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ACT Brumbies

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Hurricanes

by Sports Benches

Bayley Kuenzle has been great last night for the Brumbies. It may not be the usual craft he occupies at fly-half but started in the midfield. Where he & Len Ikitau were patient going forward based on the Canes early errors. That is how they were able to get away with the headstart in the first 40.

His side may be a tad behind at the half-time break. But the Canes have not changed much with their shape since then. So he read it well again to apply those tackle busts going forward. Before they eventually found a way to get the lead back. Thanks to the winning penalties that saw Ikitau score this TRY.

In the end the Canes thought they have bounced back. But the constant mistakes along the way & being ill-organised denied them the win. Bayley showed that he is capable of playing a key role for the Brumbies. The playmaking skills is there to add some pace/physicality. While looking to find some decoy runners towards the execution. Those skills he learned at No.10 can be transferred to an any attacking role. Especially in the midfield where Bayley can still have a bright future here. And credit to the defense on ending the Canes winning run.

Rob Valetini

How about we applaud on Rob Valetini who plays in the Brums blindside. Where he has been so exceptional in all areas last night. Even when going up against a strong New Zealand side in the Hurricanes. Well he has kept them quiet for the majority based on their ill-discipline. It is something Rob has kept himself patient when being given the ball.

That took ample time to force his way past the Canes end. But his Brumbies side eventually found a way to stamp their first touch points. As Rob unpacked the physicality in contrast to what Hurricanes cannot offer. Now the Brums may be a tad behind at HT via the penalty goal. But he again noticed the lack of Canes progress going forward. Where he managed to repeat his best strengths in return. Before applying the defensive skills to block them out. And make the Canes rush with heaps of pressure towards the final siren. Which gave his team a sigh of relief at home.

Rob has a bright future ahead for both club & country. Not only he was destructive against the Australian sides earlier on. But learning from playing off the Kiwi teams is what made himself better. Having protected his forwards pack from the Canes messy work. Then adding some blows against them going forward. It shows that he is ready to take on the All Blacks & Springboks later this year. And Dave Rennie should use his him v France as preparation for next month.

Dane Coles

He has been very productive at hooker for the Canes last night. Having gone off the ground immediately to protect his defenders. And block out the Brumbies early conversion attempts. With great teamwork & talkup that won penalties.

It allowed his backline to get themselves into touch via Jordie Barrett. Where Dane managed to keep his toes going forward with the maul. Before he touched one down for the first five points. In which later became seven thanks to the successful conversion kick. This goes to show that he still has a lot to offer in all areas. Even at age 34 right now he has the leadership to pull off. And it made the youth stars around him & his life at the Canes easier.

But unfortunately they just fell very short in the end. When there is plenty of ill-discipline going on that saw the Brums being patient. Then putting the pressure back to his side which is very hard to stop defensively. It limits the ability to get organised going forward that saw Jordie being isolated.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Chiefs v Brumbies Report

by Sports Benches

The Chiefs fired off well with the first serve of points accrued off the successful line-out/maul. Courtesy of Tupou Vaa’I on the second row. ACT Brumbies did bounce back not long later. When Len Ikitau scored the first five points to level the score after 12 minutes. But for the majority the away team struggled to make up these executions.

Especially during the scrum where they did not communicate well that forced the collapse. And it gave The Chiefs the reprieve to get themselves ahead of Half-Time at 19-5. Due credit to Luke Jacobson at No.8. Not only he read well with the Brumbies poor communication going forward. Luke cashed in their errors with two of his own tries in front of the opposing danger zone.

Nothing much changed for the Brumbies unfortunately to make the up lost time earlier on. Even 1/2 late touch scores towards the final hooter was not enough. As The Chiefs were so strong that got themselves comfortably home. Their attacking setup has not changed. Such as the passage of play & close call up via decoy runners that reflected the best of executions. Damian McKenzie continued to play well with the kicking into goal. Plus a TRY for himself not long after the break. And the midfield duo of both Alex Nankivell on the inside role. And Anton Lienert-Brown were key to The Chiefs patient & effective navigation past the Brumbies territory. The final score in Waikato is 40-12.

Chiefs will head to Townsville next Saturday night. Where they will face the best Australian Super Rugby side of Queensland Reds. While ACT Brumbies head to Eden Park in Auckland. And face The Blues on a Saturday evening showdown. For now we complete Week 2 of the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. That is the best of both worlds between the Queensland Reds v Crusaders.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Top 3 players from the Chiefs v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Luke Jacobson is very dynamic at No.8 for the Chiefs. He looked after both ends of attack and defense. With lots of physicality on offer that can frustrate any opposition side. One of them was the Top 2 Australian Super Rugby teams. That is the ACT Brumbies based from Canberra.

