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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 6: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Alex Mafi is outstanding for the Reds tonight off the bench. When he came on for Brandon Paenga-Amosa after the break. And made an impact immediately.

He looked after the line-out and driving maul. Especially when the Waratahs were disjointed via the lost penalties. Took advantage after Alex was given the ball in hand. Where he credits the communication and patience. So he can get around the Waratahs touch line.

A hat-trick touchdown from the 24 year old. This is great competition to battle against Brandon Paenga-Amosa. In fact he could even be a great in the Wallabies squad. When Head Coach Dave Rennie will announce the best 40 players tomorrow. Perfect timing to have Alex considered alongside Folau Faingaa. The more you have quality hookers. The better it will be to help dominate the throw-in/maul for your country. For now he comes in No.1 tonight out of all players combined.

Tate McDermott

Another Reds start who is excellent at half-back is Tate McDermott. He was the one who gave the Reds some hope. At least to get the ball rolling. Having seen his side fire off slow in the first 40.

He remained calm and collective as always. When beginning to build some set pieces. How Tate executed is looking what the Waratahs are trying to do? That is to find their weaknesses. Before he tricked them. Thanks to these decoy runners who communicated with Tate very closely.

It allowed to help him destruct the Waratahs wall. Especially during the first touchdown after winning the scrum. He looked after it well going square. Just like fellow Top 3 recipient Alex Mafi. Got his own players in line with him through the channels. And ran off to the touchline by unpacking that blistering pace. Then repeated the same trick again. Where Tate assisted that short pass offload to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Credit to him on making up lost time by building a competitive total. Which is why Tate is an very important player in the Reds squad.

Will Harris

It is still hard for any Waratahs fan out there who have yet to win. They always know how to fire off a game. Which is seen from most of their performances so far in 2021. But so little ideas to hold on that momentum for the majority tonight.

One player did well for the Waratahs alone is Will Harris. He plays at loose forward in the No.8 role. Will first oversaw as mentioned earlier a great start to have two three-point goals. Having documented the Reds slow start. As well as their ill-discipline on occasions. Where he scored one touchdown in the 2nd 40.

Although he took his chance well by dispatching Jack Dempsey. But the players around him were not really cooperating. So many penalties given away. Not enough time to try and give the Reds a hard look in return. And it limited their chances with the ball on hand. They instead rushed through it by leaving one/players isolated. Which is not good enough. Got to give Will Harris some support next time. The more talk up he needs. The better it will be to help him out and give more chances to grab points.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6: Waratahs v Reds Report

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs may have fired off with two three-point goals. When the Queensland Reds were hit with early penalties. But bounced back after 12 of play. Thanks to half-back Tate McDermott who scored the first big score of the night.

Then the Reds followed up with a 2nd patient score. McDermott involved again this time with the assist. Where Lukhan Salakaia-Loto touched down via the inside short pass. As the Waratahs began to fall off the cliff. Such as the lost penalties via the ill-discipline. In which limited their chances in the attack.

The last five minutes before the break saw both sides add three-pointers. But it is Queensland who led comfortably in front at half-time. Having just added the 3rd touchdown. Thanks to a wonderful cross kick from skipper James O’Connor on the far left. And Filipo Daugunu chased it well that forced his way inside the touch line.

Waratahs 9-22 Queensland Reds

Reds continued to extend their lead from Taniela Tupou in the tighthead. While the Waratahs added a touchdown themselves with the patient run this time. Where Lalakai Foketi offloaded well to Will Harris past the Reds danger area. Score still remains to Reds 27-14 after 55 mins.

Then followed up with a Alex Mafi double touchdown. Even coming from the bench for Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the hooker role. Got the ball rolling immediately with excellent care. Both via the throw-in & driving maul. And that is how he completes an attacking masterclass. Reds now 39-14 Waratahs with ten mins left.

And Alex Mafi capped off a wonderful performance of his own tonight. Where he was able to convert a hat-trick of touchdowns. Before the Reds held off so easily in the end. Having finally ended their eight year drought against the Tahs in Sydney. As well as remain undefeated in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. So the Grand Final potential berth is theirs for the time being. The final scoreline at ANZ Stadium is 14-46.

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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 WK5: Reds v Western Force Report

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds off to a great start at home in Brisbane. They are able to take advantage of the Western Force poor discipline. Thanks to a great scrum orchestrated/scored by half-back Tate McDermott. With Harry Wilson for the assist via the inside short ball. 7-0 after 9.

