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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Waratahs v Western Force Game Report

by Sports Benches

Waratahs fired off to a great start after two straight losses so far. The several changes with some experienced stars showed intense. When the Tahs noticed the Western Force early mistakes.

As Dave Porecki used the line-out penalty from the five meter line. Before he kept the maul square that marked the 1st touchdown. Waratahs 7-0 after 5 mins.

Western Force on the other hand are behind the Tahs. They did not make up their best chances upfront. Despite having won a penalty or two. But the ill-discipline beats them to the punch. With Will Harrison flicked the successful penalty goal. Waratahs 10-0 Force after 15 mins.

Still no sign of improvement from the Force. As their finishing chances have not yet turned a corner. In turned to lost penalties.While the Tahs lead comfortably via another penalty goal. The home team lead 13-0 after 24 minutes on the clock.

Force finally found the breakthrough with under 10 to go. Jeremy Thrush flicked the inside ball to Tim Anstee. Where Antstee cracked through the Tahs gate. Before he found Fergus Lee-Warner for the smooth finish. Western Force now 7-13 Waratahs.

Then the Force were patient again when starting the attack. And saw some gains along the way. With the Tahs beginning to drop the momentum. Such as the poor discipline against the home side. Followed by a few leaked points. Force closing in after the successful penalty goal 10-13.

After the break Western Force leapfroged Waratahs for the lead. The ill-discipline and some lost conversions haunted the home team. When Force took their penalty right. As Tim Anstee found his way through this gate for the touchdown. 25 mins left with Force lead Tahs by 4 points.

Force despite narrow leading the game lost a man. When sub Andrew Ready clashed with Tom Horton in the ruck. And the referee red carded Ready after he punched Horton on the chest. The away side did win a penalty thanks to Richard Kahui. But struggled on occasions with 14 men. As Will Harrison closed in the Tahs scoreboard by 1 point. Thanks to the successful penalty goal in the 73rd min.

In the end the Tahs was almost close towards winning. Especially with Triston Reilly trying to touchdown on the far right side. But was shut down by the Force defense that gone into touch. And Western Force just closed out the Waratahs for the win they deserve. Final score at Parramatta Stadium is 16-20.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Western Force game

by Sports Benches

Tim Anstee is one of the superstars tonight in the Force shirt. He is age 23 who plays blindside flanker at No.6.

He is happy with the requirements needed to produce. When Tim came in to look after his defensive play. So the Waratahs cannot slip past the Force own field. Got a good look at what they play. And helped his troops nail down the ball to turnover.

Communication not just important to protect the Force defense. And wipe away the Waratahs executions. He can apply the same traits going forward. When Tim has that tall reach & physicality to run.

A good example of his version of attacking approach. That would be once again as said earlier communication. You see Jeremy Thrush offload him with the inside pass. Then Tim activates his attacking instincts through the gate. It might not be the touchdown the first time. But at least he was not isolated. When he found Fergus Lee Warner for the big finish.

Although Anstee did get the touchdown himself later on. There is also talk up where it is an important aspect to test in any sport. Tim got a good read on how to split the Tahs defense. Before the Force line out was good. And you can see a brilliant offload immediately. As Tim exactly planned it right on the money.

It was Tim Anstee’s first start of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. After he made some minutes two weeks ago at home v Brumbies. He is settling very well into the XV game from the 7s tour. Gives him the tools of using the physicality & pace on all areas. And his run tonight shows that he can make a name for himself in Super Rugby. He is still learning from guys who played at International level. That will be a big benefit for his career in the long run.

Fergus Lee-Warner

Another Western Force star who stands out is Fergus Lee-Warner. He stars in a robust forwards unit with Tim Anstee.

He has got the tall height to look at the Tahs attacking setup. The home team lost these chances. Before he was able to help his troops turnover the ball. Thanks to the support he needed to form those blocks.

And he pays them the same work rate in the attack. Just like Fergus need a lot of powerful bodies to cancel the Tahs potential touchdowns. Used the physical trait and some pace in the final third.

Where you see Tim Anstee also running on the same page as Fergus. After a brilliant inside pass from veteran Jeremy Thrush on his opposite lock role. Gave his hand up to Anstee. With excellent talk up to let Fergus find his touchdown zone himself.

It goes to show that he is such an all-rounder in the Force side. Possessing all of the above attributes needed to produce a winning run. Especially when he follows their lead off captain Brynard Stander.

