Melbourne Rebels vs ACT Brumbies - Super Rugby - Betting Tips 08-03-2019

The Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies both entered the 2019 Super Rugby season with high hopes of making the finals. Just a few weeks in and the Rebels are one of two unbeaten teams in Super Rugby. The Brumbies, on the other hand, fly to Melbourne Friday night to start a three-week stretch of Australian derbies that will make or break their season.

Rebels Have Edge over Brumbies

This is the second of two meetings between the Rebels and the Brumbies this season. The Rebels won 34-27 on the Brumbies’ home turf in the season-opener on Feb 15. Melbourne scored five tries to four on that occasion, including two from full back Jack Maddocks. They also benefited from better accuracy with the boot, with Quade Cooper converting three tried for the Rebels and Christian Lealiifano converting two for the Brumbies.

Hurricanes v Brumbies | Super Rugby 2019 Rd 3 Highlights
The @Hurricanesrugby turn it on after half time in Palmerstown North for an impressive 43-13 victory over the visiting @BrumbiesRugby. pic.twitter.com/PHDEGq2Czq

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) March 1, 2019

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is expected to persist with the line-up that suffered a 43-13 thumping in Wellington last Friday night. Likewise, Rebels’ coach David Wessels will be happy with the squad that beat the Highlanders 24-19 at AAMI Park last Friday.

Rebels v Highlanders | Super Rugby 2019 Rd 3 Highlights
The @MelbourneRebels break their drought against New Zealand teams and hold on for a huge 24-19 win against the @Highlanders in a hot and humid Melbourne#SuperRugby #REBvHIG pic.twitter.com/TY6pys2UJH

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) March 1, 2019

Rebels v Brumbies Betting Tips

Given the gap between these two sides early in the season, the bookies are offering some great odds on the Rebels. For example, Neds is paying 1.58 outright for a Rebels win and 1.85 for the Rebels with a -3.5 handicap.

The Brumbies led at half time in their earlier clash. There’s a good chance they’ll race out of the blocks again given what’s on the line. PointsBet is offering juicy 6.75 odds on a Brumbies / Rebels half time / full time double in this match.

Tom English and Jack Maddocks have both scored three tries in the Rebels’ two games this season, putting them equal-second in the league despite having played one fewer game than most other players. The top bookies will have player scoring odds closer to matchday.