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NSW Waratahs

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK6 Preview: Waratahs v Reds

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs return home after a heavy loss v Rebels last week. Despite two consolation tries which was very little time to catch up. Now they have four straight losses against them. Will they end this losing hoodoo in order to turn around?

While the Queensland Reds would like to continue their winning run. They just escaped the Western Force unscathed in Brisbane. So does their close win in Canberra two weeks ago v Brumbies. Can they clean sweep their oldest rivalry against NSW this Saturday? This action takes place at ANZ Stadium in Homebush.

It is always the Reds who are good against the Waratahs at home. They won both of their season opener games in 2020 & 2021. But have yet to win against them in Sydney since July 2013. Where the Reds won on their turf 12-14. That is one streak they would like to end here.

Waratahs

The front three remains intact from last week v Rebels. Harry Johnson-Holmes & Tetera Faulkner in the props. And Dave Porecki as the starting hooker. Despite a late cameo off the bench from Tom Horton.

Sam Wykes brought in at second row alongside Sam Caird. With Hugh Sinclair pushed to Blindside Flanker as Lachie Swinton’s replacement. Carlo Tizzano still at 7. And Will Harris dispatches Jack Dempsey in the Number 8 position.

Jack Grant starts at half-back along with Will Harrison in the 10 role. James Ramm on the left wing. Izaia Perese back on the inside midfield after the Week 1 suspension. So does Lalakai Foketi. Alex Newsome pushed back on the other flank as skipper. And Jack Maddocks at No.15.

Subs

Tom Horton at hooker. Alongside the returning Angus Bell & Darcy Breen in the props. Jeremy Williams in for both Wykes or Caird. Max Douglas as the reserve loose forward. Henry Robertson at 2nd choice scrum-half. Tane Edmed behind Harrison. And Mark Nawaqanitawase at utility back after three starts in full-back.

Reds

Dane Zander & Taniela Tupou holds off on the props. Brandon Paenga-Amosa back as the starting hooker. Where he replaces Alex Mafi. So does Ryan Smith who comes in for Angus Blyth at lock. While Lukhan Salakaia-Loto stays on the other side of Smith. Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright in the flanker roles. And Seru Uru gets his chance ahead of Harry Wilson. He will start at Number Eight.

Tate McDermott begins in the half-back role. James O’Connor leads the line at 1st five-eighth. Filipo Daugunu returns on the left wing. Hunter Paisami & Jordan Petaia on the midfield. Suliasi Vunivalu on the right wing. And Jock Campbell rounds off the Reds starting XV. He starts at No.15.

Subs

Alex Mafi demoted behind Paenga-Amosa at hooker. Richie Asiata & Zane Noggorr in the props. Harry Wilson & Sam Wallis at reserve lock/loose forward. Kalani Thomas as 2nd choice scrum-half. Same goes to Hamish Stewart behind O’Connor. And Bryce Hegarty at the utility back role.

Final Thoughts

It will be another state of origin like rivalry this time at ANZ Stadium. Reds have a winning formula here. With four wins and no losses so far. A win here would push them closer to a Grand Final berth. But they will need to sort out their discipline though. That is where they were not happy about the other day v Force. And needs to cut it out if they are to dominate.

Waratahs on the other hand desperately needs to find a win. Not only they experienced a couple of players lost to injury/suspension. The home side also struggled to get the ball rolling. As seen so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. But have some talented youth coming through. And dominated the last 10 mins alone v Rebels last week. Now they need to show consistency from start to finish. If the Tahs are to overcome the Reds at home.

If I was to tip between the Waratahs and Reds. An undefeated side v a desperate team who wants to win. But has excellent home form against Queensland. The Reds though will break this long running drought with the win. Just by 15 points.

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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, Looking at Mark Nawaqanitawase who is looking to make full-back his own at the Waratahs

by Sports Benches

There is one player who was emerging as of late in the Waratahs. Look out for Mark Nawaqanitawase. He normally plays in the backline. Either at wing or full-back.

He might have a couple of games on the bench during Week 1 & 2. But his first start on 2021 went coming during Week 3 v Western Force at home. Mark instead started at full-back rather than on the wing. With Jack Maddocks part of the heavy loss v Brumbies away during Week 2. It does not mean Maddocks was dropped. But rather see a change of experiment between the two players.