Well done on looking after his troops and help back himself up. In case of what the Tahs throw at them in return. Before presenting their own version. And wows them with valuable points on the board.

Jack Dempsey

It is hard yet again to see the Waratahs got shut down short. Despite some improved progress tonight. After coming here with two heavy defeats beforehand.

The one individual player who puts so much effort is Jack Dempsey. He looked after the Tahs defense with a great start.

Especially when he and his forwards unit able to spot the Force mistakes. And took their chances with the line-out. Where Dempsey was able to push the maul forward. Before giving his team-mate Dave Porecki for the 1st touchdown.

So this is great team-work and direction to guide his troops upfront. Not just the mind reading off the Force missed chances on occasions. Then apply with the physical strength to turn it around.

Same thing happens when he contributes going forward. Has got the physicality to break through the Force dummies. Just not enough support hand ups around him to help with the consistency. Where Jack forced to be isolated. While his backline dropped the ball. And saw his troops unfortunately beaten to the punch.

Not the night he wanted when he sat down upset in the dressing room. It is not his fault. Just issues way beyond the Tahs on field performance. All they can do now is show up as a different NSW side in Week 5. As next week is their week off.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Brumbies v Rebels

by Sports Benches

The Brumbies remain at home for the second straight week. This time they host the Melbourne Rebels in Saturday night.

Rebels came off a narrow loss v Reds last week in Round 2 23-21. Despite a great start with the defensive setup. Plus taking advantage of the disjointed attack in the first 40. Before Rebels were robbed in the last minute. With the Reds able to fix their middle ground after the half-time break.

While the Brumbies so far have back to back wins. They fired off during Round 1 over the Western Force in Perth. As well as a mammoth big score v NSW Waratahs last week at home. They hope to continue their attacking awareness on Saturday night. As this unit needs the defense to block the opposition final third. Where the Brumbies lost v Rebels last year. Even though it was held at a neutral venue.

Brumbies

This Brumbies side is unbeaten at the moment with just one change. As Scott Sio now back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Where he replaces James Slipper in the loosehead role. And joins skipper Allan Alaalatoa in the props.

With Connal McInerney as the starting hooker. Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville in the second row. As well as Rob Valentini & Jahrome Brown as flanker. Before Pete Samu rounds out No.8 in this defense.

Nic White starts at half-back alongside No.10 Noah Lolesio. Mack Hansen on the left meeting opposite flank Andy Muirhead. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the centres. And Tom Banks at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran as 2nd choice hooker behind McInerney. Harry Lloyd & Tom Ross in the props. James Tucker covers for Swain or Neville. Tom Cusack for any flanker/No8. Ryan Longeran at back up half-back behind Nic White. Reejan Pasitoa looking to balance the workload with Lolesio. And Solomone Kata (backs).

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamausili in the props. With James Hanson replacing Jordan Uelese over a hand injury. Ross Haylett-Petty replaces Steve Cummins in the 2nd row. Joining him is Trevor Hosea.

Brad Wilkin replaced by Josh Kemeny who impressed in limited minutes. After he came on v Reds last week. Richard Hardwick at openside flanker. With Michael Wells rounds their defensive 8.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua stays at scrum-half & fly-half. Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Alongside Lachie Anderson on the other flank. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili playing centrally. And Tom Pincus backing them up in the full-back position.

Subs

Ed Craig hopes to impress in limited minutes as hooker. Issac Aedo Kailea & Argentine Lucio Sordoni in the 2nd choice props. Steve Cummins waiting at lock/second row. Robert Leota as reserve flanker/No8. Frank Lomani & Glen Vaihu looking to have fresh legs anywhere at the back. With still no backup half-back yet.

Final Thoughts

The intensity has gone through the roof now. Especially with the Brumbies have two close games ahead. First up the Rebels who beat them one time last year.

Need their defenders to block out these Rebels attacking chances. So their guys at the back can show their magic. That will be one way to make 3 straight wins.

For the Rebels they done well in defense last week. Especially when they read the Reds poor first 40 run. In which helped them fire off against them. And almost turned up as winners for the majority.

But they got wiped out that late in the end. Where the Rebels was not able to score tries that much. The penalties are there with Matt Toomua have the experience at No.10. So does Reece Hodge from long range. Just need that executions right expected from this backline. It can be the recipe for success.

