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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Week 5 Saturday Summary

by Sports Benches

It may be difficult for me to keep up with a few sporting events at the same time in a busy weekend which is so huge to cover so had to rest up at times with managing my body. But I will put in a summary of what we have seen so far from Week 5 of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

First of all, we will start with the Crusaders here and they may have won all five games so far in this cross-border competition between the Australian and New Zealand teams. That includes yesterday afternoon’s encounter v Melbourne Rebels at Leichardt Oval, New South Wales at 52-26. But they unfortunately did not meet the 33 point margin & bonus point requirements to pip The Blues for next weekend’s final.

It did not go the Crusaders way when The Blues had a big head start v Western Force in the 1st half at 28-0. The Aickland-based side were almost blown off by the Force’s fantastic comeback after the break alone but not enough time to catch up in the end at 31-21. So it’s an all New Zealand showdown once more at Eden Park & see who will take home this trophy ahead of the International leg which kicks off next month.

Then we go to Brookvale Oval for the final regular Super Rugby Trans-Tasman game as NSW Waratahs welcome The Chiefs from Waikato. Chiefs pulled away with the early lead before the home team registered a late first touch just right on half-time thanks to a Will Harrison cross kick that sent Mark Nawaqanitawase flying up high. But it’s the visitors who stole the show when Sean Wainui collected a whopping five tries at 7-40 that sums up the Tahs frustrating 2021 test.

We were excited to see them battle against the Kiwi counterparts beforehand after a wonderful 10 weeks of Super Rugby AU. But it’s no fun seeing the Australian teams fall way behind with only two wins out after five rounds in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman which saw all five of them out of the Top 2 almost immediately. There are some good moments however when it comes competing against the best, and it will benefit them in the long term from 2022.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Reds v Chiefs Report

by Sports Benches

Reds fired off with a great start in Townsville. Chiefs on the other hand have been good defensively. But struggled with the ill-discipline. Such as the deliberate fumble from Chase Tiatia. While Queensland were under advantage. That cost the away team a penalty TRY. Tiatia was instantly given a yellow card by the referee. He had to sit out for ten minutes.

Followed by a fabulous inside ball from Tate McDermott. Where he helped Issac Henry finish the clear chase. Before Tate was bumped heavily by Damian McKenzie. As the referee sent him off under red for the rest of tonight. With Chiefs now on 13 men. Reds continued to take advantage of their decline.

When the home team made a patient play via the far right corner. There was clear passage of passes. And it gave the perfect offload for Suliasi Vunivalu who finished their 3rd TRY. Then built another touchdown off the back from Feao Fotuaika. Plus the 5th big score based on the penalties accrued. Which eventually saw Isaac Henry register his 2nd touch finish. It goes to show that Reds shown patience going forward so far tonight.

Half-Time: Reds 33-3 Chiefs

Reds continued their momentum after the break. They were patient off the back from James O’Connor at 10. Where he produced a stunning cross kick on the right flank. Saw Suliasi Vunivalu catch the ball first. Before drifting towards the opposite flank. And saw a clear route with the finish courtesy of Filipo Daugunu.

Chiefs eventually got themselves settled at last. Thanks to them finishing the 20 minute red card rule. Which puts them on a level playing field with the Reds. They may not have Damian McKenzie back for the rest of the night. But they have some fresh faces coming off the bench. And look to stake their claim for next game.

They began to catch up with a couple of touch points. Having seen the forwards make up the hard work upfront. As seen earlier defensively. While Queensland are faltering at the same time. Before one or two on the backline gave them a huge threat. And look to break their hearts towards the final siren. But Reds hold off so tight for the winning scrum & lockout.

Final score: Reds 40-34 Chiefs

Reds really took advantage of the Chiefs rough play. And did just that with as many touchdowns scored in the first 40. Before they stayed ahead. With 13 men at the time Reds were patient going forward. The passage of play was there. Alongside the use of wide areas via the channels. It was well set up to throw decoy runners. Which saw them become the 1st Australian team to win in this comp. Despite the poor last 20 minutes that almost end up as a loss.

