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

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds are on top of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Ladder. As of Round 7 they have won each of their games. With no losses made so far. As the winning streak would hopefully still be alive.

Melbourne Rebels on the other hand just came off a bye. Having won the last two games. Both the Western Force & NSW Waratahs. They would like to keep that winning momentum. And keep themselves in the Top 3 with four rounds left to go.

The first game of 2020 Super Rugby AU between them ended in a draw. But Reds still win 2-0. One during Round 7 19-3 & Qualifying Final 25-15 both at home. As well as the first game this year 23-21. But Reds have last won against them as a away team. That was Round 12 on 13 May 2017 where they won 24-29 in Melbourne.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli remains in the props. Same goes to Jordan Uelese at hooker. Steve Cummins & Trevor Hosea in the second row. Protecting these first two is Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick at flanker. And Michael Wells rounds off the Rebels forward line at Number 8.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua remains at 9 & 10. So does Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili in the midfield. Lachie Anderson replaced by Frank Lomani. As Tom Pincus rounds off the matchday XV v Reds on Saturday.

Subs

James Hanson at hooker behind Jordan Uelese. Matt Gibbon & Albert Anae in the props. Thomas Nowlan as back up for Cummins/Hosea. Rob Leota in any of the loose forward roles. James Tuttle at scrum-half. As Lewis Holland & Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 v Reds.

Note: Rebels also added Lucio Sordoni where he plays as hooker. And Glen Vaihu as utility back. It does not mean any of the players on the bench will guarantee game time. Depending on the game and how the coach Dave Wessels dictates later on.

Queensland Reds

Feao Fotuaika in for Dane Zander at loosehead. Alongside Taniela Tupou on other prop dial at tighthead. As Brandon Paenga-Amosa retains as hooker. Ryan Smith & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the second row. Same goes to Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright. Except Seru Uru who is replaced by Harry Wilson.

Tate McDermott at half-back & James O’Connor skippers at fly-half. Jock Campbell moved from full-back to the left wing. While Jordan Petaia took the other flank. Due to the injury from Suliasi Vunivalu that will take one month. Hamish Stewart back in at inside centre alongside Hunter Paisami. And Bryce Hegarty at 15.

Subs

Alex Mafi at reserve hooker despite a hat-trick last week v Waratahs. Even though he was not the starter. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Angus Blyth & Seru Uru at lock/loose forward. Kelani Thomas as reserve half-back. Josh Flook can fill-in for O’Connor if he has the chance. And Filipo Daugunu completes the Reds 23 man squad this Saturday.

Final Thoughts

Reds have a great attacking setup that can be patient on the spot. And get it done when they can. Which is exactly what they did last week for the majority v Waratahs. But they do have a couple of injuries at the same time. So they will need to overcome that slow start. As seen in most games then make up lost time. It does involve risk. But knows as long as the attack is organised then they will win.

While the Rebels have what the Reds offer in the contrary. That is the defense. They know how to spot the opposition weaknesses straightaway. And put themselves early that would go a long way. Before it would be too late to chase down. Once the points are theirs ahead of the Reds. They would like to explore further to extend their lead. And get to dismantle their defense. Just like they did to the Waratahs two weeks ago. It would exactly be the strategy come Saturday.

It will be a close game so sure at AAMI Park in Melbourne. But despite the Reds have a injury or two. Their attack for me will still stand out. So they will continue to stay undefeated and win by 7 points.

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Rugby News Australia, Top 3 talking points ahead of Round 7 in the 2021 Super Rugby AU

by Sports Benches

Six weeks done now in the 2021 Super Rugby AU season. We got four more round robin rounds left. Before there are two final games. Such as the Qualifying Final between 2nd & 3rd place. And the Grand Final the week after. Where the 1st placed team already gets that spot guaranteed. While the other opponent will be whoever wins the Qualifying Final.

For now we will focus on Round 7. This Friday sees the Waratahs host again at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their visitors will be the ACT Brumbies. Saturday night sees the Reds continue to go South. But in Melbourne at AAMI Park. Where they will face the Rebels. And the Western Force will take this week off. Before they return to play next week away also v the Rebels.

New Waratahs midfield duo gave some hope in the 2nd 40 alone

The Waratahs are still yet to search a win so far in 2021. In which is not what these fans want to hear. They did show some displays at least in the 2nd 40 alone. As seen two weeks ago with 10 minutes left in Melbourne. And the same momentum happened last week. Especially with Izaia Perese who returned after a few weeks suspension. When he made a dangerous tackle on Hunter Paisami in Round One.

