Darry Worthington previews the two Super Rugby Au Round 3 games which are taking place on Friday the 17th of July and Saturday the 18th.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
There’s a rather interesting Super Rugby AU double bill this coming weekend with the undefeated Reds taking on a plucky Western Force outfit in Queensland and the struggling Waratahs going toe-to-toe with tournament favourites, the Brumbies.
The Reds and Brumbies come into their respective clashes as hot favourites with the bookmakers, and our scribe certainly agrees with them as he is backing the two favourites on the minus handicap this coming weekend. Read below to find out why he’s so confident of this occurring.
Queensland Reds v Western Force
Friday 17 July
Suncorp Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Reds
Draw
Western Force
Handicap
Reds
Western Force
The Reds managed to maintain their unbeaten record last week with a last gasp try from hooker Alex Mafi seeing them salvage an 18-18 draw against the Melbourne Rebels. Brad Thorn’s men were having an off day at the office last week where things just weren’t coming off for them. They’ll take a lot of heart from rescuing that draw as they simply weren’t at the races.
The Western Force made a welcome return to Super Rugby and gave everyone a reminder of the gritty side they are as they pushed the Waratahs during their 23-14 defeat. The Perth franchise held a 14-7 lead at half-time but started to tire in the second stanza and were unable to add any points to their half-time score. They will, however, become savvier and fitter as the tournament goes along so you can expect improved second-half showings from them in the near future.
While the teams haven’t met in a number of years, the Force does hold something of a psychological edge over the opponents as they have won the last three games between the sides, with the last meeting – back in 2017 – seeing the Force run out 26-40 victors at the Suncorp.
Verdict: Reds
This is a real acid test for the Force and one I see them failing miserably at this juncture in the season. While the returning Super Rugby exiles will improve as the tournament goes along I think they are in for a long old night this Friday. My money is on the Reds clearing the ‘cap with points to spare.
Waratahs v Brumbies
Saturday 18 July
ANZ Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Waratahs
Draw
Brumbies
Handicap
Waratahs
Brumbies
The Waratahs will be looking for an improved showing when they take on a Brumbies side that had the luxury of a bye this past weekend.
Waratahs fans will be extremely nervous headed into this one as their side have endured a far from impressive start to the season. The opening round saw Rob Penney’s men go down 32-26 to the Reds; and had it not been for the Reds taking the foot off the gas that scoreline would have been a lot less flattering. And while they did manage a win this past weekend they struggled their way to it as they edged a Western Force side – who have been playing second-tier opposition for the past three years – 23-14.
As touched upon earlier, the Brumbies had their feet up last weekend and will be raring to build on their opening round 31-23 victory over the Rebels. The men from Canberra have already hammered the Waratahs this season beating their local rivals 47-14 when the sides met during the proper Super Rugby season.
Verdict: Brumbies
The Waratahs are a really shoddy team and I don’t give them a chance against a well-drilled Brumbies outfit. The hosts will clear any handicap under the 11 point mark.
