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Queensland Reds

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Top 3 players from the Reds v Crusaders Game

by Sports Benches May 22, 2021

Richie Mo’unga is so outstanding in the playmaker role tonight. Such an important presence for both club and country. Which is the Crusaders & All Blacks. Having made a hat-trick of touch scores. And endless accuracy of kicks into the goal.

He has all the attacking tools that made into a superstar player. Look at his read of the Reds poor passage of play. While trying to build some momentum in their attack. There was no one close to the home side to pick it up. As Richie mistaken them with the intercept/turnover. Before he got around the Reds half. And pulled them away from miles towards the touch line. Not one player has even caught him.

Got to say that Richie is just too good both home and away. You cannot get away with his physicality. As well as the pace that supported the execution. Some from himself. And some to his team-mates that helped his side build a big score. The communication is key to set up decoy runners close to him. And take it to the next level. It is something the Reds did not do much to stay in contention. With Richie in there he is 100% the complete package.

Sevu Reece

Who should be the other Crusaders duo after Richie Mo’unga? And that person belongs on the same backline group as him. We will go for Sevu Reece who plays on the right wing. And he has been electric as always tonight in Brisbane.

The communication and attacking setup has been spot on. Especially when the Reds were struggling to match what they demonstrated. No support runners around them to continue playing with the ball. He noticed that and ultimately punished them. After Reece touched the ball down.

Then that momentum remained tip top after the break. Nothing much really improved from home side. Even with the ball on hand. Where the Reds won the penalty for the line out kick. Reece cancelled this with the ball met just outside his zone. Before his Crusaders side were patient. And struck gold with another attacking masterclass. With David Havilli made the cross kick into the right short side. In which was easy for him to find that touchdown. There is one word to describe him tonight. And Sevu Reece is very descriptive to any defender. As seen with the Reds poor 40-60 mins run.

Harry Wilson

It is hard to see the Reds experience another big loss. Not an easy start to the Trans-Tasman leg. They do not have to face the Australian sides again. It may be exciting when it comes to racing the NZ teams. But so far it is not been very easy.

The best Reds player tonight alone is Harry Wilson. Where he plays in the Number 8 role. So part of the back row in the forwards pack. A good start is there when it comes to the defense. Having seen his side win a couple of penalties.

Although he was involved a lot more during the 2nd 40. Such as a touch try himself. As well as an assist to Suliasi Vunivalu not long later. Harry brings plenty of physicality. Not just to protect his forwards. But he can make up the meters to eat the Crusaders own half. While Harry made a couple of positive contributions. Sadly it comes down to disjointed executions. When it comes to a whole Reds team for the majority. There is little to no talk up going forward. Which saw their passage of play being cancelled. That prevented them from making up these executions. And it is something they need to look at next week.

May 22, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Reds v Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches May 8, 2021

Queensland Reds got ahead first with the three-point goal after two minutes. When the Brumbies were exposed in defense which led to a lost penalty. But they were patient going forward with holding most of the possession. That is how the away side took away their first touch points from Tom Banks. While Reds may still have the defensive shape. They did not have much chances with the ball on hand. Especially via the poor throw-in. Reds 3-7 Brumbies after 15 minutes.

Nothing much happened over the next ten minutes of play. But the Reds began to have an extended run against the Brumbies own half. They may not be able to get over the touch line. But snatched another successful penalty goal to make a one-point buffer at 6-7. Before ACT Brumbies extended their lead. Following the penalty against the Reds.

The score goes to the away side at 6-10 in the 32nd minute. Followed by another successful three-pointer into the goal at half-time, 6-13. With Queensland being isolated with a lack of support runners going forward. That led to limited chances with the ball which converted into leaked penalties.

Brumbies began to concede a couple of penalties after the break. While Reds got their first chances upfront early this time. The touchdown may not be there yet as denied by the referee. But got three-points between the sticks. As Reds trail ACT Brumbies by five points with 30 minutes left at 9-13. No score has been made over the next ten minutes. Brumbies did lose Rob Valetini via the yellow card. While Queensland close in the Brumbies lead to just one point. With 17 minutes left at 12-13.

