Cats vs Brumbies ( Friday 17:10 GMT, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Few can forgive the Aussies, especially handicap backers last week, after the Brumbies dismal performance against the Shakrs last week. By all accounts, they were dreadful in that first half, and although were a different team in the second, the damage was already done.
If the Brumbies have any realistic title ambitions this season, then they will have to beat teams like the Sharks and the Cats. South African soil is always a daunting place to go and play rugby, and the big African forwards will always look to dominate. However, I am ready for a Brumbies backlash today. They must make a statement by beating the Cats today. Aussies will be reeling after last week, but if they can pick up where they left off in that second half, then they can defy the spread line.
They will be weakened with the loss of Andrew Walker, who has been dropped for a night on the piss, while Stirling Mortlock is out with a shoulder injury. The fact that this rules out their two recognised goal kickers is a concern, but Joe Roff is a able deputy, and I expect tries from the Brumbies, never mind goals.
The Brumbies will have to overcome the Cats pack, in paticular ex-Springbok skipper Bobby Skinstad, and up and coming future Bok Hendro Scholtz. However, the Brumbies are not short of a class forward or two either. George Smith is arguably the worlds best open side, and Austin Healy's buddy, Justin Harrison is always a force in the second row.
I am willing to excuse the Brumbies performance one last time, having backed them on three successive weekends. They brought home the money in round one, but will not be getting my vote in future should they lose today.
1 Point Win Brumbies (-5) at 10/11 with Sporting Odds
Back tomorrow.....Good Luck
Few can forgive the Aussies, especially handicap backers last week, after the Brumbies dismal performance against the Shakrs last week. By all accounts, they were dreadful in that first half, and although were a different team in the second, the damage was already done.
If the Brumbies have any realistic title ambitions this season, then they will have to beat teams like the Sharks and the Cats. South African soil is always a daunting place to go and play rugby, and the big African forwards will always look to dominate. However, I am ready for a Brumbies backlash today. They must make a statement by beating the Cats today. Aussies will be reeling after last week, but if they can pick up where they left off in that second half, then they can defy the spread line.
They will be weakened with the loss of Andrew Walker, who has been dropped for a night on the piss, while Stirling Mortlock is out with a shoulder injury. The fact that this rules out their two recognised goal kickers is a concern, but Joe Roff is a able deputy, and I expect tries from the Brumbies, never mind goals.
The Brumbies will have to overcome the Cats pack, in paticular ex-Springbok skipper Bobby Skinstad, and up and coming future Bok Hendro Scholtz. However, the Brumbies are not short of a class forward or two either. George Smith is arguably the worlds best open side, and Austin Healy's buddy, Justin Harrison is always a force in the second row.
I am willing to excuse the Brumbies performance one last time, having backed them on three successive weekends. They brought home the money in round one, but will not be getting my vote in future should they lose today.
1 Point Win Brumbies (-5) at 10/11 with Sporting Odds
Back tomorrow.....Good Luck