Chiefs at last never gave up. Especially during late in the 2nd half alone. They were unstoppable to give the Reds a huge threat in the final third. Credit to their forwards who kept a great eye on the Reds faults. Both in the defensive shape at first. Followed by the attack. That eventually saw one/two players score from the backline. Which they were almost close towards winning. But not enough time due to ill-discipline earlier on.

Reds will be at home once again. But at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. When they host The Blues from Auckland. That is Friday night. While Chiefs return home in Waikato next Saturday afternoon. Their next challengers are the Melbourne Rebels. Three down, two rounds to go.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Top 3 players from the Reds v Chiefs Game

by Sports Benches

Isaac Henry has given a fresh new option in the midfield. Where he plays on the inside centre. After Hamish Stewart was inconsistent at times. As well as Jordan Petaia remains sidelined. I think it would be injury. Despite seeing this combo worked well with Hunter Paisami. That was during the Reds winning streak. At least mightily of 2021 Super Rugby AU.

He credits the 9 & 10 combo who communicated well. You see how the teamwork is there. As well as the patience flowing through the passage of play. It allowed to stay close. Before the short ball came to Issac. And he controlled the offload really well towards the touch line.

Not just one but also two tries during the first half. What a way to introduce himself in the 2021 Super Rugby TT. Especially when we have not seen him in SR AU at all. But against one of the competitive New Zealand teams. This is a great learning experience for him in the long term. The more Issac goes up against the difficult sides. Regardless of the results in the end. The better he will be able to hold his position by himself. He has a great mentor of Hunter Paisami who knows the Reds spirit. As long as Hunter does not get injured. Issac wants to learn from him as much as possible. There is two rounds left before the International leg starts. For now Issac is hoping to keep it consistent like tonight. Before we will find out in 2022 if Isaac can be a regular starter at No.12.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

He worked really hard on the Reds second row. Where he pairs up alongside youngster Ryan Smith. The build up base is there when Lukhan noticed the Chiefs early struggles. Especially with the lopsided teamwork from their backline.

It is something Lukhan took advantage during the first 40. And his attacking ability was tested. When he made a couple of tackling busts against the opposition defense. In which saw him showcase the packed muscle. Plus some pace to help make the Reds find a clear direction. So it makes life easier for his backline to wrap it up home. And thanks to him they were able to accrue four/five touch tries. In order to stay ahead of HT.

He might need some help next time. As the last 20 minutes of the game was dominated by the Chiefs. Especially with a few changes off the bench. When the Reds did not have a couple of chances up front. Having seen them go back to 15 men. And eventually became settled that almost lost the game. But as always they defended so tight until the final siren. And Reds were able to put their last minute scares to bed. Thanks to being the first Australian team to win in Super Rugby TT.

Lachlan Boshier

He looked after the Chiefs well tonight especially on the openside. The defensive shape was a great start to deny the Reds attacking chances. Which was part of his watch on protect his forwards. As well as have his backline roped in to help out. It is a strength that helped win a few penalties.

These types of practices ultimately helped them score a few touch points. At least during the 2nd 40. Unfortunately they were swamped by the ill-discipline. The rough play through the foul play. As well as the aggressive/illegal tackling. Which held them back for the majority. With little time to catch up towards the final siren.

So far in the Super Rugby TT the forwards are always great in this area. You look at how Luke Jacobson was outstanding last week v Brumbies. Same goes to Boshier tonight. Plus most of these tryscorers also coming from this forward line. Where they can have the ability to make up in both ways. Both attack & defense. They just need the backline help from now on. As just winning without scoring many touches will not cut it. They have the chance to bounce back v Rebels & Waratahs. Just two rounds left before the grand final.

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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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Rugby

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, 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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