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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Preview: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night sees the Rebels host Western Force in Melbourne. They won two of their five games so far. Despite their loss v Reds last week. A win here would mean a step closer to the Finals.

Well at least for the the Qualifying Final game. Where the 2nd v 3rd best fuel for that one Final spot against the top ranked team. Rebels have won the last three games against Force. Both at home and away. While the Force desperately need a win in order to stay in contention for 3rd.

The Perth based side has won one game v Waratahs in Week 3 away. Nearly got themselves on the finish line against the Rebels at home. And Reds on their turf in Week 5. But have a tough last game out v Brumbies in Canberra. The last time the Force beat Rebels in Melbourne was Week 8. That was on the 12th June 2015 at 11-13. And the overall game v Rebels was Week 16 on 7th July 2017 in Perth, 31-22.

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. With James Hanson as the starting hooker. Rob Leota dispatches Steve Cummins on the second row. Where he will join Trevor Hosea at five. Josh Kemeny, Richard Hardwick & Michael Wells as back rowers. So that is the Rebels forward line-up for tomorrow.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9 & 10 combination. Two flying Fijian born stars on the wing. Such as Marika Koroibete on the left. And Frank Lomani in the opposite dial on the right flank. Lewis Holland gets his first start at inside centre. Stacey Ili remains alongside Holland in the Rebels midfield. And Reece Hodge moved to 15.

Subs

Jordan Uelese pushed down to reserve hooker by Hanson. Matt Gibbon & Lucio Sordoni in the props. Steve Cummins is also dispatched by Rob Leota at reserve lock. Brad Wilkin as loose forward. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell. Tom Pincus usually at full-back over the past few weeks. Now as backup fly-half or 15 if needed. Before Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 match day squad v Force.

Western Force

Tom Robertson slots in at loosehead. And Santiago Medrano alongside him at tighthead. Felati Kaitu’u has the usual throw-in. Behind that front three is Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani. Then Fergus Lee-Warner on the blindside & Kane Koteka on the openside. Before Tomas Lezana replaces Brynard Stander at 8.

Tomas Cubelli at half-back. Where he is joined by fellow Argentine Domingo Milotti in 1st five-eighth. Jordan Olowofela & Bryon Ralston on the wings. Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. As Jack McGregor ticks off the Force XV v Rebels.

Subs

Andrew Ready now back after he served his three-game ban. Angus Wagner & Jack Winchester in the props. Kieran Longbottom as lock. Ryan McCauley at Flanker/Number 8. Now the next two are also forwards. But had to fill-in due to plenty of injuries in their backline. Such as Tim Anstee & Brynard Stander. Before Ian Prior rounds off the bench for tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Rebels knows how to connect the attack on occasions. Having eventually settled into the game. But fell behind when firing off. Where they picked up plenty of ill-discipline. And not enough time to bounce back. The home team need to score early as soon as it started. Otherwise they will struggle like last week & it will cost them.

While the Force also need to cut the lost penalties as well. It really limited their chances to get going with the possession on hand. With no score made in the first 40. They did get going in the 2nd half alone which was not enough. Once again the Force need a way to build a competitive lead early. Before it is too late.

It is 3rd v 4th placed sides to duel in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. One of them will step forward and look to hold on for that Qualifying Final berth. But I will go for the Rebels to win by six points. And step closer to the Playoffs for their 2nd year.

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Rugby News Australia, Ned Hanigan set for a return with NSW Waratahs ahead of 2022

by Sports Benches

He may be playing in Japan Top League right now with Kurita Water Gush. But the good news is that he is set to return to NSW Waratahs ahead of 2022. The confirmation is not offical just yet.

At least it will add much needed experience. Especially with the second row options are youth. But they need mentoring so Ned is the ideal man. So these kids can be comfortable playing Super Rugby in the long-term. He is 25 years old who has lot of energy left to contribute. As this team is going through a very tough time in both ways. Having seen Rob Penney dismissed before last week.

And the losses still pile up against them after five meetings. Despite a much improved performance v the Brumbies at home. Thanks to the return of half-back Jake Gordon from injury. It goes to show that the Tahs are a young side right now.

But more experienced heads would make up their rebuilding phase. Once they get Hanigan back. The next task is stop Angus Bell from going to a rival Super Rugby club. This board should take account of their failures of late. And take things different that would stop them from repeating the same errors. Tahs giving what the young loosehead prop wants will be great. Then they can imagine a brilliant forward line from the 2022 SR season.

