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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Preview: Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Week 9 of Super Rugby AU will only have a Saturday & Sunday Game. There is no Friday night rugby until Round 10. As the Queensland Reds travel to Perth. So they end their regular season undefeated v Western Force. Before the Grand Final.

But this Sunday match up focuses on Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies. So far the away side have one win against them in Week 3. When Brumbies held off by three points at home (27-24). Thanks to a 50 meter penalty kick from Ryan Longeran.

Now the Rebels want revenge this time on home soil. Having won the last two games against them at home only. One in 2020 during Round 6 at a natural ground in Sydney. And another one from Round 4 on March 8 2019 (29-26). Safe to say that they have the home ground advantage. As the Rebels need to win their last two games. In order to finish 3rd & face v Brumbies again in the Qualifying Final.

Melbourne Rebels

Matt Gibbon replaces Cabous Eloff at loosehead prop. Where he joins Pone Faamasulli in his other dial. As James Hanson stays at hooker. Robert Leota & Trevor Hosea remains behind the Rebels front three. Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick in the flanker roles. Before Michael Wells rounds off this forward line.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9/10 combo. Followed by the two speedsters on the wing. It is Marika Koroibete & Frank Lomani. Campbell Magnay joins Stacey Ili at inside centre. And Tom Pincus at full-back. With Reece Hodge out for 10 weeks due to an MCL knee injury last week.

Subs

Jordan Uelese behind Hanson. So does Cabous Eloff & Cameron Orr in the prop roles. Lucas Sordoni & Ross Haylett-Petty on the backup second row. Isi Naisarani at loose forward. James Tuttle at reserve No.9. With Lewis Holland & Glen Vaihu makes up the Rebels 23 squad as utility back.

ACT Brumbies

Scott Sio displaced James Slipper at loosehead prop. With Allan Alaalatoa remains at tighthead. Alongside Folau Faingaa as the starting hooker. Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville in the second row. Rob Valetini shifted to No.8. As James Tucker & Rory Scott fills in. Both on the respective blindside & openside roles.

Ryan Longeran at scrum-half ahead of Nic White who deserves a rest. While Noah Lolesio remains in No.10. Tom Wright & Andy Muirhead placed on each wing. Bayley Kuenzle & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at reserve hooker behind Faingaa. James Slipper & Tom Ross in the props. Nick Frost as backup for Swain/Neville. Will Miller back on short-term at loose forward. Nic White at half-back. As Reesjan Pasitoa & Mack Hansen rounds off their 23 man squad.

Final Thoughts

Rebels have a great start with the defensive setup. Where they did win penalties as early as possible. Thanks to the kicking specialist off the boot of Matt Toomua. But just needs to stay patient going forward. It is something that the Rebels struggled last week v Force. As they were unable to unpack their executions. And that ultimately cost them the winning opportunity they badly need.

Brumbies are on the same page too as the Rebels. They also too experienced a brilliant fire off. Such as the early maximum points earned to try and stay ahead. However they do need to bridge that 2nd half consistency. Where they blew some penalties. Before the Reds haunted them with a two-point narrow loss. It is a weakness they must address between now and the Playoffs time. Or else they are forced to settle in 2nd spot.

The tip would go to the Brumbies who will win v Rebels by 13 points. And the home side will have to work harder. Ahead of Round 10 v Waratahs away next weekend.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds may have fired off from behind. Not only they conceded a few penalties. Their finishing was mislead. Which lead to leaked points for the first 50-60 mins. But they did make some gains from somewhere defensively. It aided them winning penalties. Where they added a couple of safe three-points into the goal.

Before the Reds were finally settled after the break. Credit to James O’Connor who produced a playmaking masterclass. He found a way to crack the Brumbies territory. Unpacking that cross-kick is one of their weapons. That influenced most of their big touch scores. Such as Josh Flook & Jordan Petaia who also learned off JOC for his 50/22 kick. As the Reds overtook a late winning move that ended up on top.

Brumbies on the other hand moved ahead immediately. They were able to get their attacking setup organised. Due to the winning penalties & ball on hand. It aided their early big scores. With two in the first 40 off Folau Faingaa. And Tom Banks who made a brilliant intercept off the poor long ball. Where no one was there to stop him.

