Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels Predictions: Hosts to continue strong form

Super Rugby Pacific returns for another round of high-quality action across Oceania as third-placed Brumbies, looking to keep up with leaders Blues and Hurricanes, take on a Melbourne Rebels side who are dropping down the table. Brumbies are currently on a four-game winning streak in the league, including a crucial 27-19 victory over second-placed Hurricanes and remain just four points off of the current top two. 

This form will likely put them in good stead against the Rebels, who have lost each of their last four league matches including three of their last four on the road. Melbourne also have unhappy memories of recent visits to Canberra Stadium as they have lost each of their last four meetings with Brumbies here. Friday's game kicks off at 10:35 and is live on Sky Sports Action.

Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels Odds 

With home advantage and form on their side, it is no surprise that Brumbies are the heavy favourites to claim victory in this encounter at 1/6, whereas the Rebels are 9/2 to shock the hosts. 

The tie provides odds of 22/1, while a -14.5 handicap for the Brumbies is available at 5/6. 

Team News 

Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham has made three changes to the starting XV who won 31-24 against Crusaders last time out, with two of these fresh faces coming into the scrum. 

A change at hooker sees Billy Pollard take the place of Connal McInerney, while Tom Hooper also starts in the second row ahead of Cadeyrn Neville who drops to the bench. 

The final replacement comes at left-wing with Corey Toole named ahead of Ollie Sapsford, who joins the likes of Liam Bowron, Harrison Goddard and Jack Debreczeni amongst the substitutes. 

For the Rebels and coach Kevin Foote makes five amendments to the starting fifteen beaten 26-23 at home by the Chiefs recently, as well as a positional change among the backs. 

The forward changes see prop Isaac Kailea and lock Angelo Smith enter the fray from the off ahead of the benched duo of Matt Gibbon and Tuaina Tali Tualima, while captain Rob Leota returns at blindside flanker in place of Josh Kemeny. 

A like-for-like change at right wing sees Darby Lancaster replace Lachie Anderson while Jake Strachan is moved to fly-half in place of Carter Gordon, with Andrew Kallaway taking Strachan’s place at full back. 

Brumbies win by 1-12 points inclusive @ 23/10 

Brumbies have won eight consecutive home matches at the Canberra Stadium and Stephen Larkham’s side should have more than enough quality to edge out a struggling Rebels side. 

The hosts have not always run away with proceedings when playing in front of their own fans, winning three of their last eight by less than a 12-point margin, and so this could give hope to the Rebels that they can stay in the meeting for as long as possible. 

The visitors have also lost their last two matches by no more than four points and so, although a win looks unlikely given their recent form, the Rebels will be expected to give it a good go on Friday. 

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