Angus Bell & Harry Johnson-Holmes in the props. Tom Horton as the main hooker. Ned Hanigan & Jeremy Williams just behind the front three. Before you add Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper & Will Harris as back rowers. That is a balanced department of both youth & experience.

Same goes with the nine & ten duo of Jake Gordon & Will Harrison. As would the midfield pairing in the centres. Such as Lalakai Foketi & Izaia Perese. I would be alright with Jack Maddocks or Mark Nawaqanitawase at full-back. Just an experience winger or two would complete this rebuild. If the Tahs do really want to spend $2 million during the off season.

Plus another experienced lock & number 8 would not go amiss. Just in case if the Tahs still have some spare money. For now the interim co-coaching system has gave them a boost. Thanks to number of stars back from injury/suspension. In which backed up their improved run despite the narrow loss. All eyes on the board to address these key issues within management. Or everyone else will not thrive without a rugby dominated state.

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Rugby News, Super Rugby Trans-Tasman can go ahead thanks to the reopening of the Australia-New Zealand border

by Sports Benches

Glad to see the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman leg going ahead. When New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arderh gave the green light yesterday. So Australia and New Zealand are allowed to travel each other. Without the need to quarantine in return for just both of us.

The earliest we can travel to NZ begins on April 19. Which is just right ahead of Anzac Day on April 25. I cannot wait personally to see one of the New Zealand teams come here. And battle against the best of the Australian sides. We might be on the closing stages of the Super Rugby AU at Week 8. Two weeks of round-Robin match ups. Followed by a Qualifying Final & Final. The Aotearoa portion catches up just after six rounds of play. With four weeks left followed by the one big final.

Then we have the condensed five round competition. Plus the Final before the International Tests come in. It will be the best sides of both countries. I would love the Super Round to happen. Where all 10 teams get to play a week in the one venue. But it will not happen for just this year. Fingers crossed for 2022 though.

It does not mean we will be able to go to another state. Or pop up a weekend in the Ditch before going home on Sunday.

There is no better time right now to see Crusaders v Brumbies. Two of the best in each end. As well as Blues v Reds where they both resurged in their own domestic portions. It will benefit the best of Australia and New Zealand. Helping each other out to test these limits. Which is going to be more competitive. And even entertaining in the long-run. That would finally see the Wallabies win the silverware off NZ every few years.

Although the Super Rugby AU has been wonderful since mid-2020. You have all five Australian teams batting out for the one title. It makes most sports fans here reignite the game. With more exciting rules via the 50/22 or 22/50 kick. Plus the Goal Line Drop Out. More free kicks. And the Golden TRY through extra time.

But the only weakness is this competition runs for 10-12 weeks. Unlike the Aussie Rules & Rugby League. The full transition into a 20-24 week Trans-Tasman comp from 2022 will help. Teams such as South Africa, Argentina & Japan are not there anymore. Which saves long travel times and overnight stays up. That is no more.

Image Reference: Wikipedia

And I am saving it on Friday May 14 as the opening date. Highlanders face the Queensland Reds in Dunedin. As well as sometime during any of the five rounds on-site. We just cannot wait to watch both as a fan and update here on this blog!

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Rugby Union News, ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar perfect for the Wallabies top job but wait until 2024

by Sports Benches

Wallabies are trying to pull off another Stephen Larkham here. When they want to use the brains from one of the best Super Rugby clubs. Especially at the Top 2 in Australia alone. Just like the Crusaders as a sidestick to the All Blacks. As Kirstie Stanway said to me on YouTube last year.

It did pay off the first time that helped Michael Cheika in 2015. Not only the Wallabies won the shortened Rugby Championship. But also the Rugby World Cup Final during the same year. Then they were downhill ever since. And these poor results along the way was the last of him.

Even though Stephen had to sacrifice his Brumbies role. When he left after the 2017 Super Rugby season. Brumbies came home 4th overall. 1st in the Australian conference. But barely gone past the Final 8 v Hurricanes. He did finish worse than 6th. And made the semis during his first two seasons as Head Coach. All of them throughout his four year tenure in 2014-17.

Now when Dan took over since 2018 it might have taken time. Where the Brumbies finished 10th during his first season. Bounced back in Year 2 during 2019 in 3rd that extended through to the semi-final. And gone one better with the Super Rugby AU title last year. Even though the usual competition was shuffled around due to COVID. But a first title win for any kind is an achievement.