Plus the third from Tom Wright in the second half. But unfortunately the momentum was not the same. When the Brumbies conceded plenty of ill-discipline along the way. Not only it cost them a couple of small points off the goal. It ultimately hit them hard by the final hooter. After the Reds ran from behind & produced two big scores. In which was enough for the home side to win. And it is something they must address ASAP. If the Brumbies want another championship.

While we wind back another cracking ball game from Friday. Which is the Rebels v Force in Melbourne also during Week 8.

Melbourne Rebels jumped ahead on the scoresheet early. Having oversaw the Force poor start. Such as the winning penalties. Which saw them control what they want to do with the ball. The safe shots into the goal are always there. As seen with their attacking strategy so far in 2021 Super Rugby AU. Where the home side lead by six points (12-6) at the break.

But the only weakness that ultimately robbed them is the finishing. There was long balls flying everywhere. And not one/two players picked up the ball. In order to try and complete these offloads. It is very difficult to have that communication flowing. Even from a medium to far away distance. That allowed the Force to make up lost time. Before it was too late to catch up with a narrow loss in the end.

And on Western Force. They may not have the best starts. Where their attack was not up to scratch in the initial run. But the defensive part was good. It allowed them to make some progress. That aided winning penalties along the way. With two three-point goals scored in the first half.

They continued maintaining that build up base after the break. Such as more winning penalties. As well as the ball on hand. Where both of these strengths saw them close the lead on the Rebels. Before the Force were able to bridge their executions. Thanks to Tim Anstee who came off the bench. And submitted that winning touch score with less than five to go. In they went to hold the Rebels off by the final siren. After Reece Hodge missed that drop goal attempt going wide left.

We cannot wait for Round 9 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. It will be the Western Force v Waratahs in Perth on Saturday Night. While Melbourne Rebels take on the Brumbies next Sunday. There is no Friday game until Week 10. As Reds take the bye.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Game Talk: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels fired off with a couple of three-point penalty goals. They were so organised with the ball on hand. When the Western Force were left behind at the start. It helped them take advantage of these mistakes along the way. Before they always take up the safe route for goal.

But they struggle to complete the attack for the majority. There were passes flying everywhere. Especially through the long ball offload. Where it was difficult to find communication. Just not patient to help them execute. And that approach ultimately cost the Rebels in the end.

While the Western Force were behind at the start. Having gave away a couple of lost penalties. In which later converted into leaked points. As the Rebels lead for the majority. They did however found some momentum. Thanks to their robust defense that allowed them to catch up.

They were 12-6 at the break when the attack were not settled yet. But a few changes off the bench saw the Force turn around. Thanks to a couple of penalties that went their way. Such as a few three-point goals. Before they eventually bridge that strong defensive structure into the attack. Where the away side managed to get the job done with a few minutes to spare. Even by a one point margin at 15-16. Thanks to Tim Anstee who produced that winning TRY off the bench.

One game down. One to go tonight in Week 8 of Super Rugby AU. Where the Queensland Reds v Brumbies in Brisbane.

It was an unbelievable low-scoring game by both sides. But it is the Force who got their way their 2nd win of 2021. They now need at least one more win v Waratahs next Saturday at home. Before they can finish 3rd in the ladder. And advance to the Qualifying Final for the first time. So they can have an extended crack v the 2nd placed side. A run towards the final.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Melbourne Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels snatched the early lead with the penalty goal. When Reece Hodge able to clear the kick from the halfway meter line. As Western Force fired off on a poor note. Especially with the isolated build up base with the ball on hand. And it went against their way by the ref. The score sees Rebels lead 3-0 after 2 mins.

Force did win some penalties along the way. They were able to get it going with the defensive setup. Which is some sign of progress. But had limited chances or rushed through it in the attack. It allowed the Rebels to have their crack in return. As Matt Toomua added another three-point goal. Rebels 6-0 Force after 13 minutes.

