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This Saturday’s Game of the Round takes place at GIO Stadium in Canberra. As we are in Week 2 of Super Rugby AU. Where the ACT Brumbies v the NSW Waratahs.
It is the Brumbies came here from the win last week in Perth v Western Force. They also have the last two wins last year v the Tahs. That first encounter was close. Even though I was at the game at ANZ Stadium in Homebush, NSW. When the Tahs led for the majority. But Brumbies able to bounce back late in the end on their turf 23-24.
While the second game was too good for the Brumbies. When they easily beat the Tahs at home 38-11. A lot of executions was involved in contary of the away side who produced so little. Which is the key weakness the Tahs needs to fix right now.
Waratahs may have done alright in the defense. Having held the Reds attacking opportunities on occasions. With the credit coming from their forwards. But it is backs who need to give them help. And it can only benefit the entire team. If the Tahs are to show some attacking awareness. Just like the Reds & Brumbies.
Brumbies
After their win v Force last week they elected to have their XV unchanged.
James Slipper & Allan Alaalatoa will look to add defensive muscle in the props. The No.3 tighthead prop in Alaalatoa also leads the line for the Brumbies. With Folau Faingaa throwing in as Hooker (2 shirt).
Darcy Swain and Caderyn Neville continues in second row. As they look to protect & support out their front 3. Rob Valentini & Jahrome Brown in the flanker roles. Before Pete Samu rounds off at 8.
Nic White has plenty of expertise at half-back. With Noah Lolesio in the Number 10 playmaker role. Mack Hansen and Andy Muirhead placed in each flank to provide pace. And support to help finish these touchdowns. Then you add something similar in the middle. When you have Irae Simone & Len Ikitau. And Tom Banks completing this backline at full-back.
Subs
Lachlan Longeran as cover for Faingaa in the 16 shirt. Same goes to Harry Lloyd & Tom Ross behind Slipper & Alaalatoa.
Nick Frost looking to come in for Swain or Neville at some point. So does Tom Cusack in case Jahrome Brown or Pete Samu comes off. Issac Fines as cover half back behind Nic White. Reejan Pasitoa ousts Bayley Kuenzle in the bench. As he comes in as 2nd choice fly-half. And Ryan Longeran awaits his pace at the backs.
Waratahs
Angus Bell retains his spot alongside Harry Johnson-Holmes. Where they will play in the loosehead & tighthead props respectively. With Tom Horton supporting Bell & Johnson-Holmes as the hooker.
Sam Caird & Jack Whetton pairs up as second rowers. Lachlan Swinton is now back after serving his suspension. He will slot in at Blindside Flanker. Supporting Swinton at 7 is Carlo Tizzano. Carlo did create problems in stuffing the Reds attack on occasions. And he would like to do it again to offer his attacking outlet in return. So he can give his backline a chance. And limit the pressure on his end.
Jack Dempsey retains at Number 8 before Jack Grant starts at scrum-half. It is another change here after Jake Gordon suffered an ankle strain despite scoring the opening TRY. Unfortunately it affected the high/top section. Where Jake will need to sit out 6-8 weeks. All eyes on Jack Grant now to produce in his absence.
Will Harrison comes in at fly-half who can kick from difficult angles. James Ramm operates on the left wing. On his opposite flank sees Mark Nawaqanitawase. With Alex Newsome moves centrally on the outside. And will lead the Tahs after the applauding tackle last week. Where Izaia Perese spun around Hunter Paisami.
Perese was red carded immediately so he will sit out three games. Newsome is joined by Tepai Moeroa on the inside. As Joey Walton also joined Gordon in the treatment room. Same condition on affected area. But he could out for 12 weeks. And Jack Maddocks at full-back.
Subs
Dave Porecki as replacement hooker for Tom Horton. Tetere Faulkner & Alefosio Tatola in the back up prop. Jeremy Williams & Hugh Sinclair to round out the cover forwards pack. Henry Robertson replaces prompted Jack Grant on the bench. Tame Edmed as backup for Will Harrison. And Triston Reilly to operate anywhere in the backline. When he looks to add some fresh legs later in this game.
Final Thoughts
Sad to say that the Tahs are in thin ice right now. Especially when the attack last week is disjointed. And you got your two key players in the treatment room. Other than that the defense is good. Just needs support from the backs. In what will be a tough game v the current champs ahead.
And the Brumbies looked rock solid attacking wise. In which they able to reduce the workload given from the forwards unit. Operating at a balance for the whole squad is the key towards winning. They should also keep an eye on the defense. Having conceded just the one late TRY last week v Western Force.
If I was to predict then Brumbies way ahead of Tahs by 15 points.
