2020 Super Rugby AU – Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force taking place? Saturday 5^th September, 2020 – 08:05 (UK)

Where is Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force taking place? McDonald Jones Stadium

What channel is Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force on? Sky Sports Action

Where can I stream Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go

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

THE TEAM NEWS

MELBOURNE REBELS

• Melbourne Rebels lost out in their key clash with NSW Waratahs last week but they secured a crucial bonus point late in the game to leave themselves in a strong position to earn a spot in the finals.
• The Waratahs now sit four points ahead of the Rebels but their campaign is over and after Matt To’omua’s 77^th minute penalty earned the Melbourne side a losing bonus point by finishing with seven points, they just need to win this by four or more points to finish third.
• There has been mixed news on the injury front ahead of this clash with captain Dane Haylett-Petty making a welcome return to the side at fullback but star prop Pone Fa’amausili is out with a hamstring injury.

WESTERN FORCE

• Western Force failed to break their duck in Super Rugby AU as they lost for the seventh game in succession in this competition with the Brumbies able to get the better of them in last week’s contest.
• Despite the loss, the Force produced a solid performance as they kept the Brumbies within touching distance for much of the contest until the side at the top of the standings were able to post 14 unanswered points to seal the win.
• In what is their final game of the campaign, the Force have made several changes to their side with Richard Kahui one of those to drop out of the side with Byron Ralson earning the chance to start.

THE PREDICTION

Melbourne Rebels could have made their task of making the finals an easier one by beating NSW Waratahs last week but they were able to snatch a bonus point to make their task a simple one this week. They need to beat winless Western Force by at least four points to leapfrog the Waratahs into third spot and they are well fancied to do that against the strugglers. The Force have put in some solid showings in this competition but have rarely done so for a full 80 minutes and with the Rebels having so much at stake, they should be able to win this one by at least 10 points.