But they are not perfect at the same time as well. Having seen a couple of penalties lost against the Force. Which ultimately saw them score the three-point penalty goal. It did not take that quick though for the Reds to bounce back. Especially when they were patient in their third. Found some gaps on the far right side. And found Hunter Paisami with the finish. Reds 12-3 Western Force after the 17th minute.

Force did make up some lost time when they had the ball. Took their chance with patience this time. Credit is due from half-back Tomas Cubelli who needed his forwards help. And that request was answered successfully. As Felati Kaitu’u touched down the goal line. Alongside the push from Sitaleki Timani at second row (No.5). Force trails by 4 points after 20.

Reds next run were not the same from the 1st 20 mins. There were ill-discipline gained from their end. Especially when they defend. Plus a couple of unsuccessful conversions to try and extend the lead. Despite given some chances to lunch the attack. While the Force had more time with the ball. They might have fallen short towards the goal line during a couple of attempts. But the away team got a three-point penalty goal.

Half-Time is the Queensland Reds lead the Western Force by one point. 14-13.

Reds continued to have some attacking opportunities. But unable to get themselves over the line. Especially when the referee and the TMO rendered as No Try. And Force able to remain patient wth the ball carry. Which saw them take over the lead for the first time tonight. After the successful penalty goal from Jake McIntyre for the Force. 14-16 after 51.

Reds though able to flip the ball with the Force struggling to continue. Thanks to the push from Taniela Tupou who read their isolation well. Before they reclaimed the scoreboard lead. When Hunter Paisami found some gap through the gate for his 2nd touchdown. Reds 19-16 after 53. But Force leveled the lead not long later via another penalty goal. It is 19-19 square with 23 minutes left on the clock.

Before the Reds extended their lead again in the 67th minute. When the Force unable to get themselves ahead. Due to a lack of talk up there such as the fumble. And the Reds patient going forward. Tate McDermott once again looked after the scrum well. Found Suliasi Vunivalu quickly towards his left. Then assisted Jock Campbell with the Reds 4th touchdown.

Reds lead 26-19 with nearly ten minutes to go. They might have dealt a couple more discipline mistakes. Plus the fumbles involved as well. But managed to defend well in the end that secured the win. As Western Force did have some chances to level the score again. So this game can go into extra time. But spent too much time via the pick & drive. Alongside a lack of executions that ultimately cost the game.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Top 3 players from the Reds v Force

by Sports Benches

Tate McDermott played really well in the half-back role for the Reds. Very blessed to have so much control when he has the ball. You see how he orchestrated that scrum to stay square. They listed to how Tate wanted to attack. Pushed through to help him find some Force weaknesses. With credit from Harry Wilson via the quick ball release. And found his way past the goal line for the first Reds big score.

Same exact thing later in the 2nd 40. He looked at the opposition half. Called out Hunter Paisami who able to trick the Force by cutting inside. And secured his 2nd TRY. Then a tad later he got out quickly to rope Suliasi Vunivalu with the breakthrough. His winger ran past them with some space. Before Suliasi found Jock Campbell with the finish. Tate as always hands the keys to James O’Connor when starting the attack. Or boxxed kick when trying to trick the Force defenders.

Although, Tate did agree with the captain JOC there. There are plenty of ill-discipline and fumbles involved. Plus a lack of ball play on hand. Which saw the Force earned the points they need. In order to keep themselves in the game & hopefully hijack them for the win. But luckily the Reds defended well in the end.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Another Reds player who light up the attack is Suliasi Vunivalu. He plays on the right wing. Having got himself more involved in their final third. Got a great eye due to the directions set by the fantastic 9 & 10 combo. Tate McDermott as mentioned above. And James O’Connor.

He protected the Reds set phases in the ruck. Where Suliasi let Tate dictate the finishing. That saw Hunter Paisami wrapped up the touchdown from the midfield. Then he was guided later on from Tate to help him run through some space. Noticed his calls where the Force began to slip away. And found Jock Campbell with the finish. Although he needs to fine tune himself. Such as the high ball where he fumbled at times.

But safe to say that he is adapting so easily in Rugby Union. After he came over off a great run last year in the NRL. When he helped the Melbourne Storm to the Grand Final. Scored one of sensational big score that secured the title. Now he is exactly doing the same with the Reds. As they remain undefeated. Suliasi is a big & tall player as Allana Ferguson said on Nine/Stan. And there is no doubt Suliasi will continue to run down any opposition defenders. Based on his electric speed as long as they help him out. So he can get involved in the finishing more like tonight.

