Attacking edge gives Reds hope in final home outing

Reds v Brumbies
Sky Sports 1, 10.45am Friday

On the face of it the Brumbies have had a successful season and they are already assured of a playoff place, while the Reds have struggled.

But there may be less between the teams than meets the eye and it could be worth siding with the Reds in receipt of a seven-point start in their final home outing of the year at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The Queensland side have won only three matches from 13 but their tally of 42 tries is better than that of their opponents, who have scored 38 in six wins.

The Brumbies are on a three-match winning streak but against lowly opposition in the Rebels, Jaguares and Kings, and while the Reds have won only one of their last five, they have run in 20 tries to suggest they have an attacking edge to push the Brumbies.

Recommendation
Reds +7
1pt 10-11 Hills

Force v Rebels
Sky Sports 1, 12.55pm Friday

Both these sides have struggled in the Australian Conference but the Rebels, with the threat of the axe over the franchise, have started to look spent while the Force appear to have far more about them.

Scraps between these teams have traditionally been hard-fought – the last five have been decided by a margin of six points or fewer – but the Force, who have won the last two meetings, look well equipped to run up a decent score.

The Rebels have just one win to their name and six drawing with the Sharks in Durban they have lost their last six, shipping an alarming 36 tries.

Both teams are fighting to stay in the streamlined competition this season but the Force simply seem to have more fight about them.

Recommendation
Force to win by 13 points or more
1pt 6-4 general