There are a few weaknesses to address under his skin. Such as the key injury/suspension hit lists. Which exposed their ill-discipline and defense. One was Allan Alaalatoa for a red card during Week 3 v Melbourne Rebels. He has served his three-game ban. And should he back by Saturday v Reds. But at the same time they saw Tom Cusack given both yellows.

That was last week away v Waratahs with a couple of weeks out of action. Jahrome Brown is also in there. But it was through an injury. It will be interesting to see if the Brumbies can stay on track. Especially with Will Miller around for the rest of the Super Rugby AU season. In the hope of answering their loose forward crisis. It does not affect their usual attacking setup too much. Where it remained intact as their main weapon over the last 5-6 years.

The next question is how long Dan will stay at the Brumbies? Before things can go wrong like the Reds did since Ewen McKenzie left in 2013. And later recovered under Brad Thorn. As well as the Waratahs after Michael Cheika who followed suit two years later. Both of them coincidentally went on to become Wallaby coaches. If Dan does replace Dave Rennie in the green and gold top job. It would most likely after the 2023 World Cup.

What would the Brumbies do in order to prepare for life after him? The answer is to get someone who knows this club inside out. Whether it will be another Brumbies legend. Or else a coach who is the best of club rugby in this state. He has to carry the legacy of what Dan McKellar did over the last four years. And it will be up to the board to look after their their top players.

Before they can look forward to more consistent seasons. No matter who will be at the helm in five to ten years. While Dan will not be unnoticed for the Wallaby top job. As long as the Brumbies are still doing well. Not just in Super Rugby AU. But also against the New Zealand teams. When the Trans-Tasman leg starts in mid May.

Once he eventually becomes head coach of the Wallabies. It will be his chance to get the best Super Rugby players in this country. At least 23 of them in any of the important tests. And use this Brumbies mantra to help Australia beat the All Blacks regularly. For now he is best suited for the Brumbies for another 1-2 years.

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Rugby News Australia, Will Miller back at the Brumbies as short-term cover in the flanker department

by Sports Benches

Will Miller may be enjoying life after rugby right now. Having seen him hang up the boots last year full-time. So he can work on the farm which suits him well. That will not change his mind forever and ever.

But the Brumbies have experienced a few weaknesses. Most notably the number of injury lit lists in the treatment room. As well as their first loss in a long time v Queensland Reds at home. And they just escaped a near loss v Waratahs a few days ago. Only by a two-point difference.

That is pretty much a wake up call. They gave a couple of penalties away via the ill-discipline. Which exposed their defensive struggles at times. Without Will you have two current loose forwards in his openside role. Jahrome Brown who is a bright prospect at 24. But have been inconsistent on occasions. As well as a nasty injury picked up last week in Sydney.

So Jahrome would be out for the rest of this Super Rugby AU competition. While Tom Cusack might have done okay with the basics. And captained the side during Week 4 v Reds. But he had a very nasty night at the same time. Where Tom copped two yellow cards that later became red. It is something that also spotted a sign of the Brumbies crisis area.

After Tom and Jahrome there is a couple of inexperienced guys in this group. Both Rory Scott & Luke Reimer. Again they are young who is tipped for great potential in 2-3 years. But not yet ready to get used to the senior setup. Which is why Will has came to the rescue. He is still on his prime at the minute despite not playing much nowadays. Brumbies see him as their new weapon towards their title defense. With three weeks of group stage play. And two weeks of Playoffs action until the end.

In my opinion Will has to make up his game day fitness. This is the first important step if he was to walk in the Brumbies XV immediately. Then he will be able to know what is it like to face the Reds. We know under his guidance the Brumbies won against Queensland 2-1 last year. It is important that the Reds must know their opponents are a different team now. Not the same one from Week 4 in Canberra. As Allan Alaalatoa should return now after his three-week ban.

We cannot wait for another Grand Final rematch on Saturday. This time on the Reds stomping grounds in Brisbane.

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Rugby Union News, NSW Waratahs must meet what Angus Bell wants as part of their rebuilding phase

by Sports Benches

A few days after the Waratahs have made some progress. Despite the narrow loss against the Brumbies at home. But there is every reason to put so much heart in this rebuilding path. Ever since the Tahs began to collapse at least since 2019.

