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Rugby News: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Preview: Brumbies v Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

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.

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Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Preview: Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

Week 2 of the Super Rugby AU begins tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds once again at Suncorp Stadium on home soil. This time they go up against the 2020 3rd placed Melbourne Rebels.

This is the Rebels first game of 2021 after taking the Week 1 off. Safe to say they have prepared a little longer. While the four other teams played at the same time last week. Add the extra travel going to Brisbane as well. This season they want to be in the Top 3 again. Having showed quality against some top sides. Rebels would like to show off their vast experience. In which would give the Reds a tough battle. Especially the young guns.

Queensland Reds on the other hand came off a big win v Waratahs in Week 1. They currently lead the ladder. As they look to go back to back wins. Most importantly about this team is the ability to explode an attack. The support is there when the defense blocked the Tahs chances. Before Reds convert it on their own. And it will be the key towards building a strong start.

Queensland Reds

Taniela Tupou replaces Feao Fotuaika at tighthead prop. Where Tupou joins Dane Zander on the opposite role. Alex Mafi retains as the starting hooker. No signs lately from Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

Angus Blyth pairs with Seru Uru in the locks. Angus Scott-Young stays at blindside flanker. Fraser McWright filled the 7 role well for Liam Wright who is sidelined from injury. And Harry Wilson rounds out the forward pack at No.8.

Tate McDermott starts as the first choice half-back. Where he will look feed support to playmaker James O’Connor. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia slots in each flank. With Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami playing centrally. Before Jock Campbell covers them up at full-back.

Subs

Josh Nasser as backup for Alex Mafi in the 16 shirt. Feao Fotuaika back on the bench with Harry Hoopert. Both will look to come in for Zander or Tupou later on.

Ryan Smith takes cover in the lock/second row. Sam Wallis behind Scott-Young, McWright & Wilson. Moses Sorovi decent as 2nd choice half-back. Bryce Hegarty flexible at 10 and 15. And Suli Vunivalu can cover anywhere in the wing/centre. He came off a great 2020 with the Melbourne Storm. Having guide them to a NRL title.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Vaauli Faamausili in the props. With Jordan Uelese as the first choice hooker. Steve Cummins and Trevor Hosea backs them up in second row role.

Then you have the back three to complete the Rebels forward pack. Such as Brad Wilkin & Richard Hardwick at flanker. With Michael Wells comes in at Number Eight.

Joe Powell who is a former Brumby in at half-back. Joined by an experienced fly-half in Matt Toomua. Marika Koroibete on left wing looking to break the Reds defense. In the centres you have Reece Hodge alongside Stacey Ili. Lachlan Anderson on the right wing. And Tom Pincus completes the Rebels starting 15.

Subs

Ed Craig as second choice behind Uelese in No.16 shirt. Issac Aedo Kailea & Rhys Van Nek in the reserve props. Rob Leota & Josh Kemeny can fill in both lock/flanker/No8. Former Red James Tuttle & Frank Lomani at backup scrum-half. Lomani can pass/run a bit up the field if needed.

And Glen Viahu rounds out the Rebels 23 man squad on reserve backline. While the starting XV is experienced with some have Wallaby caps. Most of the Rebels bench comes from the youth development ranks.

Final Thoughts

It will no doubt be a cracking game between Reds v Rebels. Youth v Experience in other words for the win.

I guess the attack will fire it up from each end. Where the conversions will be tight to say at least. No doubt Filipo Daugunu is a top finisher. Same goes to James O’Connor. There is striking comparisons from the other end. With the Rebels pair of Marika Koroibete & Matt Toomua.

But my pick would be the Reds win by 10 points. Seems that the home team have a better defense than Rebels. And therefore a balanced XV would win the race. In contrast to a half-decent side. Nothing against this away team. I reckon despite the extra preparation. Rebels will have a tough time handling a emerging Maroon.

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Rugby Australia News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK1: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs fired off within two minutes of the game v the Queensland Reds. When the Reds went offside with the mistake & the Tahs took advantage of the penalty. As the line up looked good before Jake Gordon scored the 1st touchdown of the night. Thanks to the assist of Izaia Perese & Jack Maddocks towards the far left side.

Waratahs however followed the Reds’ mistakes with the offside defensively. With the successful penalty goal conceded against them. When their lead was cut 4 points (3-7). And later lost the lead by one point. As the Queensland Reds are back on track. Thanks to the Jock Campbell touchdown via the James O’Connor assist. 

Not much progress has made from the Waratahs with another touchdown conceded against them. They still are not careful via the discipline. While the Reds go strength to strength going forward after they extended their lead to ten points. Thanks to Alex Mafi.