Mark ran a lot of miles with covering up the backline. Where he has the height and strong physique to ground off the opposition. Not just in defense. But he can really kick via the cleanout. As well as communicating which would help give himself chances with the ball. And once he has the ball Mark just could not stop running until the very end. Thanks to some space needed to execute it perfectly.

Although his position switch did initially start to pay off. Despite not scoring any tries or assists. At least his presence did see the Tahs improve a few steps. Having seen them lead at half-time. But the only thing that struck against him is the cramps. After 60 minutes of play Mark had to call out for physio. And he just unable to hold out until the full 80. If he stayed then the result may have changed.

That would be the one key Waratahs player to watch this Friday. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. It will be on their turf for the first time in just over one year. Since the COVID pandemic began that halted all sports competitions for a while. It looks like that full-back is a position Mark wants to create long-term. He has played there throughout his junior career. And he is sending Jack Maddocks with big competition in this 15 shirt. The more, the merrier at the Waratahs. As they look to reboot their season after three losses.

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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 Focus, Looking at the lack of Super Rugby coverage in the USA & Canada so far in 2021

by Sports Benches

It is somewhat surprising for those Super Rugby fans from America. When they are unable to tune in the first three rounds of Super Rugby. Not just Australia. But also the Aotearoa version in New Zealand too.

All due to the new three to five year year contracts kicking in. When Sky NZ already the first one to do so late 2019. The same goes to SuperSport in South Africa. They might not be around Super Rugby anymore. Ever since COVID hit one year ago. And eventually transferred all of their four teams to PRO Rugby in Europe. Such as the Sharks, Stormers, Lions and Bulls.

But it does not mean they are out of the south altogether. With the Springboks still in the Rugby Championship. In which will take place later this year. So the intense rivalry v All Blacks, Pumas & Wallabies are still on. At least for another ten seasons.

And we already talked about the new Australian Rugby tv deal a lot. When the Nine Network won the exclusive rights to cover rugby late last year. Effectively ended Fox Sports’ 25 year run. And Network 10 of eight years. Every rugby game acquired is via the paid Stan streaming service. Alongside one Super Rugby game per week plus finals for free on 9Gem. Every Wallabies games live on 9. And only 4 NSW & QLD club rugby games including all finals live on 9Gem.

Sadly this new TV deal finalized so late here affects both USA & UK. Since SANZAAR is the negotiator for all these packages. Super Rugby fans over in the north were asking their respective partners. Such as Sky in the UK & ESPN in the USA. I am not sure if TSN was part of the ESPN package in Canada. So far ESPN/TSN said that they will not be covering any Super Rugby this season.

But ESPN/TSN did not make any comment about the Rugby Championship. Which does see Argentina. Since they are the current TV holders over in the South American region. It even says on the Super Rugby NZ website that ESPN is still there. But only in South America. Sounds so harsh to the ESPN/TSN North American viewers.

While in the UK RugbyPass sorted out with SANZAAR during Round 2. But only the Super Rugby version in NZ. There is no clarity about the Australian comp. With talks still ongoing. So that would mean Sky UK out of the running. Since Sky UK were airing Southern Hemisphere rugby for over 20 years. When they were operated under Fox. But now owned by NBC/Comcast. Especially with very little rugby content themselves in recent years.

Whoever wins the Super Rugby rights gets the whole package. And shove it immediately for their North American viewers. So which potential TV/Streaming networks out there to pick up the pieces.

I do not think Fox Sports will get back to rugby again. They are better off with AFL and NRL. After they showed some rugby in the past. Before they were outbid by DirectTV in 2011-2015 & later ESPN from 2016-2020. The only other two genuine bidders is either NBC or CBS. Either network have yet to cover Super Rugby/Rugby Championship. But both have plenty of other rugby content on offer.

If I was SANZAAR then CBS would be the preferred bidder. Why? It is because NBC are undergoing the same changes. We already know that NBCSN will shut down by the end of this year. And put most of their sports via Peacock. With the bigger leagues still on the USA Network. In order to satisfy their cable/satellite customers.