He came back refreshed alongside Lalakai Foketi in this midfield. They both just did not stop running. Having seen them protect/look after the forwards defensively. As well as crack a few meters into the Reds territory. It only converted well once in the 2nd 40. Where Foketi made a good line break on the wide right.

And found Will Harris via a short inside pass past the touch line. But for the majority they were isolated with a lack of talk up. So the conversions can be done which is ultimately failed. It will be interesting to see if the whole team can get behind this midfield duo. We will get to find out on Friday night v the Brumbies.

Can the Reds cope without Suliasi Vunivalu?

He might have done the wrong thing off the field before Round 1. Waited to come off the bench the next week. And made an impact straightaway. In which did save the low scoring game in Round 2 v Melbourne Rebels at home. Since then he was a brilliant contributor in the 14 shirt.

The mistakes are still there when giving away the balls. As well as the high tackles after the jump. So that is one thing via the discipline. But once he is in the attacking setup. Suliasi gets to unleash his destructive pace in the final third via the channels. Where the decoy runners are there to create the passage of play. And you see him smash one or two defenders on the run home. Just like in his rugby league days with the Melbourne Storm.

We also note that he is around 193 cm in height. In which also helps him read and defend better. Safe to say that the transition from league to union is not bad here. Although he picked up an injury only a few days ago. Where it will take just one month to recover. So Suliasi would be back by the Playoffs portion. The next question is will the Reds cope without him? They already overcame the first time via usual captain Liam Wright. Suliasi is up next. If not then the Rebels have a fighting chance here on Saturday. With a great defensive setup from Melbourne.

When the Waratahs ever get back to form after Rob Penney is fired as head coach?

It is hard to get under their skin each time a loss hits against him. Rob Penney came here just before 2020 in the hope of results. After the predecessor Daryl Gibson left despite signing a contract extension. And not favouring Simon Cron for the top job by the Tahs management.

That is right the management has lots of unanswered questions here. When the previous CEO Andrew Hore left only days after Penney came in. Although the results were mixed last year in the Super Rugby AU. They were left out by the Rebels in 4th spot. With no finals campaign at all. Then still no turnaround after six rounds of play.

Penney knows how to nurture young talent. Having coached Canterbury and the New Zealand U20s before. But at the same time the Tahs need some established stars. Having been under the $1 million value of the current players in this disposal. Which is pretty much out of his control. And unfortunately it is a results driven business. Can Chris Whitaker & Jason Gilmore get the best out of this lopsided squad? The Playoffs hopes may be very bleak. But have just four rounds to prove themselves. Before it is about fixing the NSW Rugby system. For now we wish Rob Penney good luck here.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds remained undefeated after five games so far. They might have fired off slow at the start. Having seen the Waratahs scored two-three point penalty goals. But able to stay patient for the majority. And grouped them together.

When the Reds simply very powerful upfront last night. Three tries in the first half. Especially with Tate McDermott being involved a lot more. He scored the first one for himself. And a assist to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at lock. Then followed up in the second with four more tries. One from Taniela Tupou. Plus a hat-trick from Alex Mafi as hooker. Even though he came off the bench! He looked after the throw-in/maul. And it allowed him to find some room. That is how Mafi made it to the touch line on the spot.

While the NSW Waratahs gone ahead early with a couple of three-pointers. They are able to spot the Reds slow start straight after kick off. There is plenty of ill-discipline involved that gifted them winning penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling unfortunately. Plenty of lost penalties gained against them. And little talkup that rushed through with the ball.

Not even one big score in the second half is a long way to catch up. They were finally able to snatch some points from the Reds. But at large it is just the same momentum from the very start. With the damage already done by the time Alex Mafi produces a hat-trick. As the Waratahs still looking for answers. It seems their finals hopes are very bleak.

We also look back from the Friday game in Week 6. Brumbies v Western Force.

Western Force endured a very difficult game. Having travelled to Canberra with two near wins v Rebels & Reds. They simply were not cooperating. Each time a penalty is marked against them. Which limited their chances with the ball. Just no possession in the first 40. Although they did show up with two tries later on. But again the Force left it very late. And it is something they still need to group their attack next time. Other than the defense that helped them win penalties/turnovers.