It will not be an easy contest for sure between 1st v 3rd best. But Brumbies would still come on top by 12 points.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3 Preview: Waratahs v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night is a very crucial night at BankWest Stadium in Parramatta. All eyes are on the NSW Waratahs. This is their first home game of 2021. And just came back with two heavy losses against them.

Even though these defeats come from the Reds & Brumbies. It is still not acceptable to see themselves as low-tier. With heaps of pressure annoying head coach Rob Penney. As they host the Western Force.

While Force also came in with a loss in Round 1 v Brumbies at home. They did not play last week due to a bye. But the Perth-based team have yet to win a game in Super Rugby AU. Since their re-admission last year. Hoping an influx of marquee International signings will lift them up.

Waratahs

Angus Bell is out with an ankle injury so Tetera Faulkner steps in his spot. With Harry Johnson-Holmes stays on as tighthead prop. Plus Dave Porecki in for Tom Horton as the 1st choice hooker.

Sam Caird retains his second row role at No.4. As Hugh Sinclair displaced Jack Whetton. Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano in the flanker roles. And Jack Dempsey rounds out the Tahs defense at No.8.

Jack Grant starts in scrum-half alongside Will Harrison at No.10. James Ramm & Jack Maddocks on the wings. When Maddocks swapped his full-back role with Mark Nawaqanitawase. And both Tepai Moeroa & Alex Newsome in the middle.

Subs

Tom Horton has a chance to bounce back ahead of Porecki. If he jumps off later tomorrow night. Sio Tatola & Chris Talakai as back up props. Jack Whetton in the 2nd choice locks. So does Jeremy Williams who plays loose forward. Henry Robertson behind Grant. Tame Edmed ready to kick if Harrison comes off. And Triston Reilly as utility reserve back.

Western Force

Their front three was intact from Round 1 v Brumbies. Tom Robertson & Santiago Medrano in the props. Alongside Felati Kaitu’u where he will be 1st choice hooker.

Jeremy Thrush & Fergus-Lee Warner in the second row/lock. Tim Anstee & Kane Koteka as flankers. Before Brynard Stander rounds out the Force defense.

Tomas Cubelli starts at 9. With Tom McIntyre in first five-eighth. Toni Pulu & Byron Ralston on the wings. Richard Kahui & Tevita Kurindrani playing centrally. And Rob Kearney at full-back. With a few changes to complete their starting XV.

Subs

Andrew Ready as the back up hooker behind Kaitu’u. Angus Warner & Greg Holmes in the 2nd choice props. Ryan McCauley at second row. Tomas Lezana dropped back here after he started two weeks ago. Ian Prior as the reserve half-back. Domingo Mitotti as backup for Tom McIntyre. And Marcel Brache ready to find some minutes anywhere at the backline.

Final Thoughts

It will be a hard game to see which winless team comes out first. With 7 weeks left that first win of 2021 would mean a sign of resurgence. As the Tahs & Force are in a long way from reaching the Top 3. If it means trying to reach the Playoffs spots.

You got a young and inexperienced side who are tipped for the long run. Which does remind me of the Reds 2-3 years ago. When Brad Thorn first took over as head coach. And on the other side you got a very experienced team. At least for the majority who played Super Rugby & International level before. While some youth get to learn from this senior group.

Despite what Force has got on their disposal. It would be the Tahs who will bounce back by 10 points. And they hope to get the ball rolling. Especially with some youngsters settling in to the first team setting. Having once been dominant before a few years back in Super Rugby.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 2 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies too good with the best of their attacking masterclass.

They took these chances well when the Waratahs looked misfiring at the back.

And the results are there with superior communication from their forwards. Having noticed the Tahs weaknesses in which turned into plenty of lost penalties/ball possession in the final third.

Able to plant a few phases before helping out the Brumbies backline unit dictate their play on all areas.

These are the moments that saw the Brumbies take home an easy win 61-10. Now they lead the Super Rugby AU ladder ahead of the Reds. With two home games over the next two weeks. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels next Saturday night. While the Reds take the week off from tomorrow. Before they come down here for Week 4 the week after. In which is going to be a very wild grand final revisit.

That is a side the Brumbies will not view the Rebels as an easy task. Rebels almost produced a shock win v the Reds two days back. When Matt Toomua cashed these penalty goals. Mistake after mistake from the Reds ill-discipline. As well as the unbalanced XV not firing off than expected in the 1st half. Even though it was a tryless portion. Reds still do not see this part of performance as good enough.

