Rebels vs Blues Predictions & Tips - Rebels tipped to get close to Blues on home soil

The Blues did not reach the playoffs of Super Rugby Aotearoa after a disappointing season. They are however still a quality outfit and should be able to win in Melbourne. The 16 point handicap seems a bit generous so I'm backing the Rebels to cover it.

The Blues have won four of their seven matches against the Rebels with the other three going to the Melbourne side. The Rebels won their last encounter 20-10 against the Blues in 2018.

The Rebels finished Super Rugby AU in a disappointing fourth position as they were beaten to the final playoff spot by the Western Force. The Melbourne-based outfit did manage to win their last match 34-25 against the Waratahs.

Their campaign was plagued by poor attacking displays, something that will need to be sorted out over the next couple of weeks. The Rebels only managed to score 178 points in their eight matches, of which they won three. Defensively the Rebels were really strong but their inability to put points on the board cost them.

It was meant to be a season of progress for the Rebels after impressing in 2020 despite not playing any home matches. 

Dave Wessels has stepped down as head coach which sees Kevin Foote take over at the Rebels.

Micheal Icely will make his Rebels debut in the loose trio on Saturday while Lachie Anderson comes in at wing after recovering from injury.

Much like the Rebels, the Blues have not performed up to the expected standard in 2021. The Blues were the Crusaders closest challengers during 2020 but they were way off the pace in this season.

The Blues finished third on the Super Rugby Aotearoa table, level on points with the Chiefs but failed to make the final because they had less wins than the Chiefs.

In their last match the Blues beat the Chiefs 39-19 but the Chiefs rested their entire first team. Prior to that the Blues had lost two successive matches to the Highlanders and the Crusaders, both away from home.

The Blues have made three changes to their starting lineup. TJ Faiane, Josh Goodhue and Marcel Renata all start.