Which is the same time as the Reds were very much dismantled. Even the damage was done years before Ewen McKenzie left in 2013. Two of his successors did not do a good job. Then Brad Thorn took over as Coach in 2018. Their resurrection did not complete overnight. But eventually ever since Super Rugby AU began last year they battled in the Top 2. And now they are undefeated so far in this season.

Now the focus is here goes to Angus Bell who plays at loosehead prop. He is a very bright prospect at age 20. Having came from a rugby-led background via his dad Mark. And has made a cap or two last year with the Wallabies. In the hope of adding more later this year. Not just France. But also the Rugby Championship.

The question remains here if Angus will leave the Tahs? And join a rival Super Rugby club? This beleaguered team at the minute hit and missed plenty of opportunities. It may be a young side in progress right now. Such as Carlo Tizzano on the openside role. You got Mark Nawaqanitawase playing some minutes at wing/full-back. And Jeremy Williams put a great shift in the second row. Especially with that cameo TRY v Rebels away.

But definitely retain Angus here for 3-4 years. He has to be part of the Tahs rebuild that would finally benefit everyone else. It is up to the board to offer what he wants. As said a while ago that they have a predominately young squad. So there is not much leaders out there like Jake Gordon. Which is something the NSW need to find later this year ahead of 2022.

There is nothing against these youngsters moving to the senior setup. Just need excellent mentors who have lots of expertise & glory before. And it will no doubt benefit the current youth crop regarding competition. That includes Angus Bell who would give his hometown a helping hand. In my opinion two new wingers on each flank. Plus an extra second rower. All of them experienced would be exactly the Tahs need to buy.

So once the Tahs balance a side with youth and experience. These youngsters will be able to learn from someone who is at their prime. Or else way past it towards the twilight stages. Before they are able to become leaders of this squad. Just like a couple of Reds youngsters now who have 3-4 years experience. And played like they are used to Super Rugby level for a long time. That is a lesson the Waratahs must take note. Not only the experienced men can help them win. The youngsters would be happy to follow their lead. And pass to the next generation in 10-15 years.

It might be reasonable to see Angus join the Brumbies. They are like the Crusaders out of the five Australian Super Rugby teams. Two of their experienced props are approaching their twilight years. And the Brumbies see Angus as a natural fit. As he would be guaranteed a starting spot every week. But for the best interest that would reshape Australian Rugby. The Tahs must and should retain him in a long-term deal.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds wrap up in Melbourne still up front v the Rebels. They fired off with three spectacular touch scores in the first 20 minutes. Might have faltered in between on occasions. When the lost penalties slapped against them. That saw the home side began catch up to a ten point buffer at half-time. But they were able to regroup together with more big scores. So the momentum returned as it was from the beginning. Thanks to their impressive attacking setup. The more the Reds have the ball in hand. The better it will be to dictate the game and cap it off their way.

Rebels on the other hand be disappointed not to win another one at home. They eventually got the ball rolling. Especially with Frank Lomani got involved a lot more going forward. So much pace that helped put some points for this side. Plus the talkup that brought a couple of his own through the channels. The same goes to Michael Wells on his defensive contribution. Having seen him dived in the Reds poor areas and flipped into winning penalties. But sadly it is about the slow starts & inconsistent long runs. Like the fumbling & impatient setup last night. As this limit plenty of chances with the ball.

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

While we look back at the Friday night game in the same round. It was the NSW Waratahs hosting their 2nd home game of 2021. This time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents is the defending Super Rugby AU champs ACT Brumbies.

Waratahs have improved in some ways after a tough week beforehand. Thanks to the return of usual half-back Jake Gordon. He really gave this embattled team a hand. Where the Tahs gave themselves ample time with the ball. Due to the brilliant work in defense. And were firing that picked a few touch points. But they were gutted not to get the conversion kick right after 80 mins. Tahs still need to fix their discipline. As well as the patience going forward. Then this side would be able to finally get a win. But not this game.

And the Brumbies left the SCG unscathed with the two point win. It was a close one to escape after the Tahs missed conversion kick. They were not cooperating for the majority. Having seen them lose plenty of penalties via the ill-discipline. It saw two players receive the yellow card. Most notably Tom Cusack who was hit with a double yellow that turned into red. This is one area they need to fix before their next meeting in Brisbane. But there is no doubt their attack is still superior as seen in the first 40. They got themselves on the board early. Before stayed ahead with a decent total that gave the best chance to win.

