2020 Super Rugby AU – Reds vs Melbourne Rebels Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Reds vs Melbourne Rebels taking place? Saturday 15^th August, 2020 – 10:15 (UK)

Where is Reds vs Melbourne Rebels taking place? Suncorp Stadium

What channel is Reds vs Melbourne Rebels on? Sky Sports Action

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

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

THE TEAM NEWS

REDS

• Reds went down to a second consecutive loss in Super Rugby AU as they were hammered by NSW Waratahs last week and a big response will be required from them here as they face an in-form Melbourne Rebels.
• The Waratahs ambushed the Reds in a stunning first half display which saw them amass 38 unanswered points by half-time and the Queensland outfit will have plenty of wounds to lick after the 45-12 final score.
• They have reacted by making four changes to their run-on side but in a big blow for the Reds, they will have to make do without Dane Zander for the remainder of the season after he suffered a knee injury in training.

MELBOURNE REBELS

• Melbourne Rebels made it three wins in a row in Super Rugby AU as they produced a strong performance to defeat Brumbies last week with that result keeping them right in the mix for the title.
• The Rebels dominated in the first half and that effort proved to be enough to seal the win after they blew the Brumbies away to lead 27-7 at the break and although they did not hit the same heights in the second half, the job had been done as they ran out 30-12 winners.
• There is just one change to last week’s starting XV with Pone Fa’amausili coming into the front row whilst there are spots on the bench for vice-captain Michael Wells and Esei Haangana.

THE PREDICTION

Reds were torn to pieces by NSW Waratahs last week and they will need to produce a much better display if they to avoid a third straight loss. They face a difficult task against in-form Melbourne Rebels who arrive on the back of three successive wins and no defeat in four. The Rebels will believe they can challenge for the Super Rugby AU crown but must win here and despite coming into this game as underdogs, the Melbourne outfit can prove too much for the Reds here.