Fortunately for the Reds they came back from behind in the last 40. When there was attacking encouragement. Their backs may not been involved a lot for the majority. They still made mistakes going forward that conceded points in some ways. In contary to the forwards producing the hard work. Especially with the double touchdown from Alex Mafi. But the late change from Suliasi Vunivalu saw a better Reds side in the end. It is 1/2 strength that the Rebels unable to match.

Brumbies would still need to watch their discipline. And keep connecting the whole squad unpacking the attack. Plus the defense to be aware of the opppositon mistakes. Just like they did last night. If they want to keep their winning streak alive. Because in Round 6 last year the Brumbies were beaten by Rebels 30-12.

Waratahs on the other hand seen a misfiring backline let down the forwards hard work. Especially when the away side got the early lead. But then things went upside down ever since. Hard going through the first two games away from home. Ahead of a first home game of 2021 on Friday v Western Force who have yet to win a game as well.

Interesting to see if the Tahs can find the home ground advantage as a route to get themselves back on track. If the Tahs lose v Force, there will be lots of pressure from head coach Rob Penney. Not a good look here from the once dominant team as of late.

Roll on Week 3 now of Super Rugby AU.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2: Brumbies v Waratahs Post Game Talk

by Sports Benches

The Waratahs fired off early plus the one touchdown tonight. Credit to the forward pack who shown the hard work. Having stuffed the Brumbies ball chances at times. In which shows great defense.

But the forwards only done their half alone with just one successful TRY attempt. In contary to the Brumbies who dominated plenty. With Mack Hansen taking the majority via a hat-trick spell. Thanks to the help of his backline supplying some space out wide. Before Mack used that offload to cut into the Tahs danger zone.

Plus a few others as well through the successful driving maul. When the Tahs not only saw their backline production misfiring. That other half of weakness saw the Tahs pick up plenty of unnecessary penalties. The only decent two on the backs unit are Will Harrison who can kick from any angle. And Jack Maddocks at full-back. He can run big into the attack with speed. And has the physical traits to nail down/tackle any opposition player.

Jack was unfortunately isolated alone up front. With no support players around him to make up lost time. And at least to stay in the fight. Other than Will and Jack you have Carlo Tizzano at 7. So far on this new player alone. It is safe to say that Carlo is an all-rounder both attack & defense. But mostly defense tonight. As it will take time to see the attacking side of Carlo. If the Tahs can bounce back v Western Force next week. After back to back losses here.

Meanwhile the Brumbies is bright in all areas. You see the forwards reading the Tahs weakness. As said a while ago with toothless opposition attack. When they took advantage of the Tahs mistakes.

Before they profit into big rewards. And this game tonight was about unpacking the attacking masterclass. You have these bunch of players talking up. And how they got past the Tahs danger zone? The Brumbies use the width of the pitch with these short passes. Plus the set pieces.

And get these backs to unleash their running to help collect points. The same goes in return to push these forwards stay square. After the line out/throw-in was successful. Then pull the trigger once it goes past the TRY line. It is like a perfectly cooked dinner ready to be served. As this is how a winning team looks like. Just like the Crusaders & All Blacks do all the time.

Your winner is the ACT Brumbies who are too good v Tahs in the end. The final score card is 61-10 at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

Reds and Brumbies each got back to back wins so far this year. Reds will take the next week off. Before they come to Canberra in Round 4. This will be an interesting game to look at by then.

But for now we will hit Week 3 first with the next two games. Friday night sees the Waratahs host Western Force. It will be at BankWest Stadium in Parramatta. So all eyes on the Tahs if they can bounce back with a win. If they lose again to an underdog Force side. Then there will be more pressure from coach Rob Penney.

While the Brumbies at home again next Saturday night. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels. That side was close with a great defense on display. With Matt Toomua collecting the vast penalty goals along the way. But the Reds found a way to catch up via the late touchdowns. In which saw the Rebels lose in the end by two points 21-23. It will be another tough game for sure. As Week 2 of Super Rugby AU comes to a close. Make sure you come back here for more content. When I will look at the NASCAR Cup action. It is Race 3 of 2021 season from Homestead-Miami.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Waratahs Game

by Sports Benches

All applause goes to Mack Hansen on the left wing for the Brumbies. Three tries throughout tonight from the young man.