Before Force bounced back. Where the Rebels gave away penalties in their defensive half. The referee warned Rob Leota about the offside. It was a wake up call that saw Domingo Miotti complete the penalty-goal. Force now 3-6 after 16.

But later slipped away with the offside penalty. Even though they found Bryon Ralston concussed at the initial halfway stage. With the Rebels completed another successful penalty goal. The home side extend their lead to 9-3 after 22 mins.

Nothing much happened with the Force in play. Their defense still gave them a boost regarding a reprieve. Despite seeing Kane Koteka punished via the yellow card. They may have added the safe three-point penalty. But have not yet turned around in the attack which was impatient. As the Rebels pushed the Force back to six points. They lead 12-6 ahead of half-time.

Rebels did have plenty of chances with the ball in hand. But rushed through it that stalled their bid to extend these points. As the Force still strong in the defensive setup. It gave them a chance to bounce back. Where the away team closed the Rebels lead to three points (12-9). Thanks to the penalty kick off Miotti after 52.

Ten minutes later Western Force unable to get themselves ahead. Especially with the poor throw-in. Which cost the away side three points via the penalty goal. Rebels now push them back to six points. The score is 15-9 with just nearly 15 to go.

Western Force at last got past the Rebels half for the touch score. Having won a series of penalties. Picked the full option via the line-out rather than the penalty goal. Kept the maul straight that saw Tim Anstee put the ball down. Before Domingo Miotti converted the two points. Where the away side managed to hold on until the end. Despite the controversial knee slide to Reece Hodge. While Hodge attempted a late drop goal that was unsuccessful.

It could easily have been a penalty as the Rebels fans complained. And see the accuser in the Force camp receive a straight punishment. But the referee called it a day. As the final score is the Melbourne Rebels 15-16 Western Force.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8: Top 3 players from the Melbourne Rebels v Western Force Game

by Sports Benches

Tim Anstee came off the bench on the blindside in the 48th minute. Having replaced Fergus Lee-Warner for the Western Force. He made a brilliant impact straight away. With great reading to look at the Melbourne Rebels weaknesses.

Each time the Rebels lost the ball Anstee took great care defensively. It has been the case tonight that helped his side win penalties. The same goes when the opposition were isolated up front. With square pegs all over the place. And Anstee was there to help his forwards take advantage of these mistakes. Before applying the physicality that kept them waiting. While the Western Force get to eat every Rebels inch with the ball on hand.

That is when Anstee was able to lend his hand in the attack. Alongside his forwards in a tug-o-war maul. They were pushed forward by Andrew Ready who was another sub. And did well to keep the drive straight. Then Ready made the Rebels turn sideways. Where it helped Anstee find that big of space. Got there past the Rebels danger zone for the winning TRY.

Sitaleki Timani

Another Force defensive player who put a great show is Sitaleki Timani. His team may have fired off slow during the first 40 run. The defensive setup was working without a doubt. In which was important for his reading. And the physical application. When the Rebels did not make their best chances in return. As Timani was able to steal the ball off them.

Force only made mistakes via the ill-discipline. It did hurt at times as reflected earlier on & most of their meetings. With the backline disjointed initially. Before Timani was able to push every inch of the Rebels territory. Where his side was finally settled after the break. The penalties were there to close in. Before he used that physical pack to push the Rebels sideways. And that helped his team-mate Tim Anstee execute the winning moment.

You got to credit him who is very experienced at lock. Alongside Jeremy Thrush who plays with Timani on the left hand side. He is also in the mid-30s bracket too. And it does benefit some of the youngsters like Tim Anstee. So once he & Thrush eventually retire. They can learn from them off by heart. Once they are ready to start regularly for the Force.

Lewis Holland

He did well on his first start in the Rebels midfield. Having helped out his forwards that held off one/two Force players to mark. That is how this side was able to get ahead early. Thanks to a couple of penalty goals converted as successful.

Lewis has both the physicality to run down the opposition half. As done in reverse to apply those blocks defensively. It shows that the Rebels gave him an chance to what he has got to offer. Especially when he played in the sevens circuit for a long time. And it taught him on how to be an all-rounder with some space. Which did test him once he moved into the XVs.