CBS just renamed from CBS All Access to Paramount + a few days ago. It would be a perfect time to chuck in more sport for their brand. The European soccer was already there half a year ago with great success. Followed by some North & South American soccer along the way. Why not Super Rugby AU & Aotearoa in there every week on Paramount +. Every Finals game via the CBS Sports Network. And every Test involving the SANZAAR nations on Paramount + & CBSSN. Not a official rumour. But it is only my suggestion with six to seven weeks left in this competition.

While SANZAR is still seeking a North American rights holder. As well as RugbyPass to try & have Super Rugby AU/SANZAAR tests in the UK. Make sure return on Sports Benches every week for your Super Rugby AU content. Such as the preview, review, game talk, Top 3 players & round up. So much to cover that benefits the rugby community in Australia.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 3 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Rebels off to a great start thanks to a great first 40 defensively. Where they were able to spot the Brumbies ill-discipline choices. And move ahead via a series of three-point penalty goals.

But the away team have struggled on occasions in the attack. That is one weakness the Rebels did not match with the Brumbies. They got a patient attacking setup after they won some penalties. Maul was square before moved to the left with some space. Where Noah Lolesio asssisted Len Ikitau for the TRY.

Although, Brumbies continued to struggle with the lost penalties. Including the poor defense. Which saw Allan Alaalatoa received the red card. After he put out a dangerous tackle on the other Rebels prop dial Pone Faamasulli. So the Rebels lead Brumbies 12-10 at the HT break.

Rebels still holding on tight defensively as it was during the 1st 40. But the finishing & ill-discipline remained the same. When they collapsed the maul after losing the penalty. And saw James Hanson cop a yellow card. With the referee awarded a penalty try to the Brumbies. It did not mean Rebels are out of the game just yet.

They continued to add more three-point penalty goals. When the Brumbies let themselves down with the poor choices defensively. But a few changes arranged from Brumbies coach gave them a reprieve. Most notably half-back Ryan Longeran who came off the bench. And assisted Tom Banks for the TRY. When the Brumbies had their chances upfront.

Rebels almost held the Brumbies back at the first attempt before Full-Time. But Richard Hardwick made a mistake that gave the home team a penalty. Where Ryan Lonergan went on to sink a long range penalty kick into the goal. And the Brumbies camp went wild for this game-winning moment. Final score went the Brumbies way 24-21 Rebels in Canberra.

What a week it has been in Round 3 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. With Western Force upset the Waratahs from Friday night. Tahs off to a great start with the early touchdown from Dave Porecki. He was the starting hooker in that game for Tom Horton. Plus a solid defense that helped Will Harrison put a penalty goal.

But Tahs were lopsided in the attack unfortunately. When the Force began to bounce back. With one touchdown in the 1st 40 to stay close to the Tahs. Before adding another one via the opposition lost penalty. They took their chances well with patience. Especially via a great line-out where Tim Anstee quickly touched home.

Force may have copped an unnecessary blow from Andrew Ready. Having clashed with Tom Horton in the ruck. And punched him through the chest that saw him pick up a red card. But able to hold on defensively in the end. When the Tahs unable to find the feel within their attacking setup. After sub Triston Reilly unable to crack the defense out side.

As the Force kicked into touch for the win by four points 20-16. This is a big moment from the Perth-based side. Since they re-entered Super Rugby last year under the Australian only comp. After two and a bit years of absence from this competition.

While the Waratahs were heartbreaking at home. Despite some improved shift this time around. Just a lack of executions from the backline. Especially with Mark Nawaqanitawase experimented at starting full-back. He might have offered oozes of pace. But suffered some cramps that forced him to come off. There will be more questions demanded for the underperforming side. With a bye next week before the Rebels away in Week 5.

Roll onto Week 4 now in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. The Western Force will return home in Perth this Friday. They will host the Rebels who are looking for their first win of the season. While the Brumbies remain at home again. But this time it will be up against an undefeated Reds side.

Two interesting games ahead. Especially with the Brumbies v Reds Grand Final rematch. Brumbies narrowly escaped the Rebels unscathed last night. Will they do the same to remain undefeated. Or it is revenge time at last to go one better from the Reds? We cannot wait!! Make sure you return to Sports Benches website tomorrow night. As I will bring you some NASCAR Cup content. It is Race 4 of the 2021 season from Las Vegas, Nevada.

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