Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Waratahs vs Brumbies | Saturday 26 July | Allianz Stadium | 11:30
The Waratahs, showing absolutely no consideration for the feelings of their fellow participants, churlishly wrapped up the regular season a resounding seven points clear at the top of the overall log. This means that Michael Cheika’s lads, fresh from their week off and enjoying home ground advantage from here on in, have a more than decent shot at picking up their first ever Super Rugby title, but they’ll need to maintain the composure that has defined their impressive season up until now. The Brumbies have been far less consistent in their performances this year than their upcoming opponents, but they have pulled off a few mesmerising presentations that have left even the best helpless against their demonic attacking play. But even their best may not be enough to put an end to this Waratahs wrecking ball that heads out this Saturday, looking for an eighth consecutive win.
To Win (80mins)
Waratahs 7/20
Brumbies 24/10
Draw 30/1
Handicaps
Waratahs (-7.5) 9/10
Brumbies (+7.5) 9/10
Waratahs
Michael Cheika has made just two changes to the side that crushed the Reds 34-3 two weeks back. The dynamic Israel Folau returns to the run on side after being tactically rested in their final clash of the regular season. The Waratahs have retained the effective half back pairing Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley, who, along with the likes of the explosive Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper, will be doing all they can to traumatise the Brumbies defence. The second change sees powerful South African Jacques Potgieter coming into the second row, where he teams up with bruiser Kane Douglas.
Brumbies
The Brumbies take to the field this week with an unchanged side, miraculously coming through last weekend’s violent victory over the Chiefs unscathed. The half back duo of Nic White and Matt Toomua will form the crux of the Brumbies attack, and they’ll have plenty of firepower at their disposal with the likes of Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani and Jesse Mogg all eager to make a dent in the Waratahs defence. Skipper Ben Mowen forms part of a formidable pack that boasts the likes of Sam Carter, Jarrad Butler and Ben Alexander.
VERDICT: Waratahs (-7.5) 9/10
This is the third encounter between the two top Aussie sides; the Brumbies came out on top in Canberra back in Round 5 but the Waratahs claimed a far more convincing 39-8 victory in Sydney just a month back. To be fair, the Brumbies have got a few key players back from injury since then, and looked rather impressive from early on against the Chiefs last week. But the Waratahs will be fresher, are in phenomenal form, and have a great home record against the Brumbies, having only lost two of their last thirteen games. The Waratahs know a home final awaits them next weekend, and they won’t be putting a foot wrong this Saturday.
Think we’ve got it wrong? Well leave your comments below and tell us how you think this is going to play out.
