Super Rugby AU: Round 6 Preview

The cat was well and truly thrown amongst the pigeons last weekend with the Waratahs and Rebels upset victories over the Reds and Brumbies tightening things up on the ladder rather nicely as we head into the sixth round of Super Rugby AU. 

This weekend will see the Reds attempt to bounce back against the Rebels while the Waratahs will make look to make it two wins on the trot when they take on a Western Force side who enjoyed a bye last weekend.

Western Force v Waratahs
Friday 14 August
Cbus Super Stadium
11:05


To Win (80 Mins)

Force 26/10

Draw 22/1

Waratahs 3/10


Handicap
Force

Waratahs

*Handicap to be added upon release

The Western Force will be looking to keep their extremely thin hopes of semi-final qualification alive when they take on a Waratahs outfit that tore apart a much-fancied Reds side this past weekend.

Perth’s finest have yet to win a game this term and head into the encounter with only two points to their names. They do, however, have a game in hand over the Waratahs and Reds who sit nine points clear of them in third and fourth respectively. If the Force are to harbour any hopes of advancing to the next phase of the ‘comp they will need to beat the Waratahs this weekend.

Well, that was a turn up for the books last weekend wasn’t it? The Waratahs, who had only one win from four fixtures absolutely dismantled a solid Reds outfit running out 45-12 victors at the SCG. It was one of those game in which every bounce of the ball went the way of the ‘Tahs.

Credit where credit is due, though. Some of the Waratahs elder statesmen really did step up to the mark last weekend with scrumhalf Jake Gordon scoring a hattrick and playing an absolute blinder. 

Verdict: Force (+) to be added upon release
While the ‘Tahs did produce the goods this past weekend I feel it was more of a one-off performance rather than the start of a renaissance. I reckon the Force who only went down to the side from New South Wales by nine points when the sides met in Round 2, should be able to remain within what is a rather large handicap.

Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels

Saturday 15 August

Suncorp Stadium 

11:05


To Win (80 Mins)
Reds 7/10
Draw 22/1
Rebels 23/20

Handicap
Reds

Rebels

*Handicap to be added upon release

The Reds will be out to prove a point this coming Saturday after they were absolutely manhandled by the Waratahs last weekend. Brad Thorn’s men put in arguably their worst performance during the former All Blacks tenure at the coaching helm as they limped through their 33-point defeat.

This was only the Reds second defeat of the campaign but it does leave them with two losses from their last two outings as they went down 22-20 to the Brumbies the week prior. They really need to stop the rot this weekend as a defeat to the Rebels could see them drawn into a real dogfight for the last semi-final berth. 

While the Reds were being hammered by the Waratahs, the Rebels were upsetting the applecart themselves as they beat a heavily favoured Brumbies side 30-12 in the Round 5 Super Rugby opener. The victory was made all the more impressive considering the Rebels managed to inflict a heavy defeat in wet conditions over a Brumbies side that loves the set-piece. 

Verdict: Reds 7/10
I’m going with the reds on the board here. Brad Thorn would have given them a right tongue lashing this past week and his words will be ringing in his charges ears when they take to the Suncorp on Saturday.