Got a great read that saw the Brumbies fall behind tonight. Especially when they were impatient going forward. Such as the scrummaging. There was little talk up along the way. Which saw Luke collapse it and won the turnover from the referee. He used that reprieve. And cashed in their mistakes with two tries in the first half.

That puts his side on a comfortable position. Which does not require too much reliance to be isolated. As long as Luke gets so involved all the time. And giving his backline buddies a hand. This Chiefs side is interesting to watch. It demonstrates how he can play up to his strengths. And once Brumbies unable to escape past his corner. Luke is there to punish them that flipped into a winning asset.

Alex Nankivell

He played very well at the heart of Chiefs midfield. Mainly the on the inside centre alongside Anton Lienert-Brown. Made plenty of decent pushes against the Brumbies half tonight. Especially when his side had complete control of the ball.

It is important that his physicality and pace is key to their success. It allowed him to stay patient. And read where the Brumbies struggle. Which Alex did not hesitate finding his support men. So they are able to accrue the 5/7 touch points.

One of the tries include himself during the 2nd 40. As said he credits the patience towards his contribution tonight. Alex paid attention with the talk up needed. With the passage of play stayed intact through the channels. Before forced his way past the opposing territory to set up that execution. That is how Alex helped his side advance to the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final. And going 2 out of 2 wins so far shows he is hungry for silverware.

Tom Wright

He ran really well that gave The Chiefs a hard time on occasions. Especially on the left wing for the ACT Brumbies. Got to say that his presence and teamwork gave them a boost. When the communication was clear & saw Len Ikitau touched down.

But then the momentum unfortunately fell away. There is not much communication & decoy runners around him. It is hard to keep that passage of play going. Which does prevent them from finding that execution. That is how Henry Stowers were dragged into touch by a 1/2 Chiefs defenders. And it is something the Brumbies unable to turn around for the majority. Even two touchdowns during the 2nd half is not enough to compensate.

A few ill-discipline as well as the isolated areas in attack. These are the weaknesses Brumbies wished to match tonight. At least to stay in the game after they were 19-5 at half-time. But nothing much changed unfortunately. Especially going up against the Top 2 Super Rugby teams in NZ. They were so close v Crusaders last week. Just not the same with little hope of improvement though. As they head to Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday. Where they face The Blues.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Reds v Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds got ahead first with the three-point goal after two minutes. When the Brumbies were exposed in defense which led to a lost penalty. But they were patient going forward with holding most of the possession. That is how the away side took away their first touch points from Tom Banks. While Reds may still have the defensive shape. They did not have much chances with the ball on hand. Especially via the poor throw-in. Reds 3-7 Brumbies after 15 minutes.

Nothing much happened over the next ten minutes of play. But the Reds began to have an extended run against the Brumbies own half. They may not be able to get over the touch line. But snatched another successful penalty goal to make a one-point buffer at 6-7. Before ACT Brumbies extended their lead. Following the penalty against the Reds.

The score goes to the away side at 6-10 in the 32nd minute. Followed by another successful three-pointer into the goal at half-time, 6-13. With Queensland being isolated with a lack of support runners going forward. That led to limited chances with the ball which converted into leaked penalties.

Brumbies began to concede a couple of penalties after the break. While Reds got their first chances upfront early this time. The touchdown may not be there yet as denied by the referee. But got three-points between the sticks. As Reds trail ACT Brumbies by five points with 30 minutes left at 9-13. No score has been made over the next ten minutes. Brumbies did lose Rob Valetini via the yellow card. While Queensland close in the Brumbies lead to just one point. With 17 minutes left at 12-13.

Going into the last ten minutes of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. ACT Brumbies continued to distance themselves from the Reds. Having seen them tick off the penalty goal. The score is a four point difference between the two teams at 12-16. In the end the Brumbies desperately tried to hold off Queensland towards another potential title. Despite having lost two men to the ten minute naughty chair. But Reds never gave up with the endless penalties won.

Before the home team finally got themselves a touchdown. Courtesy of their skipper James O’Connor. In which was enough to cross the finish line first. And secure the 2021 Super Rugby AU title for Queensland Reds. The final score at Suncorp Stadium is 19-16.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches

You got to praise the skipper first in James O’Connor. He was a key player in this Queensland Reds rebuild. Ever since head coach Brad Thorn lured him back in 2019. It may have been a divided move at the start. But he has proved them wrong.

