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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 2 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies too good with the best of their attacking masterclass.

They took these chances well when the Waratahs looked misfiring at the back.

And the results are there with superior communication from their forwards. Having noticed the Tahs weaknesses in which turned into plenty of lost penalties/ball possession in the final third.

Able to plant a few phases before helping out the Brumbies backline unit dictate their play on all areas.

These are the moments that saw the Brumbies take home an easy win 61-10. Now they lead the Super Rugby AU ladder ahead of the Reds. With two home games over the next two weeks. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels next Saturday night. While the Reds take the week off from tomorrow. Before they come down here for Week 4 the week after. In which is going to be a very wild grand final revisit.

That is a side the Brumbies will not view the Rebels as an easy task. Rebels almost produced a shock win v the Reds two days back. When Matt Toomua cashed these penalty goals. Mistake after mistake from the Reds ill-discipline. As well as the unbalanced XV not firing off than expected in the 1st half. Even though it was a tryless portion. Reds still do not see this part of performance as good enough.

Fortunately for the Reds they came back from behind in the last 40. When there was attacking encouragement. Their backs may not been involved a lot for the majority. They still made mistakes going forward that conceded points in some ways. In contary to the forwards producing the hard work. Especially with the double touchdown from Alex Mafi. But the late change from Suliasi Vunivalu saw a better Reds side in the end. It is 1/2 strength that the Rebels unable to match.

Brumbies would still need to watch their discipline. And keep connecting the whole squad unpacking the attack. Plus the defense to be aware of the opppositon mistakes. Just like they did last night. If they want to keep their winning streak alive. Because in Round 6 last year the Brumbies were beaten by Rebels 30-12.

Waratahs on the other hand seen a misfiring backline let down the forwards hard work. Especially when the away side got the early lead. But then things went upside down ever since. Hard going through the first two games away from home. Ahead of a first home game of 2021 on Friday v Western Force who have yet to win a game as well.

Interesting to see if the Tahs can find the home ground advantage as a route to get themselves back on track. If the Tahs lose v Force, there will be lots of pressure from head coach Rob Penney. Not a good look here from the once dominant team as of late.

Roll on Week 3 now of Super Rugby AU.

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

by Sports Benches

Alex Mafi was outstanding as the starting hooker for the Reds. He has the physical build to set up throw-ins and driving maul.

That first good example was not long after half-time. When Mafi controlled the maul by staying square & forward. He can notice the Rebels struggling to hold on.

Despite their desperate defense needed to hold the Reds out. But Mafi is focusing on the support needed to find some space. Thanks to the push from his team-mates. And pulled the trigger at the right time. When Mafi able to find the execution that marked the Reds first touchdown.

Then again in the 77th minute when the Reds earned another reprieve. As the Rebels began to falter. In return Mafi got the same routine right. Knowing where the Rebels struggle. Before the opposition just too slow to catch him. With Mafi using his attacking prowess of power & pace. And secured another touchdown that eventually became a winning moment.

It goes to show that Brad Thorn trusts Mafi in the starting XV. Where he disposed Brandon Paenga-Amosa. He has the defensive attributes to help out & build blocks. And the same goes in the attack with the physical package to hurt the defenders. As long he knows where the opposition unable to reach him. Mafi hopes he can help go one better in 2021.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Glad to see him return to rugby union after all with the Reds. Where he came off a great 2020 in rugby league for the Melbourne Storm. He may not been starting for most of the time tonight.

But as soon as he got off the bench in the 64th minute. Vunivalu added a different dimension in the backs. Mainly on the right flank alongside Filipo Daugunu via the opposite dial. While Jordan Petaia moved to inside centre. After a great run before Vunivalu came on. Just not enough support to support his execution early.

With Vunivalu you see him reliving Petaia to his favoured position. While he runs and runs around. Especially when he almost scored a touchdown off the boot of Joe Powell. The ball may have gone into touch one meter past the TRY line. But it still gave the Reds more chances in return.

Where the attacking awareness injected on the field. Despite the 14 men created by the Feao Fotuaika dangerous tackle earlier on. And the ill-discipline. The Reds were relieved to have his support. With the end goal all about winning. And they were able to just meet that requirement.

If Vunivalu did not come on then the Reds may not have won without him. He deserves to start next game. Not next week since his team has the bye. But he already shown lots of finishing prowess in league. There is lots of touchdowns recorded last year. Might be a different code this time. But he can transfer this attribute. So his presence is exactly what Brad Thorn needs in this squad. And go one better in 2021 for the championship.

Reece Hodge

He would be one of the best players on the opposite end tonight. Even though he is in a losing side. After starting the lead for most of the time & holding it. But just unable to maintain it until the very end.

Reece has the ability to run up to the defenders. Where he can provide the headstart needed for the Rebels. Thanks to the Reds ill-discipline. Credit is due to give himself a chance from the forwards unit. Goes to show these foundations.

It gives credit for the Rebels knowing where the Reds struggled. And why the home side unable to stay ahead for the majority. With Hodge using the pace & physicality not just the usual attack. In a bid to try and fend the opposition team.

