Waratahs vs Reds Prediction: Tahs can claim spoils and bragging rights
The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign kicks off with two intriguing derbies on Friday morning (08:35 kick-off), including an all-Aussie affair at Allianz Stadium as the Waratahs host rivals the Reds in New South Wales.
Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Waratahs vs Reds prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Sydney.
Waratahs vs Reds Betting Tips
*odds correct at time of publication
Sports Welcome Offer
New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
Sports Welcome Offer
New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
The Waratahs are 5/6 to open their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a home win, while the Reds are 20/21 to head back to Brisbane with the victory.
A draw at Allianz Stadium is 33/1, while the Tahs to be leading at the half-time and full-time whistle is currently 5/4.
Team News
Starting with the Waratahs, the hosts have gone with a front row of Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins and Dan Botha, with locks Matt Philip and Miles Amatosero in behind.
Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu complete the pack, while Jake Gordon and Lawson Creighton start in the half-backs.
Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii start in the centres, while the Tahs boast a back three of Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter and James Hendren.
As for the Reds, the visitors have Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr in the front row, with locks Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the engine room.
Joe Brial, Fraser McReight and Vaiuta Latu complete the pack, with Louis Werchon and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the half-backs.
Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook pair up in the centres, while the Reds go with a back three of Tim Ryan, Lachie Anderson and Jock Campbell.
Waratahs to win @ 5/6
Boasting some of the best players from Australia's backline, it looks like the Waratahs might have the ammunition in the back division to cause the Reds problems on Friday morning.
Suaalii has the ability to punch holes in any defence from outside centre, while Jorgensen and Potter can’t be given space to roam in the wide channels.
The Reds have a decent record against the Waratahs but the NSW outfit have made good progress of late and at Allianz Stadium, it’s the Tahs who should make a winning start to the new season.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Under 55.5 total points @ 5/6
A new season brings with it some new combinations and both teams may also be a little short of match sharpness.
Neither side can be expected to come out firing in the opening round and a cagey encounter might well be on the cards on Friday.
Looking at the last Super Rugby Pacific meeting between these sides, the Reds edged to a 28-21 win in Sydney and another game with under 55.5 total points appeals.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Click the link for the latest Rugby Union Odds
Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights
Share Article
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.
