Super Rugby Australia enters its fourth week on Friday and we’ll be treated to another two exciting matches, featuring plenty of international talent.
The Western Force take winning form back home and into their Friday night match with the Rebels, before the Brumbies host the Reds in a top of the table clash on Saturday.
The Western Force return home with their tails up and are offered another excellent opportunity to win when they take on the winless Rebels.
Their first season back in a major competition proved to be an enormous task for the Force, but they have returned for Season 2 far better for the run, and with several big-name signings.
It has been telling each and every week, but particularly in Round 3, in which they returned a polished performance to overcome the Waratahs and record their first W of the season.
What was particularly impressive of the performance was that they conceded early, rallied to get back into the contest and ultimately ice the result with only fourteen men on the paddock.
The Rebels remain 0-2 heading into Week 4 of the Super Rugby Australia season following defeats to the Reds and the Brumbies, but they have displayed plenty of quality rugby, and there is no doubt that this represents their best chance at winning so far.
Initially, I was toying with the idea of taking what looks to be a nice bit of value for the Force to win ($2.20 at publish), but the more I have considered the Rebels’ two matches so far, I actually think that they can sneak past the 3.5-point line as favourites.
The match of the round and potentially the season so far will take place between the Brumbies and the Reds in the nation’s capital on Saturday night.
In what is a replay of last season’s decider, Super Rugby Australia’s two best teams will lock horns, both still undefeated and with a lot more than bragging rights on the line.
The Brumbies proved too good for the Force in Round 1, made light work of the Waratahs in Round 2, and defeated the Rebels most recently; the Reds are the only scalp they require to complete the set and they will start this match justifiable favourites in betting, but potentially under the odds ($1.44 at publish).
The Reds proved far too good for the baby Waratahs first-up and snuck home in a thriller against the Rebels. They enter this match fresh off the bye and full of confidence.
The depth of talent at Brad Thorn’s disposal is mouth-watering and while there is no doubt they’ll need to be at their best to beat the Brumbies away from home, I think that they will be. Happy to dive in at the overs.