Reds:
- have lost the last two games
- have only scored 1 try in the last 2 weeks, and that was from a dubious (well, flat out wrong) TMO call
- are returning from a horrible SA tour, including being delayed by a day
- have a forward pack with a misfunctioning lineout and struggling to dominate colisions
- have lost their most penetrative back in Digby Ioane
- have been largely written off
Rebels:
- are on the back of a two game winning streak, including over the red hot Tahs
- have beaten the Stormers, who just accounted for the struggling Reds
- will be getting back their star (and soon to be current Wallaby) flyhalf, who gets to show up the overrated pretender at 10 for the Reds who apparently couldn't tackle a grandmother with a zimmer frame and turns over every second possession
- have improved their defensive effort, including conceding just 1 try to the Tahs, and that through a goal line intercept
- have the best try scoring lock in Aus
- have their captain (Higgers) in career best form
- have numerous ITM cup stars stepping up and being counted
How can you even say the Reds will be close? Surely the Rebels have got to be favourites, by about 30 - 40 points.