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

We are going into Week 8 of 10 in the round-robin portion. Rebels will still be at home in Melbourne on Friday night. As their next meeting is against the Western Force from Perth. While Saturday night sees the Reds v Brumbies. Now we will wait and see where they will play. It will be a Queensland home game. But with the recent spike of COVID cases there. The ground is still yet to be confirmed at this stage. And the Waratahs will take the bye.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds wrap up in Melbourne still up front v the Rebels. They fired off with three spectacular touch scores in the first 20 minutes. Might have faltered in between on occasions. When the lost penalties slapped against them. That saw the home side began catch up to a ten point buffer at half-time. But they were able to regroup together with more big scores. So the momentum returned as it was from the beginning. Thanks to their impressive attacking setup. The more the Reds have the ball in hand. The better it will be to dictate the game and cap it off their way.

Rebels on the other hand be disappointed not to win another one at home. They eventually got the ball rolling. Especially with Frank Lomani got involved a lot more going forward. So much pace that helped put some points for this side. Plus the talkup that brought a couple of his own through the channels. The same goes to Michael Wells on his defensive contribution. Having seen him dived in the Reds poor areas and flipped into winning penalties. But sadly it is about the slow starts & inconsistent long runs. Like the fumbling & impatient setup last night. As this limit plenty of chances with the ball.

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

While we look back at the Friday night game in the same round. It was the NSW Waratahs hosting their 2nd home game of 2021. This time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents is the defending Super Rugby AU champs ACT Brumbies.

Waratahs have improved in some ways after a tough week beforehand. Thanks to the return of usual half-back Jake Gordon. He really gave this embattled team a hand. Where the Tahs gave themselves ample time with the ball. Due to the brilliant work in defense. And were firing that picked a few touch points. But they were gutted not to get the conversion kick right after 80 mins. Tahs still need to fix their discipline. As well as the patience going forward. Then this side would be able to finally get a win. But not this game.

And the Brumbies left the SCG unscathed with the two point win. It was a close one to escape after the Tahs missed conversion kick. They were not cooperating for the majority. Having seen them lose plenty of penalties via the ill-discipline. It saw two players receive the yellow card. Most notably Tom Cusack who was hit with a double yellow that turned into red. This is one area they need to fix before their next meeting in Brisbane. But there is no doubt their attack is still superior as seen in the first 40. They got themselves on the board early. Before stayed ahead with a decent total that gave the best chance to win.

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

We are going into Week 8 of 10 in the round-robin portion. Rebels will still be at home in Melbourne on Friday night. As their next meeting is against the Western Force from Perth. While Saturday night sees the Reds v Brumbies. Now we will wait and see where they will play. It will be a Queensland home game. But with the recent spike of COVID cases there. The ground is still yet to be confirmed at this stage. And the Waratahs will take the bye.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Report: Rebels v Reds

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds gone ahead swiftly with the first few points. There was great defense from Jock Campbell who read the Rebels isolation. He dragged Frank Lomani into touch one by one. Before the away side got it done via Taniela Tupou.

Not long later the Rebels were isolated when they have the ball in front. The pass from Reece Hodge was not close. Instead it was a vague pass to Matt Toomua. As Hunter Paisami read it well that helped him intercept the ball. And ran more than 50 meters of pace. In which was too easy to touch down. Queensland Reds now extend their lead to 14-0 after five mins.

That poor start continues from the Melbourne based side. With Queensland extended their lead to 17. Thanks to an accurate three-point slot from James O’Connor. The current skipper at No.10 went on to assist a 2nd patient run to Taniela Tupou. Especially when the Rebels have not yet turned around. Such as the lost penalties and miscommunication with the ball. Reds now 24-0 after 18 minutes.

At last the Rebels have began to dig a hole. The winning penalties are there to claim. Which saw take themselves some time with the ball. Before Matt Toomua able to find the offload. Having looked at the width of the field that eventually found a gap. Thanks to Frank Lomani who processed this 1st big score on the right wing. Rebels now 7-24 after 30 minutes.

Then Rebels followed up with a brilliant next run. Melbourne took advantage of the Reds lack of feel this time. Unlike the momentum shown during the first 20 minutes. Where Frank Lomani break through their gate. And called out Reece Hodge with the brilliant offload. This is great talkup that helped this midfield runner touched down. Rebels now 10 points behind the Reds ahead of half-time. As they are not done early just yet.

