss this weekend will see them leapfrog the Queenslanders into third position. Their last result was a 12-34 home defeat to the Hurricanes in early June, but a big win over their rivals from Melbourne may advance their cause for inclusion in next year’s edition – they will certainly not be lacking for ambition.
Rebels
As appalling as the Melbourne Rebels have been in Super Rugby since their inclusion a few seasons ago, 2017 has surely seen them reach their lowest ever ebb. One sole victory all season long (yes; you read that correctly) tells the story of a side that has struggled to remain relevant amidst the challenge of other opposition, and one that has only added to the increasing disinterest in rugby union as a whole in the Land Down Under.
The fact that they may be included again next year is a sad one, as any side that manages a points difference of -321 should not be allowed to compete again. Unfortunately, the decision is in the hands of SANZAAR, who would rather further tarnish the reputation of their tournament than face a lawsuit from the owners of the Rebels.
Verdict: Force (-7.5) 9/10
The Rebels should lose again this weekend. They face a much hungrier Force side at home, and who actually have something to play for – I’m afraid there is no reason to suggest that the Rebels will actually put up a fight this Friday.
Written by Shaun Goosen for @Hollywoodbets.net!
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