And the Brumbies way too good that returned to winning form. After they were robbed at the last minute two weeks ago v Reds at home. Just spotted the Force struggles with the ball in hand. As well as their poor discipline. Where the home side were so good when they were given these chances. Then converted into a number of big scores throughout the night. Four tries in the first half via a Len Ikitau double. And two more in the last ten minutes. With Andy Muirhead finished off the match in style. He also scored his 2nd touch too.

Just a little note here. The Brumbies did go back to top spot after Friday night with the win. But Reds pushed them down to 2nd the next day. Due to their continuous winning form. We are now in Week 7 of 10 in the 2021 Super Rugby AU competition.

NSW Waratahs will host again this time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents will be the Brumbies on Friday night. Next Saturday night sees the Melbourne Rebels host their 2nd home game. Where the Reds will continue travelling south. And Western Force will have the week-long off until Week 8.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 5 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds stayed undefeated after four games so far. They are able to get ahead early this time. Credit to Tate McDermott who looked after the scrum at half-back. Picked up two assists there. One for himself & the other is Jock Campbell. He too secured the match-winning try late in the 2nd 40. And a double big score from Hunter Paisami in the inside midfield. Lots of running & talkup that ripped up the opposition.

The only weakness though is giving plenty of penalties & fumbles away. With not much opportunities with the ball on occasions. Reds had to witness what the Western Force had to offer up front. The away team did capitalize the Reds mistakes that kept them in the game.

Such as the 1st 40 big score from Felati Kaitu’u. And a couple of successful penalty goals from Jake McIntyre. But Reds luckily left them unscathed as the winners. Due to decent defensive work in the end. When the Force just did not remain patient with the finishing. They were isolated in contrary to what the Reds have shown last night. Western Force just need to work on this weakness next time.

It was a very close game indeed while we look back from the Friday game. Where the Melbourne Rebels host NSW Waratahs at home. It was just over once year since they host in Melbourne. Rebels did not play there last year due to COVID.

Melbourne Rebels were too easy to go back to back wins. They have a great defensive foundation. As seen so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Able to spot and ground down the Waratahs misfiring attacking third. Having seen them give away these penalties/turnovers there.

They used their opportunities wisely in return. And found some space where the Waratahs unable to chase down. With a couple of big scores along the way. There was great communication that provided a great passage of play. Found their man to assist their execution. And that is how the Rebels built their lead by a big margin.

Although, The Rebels began to falter in the last 10 minutes. When the Waratahs finally able to connect those support runners. And the away team may have gained two consolation tries. A couple of changes from the bench really have seen a different side. Tom Horton was really good as the reserve hooker. Got involved & assisted both big scores. Same goes to Jack Maddocks on the right wing. He too also scored the 2nd late score. Jeremy Williams would celebrate this first big moment. His first TRY at back up lock.

The Tahs do have a couple of young stars integrating to the first team. Alongside a great defensive setup that won them penalties/turnovers. But unfortunately the damage was done a lot longer beforehand. Too much ill-discipline & rushed through their attack. Despite having plenty of opportunities with the ball. It is not a good look when they lost by 15-20 points on the board. All they can do is win every game from Week 6. Seems like their Playoffs hopes is very bleak now.

Western Force will take a short trip to Canberra in a few days. Where they will face the ACT Brumbies on Friday. While the NSW Waratahs back at home on Saturday night. They will host the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium. And the Melbourne Rebels will take the bye.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Rebels v Waratahs Game Talk

by Sports Benches

Waratahs still unable to get themselves over the line. With four straight losses against them so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Although, they do know how to build some foundations. Such as the defense that won them some penalties.

As well as launching their attacking setup going forward. But lacked a couple of support players. Where one or two were isolated with no one to pass. They were also rushed through/impatient. That is how the Waratahs got left behind for the majority. A few changes though late in the 2nd half did see a different Tahs side firing. Credit to Tom Horton who was involved both in attack & defense. He assisted two late tries in the end. And put his name up for the 2 shirt next weekend v Reds. But the team as a whole not good.

While the Melbourne Rebels shown courage in front of their home fans. They always have a great eye on the defensive side. Especially when the Waratahs did not watch their discipline. And rushed through the attack with a lack of their support. It gave the home side a chance to get themselves ahead. And spotted some space in the final third where the Tahs cannot defend. Brought some decoy runners to support them. As the Rebels executed easily past the goal line. Great talk up to keep that ball carry. Plus their passage of play on the run home.

