Brumbies vs Waratahs Predictions & Tips - Brumbies tipped to run riot against Waratahs

The Waratahs squad has been hit hard by the loss of key players and take a very young squad into the new Super Rugby AU campaign. After going down 41-7 to the Reds last weekend, the Waratahs could be in for another hiding. The value for this clash lies in the Brumbies covering the -17.5 handicap.

The Brumbies have beaten the Waratahs in their last five meetings.

In their previous clash, the Brumbies eased to a 38-11 home win in Canberra.

The Brumbies are the defending Super Rugby AU champions after beating the Reds 28-23 in the 2020 final. They are also the favourites to do it again in 2021.

Last week. the Canberra-based team took down the Western Force 27-11 away from home. It was the perfect start to the campaign and was a chance to get rid of any rustiness.

The Brumbies were a bit rusty, as were the opposition given that it was the first match of the season.  There is much to improve upon for Dan McKellar’s side after the Force dominated possession.

Over the course of the game, the Brumbies defence was superb, making 198 tackles and only missing 18. That is where the game was won and against a weaker Waratahs outfit, the Brumbies will fancy running in some more points.

The Brumbies will field a very similar side to last weekend. They have the best forward pack and set piece in the competition so will look to dominate those areas.

Conal McInerney and Folau Fainga’a will be rotated at hooker throughout the season, much like in 2020. Both are good try scoring options from the back of a strong maul, once you know which one will start.

The Waratahs have a young squad at their disposal and will see this campaign as a chance to rebuild. Anything other than finishing last on the Super Rugby AU table will be seen as an achievement for the Sydney franchise.

Last week the Tahs’ were beaten 41-7 by the Reds at the Suncorp Stadium. They were outplayed in just about every aspect of the match, conceding five tries while only managing to score one of their own.

The heartening thing for head coach, Rob Penney will be the Waratahs competitiveness at lineout. They managed to steal five of the Reds throw-ins but will face the best lineout in the competition this weekend.

Rob Penney will be chopping and changing his side regularly as he searches for the right combinations. Inconsistency can be expected from this young side so getting the balance of experience and youth correct will prove key.

Jake Gordon and Jack Maddocks will be important to the Tahs’ cause. They combined well for the Waratahs try last weekend and are also two of the more experienced players in the squad.