Going into the last ten minutes of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. ACT Brumbies continued to distance themselves from the Reds. Having seen them tick off the penalty goal. The score is a four point difference between the two teams at 12-16. In the end the Brumbies desperately tried to hold off Queensland towards another potential title. Despite having lost two men to the ten minute naughty chair. But Reds never gave up with the endless penalties won.

Before the home team finally got themselves a touchdown. Courtesy of their skipper James O’Connor. In which was enough to cross the finish line first. And secure the 2021 Super Rugby AU title for Queensland Reds. The final score at Suncorp Stadium is 19-16.

May 8, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches May 8, 2021

You got to praise the skipper first in James O’Connor. He was a key player in this Queensland Reds rebuild. Ever since head coach Brad Thorn lured him back in 2019. It may have been a divided move at the start. But he has proved them wrong.

He was blessed with the Reds strong defensive shape. That helped his side win penalties. In which allowed them to suit themselves. Where James scored a couple of three-pointers into the goalposts. They may have been behind ACT Brumbies for the majority tonight.

But Reds were able to take note of the opposition ill-discipline. Based on the amount of late penalties won. Before they finally found a way to nail down a touchdown. All thanks to the skipper himself in JOC. It was enough to get the home crowd cheering on. And celebrate in style with the championship. What an improved man he is right now. Having turned around a corner over the last 18 months. Now he leaves with this trophy!

Fraser McReight

Another Reds player who stood out is Fraser McReight. He is a focal part of this back row department. Both blindside & openside flanker. And never stood himself down through every game he plays. Even when Liam Wright was injured for most of the Super Rugby AU season. Then nailed down his place at No.7 without a doubt.

He was part of the Reds strong defensive setup. Where Fraser was tasked to look at the Brumbies weaknesses. Such as a lack of their decoy runners. And exposed their ill-discipline. That is one thing he held on defensively while they are isolated. Which helped his Reds side win a few penalties.

It may have taken some time to have the Reds fire back going forward. Especially when he used his physicality to knock down a few defenders. But remained patient for the whole time during the second 40. Where Fraser was able to keep the communication close. Before the gap was there for JOC to finish. And there goes him celebrating that big win. Well done on being an key player in that Reds back row. It will be very useful going into the Trans-Tasman leg & Wallabies stints.

Tom Banks

Commiserations to ACT Brumbies who led for the majority. But unable to held on going into the final siren. There is one player who gave the Reds a hard time tonight. His name is Tom Banks at full-back. He knows how to clean the ball out via the kicking to stay away from danger.

It helps him read better. So it can be hard for the Reds to defend. And make them isolate with no option going to touch. That allowed his Brumbies side to get themselves ahead early. Thanks to the patience shown in the attack. Which helped them win a few penalties. As well as more chances with the ball earlier on.

Such as scoring the first touchdown in the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. Followed by a series of three-point penalty goals from his side. But the most disappointing part was the ill-discipline. Especially during the second 40. When the Brumbies saw their opponents have an extended run against them. With not much chance with the ball as seen from the previous run. Before there were three players sent to the naughty chair. And that ultimately cost Brumbies the win they badly needed.

May 8, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 10 Preview: Western Force v Queensland Reds

by Sports Benches April 21, 2021

Queensland Reds travel to Perth ahead of their meeting this Friday. Where they will face Western Force at HBF Park. This side so far remains undefeated. Having cemented 1st on the 2021 ladder. As well as hosting rights of the upcoming Final.

While Western Force came off a close win v Waratahs last week. They may have almost lost the game. But a throw-in during the 80th minute gave them a reprieve. Before the penalty goal was enough to keep their Finals hopes alive.

Reds have won the previous meeting back in Week 5 at home. And the last three games against them. But their last game in Perth was a loss though. That was during Week 2 on Thursday March 2 2017.

Western Force

Greg Holmes replaces Santiago Medrano at tighthead prop. Where he joins Tom Robertson in the loosehead role. Feleti Kaitu’u remains at hooker. So does Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani behind them. Tim Anstee & Kane Kotecka both on the respective blindside & openside. Before Brynard Stander rounds off at Number 8.

Tomas Cubelli & Domingo Miotti make up at 9 & 10 for the Argentine duo. Jordan Olowofela & Toni Pulu on the wings. Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani slots in the midfield. Before Rob Kearney returns from injury and regains his spot at full-back.

