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Super Rugby AU: Round 8 Preview

Darry Worthington previews the penultimate set of round-robin Super Rugby AU fixtures, which get underway on Friday the 28th of August.

Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

It’s all to play for this weekend in Super Rugby AU with the Brumbies able to secure top spot on the log should they win their clash with the hapless Force. The second game of the weekend is even more intriguing with the Waratahs needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Should the Waratahs do the unlikely and secure a five-point haul from their fixture and ensure the Rebels don’t claim a bonus point, then the Waratahs would actually secure a play-off berth and the Rebels would be eliminated from the play-off running.


Brumbies v Western Force
Friday 28 August
GIO Stadium
11:05


To Win (80 Mins)
Brumbies 1/33
Draw 38/1
Force 19/2

Handicap
Brumbies
Force

*Handicap to be added upon release

The Brumbies know they just need just four more points from their remaining two fixtures to secure a home final and avoid the play-offs. They’ll fancy their chances of doing this with a game to spare as they take on a Western Force side that are yet to claim a win this term.

Canberra’s finest come into Friday’s clash off the back of a solid showing against the ‘Tahs, whom they beat 38-11. This was an ideal response to their first defeat of the season, which came a week prior to the Waratahs fixture where they went down 30-12 to the Rebels. 


Unlike the Brumbies, the Force have noting expect pride to play for here as they are well out of the running for a play-off berth. The visitors have endured a tough old tournament and are yet to win a game. They head into Friday’s encounter off the back of a 5-57 home drubbing at the hands of the Reds. 
Verdict: Brumbies (-) 9/10
When these two sides met earlier in the tournament, the Brumbies cruised to a 0-24 victory at home. I can see them racking up another big win here.

Jockeys Ride Horses
Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

Saturday 29 August
SCG
11:15


To Win (80 Mins)
Waratahs 23/20
Draw 18/1
Rebels 15/20


Handicap
Waratahs
Rebels


*Handicap to be added upon release
The Waratahs will be looking to keep their play-off hopes alive when they take on the Rebels in the final game of the weekend. This is the final regular-season game for the men from New South Wales while the Rebels still have a game in hand which will see them take on the Force in the final set of regular season fixtures. 

The men from New South Wales have blown extremely hot and cold this season, and were at freezing point last weekend where they were beaten 38-11 by the Brumbies. While the ‘Tahs were well in the game at half-time – they trailed their opponents 11-12 when the teams went into the sheds – another abject second-half showing was their downfall.

The Rebels enjoyed a bye week in Round 7 and will be well and truly rested for this one. They did, however, put in a rather poor display in their last outing going down 19-3 to the Reds in Round 6. 

Verdict: Waratahs (+) 
I’m expecting an absolute dogfight here, which is why I’m on the Waratahs plus. 

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