Melbourne Rebels vs Blues Prediction: Blues to brush Rebels aside

The improving Melbourne Rebels were brought back down to earth last time out against the Crusaders and another dose of reality looks to be incoming on Friday morning (10:35) when they host the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.

Having only managed four wins in the competition last year, the Rebels have already surpassed their efforts from last season with five victories in their opening nine games this term.

Winning three games on the bounce against the Waratahs, Fijian Drua and Highlanders, the Rebels suffered a 39-0 defeat last time out at the Crusaders.

With the Blues winning eight of their first nine games of the season, another challenge awaits the Rebels at AAMI Park.

Team News

The Rebels have been boosted by the welcomed return of skipper Rob Leota, with the number eight set for his first game since being injured in Round 6.

Ryan Louwrens and Carter Gordon have retained their places in the half-backs, while David Feliuai partners Matt Proctor in the centres.

The Rebels have a back-three consisting of Darby Lancaster and Filipo Daugunu, with Andrew Kellaway again at full-back.

As for the Blues, PJ Sheck is set to make his debut for the visitors in Melbourne and joins the experienced pair of Ricky Riccitelli and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Head coach Vern Cotter welcomes the electric Caleb Clarke back to the left wing, with fellow All Black Mark Tele’a switching to the opposite flank.

Cole Forbes completes the back-three, with Taufa Funaki and Harry Plummer in the half-backs and the pair of AJ Lam and Reiko Ioane in the centres.

Match Odds

The Rebels are the 11/2 underdogs - or a 15.4% chance - going into Friday’s clash, while the Blues are 1/8 favourites to head back across The Tasman with the spoils.

The hosts are 13/5 to be shock leaders at the halfway point.

Blues -18 handicap @ 13/10

The Blues have a formidable record in this fixture, having won five of their last six matches in Super Rugby encounters with the Rebels.

Not only have they been winning games against the Melbourne outfit, they have been winning convincingly.

The Blues have scored 50 or more points in each of their last four wins over the Rebels and they should have little problem falling on the right side of the -18 handicap on offer.

Under 58.5 total points @ 10/11

While the Blues look capable of putting a big score on the Rebels here, the visitors’ mean defence might keep the total score below the 58.5-point threshold on offer here.

Only conceding 18 tries in their nine games of the season so far, the Rebels have conceded 42 in comparison.

The Blues' fearsome defence should keep points at a premium for the hosts and going with under 58.5 total points might be the way to go at AAMI Park.

Rugby Union betting tips from Betfred Insights.