Subs

Andrew Ready behind Kaitu’u at reserve hooker. Angus Wagner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley for Thrush/Timani. Fergus Lee-Warner as backup loose forward. Same goes to Ian Prior at half-back. As Richard Kahui & Jack McGregor caps off the utility backs.

Queensland Reds

Feao Fotuaika & Taniela Tupou in the props. Brandon Paenga-Amosa as the main throw-in at hooker. Angus Scott-Young replaces Ryan Smith in the second row. Where he joins Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on his other dial. Liam Wright replaces Scott-Young in the blindside. As Fraser McWright stays on the openside. And Harry Wilson retains at Number Eight.

Tate McDermott at half-back. While James O’Connor may not have the skipper armband. Thanks to the return of Wright. But remains at fly-half. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia both on the wings. Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami in the midfield. And Bryce Hegarty at 15.

Subs

Alex Mafi as backup hooker behind Paenga-Amosa. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Ryan Smith back on the bench at lock. Seru Uru as loose forward. Kalani Thomas behind McDermott. With Josh Flook & IIaisa Droasese make up the reserve backline.

Final Thoughts

Western Force wants to win this match up v Reds. It will not be an easy task. Having just overcome the Waratahs last week by a single point. They know how to get the ball rolling. Especially when they held the top spot during the first 40. But needs to watch their discipline. As well as the attacking setup where it went lopsided at times. These are the ingredients if Force are to beat the Reds. And guarantee a Playoff Final spot v Brumbies next week.

Reds are in a comfortable headspace at the minute. They have secured 1st in the 2021 Super Rugby AU ladder. As well as the hosting rights of the Grand Final in Brisbane. One thing Reds has to work on is the slow starts. They were 9 points behind in the first 40. But can make up lost time later on. And it is something they can address ahead of the big game on May 8. If they can win comfortably tomorrow v Force. Then Reds should know which way now to try and win that trophy.

I am tipping the Reds to win v Force by 21 points.

April 21, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Round Up

by Sports Benches April 18, 2021

Western Force have back to back wins now. They fired off really well with the points on the board. Although the Force were inconsistent at times. Especially when they lost a few penalties to the away team. And the Tahs take over the lead later on. But never gave up until the every end. When they came from behind with ten to go. Before taking advantage of the Tahs poor line-out throw. And done enough with two late good penalty goals.

Waratahs were left gutted in the dying seconds. They did make up some lost time in the first 40. Having seen them concede via the ill-discipline. But have settled during the second 40. Such as two tries on the board. There is no fault about them defensively as of late. Especially with a few key players coming back. But the only real mistake was the poor line out just after the final hooter. Only for the Force to win a penalty & kicked into the goal. They still have a few areas to improve. Just another loss at the wrong time sadly.

In case if you missed it the Force won by a single point in Perth (31-30). As they have their finals hopes still alive going into Week 10. Then we look at another cracking game in Melbourne. Where the Rebels v Brumbies earlier this afternoon.

Melbourne Rebels got away early in the first 30-35 minutes. They may have took advantage of the Brumbies poor start. But there were a few inconsistent runs spotted there. Such as two players sit on the naughty chair. And the ill-discipline which ultimately lost their lead ahead of half-time. Rebels did make some lost time in the 2nd 40. Just unlucky when they were not patient with their attacking setup. And that hurts with a six point loss in the end.

And Brumbies got away with a win in Melbourne. They might have fallen behind at the start. But settled very well to hold on for the majority. Credit is due with the Rebels mistakes. Both with the lost penalties/disjointed talk up. And used these ball opportunities that put more pressure in return. Before they held on tight in defense. That is by making the Rebels struggle to execute. Which was enough to win that penalty after the final hooter. And cap off a great afternoon in the office. Both the bye next week and the Qualifying Final v Force or Rebels ahead.

The final score is Melbourne Rebels 20-26 Brumbies. As the home side need to win big v Waratahs away next Saturday. And see Queensland Reds beat the Force in five days. That is the only scenario if Rebels are to finish third. So they can be in the Qualifying Final for the 2nd straight year. Then have an extended run from there for a meeting v Reds in the Final.

April 18, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Round Up

by Sports Benches April 10, 2021

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.

