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Queensland Reds

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

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

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

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

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Half-Time: Rebels 14-24 Reds

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

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

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

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

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

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

Fraser McReight

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

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

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

Frank Lomani

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

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

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 31, 2021

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.

March 31, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 30, 2021

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.

March 30, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 27, 2021

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.

March 27, 2021 0 comment

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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 March 27, 2021

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.

March 27, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 27, 2021

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.

March 27, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 24, 2021

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.

March 24, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 20, 2021

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.

March 20, 2021 0 comment