The passing was there as needed to keep this passage of play going. Where it was part of the foundations in this skillset. But there were lack of support runners that exposed the Rebels poor finishing. Very little hands up or difficulty maintaining ball. After there was long balls chucking popping up. And it is something that ultimately cost the game in the end. It is better to have close communication. So guys like Lewis can link up on the wide areas. Before the execution can be done.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Preview: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night sees the Rebels host Western Force in Melbourne. They won two of their five games so far. Despite their loss v Reds last week. A win here would mean a step closer to the Finals.

Well at least for the the Qualifying Final game. Where the 2nd v 3rd best fuel for that one Final spot against the top ranked team. Rebels have won the last three games against Force. Both at home and away. While the Force desperately need a win in order to stay in contention for 3rd.

The Perth based side has won one game v Waratahs in Week 3 away. Nearly got themselves on the finish line against the Rebels at home. And Reds on their turf in Week 5. But have a tough last game out v Brumbies in Canberra. The last time the Force beat Rebels in Melbourne was Week 8. That was on the 12th June 2015 at 11-13. And the overall game v Rebels was Week 16 on 7th July 2017 in Perth, 31-22.

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. With James Hanson as the starting hooker. Rob Leota dispatches Steve Cummins on the second row. Where he will join Trevor Hosea at five. Josh Kemeny, Richard Hardwick & Michael Wells as back rowers. So that is the Rebels forward line-up for tomorrow.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9 & 10 combination. Two flying Fijian born stars on the wing. Such as Marika Koroibete on the left. And Frank Lomani in the opposite dial on the right flank. Lewis Holland gets his first start at inside centre. Stacey Ili remains alongside Holland in the Rebels midfield. And Reece Hodge moved to 15.

Subs

Jordan Uelese pushed down to reserve hooker by Hanson. Matt Gibbon & Lucio Sordoni in the props. Steve Cummins is also dispatched by Rob Leota at reserve lock. Brad Wilkin as loose forward. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell. Tom Pincus usually at full-back over the past few weeks. Now as backup fly-half or 15 if needed. Before Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 match day squad v Force.

Western Force

Tom Robertson slots in at loosehead. And Santiago Medrano alongside him at tighthead. Felati Kaitu’u has the usual throw-in. Behind that front three is Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani. Then Fergus Lee-Warner on the blindside & Kane Koteka on the openside. Before Tomas Lezana replaces Brynard Stander at 8.

Tomas Cubelli at half-back. Where he is joined by fellow Argentine Domingo Milotti in 1st five-eighth. Jordan Olowofela & Bryon Ralston on the wings. Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. As Jack McGregor ticks off the Force XV v Rebels.

Subs

Andrew Ready now back after he served his three-game ban. Angus Wagner & Jack Winchester in the props. Kieran Longbottom as lock. Ryan McCauley at Flanker/Number 8. Now the next two are also forwards. But had to fill-in due to plenty of injuries in their backline. Such as Tim Anstee & Brynard Stander. Before Ian Prior rounds off the bench for tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Rebels knows how to connect the attack on occasions. Having eventually settled into the game. But fell behind when firing off. Where they picked up plenty of ill-discipline. And not enough time to bounce back. The home team need to score early as soon as it started. Otherwise they will struggle like last week & it will cost them.

While the Force also need to cut the lost penalties as well. It really limited their chances to get going with the possession on hand. With no score made in the first 40. They did get going in the 2nd half alone which was not enough. Once again the Force need a way to build a competitive lead early. Before it is too late.

It is 3rd v 4th placed sides to duel in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. One of them will step forward and look to hold on for that Qualifying Final berth. But I will go for the Rebels to win by six points. And step closer to the Playoffs for their 2nd year.

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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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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds wrap up in Melbourne still up front v the Rebels. They fired off with three spectacular touch scores in the first 20 minutes. Might have faltered in between on occasions. When the lost penalties slapped against them. That saw the home side began catch up to a ten point buffer at half-time. But they were able to regroup together with more big scores. So the momentum returned as it was from the beginning. Thanks to their impressive attacking setup. The more the Reds have the ball in hand. The better it will be to dictate the game and cap it off their way.

