Brumbies vs Waratahs Prediction: Brumbies to edge the Tahs

The Waratahs have been their own worst enemies this season and our Rugby Union expert Alex Cox believes that the Brumbies will be waiting to pounce when their predictable capitulation occurs.

This clash from Super Rugby will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Action from 09:35 and you can check out Alex's preview along with his Brumbies vs Waratahs Predictions below...

The Brumbies are currently the highest ranked Australian side in Super Rugby, sitting 3^rd in the Table after 6 games. They have ground out important wins recently against Reds, Highlanders and Force and are deserved of their table position so far. They do have a few injuries that have caused some tweaks to their side but they will feel they have enough depth to dispatch this Waratahs side.

The Waratahs are down in 10^th with only 8 points and 1 win to their name. They have lost their last 4 games by a total margin of only 13 points – evidence that they are clearly staying in the fight, but lack the composure and mastery to close out tight games. Part of that is due to Edmed’s goal kicking, which unfortunately has not been dialled in so far this season and has ultimately cost them.

With the handicap at -9.5, there are cases for both sides to cover but ultimately I see the Brumbies having enough to get over the line in this Aussie derby.

Predictions: 

Brumbies 1-12 winning margin @ 7/4

Double Result : Waratahs HT / Brumbies FT @ 6/1

Team News: 

Brumbies

There are a few notable inclusions in the front-row – Slipper starts at Loosehead prop and as a result, will attain the most Super Rugby caps by an Australian player. Pollard will be at Hooker this week, after Lachlan Lonergan obtained an ankle injury last week. The front-row will be completed by Kautai, with Swain and Frost in the Locks. Valentini, Hooper and the youngster Cale make up the back-row.

Ryan Lonergan is a late withdrawal, meaning Goddard and Lolesio will be the half-backs, with Tua and Creighton in the midfield. Ex 7’s speedster Toole will be on the left-wing with Sapsford on the other wing and Wright will be at full-back.

Waratahs

Bell was a late withdrawal last week for the Tahs, but he starts this week at Loosehead, with Johnson-Holmes at Tighthead. In between them will be Heaven, with two injured Hookers in Porecki and Vailanu on the sidelines already. Holloway and Lee-Warner will be in the second-row, with Swinton, Gamble and Sinclair completing the pack. The latter starts in replace of Gleeson who was concussed last week.

Gordon and Edmed continue their half-back partnership again this week, with Foketi and Walton in the midfield. Pietsch, Nawaqanitawase and Jorgensen will be the back-three in a familiar looking back-line. Perese will be waiting in the wings to make an impact off the bench.

Bet reasoning

The Brumbies have had the Waratahs number in recent history – in fact they’ve won the last 11 H2H’s. Each of the last 4 of those have been by a 1-12 margin, demonstrating these contests have been close games as of late. I do also think there is value on the Waratahs to be leading at HT as I think it could be a cagey first half with some potential rain around Canberra impacting conditions.

You can find all our latest Rugby Union Betting Tips over on our Insights hub.