Half-Time: Rebels 14-24 Reds

Nothing much changed from the Reds after 20 minutes of play. Where the initial momentum tag flipped upside down into lost penalties. In contrary to the Rebels who have remained patient with the ball in hand. But lost their way forward. As the Reds bounced back. Thanks to a great line from Jock Campbell. Michael Wells have held him short the first time. Just not enough bodies around to save it that saw the Reds score again. Rebels 24-31 after 47 minutes courtesy of Fraser McWright.

Reds went on to push a bit further via the penalty kick. While the Rebels dropped the momentum on their next run. Such as the lost penalties given away. And a disjointed attacking talkup. That cost them the chance to close the opposition down. Rebels 14-34 with nearly 20 to go.

The away team continued to profit the Rebels decline. Having seen them being warned after they were hit with the penalty. They backed up with decent patience in return. Due to the excellent talkup via the set piece play. And James O’Connor controlled the game well via the short ball. With Jock Campbell as the recipient for the next big score. Rebels 14-39 Reds after the 65th minute mark.

The men in blue have responded immediately. Courtesy of Michael Wells on the far left on the Rebels. After Frank Lomani continued to break a couple of meters into the Reds half. As seen a couple of times tonight. But they are still 20 points behind the Reds at 19-39.

And it is the Reds who continued in a winning fashion. When Bryce Hegarty made a brilliant cross kick onto the far right. Saw Reece Hodge fumbled the ball up high. Before it landed in front of sub utility back Josh Flook. He tapped the ball down within the touch line. In which secured his first Super Rugby TRY. The final scorecard is Rebels 19-44 Reds.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7: Top 3 players from the Rebels v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Taniela Tupou is the No.1 pick tonight on the tighthead front row. Such an all-round player to watch in both attack and defense. He noticed the Rebels not cooperating in return. Where they fired off against their way earlier on. And it helped him mark them down. With nowhere to pass/find support that left it isolated.

It gave the Reds time to get around their half. Which is exactly how they wanted him to split the Rebels into pieces. You look at the physicality and running that lifted his side early. Thanks to the short ball offloads and set piece assists going forward. As he was able to process up two tries by himself during the first 40 run.

He may have deserved a well earned rest after 65 plus minutes tonight. Having fired off well. Then saw them gave away some penalties on occasions. But the Reds was eventually settled to remain undefeated after half-time. And there is none other than the Tongan Thor who continues to play very well. Taniela will no doubt look to guide the Reds towards the championship. Should they make it to the Grand Final once again & go one better.

Fraser McReight

He also really stood out on the openside back row role. Where Fraser read it well to spot the Rebels being isolated. Especially after their attacking setup did not start well. Despite some points against them during portions tonight. But at large the opposition lost their way with the ball.

So that was one thing in mind that helped him protect his forwards. It allowed the Reds to take their time. When the referee gave the ball control to them. Which saw Fraser build up the attack to gain these meters. Before he called his backline to give the return he needed. Not just the touch score. But he also dragged one player into touch. And that helped him give Josh Flook his first moment in Super Rugby. Thanks to a cameo try via the Bryce Hegarty cross kick with 4 mins left.

It goes to show that the talkup is there in order to unpack these techniques. So he and his team-mates are on the same page. That kind of attacking masterpiece does reflect the Reds fine run. Including one touch score in the 2nd 40 from McReight himself. Credit is due as mentioned a bit earlier about the backline contribution. Which is in defense. These forwards like McWright were called to keep that passage of play. And it makes the processing easier to pick up points.

Frank Lomani

He played very well on the right wing tonight for the Rebels. After Frank was called in to replace the injured Lachie Anderson. The pace was so brilliant to see for the 24 year old who hails from Fiji. Just like Marika Koroibete on the other flank.

When the Rebels were given the chance with the ball. Frank ran well into space that gone past the Reds half. The communication is there to help guide him at times. Which saw him process the Rebels first touch courtesy of Matt Toomua. He benefitted the Rebels 9 & 10 combo. Especially not long later after the successful scrum off Joe Powell. Again same basic processes that gone through the gate. Before Frank found Reece Hodge via the channels on the run home.

This performance tonight from Lomani gave the Rebels some hope. After they were only 10 points down going into the break. But ultimately the Rebels poor start in the first 20. Followed by the inconsistent finishing later on. Where they were stuck in traffic via lost penalties/fumbles. And that stopped them from chasing the Reds down in the end. It is not his fault. Just needs more chances with full control of the ball. So the middle ground is there that would get it done differently. And end up in a positive note next time for the win.

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