He is blessed with the support given from the players around him. When the Waratahs unable to get their executions right. As well as the lost penalties against them. Credit from the forwards who formed decent blocks to protect their end.

These guys have given every chance what Mack offered in the final third. Not just the forwards doing their fair share with forming a few phases. You also see his fellow backline playing close to him. There is a couple of hand ups going to complete these conversions. And later on distance themselves from the Tahs by lots of miles.

Like Irae Simone in the centres who has lots of pace like Mack. Irae was given the ball by Nic White. Before he found Mack on the far left side at the right time. With some clean space to help himself unleash that finishing attributes. Goes to show how this squad got the best out of him.

Same as any other attacker who has the set piece assist ability. Especially when Noah Lolesio found Mack earlier on in the 1st 40. And Len Ikitau with the little cut kick to help Mack chase that ball first. He exactly got what he wanted to celebrate a hat-trick try tonight. All due to the Tahs mistakes which in turn became the Brumbies attacking masterclass. With Mack hoping to repeat the same trick every week. Not just for the Brumbies but also potentially for the Wallabies as well.

Caderyn Neville

Another Brumbies star who done well tonight is Caderyn Neville. Where he plays in the second row/lock role at No.5 shirt.

He did a great job having the ball feed right from the throw-ins. Having kept it safe inside to keep the driving maul going straight/square. So Caderyn is focused on pushing through while looking at the Tahs weakness. In which he executed it well with the support needed to move ahead.

Not just joining in the maul as one aspect of his attacking outlet. He can also set up these phases to eat each meter from the Waratahs end. While giving these attackers a chance to unleash their paces in the final third. As well as quick balls that justified the Brumbies big score in the end.

And as usual in the defense alongside his fellow forwards pack. With his tall and physical build a great asset to grasp in both ways. Such as the reading to make the Waratahs lose the ball. When the opposition player or two went so isolated alone. Before Neville able to hold down these blocks physically that help win balls.

Neville in the end is a key player in the Brumbies dressing room. Especially with his vast experience. Where Caderyn can be that example to help these youngsters follow his lead. And having signed a two year extension last year. It looks like he is here to help the Brumbies create more moments. Like the one tonight. As well as many more during his new contract. It includes winning the championship again.

Carlo Tizzano

Very sorry from the Waratahs tonight when they were beaten so easily. But it is between Jack Maddocks or Carlo Tizzano for the best player award alone. The forwards have done the work mostly in defense. Where one of their members got the touchdown in Harry Johnson-Holmes.

But for the majority the Tahs looked lost in the attack. With little hands up to find support needed. So they can at least match the attack that the Brumbies set up tonight. As there is little resemblance from their half that saw a few missed tries here.

I would say Carlo Tizzano over Jack Maddocks. Maddocks may have worked hard with the running alone & can defend on the spot. But he was part of a misfiring backline. Tizzano looked after the forward pack who at least put up a fight v the Brumbies. Just exactly what he did last week v Queensland Reds on his debut.

Roz Kelly asked a great question during the post-game show. When fill-in skipper Alex Newsome trying to give some positives. With Tizzano worked hard all game. He has that physical stature to stuff the Brumbies attack. Alongside the reading on areas where they struggled.

That is one plus given by the new openside flanker. Another part of Tizzano is his attacking contribution. As usual he can dig in the attack with a pack of muscle. In a way to eat the Brumbies territory. Plus the running to get around these passes. But again it is the misfiring backline bar Will Harrison looks out of touch. And Tahs would still be in the fight if their backline was different. In which would see Tizzano form a new cohort of the Tahs blueprint. He has merited this alone. But needs the backline to do something better in order to win games.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Brumbies v Waratahs Game Report

by Sports Benches

The Brumbies made errors straightaway as soon as the game started. When fly-half Noah Lolesio fumbled the ball. Then another blow against them with the offside. As the Waratahs fired off with the Will Harrison penalty goal after 3 mins.

But Brumbies bounced back with the mistimed Waratahs pass. Where the scrum was wrong from the away team’s end. Capitalised on the penalty this time for the big score. Throw in & Maul looked good to stay square. With Rob Valentini became the 1st recipient to put the Brumbies in front. Score line is 7-3.

And again the home side continued to dominate in the attack. They break through past the halfway line. Might have held short at the first attempt towards the 22 meter line. But Brumbies found a way on the far left that secured a 2nd touchdown. Thanks to Mack Hansen in the 12th min who plays as left winger.