He was blessed with the Reds strong defensive shape. That helped his side win penalties. In which allowed them to suit themselves. Where James scored a couple of three-pointers into the goalposts. They may have been behind ACT Brumbies for the majority tonight.

But Reds were able to take note of the opposition ill-discipline. Based on the amount of late penalties won. Before they finally found a way to nail down a touchdown. All thanks to the skipper himself in JOC. It was enough to get the home crowd cheering on. And celebrate in style with the championship. What an improved man he is right now. Having turned around a corner over the last 18 months. Now he leaves with this trophy!

Fraser McReight

Another Reds player who stood out is Fraser McReight. He is a focal part of this back row department. Both blindside & openside flanker. And never stood himself down through every game he plays. Even when Liam Wright was injured for most of the Super Rugby AU season. Then nailed down his place at No.7 without a doubt.

He was part of the Reds strong defensive setup. Where Fraser was tasked to look at the Brumbies weaknesses. Such as a lack of their decoy runners. And exposed their ill-discipline. That is one thing he held on defensively while they are isolated. Which helped his Reds side win a few penalties.

It may have taken some time to have the Reds fire back going forward. Especially when he used his physicality to knock down a few defenders. But remained patient for the whole time during the second 40. Where Fraser was able to keep the communication close. Before the gap was there for JOC to finish. And there goes him celebrating that big win. Well done on being an key player in that Reds back row. It will be very useful going into the Trans-Tasman leg & Wallabies stints.

Tom Banks

Commiserations to ACT Brumbies who led for the majority. But unable to held on going into the final siren. There is one player who gave the Reds a hard time tonight. His name is Tom Banks at full-back. He knows how to clean the ball out via the kicking to stay away from danger.

It helps him read better. So it can be hard for the Reds to defend. And make them isolate with no option going to touch. That allowed his Brumbies side to get themselves ahead early. Thanks to the patience shown in the attack. Which helped them win a few penalties. As well as more chances with the ball earlier on.

Such as scoring the first touchdown in the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. Followed by a series of three-point penalty goals from his side. But the most disappointing part was the ill-discipline. Especially during the second 40. When the Brumbies saw their opponents have an extended run against them. With not much chance with the ball as seen from the previous run. Before there were three players sent to the naughty chair. And that ultimately cost Brumbies the win they badly needed.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Brumbies v Western Force Game Report

by Sports Benches

The first 32 minutes saw both Brumbies & Western Force fight for their first points. When they struggled to find any solution to get past the touch line going forward. So far the defensive work from Western Force got them ahead. Thanks to the three-point penalty goal. But Brumbies bounced back straight away. Thanks to the advantage against the Force.

And used that opportunity to nail down the Brumbies first touchdown from Tom Wright. After the home side used the short side towards the left with no way for the Force to prevent it. At the same time Force also lost a man in right winger Toni Pulu.

Where he made a dangerous tackle on Irae Simone. And received a straight red card. Before Brumbies scored another touchdown via Tom Banks. Brumbies 14-3 Force at half-time.

Western Force began to close down the lead despite having 14 men. When their defensive setup remained key to their strengths. Thanks to the successful scrum which led to another penalty goal. Brumbies 12-6 Western Force after 45 minutes. The away team however struggled to group themselves together in the attack. While Brumbies took advantage of their mistakes going forward.

Especially with plenty of patience via the ball in play. They might have been denied a touchdown. But pushed their extended lead via the penalty goal to nine. Brumbies 15-6 Western Force with 20 minutes left.

Before Force bounced back a bit with the three-point penalty goal. Score remains to the Brumbies in front at 15-9 going into the final ten minutes of play. But still struggled to get going in the attack.

Where Ryan Longeran kicked enough into the goal. That pushed the Brumbies ahead by another three-points. The home team leads at 18-9 with six minutes left. In the end Western Force unable to get away their lack of attacking awareness. After another penalty goal was enough to pull it off first at the finish line. Final score is Brumbies 21-9 Western Force. As the home side will face Queensland Reds next Saturday for the Final.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Rob Valetini is an all-rounder on the blindside tonight. He is so powerful with a balance of speed and physicality. That is how he was able to make every meter off the Force. When the away side unable to get themselves together going forward.

