Brumbies Need Derby Wins to Avoid Embarrassment
Coming off a Week 6 Super Rugby bye, the ACT Brumbies now have two Australian derbies scheduled in Weeks 7 and 8, against the Reds and the Rebels. These are matches that the Canberra side needs to win convincingly, if they don’t want to be embarrassed in the quarter-finals.
None of the Australian teams are doing well in Super Rugby 2017. The Brumbies are top of the Australian Conference after only two wins from five matches, with just 11 points on the ladder. Compare that to the other conference leaders: the Crusaders on 26 points, the Stormers on 22 and the Lions on 23. The Highlanders are languishing at the bottom of the New Zealand Conference ladder, and even they outstrip the Brumbies with 14 points from three wins in six.
The structure of the 18-team Super Rugby format allows the two conference winners in each group, whatever their standings on the overall points ladder, to automatically go through to the final eight. The rest of the quarter-finalists comprise the third, fourth and fifth-placed teams in the Australasian Group, and the third-placed team in the South African Group, which includes Argentina’s Jaguares and Japan’s Sunwolves.
So as long as the Brumbies hang onto their lead in the Australian Conference, they are guaranteed a place in the final eight. However, it won’t do their pride or their morale any good to go through as the underdogs, especially if several teams that performed better overall are sidelined through a technicality.
Other Teams to Consider a Punt on
There are two matches betting fans may want to pay close attention to this Saturday. The Sharks at home to the Jaguares at King’s Park is important, because a five-pointer from either side will bring them level with the Lions, enjoying a bye this week, at the top of the Africa 2 Conference.
The Stormers, currently undefeated along with the Chiefs and the Crusaders, are way ahead in the Africa 1 Conference, on 22 points. Although the Cape Town team seems set for a quarter-finals berth, this Saturday’s clash against the Chiefs matters, because either side could overtake the Crusaders, also on a bye week, at the top of the tournament ladder. If the Chiefs win, they will take the lead in the New Zealand Conference as well.
More About Jennie Martin
After completing her degree, Jennie Martin began her journalism career by working as an intern on the entertainment pages. However, her passion for sport was quickly noticed, and she began covering local events.
She now puts her considerable expertise and more than a decades worth of experience to good use, keeping readers up to date on Australian and international sports betting news.
From the latest sporting results to the thrills and spills of the online betting industry, Jennie is the australiansportsbetting.net expert in the field.
You May Also Like:
Jones Says Tackle Height Should Be Lowered
England coach Eddie Jones says the allowable height of tackles should be lowered in youth rugby. This will further lower the risk of brain injuries in the sport, he explained. ….
Rugby Australia Commits To Improved Expenditure For 2027
Rugby Australia has promised that they will by wasting no money in the lead up to the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup. This comes after the country was selected to ….
RFL To Roll Out Risk-Detecting Mouthguards
The Rugby Football League has now approved the use of a special mouthguard capable of detecting the risk of head trauma and/or concussion. The guards will come into play from ….
Brain Injury Still A Risk For Rugby Players
Modern-day rugby players should not consider themselves exempt from the possibility of developing the same neurological disorders as former players of old as a result of injuries to the head ….
Toutai Kefu In Surgery After Home Invasion
Former Wallabies star Toutai Kefu is reportedly undergoing emergency surgery after a stabbing incident in Brisbane. Queensland police have now confirmed the incident, as well as that Kefu has sustained ….