Reds vs Waratahs Tips - Waratahs backed against the odds in Super Rugby

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 22 Feb 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 22 Feb 2024

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Tips for Reds vs Waratahs in Super Rugby on Saturday
Hosts lost their last 4 games last season
Can the Tahs’ cause an upset in Round 1?

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Waratahs made the Super Rugby playoffs in 2023, beating the Reds on their way (Getty Images)

Reds vs Waratahs Tips

The Reds are favourites at home in this Aussie derby with a five-point handicap. Last season the Tahs’ won this fixture and also had a better overall season. I sense an upset on the cards in Queensland.

Reds vs Waratahs Tips
Head to Head
Reds Form
Reds Team News
Waratahs Form
Waratahs Team News

Reds finished 8th in Super Rugby last season.
Reds lost their last 4 Super Rugby matches.
Waratahs finished 6th in Super Rugby last season.
Waratahs beat the Reds 32-24 away last season.

Head to Head

The Waratahs beat the Reds 32-24 away from home last season.

Reds Form

The Reds had a disappointing season in 2023 after a couple of strong years in 2021 and 2022. They still just made it into the playoffs, winning five of their 14 games.

Finishing eighth was however never going to turn out great for the Queensland side. They had to travel to face the table-topping Chiefs in the quarter-final.

While the Reds gave a very good account of themselves in that fixture, they ended up losing 29-20. It was no disaster given how dominant the Chiefs had been all season.

Reds Team News

The Reds are not littered with international stars, but they do have a solid Super Rugby side. There will be a big reliance on experienced internationals such as Tate McDermott and James O’Connor.

Waratahs Form

The Waratahs endured shocking three terrible seasons in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Last year, they got themselves together to produce a very strong season as they finished sixth on the table.

With six wins in 14 matches, the Sydney-based outfit reached the quarter-finals. They ran out of steam in that last eight fixture, losing 41-12 in Auckland to the Blues.

Nevertheless, the Tahs’ will be pleased with their overall performance and will be looking for a repeat if not an improved season in 2024.

Waratahs Team News

For a few years the Waratahs suffered in Super Rugby with a young side. They started reaping the benefits last year as those players started maturing and coming into their own.

This season they have a number of players who are likely to impress. Angus Bell has been superb for a couple of seasons now while Dave Porecki is also pushing for higher honours.