The home team were patient with the foundations before Queensland added another touchdown. Again they took advantage of the Waratahs poor playing tactics. Such as the discipline and the lack of conversion support. Which in turn gave the Reds plenty of benefit towards an easy ride home on the far left side. Reds now 24-7 ahead of Waratahs by the intial halfway mark during the first 40.

Then the Watatahs have their chance to try and make up some lost time in return. But they got their touchdown held up. Despite some progress from Jake Gordon alone. Their conversion play looked still isolated with one player carrying this workload. With the lead fallen further away from the Reds after the O’Connor penalty goal 27-7.

And the Reds lead out in front with a 20 point lead ahead of the break 27-7. The Waratahs need to turn around in an unlikely win in the last 40. The discipline remained a mess when Izaia Perese made a dangerous tackle on Hunter Paisami. And Perese unfortunately received a red card from the referee. He cannot be replaced until the Waratahs are allowed to replace him after 20 minutes. So does the finishing when there is a lack of support operators to clear this up.

So far no team have scored a touchdown after the break. Both teams have their fair share of penalties. Plus the ill-discipline and the missed chances in return. Even with 14 men from the Waratahs right now who have been productive of late. The best about them so far is the defensive play. Where they held back the Reds finishing chances and was cancelled by them.

The score though still goes to the Reds 27-7 with 25-20 minutes left on the clock. None of these sides have yet to strike a touchdown in the 1st half of the final 40. There is still missed touchdown chances left on the table. While this half was a defensive minded portion.

But the last 10 minutes went to a Reds attacking masterclass to close out the game in style. With another touchdown from Filipo Daugunu in the 71st minute. Thanks to an assist from playmaker James O’Connor. Before substitute Ilaisa Droasese wrapped up the Reds 5th and final touchdown of the night. The final score at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane goes to the Reds 41-7 Waratahs.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU, WK1: Top 3 players from the Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs Game

by Sports Benches

James O’Connor is both a playmaker and leader of the Reds cohort. Where he credits the defenders for the foundations.

It really took time for them to eat each meter from the Waratahs half. And they gave O’Connor the chance to be creative

Both mentally to find a way to break the Sky Blue half. As well as the execution to lessen his workload. So the credit is there when due. This tactic has really worked.

When they used the wide areas of the pitch. Calling names and communication is another part of his playmaking creativity. Before the execution is there.

Thanks to the assist towards Jock Campbell for the first touchdown. In which helped them put back on track. The same goes for his 2nd assist on Filipo Daugunu with ten mins left. Again James has the licence to thrill with the ball in his hand.

Dictates the play as it always should be out wide. Finds Filipo next to him with the short & quick pass. And there goes his attacking masterclass tonight in the 10 shirt. James wants to keep hammering

by attack, attack, attack every week. It will be the recipe for success this season.

Fraser McWright

He played such an all-round display in the 7 shirt for the Reds. Fraser knows how to read the Waratahs weaknesses. In which is important to limit their finishing play.

Such as taking advantage of their poor throw ins. And hold the ball up to turn over for the Reds. Fraser also knows when they lack support with one attacker alone. It is very easy for McWright to hold him down.

These attributes convey how good he contributes in the defense. Both physical and mental. As he is very capable to ruin the Waratahs from extending their lead..

Then he uses his physical build to knock one defender to the next. Attacking wise by giving himself and the Reds a chance to strike. As well as the pace to run them down through the gate. Communication is always good to find them another way.

It may not exactly be a touchdown aimed for himself. McWright is at least wanting to help the whole team. It is a job he has to guide his troops. Since Liam Wright is not here for 10 weeks due to injury. And it is evident when he assisted Filipo Daugunu earlier in the 1st 40. With the Reds are up ahead by way miles ahead by that stage.

And it remained unchanged until the very end. Might be a defensive minded game for the first two minutes. Despite the 14 men from the Waratahs. But at least the last 10 minutes changed everything. With McWright worn his absolute best for the badge. So he deserved to be in the Top 3.

Harry Johnson-Holmes

He looked after the Waratahs defense for 75 mins. Where Harry spotted the opposition mistakes. With the reading there to help the Reds loss the ball. And a very strong build to form these walls.

When the Waratahs have their turn with the ball. After the Reds unable to cope with the discipline as soon as the game began. His defensive work was the catalyst on giving his attack a chance.

You already saw how Tom Horton sorted the throw-in. And Harry joining in the maul to push it forward. Where his attacking instincts held the Reds up. While Horton still has the ball. Before giving Jake Gordon the finishing he needs. With the support of Jack Maddocks & Izaia Perese.