It is the one strength Valetini was able to help out. Thanks to the communication needed to help his backline find some space. And execute these offloads towards the touch line. Which is exactly where the Brumbies was able to court two touchdowns. Just in between the final five to ten minutes of the first half. Once again it does not isolate this attacking setup.

Valetini has been a key player at loose forward. Having played at Number 8 during Week 9 v Melbourne Rebels. He is 22 years old with a bright future ahead both provincial & country. Very important to have him stay there for the big final v Reds. If he can guide his Brumbies team to another premiership. Then his skillset will be a cautionary tale to the New Zealand sides. When the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman begins in two weeks time.

Tom Wright

He played very well on the left wing tonight. The reading was there when his opposition struggled with the attack. It is something Tom did well to cancel that line out kick penalty attempt. And give his Brumbies team the chance to rebound.

It might have taken a while during the first 40 to try and get ahead. But eventually things do start to gel. Thanks to the Western Force who did not really turn around. Apart from the defense. Where the Brumbies remained patient. Before they supplied Tom with the talk up & offload. Which allowed him to get the job done via some room for the touchdown.

His contribution helped the Brumbies stay ahead. As said a while ago that communication is important. Then unpack that physicality. It is exactly how his side are able to close out towards the finish line. Especially during a low scoring game against a defensive minded Force. Now they hope to continue this journey. And look to win their 2nd straight title v Reds.

Tom Robertson

He is a great asset at loosehead for Western Force. Where he has years of Super Rugby expertise. Having played with the Waratahs in the past. And came to Perth this year. It is a good move after fall. After he helped guide his side to their first ever finals tour. In which is a great achievement. While his old side were languishing as the woodern spooners.

The defensive structure is there. Due to his physical build. As his other forwards department guys do. That is a strength Western Force lifted during the beginning of the game. They won a few penalties as well as turnovers to try and reset the momentum. At least the Force were in the game for the majority. It is great teamwork from Tom at his finest who gave his 100%.

But the only thing that lets his down is a lack of attacking feel. We saw how Toni Pulu made a big tackle on Irae Simone just before HT. Referee found it very unnecessary and sent him with a straight red card. As well as a lack of talk up going forward. It means there was no chance of getting themselves over the TRY line. And it ultimately saw the Force being eliminated. But credit to them for the fairytale work through the regular portion.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Western Force have back to back wins now. They fired off really well with the points on the board. Although the Force were inconsistent at times. Especially when they lost a few penalties to the away team. And the Tahs take over the lead later on. But never gave up until the every end. When they came from behind with ten to go. Before taking advantage of the Tahs poor line-out throw. And done enough with two late good penalty goals.

Waratahs were left gutted in the dying seconds. They did make up some lost time in the first 40. Having seen them concede via the ill-discipline. But have settled during the second 40. Such as two tries on the board. There is no fault about them defensively as of late. Especially with a few key players coming back. But the only real mistake was the poor line out just after the final hooter. Only for the Force to win a penalty & kicked into the goal. They still have a few areas to improve. Just another loss at the wrong time sadly.

In case if you missed it the Force won by a single point in Perth (31-30). As they have their finals hopes still alive going into Week 10. Then we look at another cracking game in Melbourne. Where the Rebels v Brumbies earlier this afternoon.

Melbourne Rebels got away early in the first 30-35 minutes. They may have took advantage of the Brumbies poor start. But there were a few inconsistent runs spotted there. Such as two players sit on the naughty chair. And the ill-discipline which ultimately lost their lead ahead of half-time. Rebels did make some lost time in the 2nd 40. Just unlucky when they were not patient with their attacking setup. And that hurts with a six point loss in the end.

And Brumbies got away with a win in Melbourne. They might have fallen behind at the start. But settled very well to hold on for the majority. Credit is due with the Rebels mistakes. Both with the lost penalties/disjointed talk up. And used these ball opportunities that put more pressure in return. Before they held on tight in defense. That is by making the Rebels struggle to execute. Which was enough to win that penalty after the final hooter. And cap off a great afternoon in the office. Both the bye next week and the Qualifying Final v Force or Rebels ahead.

The final score is Melbourne Rebels 20-26 Brumbies. As the home side need to win big v Waratahs away next Saturday. And see Queensland Reds beat the Force in five days. That is the only scenario if Rebels are to finish third. So they can be in the Qualifying Final for the 2nd straight year. Then have an extended run from there for a meeting v Reds in the Final.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Top 3 players from the Rebels v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches

Andy Muirhead was outstanding on the right wing for the Brumbies. He offers so much pace and physicality. Especially as one of the experienced guys in this side.

