Friday 7:45pm
at Suncorp, Brisbane
Super Rugby returns to Australia after a 4 week hiatus and the Wolf is excited to see what the business end of the competition has install for us.
Selection news
Rob Simmons gets a deserved Suncorp Stadium sendoff after being named at blindside flanker, with Kane Douglas and Izack Rodda preferred in the 2nd row. In the backline, Campbell Magnay has been named to fill the sizeable shoes of skipper Samu Kerevi in the centres, whilst out wide Australian under 20s world cup star Izaia Perese has been named alongside newly capped Wallabies Eto Nabuli and Karmicheal Hunt in an exciting back three.
Stephen Larkham has the luxury of calling on Scott Sio for one of his only games this season as the gun prop looks to finally have overcome his injury troubles. Henry Speight is another welcome addition after shaking off his own hamstring injury. Argentinean halfback Tomas Cubelli will play his first game of the year from the bench.
Last time they met
8/4/2017 – Brumbies 43 – 10 Reds
Stat that matters
The Brumbies have won the last 5 in a row between these two sides by a mammoth average margin of 26 points.
Key Match – up
Rory Arnold vs Kane Douglas – The fact Kane Douglas has dropped so far down the Wallabies second row standings happens to coincide with Rory Arnolds rise up them is no coincidence. Arnold has proven to be more effective and athletic than Douglas. The big man from Yamba will be out to prove he has still got what it takes to represent his country when he goes toe to toe with younger Arnold.
The form
The Brumbies are guaranteed a home final and to top the Australian conference after winning each of their last 3 games on the trot. After coming into the season with so much hype after signing George Smith, Scott Higginbotham and Quade Cooper the Reds sit 4th in the Australian conference with a 3 -10 record. They will be out to prove to their home fans there is hope for next season.
How it’s shaping
We’ve waited all year for the Reds to click and dismantle an opposition side like they should be capable of. The Wolf sees no reason why this moment will come with 2 rounds to go and believes the Brumbies will be too powerful for their Australian opposition. It begs the question how can a team with so much talent can be so consistently poor, and the Wolf will be disappointed if there is not a change in coaching personnel at Ballymore after the appalling season the Reds have had so far.
Final thoughts
Brumbies by 15
Recommended bets
Best bet: Brumbies -5.5 ($1.90)
Value bet: Brumbies 13+ ($3.00)
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