April 10, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches April 10, 2021

Jordan Petaia played an outstanding run tonight for the Reds. Especially during the 2nd 40. In which benefitted this comeback that haunted the Brumbies in the end. He is a valuable pacey player. Whether it is on the wing, midfield or even at full-back.

He can make up the defensive contributions. When the Brumbies had one player running through. It allowed Petaia to read their lack of support runners. And drag them out into touch with the tackle. It really gave the Reds to settle defensively in the first 40. While the attack were not speeding up earlier on.

Then in the last 20 minutes Petaia tried something different. Thanks to the inspiration from skipper James O’Connor via the cross kick. So he went with the 50/22 strategy that granted his side a throw-in. Before the Reds were able to stay patient. Where O’Connor assisted the same thing that helped Petaia cap off really special. This is really good communication. Which is a relief to go from behind & dismantle the Brumbies.

James O’Connor

Another player who was behind the Reds comeback is James O’Connor. He is the skipper who plays at No.10 role. The start may not go against his way. Where the Reds were disjointed on occasions. But he was blessed with the defensive setup. In which helped JOC grab the safe route via a series of penalty goals. The Reds were nine points (6-15) behind at the break.

Then he finally found a trick to help the Reds grab their first big score. When he crossed kick towards the wide left. Saw Josh Flook pick up the pieces from the midfield. And easily made his way to the touch zone. Before he brought up Jordan Petaia with his creative brains. Such as the 50/22 kick into touch. Then followed up with the same attacking finish via the cross kick. And that saw Petaia execute this brilliant masterclass with the TRY.

In which is sensational to close out tonight on a high. Where JOC capped off another few successful kicks into the goal. Thanks to the Reds defensive setup who looked after it well all game. Saw them dissect the Brumbies poor areas in defense that lost them penalties. As it gave the Reds plenty of time to catch up towards the final siren. He is a very important player with lots of creativity. Reds need him badly not just to help them win Super Rugby AU. But also give them an extended run against the New Zealand sides too.

Folau Faingaa

He played well in the starting hooker role for ACT Brumbies. Fired off well with their attacking setup. Which exposed the Reds slow start. Such as the winning penalties on hand. And it allowed him to take control of the ball. It led to his side move ahead early. Especially when Faingaa used the maul to touch one down himself.

That allowed his backline to pay back what he built on. They dissected the Reds impatient finishing & foul play. With Faingaa in there alongside his forwards to build some blocks. Before Brumbies pushed each meter into the opposition territory. As seen with the maximum of points gained ahead of half-time at 6-15.

Although the Brumbies tried to fend off Queensland. But it is the ill-discipline that let Faingaa down. Their 2nd 40 run was not the same as the 1st half. They did not attack a lot. Instead the momentum turned around against their way. And it is something the Brumbies need to shave off ASAP. Especially when they are most penalised team so far this season. They have the Rebels next Sunday. And maybe again in the Qualifying Final. So they better give Faingaa more attacking chances. Before it is too late in the Final.

April 10, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Reds v Brumbies

by Sports Benches April 10, 2021

Brumbies touched down first with the ball on hand. Thanks with the early penalties won against the Reds. Having remained patient via the throw-in attempts. Where Folau Faingaa submit the touchdown. As the away side lead 5-0 after six minutes.

Reds have some chances as well in the attack. Due to their defensive setup that gave them a boost. But so far struggled to make up lost time. Especially with the fumbling & lack of talk up. Where James O’Connor went for the long ball. And it went past Bryce Hegarty who was not alert. Which reminded of Matt Toomua from the Rebels poor finishing last night.

As Tom Banks intercepted the ball with a clean run for the touchdown. Just no one there to stop him on the run home. The away side lead 0-12 going into 20 minutes. The Reds have began to climb out of nowhere with the three-point penalty goal. Where the lead difference is 9 points. Then cut down to six (6-12) that saw the Brumbies lost a few penalties.

In which exposed their defense. But the Brumbies still went into half-time as the leaders. With enough distance into the penalty goal from 53 meters. Thanks to half-back Nic White who just extended the lead to nine points. Scoreline card is 6-15.

Reds at last found their way past the Brumbies touch line. When James O’Connor made a cross kick to Jock Campbell on the left. Gained some meters along the way. Before the short passes are there that helped Josh Flook submit this touchdown. As the home side cut the Brumbies lead to just two points after 50 mins. But the away side quickly bounced back via Tom Wright. The score is 13-22.