Rebels on the other hand be disappointed not to win another one at home. They eventually got the ball rolling. Especially with Frank Lomani got involved a lot more going forward. So much pace that helped put some points for this side. Plus the talkup that brought a couple of his own through the channels. The same goes to Michael Wells on his defensive contribution. Having seen him dived in the Reds poor areas and flipped into winning penalties. But sadly it is about the slow starts & inconsistent long runs. Like the fumbling & impatient setup last night. As this limit plenty of chances with the ball.

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

While we look back at the Friday night game in the same round. It was the NSW Waratahs hosting their 2nd home game of 2021. This time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents is the defending Super Rugby AU champs ACT Brumbies.

Waratahs have improved in some ways after a tough week beforehand. Thanks to the return of usual half-back Jake Gordon. He really gave this embattled team a hand. Where the Tahs gave themselves ample time with the ball. Due to the brilliant work in defense. And were firing that picked a few touch points. But they were gutted not to get the conversion kick right after 80 mins. Tahs still need to fix their discipline. As well as the patience going forward. Then this side would be able to finally get a win. But not this game.

And the Brumbies left the SCG unscathed with the two point win. It was a close one to escape after the Tahs missed conversion kick. They were not cooperating for the majority. Having seen them lose plenty of penalties via the ill-discipline. It saw two players receive the yellow card. Most notably Tom Cusack who was hit with a double yellow that turned into red. This is one area they need to fix before their next meeting in Brisbane. But there is no doubt their attack is still superior as seen in the first 40. They got themselves on the board early. Before stayed ahead with a decent total that gave the best chance to win.

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

We are going into Week 8 of 10 in the round-robin portion. Rebels will still be at home in Melbourne on Friday night. As their next meeting is against the Western Force from Perth. While Saturday night sees the Reds v Brumbies. Now we will wait and see where they will play. It will be a Queensland home game. But with the recent spike of COVID cases there. The ground is still yet to be confirmed at this stage. And the Waratahs will take the bye.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Report: Rebels v Reds

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds gone ahead swiftly with the first few points. There was great defense from Jock Campbell who read the Rebels isolation. He dragged Frank Lomani into touch one by one. Before the away side got it done via Taniela Tupou.

Not long later the Rebels were isolated when they have the ball in front. The pass from Reece Hodge was not close. Instead it was a vague pass to Matt Toomua. As Hunter Paisami read it well that helped him intercept the ball. And ran more than 50 meters of pace. In which was too easy to touch down. Queensland Reds now extend their lead to 14-0 after five mins.

That poor start continues from the Melbourne based side. With Queensland extended their lead to 17. Thanks to an accurate three-point slot from James O’Connor. The current skipper at No.10 went on to assist a 2nd patient run to Taniela Tupou. Especially when the Rebels have not yet turned around. Such as the lost penalties and miscommunication with the ball. Reds now 24-0 after 18 minutes.

At last the Rebels have began to dig a hole. The winning penalties are there to claim. Which saw take themselves some time with the ball. Before Matt Toomua able to find the offload. Having looked at the width of the field that eventually found a gap. Thanks to Frank Lomani who processed this 1st big score on the right wing. Rebels now 7-24 after 30 minutes.

Then Rebels followed up with a brilliant next run. Melbourne took advantage of the Reds lack of feel this time. Unlike the momentum shown during the first 20 minutes. Where Frank Lomani break through their gate. And called out Reece Hodge with the brilliant offload. This is great talkup that helped this midfield runner touched down. Rebels now 10 points behind the Reds ahead of half-time. As they are not done early just yet.

Half-Time: Rebels 14-24 Reds

Nothing much changed from the Reds after 20 minutes of play. Where the initial momentum tag flipped upside down into lost penalties. In contrary to the Rebels who have remained patient with the ball in hand. But lost their way forward. As the Reds bounced back. Thanks to a great line from Jock Campbell. Michael Wells have held him short the first time. Just not enough bodies around to save it that saw the Reds score again. Rebels 24-31 after 47 minutes courtesy of Fraser McWright.