Not once and twice. Where Matt Toomua made a playmaking masterclass just by himself. Such as his running into space & the cross kicks. But three big scores including some penalty goals between the sticks. It helped the Rebels extend their lead by a comfortable margin. Although, the only weakness is the two late tries leaked v the Waratahs. When they began to falter with some penalties gained. But at least the Rebels did enough to win.

One game down so far in Week 5 of the Super Rugby AU. One to go tonight when the Reds v Western Force in Brisbane.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Rebels v Waratahs Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels took the lead at the first attempt. With the penalty goal ticked off between the sticks. Thanks to Matt Toomua who grabbed three-points for the Rebels at home. 3-0 after five minutes.

While the Waratahs were inpatient going forward. They lost a couple of penalties so far tonight. As the Rebels able to capitalize in return. Thanks to a great setup from Pone Faamasulli. Having found Stacey Ili breaking through. Before Ili assisted Tom Pincus & finally Lachie Anderson with the touchdown. Rebels now 10-0 ahead of Waratahs by the 15th min.

Nothing much changed going into the 2nd half of the first 40. Waratahs did have some chances to bounce back. But became isolated without patience via the pick & drive. As they continued to concede penalties. Plus another six points inside the goal posts for Melbourne Rebels. Waratahs trails by 16-0 with a couple of minutes before the break.

The home side able to get around the Waratahs defensive line. When the Rebels scored a 2nd big score. Credit is due from the playmaker at fly-half himself in Matt Toomua. He found the opposition weakness on the far right. Found some space through the gate. Made a cross kick. Before Toomua executed by himself towards the TRY line. Melbourne Rebels with a decent lead at half-time, 23-0.

Waratahs still yet to score despite winning some penalties. The defensive run is a great start as seen during Week 3 v Force at home. But did not make up these chances when looking for the breakthrough. While Rebels able to extend their lead a bit further. As Reece Hodge got the penalty kick right from long range into the goal. Rebels 26-0 after 55 mins.

Then the same momentum still not moving from the Waratahs. When the Melbourne Rebels able to stay patient. Thanks to a great line-out and maul from the returning Jordan Uelese. He saw the opposition weaknesses not staying square. Before he made his way towards the touch line. And registered a 3rd Rebels touchdown. They lead by 33-0 with nearly 10 minutes left.

Away team at last found a breakthrough with 3 mins to go. Waratahs won a couple of penalties as of late. There is plenty of ball carry on hand. Where Carlo Tizzano found an easy feed first to Jeremy Williams. Then to Tame Edmed, Tom Horton & Jack Maddocks. And found Williams for the Tahs 1st TRY. Followed by a 2nd late touchdown. Backup half-back Henry Robertson ran a great line through the break. Despite some controversy with the fumble there. He managed to find Tom Horton for the pass. Before he offloaded to Jack Maddocks for the late comeback.

But it is still not enough to make up lost time. As the Rebels win at home 33-12 Waratahs.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Stacey Ili is outstanding who put a real shift in the Rebels midfield. He gives the credit to his forward pack. With the way they saw how the Waratahs attacked in return. And it was very isolated from the away side to have it executed alone.

He can make up hits and tackles when making up his defensive mindset. In order to protect and balance the workload with his forwards. That is how Stacey gave them a chance to build some set phases.

Where the Rebels managed to find themselves through the gate. Asked him to run alongside them through the channels. He catched the ball firm. With great set piece & passage of play. So he can find his man for the finish via the quick offload. In which was a job well done that inspired the Rebels tonight.

Richard Hardwick

Another Rebels player who shone at home is Richard Hardwick. He plays at openside flanker in the No.7 shirt. Got a great read in the defense. Able to look at the Waratahs attacking setup. Where they were impatient & one-dimensional.

Without the Waratahs bringing their support men further forward. Richard was able to ground them before turning the ball over. As the referee able to reward his way. Such a great defender to watch with the packed muscle. That gave every opportunity for his side to round it off.

Where he can play a great part of giving his backline a helping hand. As they do in reverse defensively. And it makes communication a brilliant flow between each other. This is how Richard contributed to the Rebels early momentum. With the winning penalties/turnovers involved. Which converts to more ball carries on hand. And even more points gained on the board. So the Waratahs unable to catch up in the end.