Away side from the men in sky blue struggled to find a breakthrough. Having lost the ball. Once again the Brumbies was patient to get the job done. Scrum was not good to see Brumbies win the penalty. Sorted out the maul where Noah Lolesio pushed it square. As the fly-half captured their third touchdown tonight.

Waratahs at last found their first big score v the Brumbies defense. The forwards scrambled in to pressure the opposite end for the offside penalty. Used the kick for the throw in. Before this department able to add another strength in return. That is the touchdown to take these valuable points. Harry Johnson-Holmes puts the Waratahs back in contention 10-19. With 10 minutes left before the half time break.

But it is the Brumbies up in a comfortable lead 26-10 by 16 points. Tahs continued to make ill-discipline mistakes. And missed chances to make up conversions sooner for the big points. As the home team earned an extra touchdown. There is excellent all-round work from Connal McInerney. He set up the throw-in & maul before McInerney got over the line first.

The home team continued to attack immediately after the break. The kick out was good from Tom Banks to chase the ball. Tahs might have held them short but lack support to restart their end. Where Nic White won the scrum & free kick immunity. Before sorted out the TRY himself that saw the Brumbies extend their lead. It is 33-10 after 43 minutes.

Nothing much progress flipped in a positive light from the Tahs. There is still ill-discipline counted against them with lost penalties. Despite a great defense to stop the Brumbies attack at times. But being caught by the referee for the wrong reasons. It does not help much when Mack Hansen scored the double touchdown. Brumbies 40-10 after 56 mins. Followed by another touchdown from Lachlan Longeran in the 63rd min.

Waratahs did make some effort in the attack. Where they won some penalties as of late. But still isolated on the attack in contary to the Brumbies. With the hat-trick touchdown from Mack Hansen. As the home team lead by 44 points, 54-10.

And the same finishing problems continued to haunt the Tahs. When Jack Maddocks unable to find support despite stopping Tom Banks. Before Banks got his forwards unit to assist the pass. Using the wide areas that set up for the touchdown from Tom Banks. Brumbies ended up with a very easy 51 point difference by full-time. The final scoreline here is 61-10.

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

by Sports Benches

Alex Mafi was outstanding as the starting hooker for the Reds. He has the physical build to set up throw-ins and driving maul.

That first good example was not long after half-time. When Mafi controlled the maul by staying square & forward. He can notice the Rebels struggling to hold on.

Despite their desperate defense needed to hold the Reds out. But Mafi is focusing on the support needed to find some space. Thanks to the push from his team-mates. And pulled the trigger at the right time. When Mafi able to find the execution that marked the Reds first touchdown.

Then again in the 77th minute when the Reds earned another reprieve. As the Rebels began to falter. In return Mafi got the same routine right. Knowing where the Rebels struggle. Before the opposition just too slow to catch him. With Mafi using his attacking prowess of power & pace. And secured another touchdown that eventually became a winning moment.

It goes to show that Brad Thorn trusts Mafi in the starting XV. Where he disposed Brandon Paenga-Amosa. He has the defensive attributes to help out & build blocks. And the same goes in the attack with the physical package to hurt the defenders. As long he knows where the opposition unable to reach him. Mafi hopes he can help go one better in 2021.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Glad to see him return to rugby union after all with the Reds. Where he came off a great 2020 in rugby league for the Melbourne Storm. He may not been starting for most of the time tonight.

But as soon as he got off the bench in the 64th minute. Vunivalu added a different dimension in the backs. Mainly on the right flank alongside Filipo Daugunu via the opposite dial. While Jordan Petaia moved to inside centre. After a great run before Vunivalu came on. Just not enough support to support his execution early.

With Vunivalu you see him reliving Petaia to his favoured position. While he runs and runs around. Especially when he almost scored a touchdown off the boot of Joe Powell. The ball may have gone into touch one meter past the TRY line. But it still gave the Reds more chances in return.

Where the attacking awareness injected on the field. Despite the 14 men created by the Feao Fotuaika dangerous tackle earlier on. And the ill-discipline. The Reds were relieved to have his support. With the end goal all about winning. And they were able to just meet that requirement.