Reds went on to push a bit further via the penalty kick. While the Rebels dropped the momentum on their next run. Such as the lost penalties given away. And a disjointed attacking talkup. That cost them the chance to close the opposition down. Rebels 14-34 with nearly 20 to go.

The away team continued to profit the Rebels decline. Having seen them being warned after they were hit with the penalty. They backed up with decent patience in return. Due to the excellent talkup via the set piece play. And James O’Connor controlled the game well via the short ball. With Jock Campbell as the recipient for the next big score. Rebels 14-39 Reds after the 65th minute mark.

The men in blue have responded immediately. Courtesy of Michael Wells on the far left on the Rebels. After Frank Lomani continued to break a couple of meters into the Reds half. As seen a couple of times tonight. But they are still 20 points behind the Reds at 19-39.

And it is the Reds who continued in a winning fashion. When Bryce Hegarty made a brilliant cross kick onto the far right. Saw Reece Hodge fumbled the ball up high. Before it landed in front of sub utility back Josh Flook. He tapped the ball down within the touch line. In which secured his first Super Rugby TRY. The final scorecard is Rebels 19-44 Reds.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7: Top 3 players from the Rebels v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Taniela Tupou is the No.1 pick tonight on the tighthead front row. Such an all-round player to watch in both attack and defense. He noticed the Rebels not cooperating in return. Where they fired off against their way earlier on. And it helped him mark them down. With nowhere to pass/find support that left it isolated.

It gave the Reds time to get around their half. Which is exactly how they wanted him to split the Rebels into pieces. You look at the physicality and running that lifted his side early. Thanks to the short ball offloads and set piece assists going forward. As he was able to process up two tries by himself during the first 40 run.

He may have deserved a well earned rest after 65 plus minutes tonight. Having fired off well. Then saw them gave away some penalties on occasions. But the Reds was eventually settled to remain undefeated after half-time. And there is none other than the Tongan Thor who continues to play very well. Taniela will no doubt look to guide the Reds towards the championship. Should they make it to the Grand Final once again & go one better.

Fraser McReight

He also really stood out on the openside back row role. Where Fraser read it well to spot the Rebels being isolated. Especially after their attacking setup did not start well. Despite some points against them during portions tonight. But at large the opposition lost their way with the ball.

So that was one thing in mind that helped him protect his forwards. It allowed the Reds to take their time. When the referee gave the ball control to them. Which saw Fraser build up the attack to gain these meters. Before he called his backline to give the return he needed. Not just the touch score. But he also dragged one player into touch. And that helped him give Josh Flook his first moment in Super Rugby. Thanks to a cameo try via the Bryce Hegarty cross kick with 4 mins left.

It goes to show that the talkup is there in order to unpack these techniques. So he and his team-mates are on the same page. That kind of attacking masterpiece does reflect the Reds fine run. Including one touch score in the 2nd 40 from McReight himself. Credit is due as mentioned a bit earlier about the backline contribution. Which is in defense. These forwards like McWright were called to keep that passage of play. And it makes the processing easier to pick up points.

Frank Lomani

He played very well on the right wing tonight for the Rebels. After Frank was called in to replace the injured Lachie Anderson. The pace was so brilliant to see for the 24 year old who hails from Fiji. Just like Marika Koroibete on the other flank.

When the Rebels were given the chance with the ball. Frank ran well into space that gone past the Reds half. The communication is there to help guide him at times. Which saw him process the Rebels first touch courtesy of Matt Toomua. He benefitted the Rebels 9 & 10 combo. Especially not long later after the successful scrum off Joe Powell. Again same basic processes that gone through the gate. Before Frank found Reece Hodge via the channels on the run home.

This performance tonight from Lomani gave the Rebels some hope. After they were only 10 points down going into the break. But ultimately the Rebels poor start in the first 20. Followed by the inconsistent finishing later on. Where they were stuck in traffic via lost penalties/fumbles. And that stopped them from chasing the Reds down in the end. It is not his fault. Just needs more chances with full control of the ball. So the middle ground is there that would get it done differently. And end up in a positive note next time for the win.

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