The Waratahs will be looking to do the double over the Sunwolves when the two sides meet at the Newcastle International Sports Centre on Friday the 29th of March.
Friday’s second Super Rugby fixture will see the Waratahs and Sunwolves square off for the second time this season. The Australian side were given an almighty scare by their Japanese opponents when the two sides met in Round 2 where they were extremely lucky to leave Asia with a 30-31 victory.
Waratahs v Sunwolves
Friday 9 March
Newcastle International Sports Centre
10:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Waratahs 5/10
Draw 25/1
Sunwolves 16/10
Handicap
Waratahs (-4.5) 9/10
Sunwolves (+4.5) 9/10
Waratahs
Well, not many would have expected the Waratahs to have been the side to break the Crusaders winning run but the men from New South Wales did exactly that last weekend as they ran out 20-12 victors at a wet Sydney Cricket Ground.
The ‘Tahs really did play some smart rugby last weekend putting a number of up-and-unders in for towering fullback Israel Folau to chase. The big man had an absolute field day and caused the Crusaders back three a number of problems with his aerial skills. He was well rewarded for his efforts as he bagged a try and a try assist.
While the Waratahs are likely to continue the aerial assault this weekend we’re likely to see them try and carry the ball a bit more than they did against the Crusaders as the Sunwolves aren’t the most dynamic of defensive sides.
Sunwolves
The Sunwolves endured a horrible week last week with the announcement that they will be axed from Super Rugby from 2020 being compounded by a 24-37 loss to the Lions. This was the ‘Wolves fifth loss of the campaign with their only victory being that memorable 15-30 away victory over the Chiefs.
This weekend’s visitors really did struggle defensively against the Lions last week, particularly up front where they were outmuscled by the Lions’ heavies. They were also guilty of giving away far too many penalties, which allowed the Lions to play deep in the ‘Wolves half.
They will need to be wary of the Waratahs kicking game this Friday. While in-form winger Gerhard van den Heever is solid under the high ball, his fellow back three members are rather weak under the high ball.
Verdict: Waratahs (-4.5) 9/10
Last week’s victory over the Crusaders will have given the ‘Tahs a massive confidence boots. I can see them following up that memorable victory by running up a big score over the Sunwolves.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