If Vunivalu did not come on then the Reds may not have won without him. He deserves to start next game. Not next week since his team has the bye. But he already shown lots of finishing prowess in league. There is lots of touchdowns recorded last year. Might be a different code this time. But he can transfer this attribute. So his presence is exactly what Brad Thorn needs in this squad. And go one better in 2021 for the championship.

Reece Hodge

He would be one of the best players on the opposite end tonight. Even though he is in a losing side. After starting the lead for most of the time & holding it. But just unable to maintain it until the very end.

Reece has the ability to run up to the defenders. Where he can provide the headstart needed for the Rebels. Thanks to the Reds ill-discipline. Credit is due to give himself a chance from the forwards unit. Goes to show these foundations.

It gives credit for the Rebels knowing where the Reds struggled. And why the home side unable to stay ahead for the majority. With Hodge using the pace & physicality not just the usual attack. In a bid to try and fend the opposition team.

He can hold back and stuff the Reds attacking half. When they lack support to continue with the ball. Hodge able to find and hold them short. Good reading there when the Reds felt isolated at times. And you have a tall stature in Reece holding them back. Reece can also kick into goal as well even from long range. Another reason there to face such a tough player.

The discipline mistakes late from the Rebels cost this game. Where there was not much opportunity to support Reece crack up the defense. Instead it is just desperately holding off with a lot of defensive input. And so little in the attack to distance themselves even further from the Reds. That is the one area the Rebels need to focus on next game. May be the answer to see more of Hodge being an all round player in the attack. Where he can finish off both the speed and boot. Marry it up and you see it as the game changer.

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Rugby News: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Match Report, Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Reds made the early mistake as soon as the game started. Where Taniela Tupou unable to release the tackle. As the Melbourne Rebels took the three points.

When Matt Toomua found enough distance inside the goalposts. Hunter Paisami got a good read to ground Toomua for the Reds turnover. But lost another three points when the Reds struggled to get going. As Toomua makes up this mistake for the penalty goal.

Halfway into the first 40 and the Reds take their first points in account. They are able to stop the Rebels maul from their own half. As well as a crack to make up lost time upfront. Although it may not be a touchdown at the first attempt. But a dangerous tackle from Cabous Eloff gave them a reprieve. With an easy penalty goal executed from James O’Connor.

Despite some progress the Reds continue to struggle in the discipline. With the three points pulled away against them. As Matt Toomua successfully sorted out the penalty goal. So the Rebels extend their lead to six points after 25 minutes of play.

Reds still unable to sort out a way to get through the gate. Having been rebuffed by the Rebels defense. There is little support in hand to help their cause. In which despite able to intercept the Rebels line out. The communication is still disjointed. Where Lachie Anderson made them release the ball. Before Matt Toomua extended another three points. As the kicking to goal still remains accurate.

The only way Reds can do is via penalty goals. Where James O’Connor began to eat the Rebels lead by six points. With just a minute spare in the first 40. No tries made from each side so far. But it is Melbourne Rebels 12-6 Reds at the break.

Reds continued to see both units disconnected. Especially when Tate McDermott went offside at maul. Despite a successful throw in beforehand. With Matt Toomua extended the Rebels lead by 16-5. Thanks to a successful penalty goal.

There is improved progressed at last from the Reds. They took advantage of the Rebels who began to decline. After a great first 40 from the away team. Before the line-out was good. Where Alex Mafi kept the maul square until the end. When the starting hooker sorted out the touchdown.

The scoreline saw the Reds close on by two points behind Rebels. But fallen back by five after the Reece Hodge penalty goal. The discipline was not extra careful from the Reds. Having continued to leak points from the Rebels successful penalty goals. Before it gets worse when Feao Fotuaika slammed hard on Richard Hardwick. And the referee red carded Fotuaika on the spot with 20 mins left.

Despite the 14 men Queensland able to close the lead by 2 points. Thanks to the Rebels offside. As James O’Connor got the penalty kick straight this time. But the discipline still not turned around. When Matt Toomua pushed their hopes down to five points. Eventually the Reds able to lead for the first time tonight. 23-21 with two mins left to go. After a very long patient run to crack the Rebels defense.

Hunter Paisami made a dangerous tackle on Frank Lomani. And his ill-discipline antics almost cost the game for the Queensland Reds. But Matt Toomua unable to get the final penalty kick into the goalposts. Instead it went very left shy away from the sticks. As the Reds left it almost late to haunt the Melbourne Rebels. The Full-Time score is 23-21.

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