He can get involved a lot more in both areas. Such as the defense via the tackling/deflections. Thanks to his read with the Rebels isolated play. There were no decoy runners around them. And Andy was there to notice their mistakes. Before he helped his side get the job done. Such great teamwork that makes them winning.

Having seen his side win Super Rugby AU last year. As well as being one of the best Super Rugby teams here in recent years. If you pit the Brumbies against the five New Zealand teams. He will get his chance to take them on sometime next month. But for now his run here helped win a Wallabies sample. In which is one of the reasons why Andy played very well today.

Rob Valetini

Another Brumbies star who did well is Rob Valetini. Normally he plays on the blindside. But today he is at the Number 8 role v Melbourne Rebels. Regardless of that he showed versatility. With his natural game remained intact for the whole time.

He can make up tackle busts going forward. Having eat every inch of the Rebels own territory. The communication is always needed. In order for the passage of play to remain patient. Before finding the sweet spot. Where they scored towards a few touchdowns. Which is how the Brumbies got ahead for the majority.

Not only he gave a helping hand to his backline. They helped him in the forward department too. When the Rebels struggled to execute. Read their lack of support runners. And helped arrested them with the turnover/penalty. Leaving the home side isolated. As Rob put up a great show in the Brumbies back row.

Joe Powell

He may have been disappointed with the result for the Rebels. Having came off from the Brumbies after last year. Only for him to come in Melbourne ahead of the new season. And have the chance to play in front of their home crowd. Where they were so furious with the refs decisions.

It really hurt him the most. Having seen his side got hit so harsh via the lost penalties. They were up ahead in the first 20-30. When Joe was able to dictate the Rebels attacking strategy. And saw James Hanson touch down the first TRY. Then two players were punished in the naughty chair. Both sat out on separate occasions.

The short run momentum did not leave his side out of contention. Credit to Cameron Magnay who ran past the Brumbies territory. He was called up by the inside midfielder who helped pay back with the big score. It is just not consistent unfortunately. Especially when the Rebels were behind. And rushed through it without his support to get the job done. As Joe better needs their back v Waratahs in Week 10. If his side were to win. And the Queensland Reds beat Force in Perth.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels ran off first with the scoreboard lead. They might not have the initial penalty goal attempt going. But at least remained patient going forward. As James Hanson touched the ball down at hooker. Rebels 7-0 Brumbies after 10.

Brumbies on the other hand fired off slow behind the Rebels. Especially when they saw their opponents have the early ball chances. Which ultimately led to them take up the early score. They may have the first touch attempt turned down. But finally bounced back after 17 mins. Due credit to Rory Scott who scored on the openside. As Rebels lost a man in Marika Koroibete via the 10 min yellow card. It is 7-7 apiece now between the two teams.

Rebels have not changed much. When they saw another man to the naughty chair via Trevor Hosea. The defensive structure as always have remained unchanged. But have less chances with the ball going forward. That is where the Brumbies able to execute & got past the home side. Thanks to Caderyn Neville who touched down. It is Rebels 7-14 Brumbies with five to go. Followed by a fantastic intercept from Rob Valetini. Where he helped offloaded to Tom Wright with the finish. And extend the Brumbies lead ahead of half-time by 12 points (7-19).

Rebels made up some lost time when the Brumbies rushed through it. Played on by the referee. Before Cameron Magnay break past the opposition territory. And found team-mate Joe Powell who touched down against his old club. The home side closes in by five points after 43 mins (14-19). Then followed up with a successful penalty goal from Matt Toomua. Now Rebels are just two points behind the Brumbies (17-19) after 49.

But the home side were impatient through their executions. Where the Brumbies cleared out the ball twice. Saw Andy Muirhead ran so fast as a threat to block that kickout. Before it deflected into Bayley Kuenzle who got the job done. And extended the Brumbies lead to nine points (17-26) after 52 mins. Nothing much has changed for a while. Until when the Rebels got the penalty goal right. Thanks to Matt Toomua who helped the home side close down to six points. It is 20-26 after 71.

In the end Rebels unable to stay patient going forward. Despite the late winning penalties. The communication was disjointed. Especially with very little time on the clock. Which led their executions slipped away. As Brumbies defended very well. Made the home side knocked the ball past the 80th minute. And held them off with the narrow win here in Melbourne.

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