2020 Super Rugby AU – NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels taking place? Friday 24^th July, 2020 – 10:05 (UK)

Where is NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground

What channel is NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels on? Sky Sports Action

Where can I stream NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for NSW Waratahs vs Melbourne Rebels? Visit this link for ticket information on Super Rugby games

THE TEAM NEWS

NSW WARATAHS

• NSW Waratahs were unable to build on their first win of the Super Rugby AU campaign as they were edged out by the Brumbies last week but they will be frustrated that they blew a solid lead in that contest.
• The Waratahs opened up a 15-point lead in the first half but could not see it through until the break with the Brumbies closing the gap to just three points and despite extending their lead again, their failure to score a try in the second half proved costly.
• Leading by six, the Waratahs could not hang on and lost out by a solitary point and that defeat has resulted in a host of changes to this week’s 23 with Jake Gordon, Joe Cotton, Chris Talakai and Jed Holloway all included.

MELBOURNE REBELS

• Melbourne Rebels earned their first points of the competition last week as they played out an entertaining draw with the Reds in their last contest with the two teams unable to be separated but the Rebels will believe they should have won the contest.
• Leading by 10 with just six minutes to go, the Reds were able to post the points they needed to force Super Time and the Rebels were unable to get back in front with the game ending in a share of the spoils.
• Wallabies star Reece Hodge has been recalled to the starting XV after he came from the bench against the Reds while lock Trevor Hosea will make his first start and with a week’s rest behind them following their bye, the Rebels will hope to be fresh for this.

THE PREDICTION

NSW Waratahs suffered a disappointing defeat last week despite leading for much of the contest and they will be desperate to respond as they host Melbourne Rebels. The visitors come into this on the back of their bye week but they should be on a high after earning their first points of the competition with a draw with the Reds. They too will feel they should have come out on top but blew a late lead in that contest and will be desperate to earn their first win of the tournament, although with this game able to go either way, it might be a tight affair that goes under 52.5 points.