It took a while for the Reds to try and get their way past the Brumbies. Having changed a couple of players from the bench. When Jordan Petaia made a brilliant 50/22 kick into touch. Won the penalty advantage along the way. In which saw James O’Connor unpack that cross kick. And it really set up a great finish from Petaia to touch one down.

It is a four-point buffer (18-22) after 65 mins. Followed by a single-point ball game after the Refs penalty-goal. With ten minutes to go. Where the Reds won a couple more penalties. Took another successful penalty goal. Before the home side managed to shut down the Brumbies in the end. The final score is 24-22.

April 10, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Preview: Reds v Brumbies

by Sports Benches April 7, 2021

Saturday night sees the Reds host the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the recent COVID cases in Queensland. In which would have seen the match shifted elsewhere. But it should be okay as long as everyone there follows these protocols.

Reds come here as undefeated so far after five games. They hope to keep its winning hoodoo going. Especially when they go against one of the best Super Rugby sides here. As the Brumbies lost against them twice in a few months. Bar the Grand Final. One was in Week 10 last year in Brisbane. And the other was R4.

Despite seeing the Brumbies lead for the majority. Before the Reds bounce back from out of nowhere. And hijacked their night in the end by two points. This away side has not lost since then. But have yet to win against the Reds away. If you wind back to Round 5 on 14 March 2015, 0-29.

Reds

Feao Fotuaika & Taniela Tupou in the props. With Brandon Paenga-Amosa at hooker. Ryan Smith & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto just behind them. Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McReight on the Blindside & openside respectively. As Harry Wilson completes the Reds forwards department.

Tate McDermott as half-back. Where he is joined by James O’Connor. Jock Campbell & Jordan Petaia on the wings. Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami at centre midfield. And Bryce Hegarty rounds off the Reds starting XV for Saturday night.

Subs

Alex Mafi behind BPA as the reserve hooker. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Seru Uru at lock. Liam Wright back from injury so he hopes to have some minutes as loose forward. Kelani Thomas in the half-back role. Josh Flook & Filipo Daugunu as the Reds utility back.

Brumbies

James Slipper is joined by the returning Allan Alaalatoa at loosehead. After seeing the usual skipper served his three-game suspension. Folau Faingaa completes this front three as the starting throw-in/hooker. Darcy Swain back on the second row alongside Caderyn Neville. Rob Valetini & Tom Cusack at flanker. And Pete Samu as Number 8. Which is the Brumbies forward line for Saturday.

Nic White & Noah Lolesio in the 9 & 10 roles. Tom Wright & Andy Muirhead on the wings. As they now switch flanks from the Waratahs away game last week. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the midfield. Before Tom Banks rounds off their starting XV Reds. Where he will patrol at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at hooker. Scott Sio & Sefo Kautai in the props. Nick Frost behind Swain & Neville. James Tucker for Valetini, Cusack or Samu. Ryan Longeran at scrum-half. Bayley Kuenzle in the back up No.10. And Mack Hansen rounds off their matchday 23 anywhere within the back.

Final Thoughts

This will be another epic grand final rematch. 1st v 2nd best Super Rugby sides in Australia. Just three rounds left before two weeks of Playoffs. Reds as always have a great attacking setup.

Having seen them fire off well. And rebounded later on. Which is something they must continue if the Reds want the championship badly. But they also need to watch their discipline. The last 20 minutes in the first 40 was their low light. They were just ten points at the break. That gave them a wake up call if things do not turn around. Eventually they did and a great start would be the key to winning.

While the Brumbies have the same structure as the Reds. They will pick a fight on the opposition weaknesses. In which is going to help them unleash their own brand of rugby. But they have to better cut the discipline. The early start was there. Just too many penalties given away that exposed the defense. It went on for the majority of the game. Where the Brumbies almost lost to the Tahs. And this is really a wake up call. If they want to get ahead early and avoid these foul calls.

If I was to choose a winner in the end. It will be the Reds to still win by 11 points.

April 7, 2021 0 comment

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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 April 6, 2021

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.

640px Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin Nueva Zelanda panoramio 1 — 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!

April 6, 2021 0 comment