Tom Horton

He may have came off the bench for Dave Porecki in the 51st minute. But Tom made an impact immediately. His throw-ins was good. As well as a great eye to spot the Rebels weaknesses. Where they tend to dip down at times. And safe to say that Tom saw every bit of it. Having helped ground them down & turn the ball around.

Tom packs great physicality with plenty of mobility to move around. As said a bit earlier about his throw-ins. No doubt it has helped him launch the Waratahs attack. Where he can also get involved in advance. Such as two late assisted touchdowns towards the end of the game.

And it shows that Tom demonstrated flexibility both in attack & defense. He did well to add some winning penalties delivered for the Waratahs. Plus the late points needed to show some fightback in return. Even though their day was already done just before Tom walked in. This team now needs to rope him at No.2 next Saturday v Reds. If they are to win any games between Week 6 to Week 10.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Rebels v Waratahs Game Preview

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels are finally back hosting on home turf at AAMI Park. It has been over a year since the Rebels unable to host here due to COVID. Which saw their games in 2020 played in Sydney.

Their opponents will be the NSW Waratahs who have yet to win. Three straight losses in this 2021 Super Rugby AU run. The first two were away and the third at home in Parramatta. But they won against the Rebels before late last year 1 v 1. After losing the 1st meeting at the SCG.

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. Alongside James Hanson as the starting hooker. Steve Cummins back as the first lock. Where he replaces Ross Haylett-Petty in the 4 shirt. After RHP was given a red card last week v Western Force away. So Ross will be out for a couple of weeks. Trevor Hosea always retains alongside Cummins. So does Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick at flanker. As Michael Wells rounds off their forwards.

Joe Powell at half-back with Matt Toomua as 1st five-eighth. Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Lachie Anderson on the other flank. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili on the midfield. And Tom Pincus at full-back.

Subs

Jordan Uelese is now back from injury sustained in Week 2. But Hanson did well last week so will he have to wait. Matt Gibbon & Lucio Sordoni in the props. As Tom Nowlan behind both Cummins & Hosea. Robert Leota either at flanker or No.8. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell as reserve half-back. Glen Vaihu at backup fly-half for Toomua. And Frank Lomani caps off the Rebels 23 at utility back.

Waratahs

Harry Johnson-Holmes & Tetere Faulkner in the props. Dave Porecki holds on at hooker. Hugh Sinclair & Sam Caird as second rowers. Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano at the flankers. And Jack Dempsey rounds off the Tahs forwards.

Jack Grant stays at 9 while Jake Gordon recovers. Will Harrison at fly-half. James Ramm on the left wing. Alongside Jack Maddocks in the other flank. Tepai Moeroa & Alex Newsome both at centre midfield. And Mark Nawaqanitawase retains at full-back to complete their XV.

Subs

Tom Horton looks to gain some minutes & outclass Porecki. George Francis & Darcy Breen in the props. Sam Wykes in for either Sinclair or Caird. Jeremy Williams at flanker or No.8. Henry Robertson as reserve half-back. So does Tame Edmed behind Will Harrison. And Lakalai Foketi conpletes the Waratahs 23 man squad.

Final Thoughts

It will be interesting to see how the Rebels respond at their home turf. They know how to build the foundations in defense.

As shown in all of their games. And help gift penalty goals off Matt Toomua at fly-half. But they need to show the 2nd part more in the attack. It is good that they won v Force. Especially in a low-scoring game last week. If they can show more executions along the way. Then the Rebels will give the home fans a lot to cheer.

While the Waratahs desperately need to find some form. Having been the only side who have yet to win. They always to get the lead early. Which is a strength the Tahs carry against any opposition team.

But they just need to remain patient & cut down the discipline. The Tahs have a couple of talented youngsters coming through. Some now able to hold their starting spots. If they can identify the Rebels lack of attacking awareness. And look out to strike down in return. Where the opposition do not tend to score that big. Then we may see a Tahs win at last.

In a game where both sides needed to get the ball rolling. I am tipping the Rebels to win by three points v Waratahs at home.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 4 Round-Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies off to a great start with a patient run in the attack. With plenty of fumbles & defensive mistakes from the Reds. That saw the referee gave the Brumbies have the opportunity with the ball more. And saw excellent results along the way with incredible patience. With Pete Samu scored a double TRY in the first half. While Folau Faingaa handled the maul & throw well. He too deserved a mention in the big scoring books. They may still have held on a bit longer after the break. When Faingaa scored a 2nd TRY himself alongside Pete Samu.