Jake McIntyre

He really had a great game tonight at No.10 for the Western Force. Credit is due to his forwards pack. Where the Reds gave away some penalties. The home team did not cooperate at times. Especially when defending for the majority. And it gave his Force side a chance with the ball on hand.

They managed to gain some meters going forward. With Brynard Stander giving Jake a safe pair of hands. Such as the penalty goal. The kicking is so neat into the goal posts. By the way he was a Red before heading off to France. Then coming back here for the Perth-based side. So some overseas experience really helped the Force. And kept an eye on the scoreboard.

Despite a great defensive setup & easy points strategy. The only weakness the Force did not match tonight. And it is the finishing. They have the ball carry for most of the time. Where Queensland Reds did not watch their discipline. But not enough talk up & direction. No support runners involved to help keep the ball alive. Saw one or two players being isolated. And it let him down. Even though it was by a seven-point difference. Force will take some positives by taking it to Canberra on Friday v Brumbies.

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

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds return home in Brisbane undefeated. They just fended off the ACT Brumbies by 2 points (40-38) last week in Canberra. Now they want to keep their winning streak alive going to Saturday.

They will face the Western Force who has one win v Waratahs away. But have two losses at home. Having seen them lose to the Rebels last week. Reds won all of last years meeting v Force. But the away side have yet to win v them. If you wind back to R14 in 2017. That is where the Force last tasted victory v Reds in Brisbane, 26-40.

Reds

Dane Zander & Taniela Tupou starts at loosehead & tighthead. Alex Mafi given another chance at hooker. Angus Blyth & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto retains in the second row. So does Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright at flanker. As Harry Wilson caps off the Reds forwards at 8.

Tate McDermott starts at 9 alongside skipper James O’Connor at 10. Filipo Daugunu on the left wing. With Suliasi Vunivalu at the other flank. Hunter Paisami & Jordan Petaia retains in the midfield. And Jock Campbell at full-back.

Subs

Brandon Paenga-Amosa behind Mafi at hooker. Harry Hoopert & Zane Nonggorr in the props. Ryan Smith as reserve for Blyth & Salakaia-Loto. Seru Uru either at flanker/No.8. Kalani Thomas in for Moses Sorovi at back up No.9. Hamish Stewart behind JOC. And Bryce Hegarty can come & fill-in anywhere in the Reds backline.

Western Force

Greg Holmes joins Tom Robertson at tighthead prop. Felati Kaitu’u as the hooker. Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani retains in the second row. So does Fergus Lee-Warner & Kane Koteka as blindside & openside flanker. And Brynard Stander completes the Force forwards unit at 8.

Tomas Cubelli & Jake McIntyre retains at 9 & 10 respectively. Richard Kahui shifted to the left wing from midfield. Where Henry Taefu takes his place on the inside centre. Tevita Kuridrani & Byron Ralston retains at outside centre & right wing. As Rob Kearney backing up in the 15 shirt.

Subs

Jack Winchester as reserve for Felati Kaitu’u. Angus Warner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley behind Thrush and Timani. Tim Anstee back as loose forward. Ian Prior behind Cubelli. So does Jack McGregor as reserve 1st five-eighth. And Marcel Brache rounds off the Force 23 at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Reds would want to capitalize with an extended winning run. The whole group is firing up. Especially in the 2nd half where they worked together so hard. Reds were 10-15 points behind the Brumbies at one point after the break. But it is the talk up and maximum support of these decoy runners backed them up. And that is how the Reds executed that won a great game.

The one thing they need to improve on is the starts. Reds did not have the chance to lead early so far. Two of their recent games almost ended in losses. Especially up against the Melbourne Rebels & ACT Brumbies. If they can cut the discipline and get the whole team together. Then Reds will have a great time to win easily. Just like in Week 1 v Waratahs 41-7 in Brisbane. Despite firing off behind them.

While the Western Force may have fallen so short last week at home. Having seen them lose to the Rebels by three points (7-10). But they do have a win away in Week 3 v Waratahs. Force has a great group of players who have plenty of experience. Both Super Rugby & International level. And you see these youngsters benefiting their presence. In which does lifts the whole squad up.

The next question is can the Force bounce back? Even it means facing an undefeated side. It will be tough road for sure. When they do not have the best of starts like the Reds. Although, a couple of changes did see them get back in the game. After the Force scored nothing last week in the first 40. But did not have enough time to make up another win. That is a challenge the Force must answer this weakness. If they are going to upset the Reds on Saturday.

It will be another good game to watch. But I am picking the Reds to win by 18 points.

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