Force odds blow out amid controversial rotation strategy

WESTERN Force have drifted rapidly in the betting market amid fears coach Michael Foley could bench key starting players against Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Force head coach Michael Foley looks on before the round 17 Super Rugby match between the Force and the Blues at nib Stadium on June 28, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

THE Western Force have drifted rapidly in the betting market amid fears coach Michael Foley could bench key starting players against Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies on Friday night.

The Force were already outsiders in the contest, but bookmaker TAB pushed them out from $4.10 to $5 in the past hour after whispers emerged that up to five starting player will be benched for the match in Perth.

The Brumbies have firmed from $1.25 to $1.18, while their line has drifted from -9.5 points to -11.5.

The Force scored its first win of the season against the Reds.

A Force spokesman confirmed that at least three changes will be made to their starting team from last weekend; halfback Ian Prior starting over Alby Mathewson, hooker Heath Tessman coming in over Nathan Charles, while Wallaby Ben McCalman starts at No.8 ahead of Angus Cottrell - which actually strengthens the side.

However, there is talk that other changes will occur in the forward pack.

The Brumbies said they will make only injury-enforced changes to their starting team, with Jarrad Butler coming in for Ita Vaea, and Rory Arnold starting in place of Blake Enever.

Their top guns David Pocock, Stephen Moore, Christian Lealiifano, Matt Toomua, Tevita Kuridrani and Joe Tomane are all expected to start.

It is unclear how much money has been wagered on the match so far, but the TAB has left open the possibility that the odds will continue to blow out this afternoon.

The Brumbies have won seven of the past eight games against the Force, and in the first two rounds this year have shown they will be the team to beat, having impressively knocked off the Hurricanes and Waratahs, who both made the semi-finals last year.

TAB ODDS

Head to Head

1PM

Brumbies: $1.25

Force:$4.10

NOW

Brumbies $1.18

Force $5

LINE

1PM

Brumbies -9.5 @ $1.95

Force +9.5 @ $1.95

NOW

Brumbies -11.5 @ $1.95

Force +11.5 @ $1.95

Originally published as Force odds blow out amid controversial rotation strategy