Super Rugby 2019: Brumbies vs Sharks
Venue: Bruce Stadium, Canberra
Date: Saturday, 22nd June 2019
BetXChange Odds:
Super Rugby Draw
The Brumbies will be the sole representative flying the flag for Australia in the Super Rugby play-offs and they will need to be at their best as they take on a resurgent Sharks side. The Sharks (seeded 6th in the draw) secured their spot in the last 8 with a last gasp win over the Stormers and they will be looking to make use of their fortunate break here.
Match Preview
The Brumbies stormed the Australian conference, picking up 48 points in the process, despite having the lowest points difference of any of the leading teams across the conferences but they still finished 14 points clear of their nearest divisional rivals (Rebels). The Sharks snuck into the play-off picture following their 3rd place finish in the South African conference and this should be an epic encounter as there is sure to be no love lost between the two sides.
Brumbies
The Brumbies are in the heart of a 6 game winning streak and have been in fine form in recent weeks. Such was their superiority in the Australian conference, that they have been able to rest key men in the build up to the play offs and they should have a full squad to choose from against the Sharks. They will have the support of a nation backing them and could be a shrewd outside bet at 13.00 with BetXChange to win the Super Rugby Championship this year.
They are a side full of confidence and they have not lost a home game since February and will be relying on their passionate home fans to get them over the line here. Dan McKellar has rotated his squad, making 4 changes and they should get off to a flying start in this one.
Betting Tip: Race to 10 points – Brumbies – 0.55
The Brumbies have consistently been putting points on the board of late – scoring 20 points or more in their last 6 games and they will be relishing the chance to have a crack at the Sharks here. They have a back line packed with talent with the likes of Toni Palu, Henry Speight and Irae Simone sure to be ready to cause havoc at every opportunity they are given in the final 22.
Betting Tip: Most Tries – Brumbies – 0.55
Sharks
The Sharks snuck into the play-off reckoning in the final minute of the final game of the regular season and they will be eager to make the opportunity count. Their win over the Stormers last time out stole the headlines but they have been blighted by inconsistency all season – epitomised by their record of three wins, three losses and one draw from their last 7 fixtures. Travelling to Canberra and their busy schedule could well be detrimental in their Championship push but they possess one of the best away records across all of the Super Rugby Conferences this season and they will be fancying their chances of causing an upset here. They are however the rank outsider at 40.00 with BetXChange to win the Super Rugby championship in 2019.
The two sides have yet to face each other as part of the regular season this year which could play into the Sharks hands. They have made two changes for the match with Curwin Bosch sure to be a welcome addition at full-back in the absence of Aphelele Fassi who has been ruled out through injury. They may come up short against the Brumbies but it’s unlikely to be by a landslide margin.
Betting Tip: Winning Margin – Brumbies – 1-10 points – 1.90
The Sharks have had recent success on the road by stifling sides defensively and they may look to adopt a similar style here. The Brumbies won’t be bothered about the score line in knockout rugby and a low-scoring encounter could well be on the cards in Canberra.
Betting Tip: Total Points – Under 50.5 – 0.49
BetXChange Best Bet:-
Brumbies to win the match and under 50.5 points to be scored – 0.95