But the Reds began to climb back. Having seen a few discipline mistakes/fumbles earlier on. Just like their last game v Rebels in Week 3. Bar the Suliasi Vunivalu TRY & 2 James O’Connor penalty goals.

Referee gave the ball in hand to Queensland. Where they shown incredible patience in their final third. Thanks to Taniela Tupou who put down to eat the home team lead by eight. Then followed up with a 2nd big score from Harry Wilson. Brumbies may have pulled the scoreboard away to eight again. When Samu found Issak Fines for the assisted TRY with 7 to go.

But just unable to hold on towards the final siren. When James O’Connor added the three-point goal again. Before Hunter Paisami made brilliant inside kick. Where Jordan Petaia capped off a game-winning TRY to level the scoreboard. O’Connor converts the two points. And Tupou gave the Brumbies their loss in the end, 38-40.

What a game of rugby between two halves throughout the full 80. So much attacking rugby on offer that through the very end. Reds now leapfrog the Brumbies on the ladder undefeated. While the home team for the first time in a couple of months. Wind back to Round 10 when they also lost to the Reds in Brisbane.

Also another great game from Friday to look at Week 4 in Super Rugby AU. As the Western Force returned home in Perth, Western Australia. Having came off a win win from Round 3 v the beleaguered Waratahs. This time they faced the Melbourne Rebels who have yet to win.

Rebels were patient to get by the Force in the 1st 40. Thanks to Lachie Anderson with the first big score. Where there was a great passage of play by Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge on the far right. Despite the lone touchdown scored in the lead up towards half-time. Force may be good defensively but just unable to execute.

Another big score taken away from the Force. Again credit is due through another patient run from the Rebels. The line-out penalty was good to help James Hanson set up the assist. Advised Marika Koroibete to run through the gate. And the plan really worked. With Joe Powell extending their lead to 10 points.

So a few changes in the subs may have put the Force back in the game. After seeing Jack McGregor fired back the full converted seven points. But just not enough time to compensate. When the finishing is still not consistent. You saw Fergus Lee-Warner isolated with no decoy runners. As the Rebels denied the Force home cheer in Perth by three points, 10-7.

Well the Force will have to wait until Week 9 in Melbourne. As their losing streak v the Rebels goes on. Despite they were just three points away from winning back to back. And the first time in a long time on home turf. But Rebels did not fall short this time. After two near wins v Reds & Brumbies respectively. Now they can really kick on with a 1st victory on hand.

We are at the halfway stage of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Brumbies will take the bye before they return in Week 6. As the Rebels will take on the Waratahs at home in Melbourne on Friday. Which is the first time in a long time. Since early 2020 when the Super Rugby 1.0 was there before COVID struck down. And Rebels unable to play at home for a year. While the Reds come back home on Saturday Night. They will face the Western Force in Brisbane.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Force v Rebels Game Talk

by Sports Benches

It was a really close and low-scoring game between Force & Rebels. When the Force returned home after a win last week away from home v Tahs. While the Rebels have yet to win a game so far this season.

Rebels off to a great start with great patient going forward. When they finally found some space on the far right. Where Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge made a brilliant offload. And assisted Lachie Anderson with the first five-point score.

Force were good defensively that was in line with the Rebels setup. Having won some penalties/turnovers. But just unable to crack their finishing. When they were scoreless at the break. Before a couple more lost penalties saw the Rebels extend their lead. Thanks to some talk-up from James Hanson & Marika Koroibete. Which saw Koroibete break through the Force own half. And found Joe Powell towards the finish line that extended the lead to 10.

A few changes on the bench were applied from the Force. Where they began to climb back. The talkup finally began to get the whole group together. And get that passage of passes going which saw Jack McGregor touched down. Despite the late TRY & red card from the Rebels in Ross Haylett-Petty. Force were given another crack for a match-winning score at home.

They unfortunately just did not have enough patience/time in the end. There is still some mistakes the Force unable to match in the final third. Having seen Fergus Lee-Warner struggling to find some support. That saw the Rebels turnover thanks to their robust defense.

Final Score is Force 7-10 Rebels.

Such a brilliant production of rugby that gone down to the very end. Force almost ended up back to back wins. And the first in a long time on home soil. But just not last night. With the Rebels now back on track. Due to their foundations built in the defense. And able to flip out two brilliant attacking contributions. That denied the Force the win they needed. We cannot wait for the Brumbies v Reds tonight.

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