But unfortunately the backs poor finishing & ill discipline cost his hard work. As well as giving himself and his forwards a hard time alone. Where in the end a few Reds defenders can hold them back. And the ref hands the ball over. There is also disjointed talk between the two areas.

The only thing the Waratahs are good tonight is the foundations. And defensive minded play. Where the Reds have a few missed touchdowns left on the table. It can surely be a good thing for DJH that reflects his defensive attributes. But only this part alone for the whole time.

Harry needs his backline to perform better next week. A defensive only team with seven to eight men trying to stop the Reds from scoring. As the foundations built by Harry & his defenders. While the backline not matching the opposition attack will cost you games. That is one thing they will need to give him credit when due. They should listen and thank him for later. But not tonight though after the big loss.

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Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU R1 Pre-Game Overview of Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

It will be a blockbuster Round 1 Clash of Super Rugby AU tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds host NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium. Right at the centrepiece of the Brisbane CBD.

Last year the Reds just pipped the opening round win 32-26. But the Tahs have won the other meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground 45-12. One of these moments include a Jake Gordon hat-trick touchdown. While Will Harrison looks always spotless with the kicking in goal.

And just want to add a bit with the trial game a few weeks ago. Where the Tahs just closed out the Reds 45-33. Safe it say it will be a State of Origin like rivalry between Maroon v Sky Blue. It is not just the competitiveness of these athletes who are looking to shine a light. It is also the first time that any rugby fan can watch it on Free TV Live. Once every week during the Super Rugby AU competition. As well as the Trans-Tasman leg if is approved.

NSW Waratahs

The Waratahs will have Tom Horton at hooker. Where he is supported by Angus Bell & Harry Johnson Hooker in the prop section. Sam Caird & Jack Whetton pairs up in the second row. So does Will Harris & Carlo Tizzano at flanker. Where Tizzano will replace Michael Hooper. And Jack Dempsey round the forwards unit at 8.

Jake Gordon will have Hooper’s armband at scrum-half. Followed by kicking machine Will Harrison at 10. James Ramm at left wing. Then you pair the two centres of Joey Walton & Izaia Perese. Alex Newsome on the right wing. Jack Maddocks at full back. In which sums up the Tahs XV for tomorrow night v Reds.

Their substitute bench consists of David Porecki at hooker. Te Tera Faulkner & Sio Tatola at prop. Jeremy Williams at the lock position. Hugh Sinclair at flanker. Jack Grant as the backup for Jake Gordon at scrum-half. Tane Edmed at fly-half. And Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wing.

Queensland Reds

Brandon Paenga-Amosa is out of the side at hooker. So Alex Mafi takes his place as the starting spot instead. Dane Zander & Feao Fotuaika supports Mafi as the props.

Seru Uru will make his Super Rugby debut as the second rower. Joining him is Angus Blyth. Before Angus Scott-Young comes in at 6. While Fraser McWright takes over Liam Wright at 7. Where Liam was unfortunate to suffer an injury during pre-season. And will not be back until at least Round 10. Harry Wilson who won a few Wallaby caps recently comes in at 8. As Wilson completes the Reds forward pack.

Then Reds connect with the backline department. Starting with Tate McDemott at scrum-half. Alongside new stand-in skipper James O’Connor. Despite unsuccessful attempts to join the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia will look to unleash their pace at each flank. Supported by Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami centrally. Before Jock Campbell backs them up at No.15.

Richard Asiata begins the interchange at hooker. Harry Hoppert & Taniela Tupou as back up props. Ryan Smith at lock. Tuaina Taii Tualima can fill in at both lock & flanker. Moses Sorovi as back up to McDemott. Same goes to Bryce Hegarty as second choice behind O’Connor. And Illaisa Droasese can fill in anywhere at centre/wing/fullback.

Final Thoughts

It will be a tough and competitive game for sure. Waratahs would want to put their poor 2020 season behind. And look ahead of life after Michael Hooper. With a few young guns forming this nucleus. While still having a few experienced guys available to help this cohort. As some already created their own names last year. That would hopefully bridged this gap and be in the Top 3 fight every week.

And on the Reds they would want to go one better this year. Most of the players have been retained that helped guide them to the final. Which is important to continue their resurgence. Credit to Head Coach Brad Thorn who admires youth. But are unfortunate to deal with the Liam Wright injury recently. As the Reds will need Angus Scott-Young to step up in his absence. And help out Fraser McWright & Harry Wilson. Avoiding defeat v the Tahs would determine where they go after R10.

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