Rebels vs Western Force Predictions & Tips - Close Melbourne encounter predicted

The Rebels and Western Force have not been the best in attacking areas this season, so this should be another low scoring affair between the sides. I’m tipping the Force to finish within nine points and potentially even sneak a win.

Rebels hold a 12-4 advantage over the Western Force in their last 16 matches.

When they met earlier this season the Rebels won 10-7 in Perth.

The Rebels are third on the Super Rugby AU table, 14 points adrift of the second placed Brumbies. They have however played a game less.

With the season fast moving towards a conclusion, the Rebels chances of reaching the final is all but over. There will need to be a dramatic turnaround in form for them to finish in the top two.

Last week the Rebels had a great chance to narrow the margin when they welcomed the Reds to Melbourne. Unfortunately a nightmare start saw the Reds race into an early lead from which the Rebels never recovered. 

The 44-19 home defeat was the Rebels worst performance of the season. Prior to that, the Rebels beat the Western Force and Waratahs but have struggled against the teams above them. 

The Rebels are sticking with Frank Lomani at wing after his stellar performance last weekend. He was one of the few highlights for them.

Reece Hodge returns to fullback with Lewis Holland coming in at inside centre. Tom Pincus finds himself on the bench this weekend.

At hooker, Jordan Uelese makes way for James Hanson.

The Western Force are fourth on the table, four points off the Rebels. A bonus point win in Melbourne will put the Force above the Rebels in third.

While the Force have only managed one win this season, they will carry some confidence into this fixture. When they last met the Rebels beat them 10-7 in what can only be described as a terrible game of rugby.

Last week the Western Force had a bye, prior to which they suffered a 42-14 away defeat to the Brumbies. The week before the Force were impressive, going down 26-19 to a much-fancied Reds outfit.

The Western Force have opted to change things up a bit this weekend. Domingo Miotti comes in at flyhalf to partner fellow Argentine, Tomas Cubelli at scrumhalf. Jordan Olowofela starts on the left wing while Kyle Godwin is in at inside centre.

There are changes among the forward pack as well. Tomas Lezana starts at the back of the scrum while Jeremy Thrush comes in for Sitaleki Timani at lock.