Super Rugby returns to Australian soil, albeit in a different format than what we’re used to in the form of Super Rugby AU. Here we’ll take a look at the clash between the Brumbies and the Rebels taking place at GIO Stadium.
Super Rugby AU Round 1
Brumbies v Rebels
4 July 11h15
GIO Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Brumbies 3/10
Draw 25/1
Rebels 26/10
Handicap
Brumbies (-8.5) 9/10
Rebels (+8.5) 9/10
Both sides will be looking to get their Super Rugby AU campaign off to the perfect start when the Brumbies host the Rebels at the GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday.
In his third Super Rugby season at the helm of the side, Dan McKellar had guided the Brumbies to second place this year with a game in hand before the competition’s halt. That record included five wins from six as well as a comfortable 39-26 victory over the Rebels in Canberra in February.
The Brumbies, led by loosehead Alan Alaalatoa, are 11/10 outright favourites to win AU. After such a scintillating start in 2020, and spearheaded by hooker Folau Fainga’a, who bagged five tries earlier this year, the hosts will have a confident feeling here.
While the Rebels’ three from six record wasn’t much to brag about, their win over the Highlanders in Dunedin and thumping of the Lions in Melbourne in the latter two rounds proved they do have some fight in them.
As always they will look to skipper Dane Haylett-Petty and Marika Koroibete for inspiration as they attempt to right the wrongs of their Canberra loss in round two.
Verdict: Rebels (+8.5) 9/10
The hosts will take this one first up, but it could be a scrappy battle of attrition. After having not played for so long, don’t be surprised if unforced errors abound.