He can hold back and stuff the Reds attacking half. When they lack support to continue with the ball. Hodge able to find and hold them short. Good reading there when the Reds felt isolated at times. And you have a tall stature in Reece holding them back. Reece can also kick into goal as well even from long range. Another reason there to face such a tough player.

The discipline mistakes late from the Rebels cost this game. Where there was not much opportunity to support Reece crack up the defense. Instead it is just desperately holding off with a lot of defensive input. And so little in the attack to distance themselves even further from the Reds. That is the one area the Rebels need to focus on next game. May be the answer to see more of Hodge being an all round player in the attack. Where he can finish off both the speed and boot. Marry it up and you see it as the game changer.

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Rugby News: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Match Report, Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Reds made the early mistake as soon as the game started. Where Taniela Tupou unable to release the tackle. As the Melbourne Rebels took the three points.

When Matt Toomua found enough distance inside the goalposts. Hunter Paisami got a good read to ground Toomua for the Reds turnover. But lost another three points when the Reds struggled to get going. As Toomua makes up this mistake for the penalty goal.

Halfway into the first 40 and the Reds take their first points in account. They are able to stop the Rebels maul from their own half. As well as a crack to make up lost time upfront. Although it may not be a touchdown at the first attempt. But a dangerous tackle from Cabous Eloff gave them a reprieve. With an easy penalty goal executed from James O’Connor.

Despite some progress the Reds continue to struggle in the discipline. With the three points pulled away against them. As Matt Toomua successfully sorted out the penalty goal. So the Rebels extend their lead to six points after 25 minutes of play.

Reds still unable to sort out a way to get through the gate. Having been rebuffed by the Rebels defense. There is little support in hand to help their cause. In which despite able to intercept the Rebels line out. The communication is still disjointed. Where Lachie Anderson made them release the ball. Before Matt Toomua extended another three points. As the kicking to goal still remains accurate.

The only way Reds can do is via penalty goals. Where James O’Connor began to eat the Rebels lead by six points. With just a minute spare in the first 40. No tries made from each side so far. But it is Melbourne Rebels 12-6 Reds at the break.

Reds continued to see both units disconnected. Especially when Tate McDermott went offside at maul. Despite a successful throw in beforehand. With Matt Toomua extended the Rebels lead by 16-5. Thanks to a successful penalty goal.

There is improved progressed at last from the Reds. They took advantage of the Rebels who began to decline. After a great first 40 from the away team. Before the line-out was good. Where Alex Mafi kept the maul square until the end. When the starting hooker sorted out the touchdown.

The scoreline saw the Reds close on by two points behind Rebels. But fallen back by five after the Reece Hodge penalty goal. The discipline was not extra careful from the Reds. Having continued to leak points from the Rebels successful penalty goals. Before it gets worse when Feao Fotuaika slammed hard on Richard Hardwick. And the referee red carded Fotuaika on the spot with 20 mins left.

Despite the 14 men Queensland able to close the lead by 2 points. Thanks to the Rebels offside. As James O’Connor got the penalty kick straight this time. But the discipline still not turned around. When Matt Toomua pushed their hopes down to five points. Eventually the Reds able to lead for the first time tonight. 23-21 with two mins left to go. After a very long patient run to crack the Rebels defense.

Hunter Paisami made a dangerous tackle on Frank Lomani. And his ill-discipline antics almost cost the game for the Queensland Reds. But Matt Toomua unable to get the final penalty kick into the goalposts. Instead it went very left shy away from the sticks. As the Reds left it almost late to haunt the Melbourne Rebels. The Full-Time score is 23-21.

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Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Preview: Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

Week 2 of the Super Rugby AU begins tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds once again at Suncorp Stadium on home soil. This time they go up against the 2020 3rd placed Melbourne Rebels.

This is the Rebels first game of 2021 after taking the Week 1 off. Safe to say they have prepared a little longer. While the four other teams played at the same time last week. Add the extra travel going to Brisbane as well. This season they want to be in the Top 3 again. Having showed quality against some top sides. Rebels would like to show off their vast experience. In which would give the Reds a tough battle. Especially the young guns.

Queensland Reds on the other hand came off a big win v Waratahs in Week 1. They currently lead the ladder. As they look to go back to back wins. Most importantly about this team is the ability to explode an attack. The support is there when the defense blocked the Tahs chances. Before Reds convert it on their own. And it will be the key towards building a strong start.

Queensland Reds

Taniela Tupou replaces Feao Fotuaika at tighthead prop. Where Tupou joins Dane Zander on the opposite role. Alex Mafi retains as the starting hooker. No signs lately from Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

Angus Blyth pairs with Seru Uru in the locks. Angus Scott-Young stays at blindside flanker. Fraser McWright filled the 7 role well for Liam Wright who is sidelined from injury. And Harry Wilson rounds out the forward pack at No.8.

Tate McDermott starts as the first choice half-back. Where he will look feed support to playmaker James O’Connor. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia slots in each flank. With Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami playing centrally. Before Jock Campbell covers them up at full-back.

Subs

Josh Nasser as backup for Alex Mafi in the 16 shirt. Feao Fotuaika back on the bench with Harry Hoopert. Both will look to come in for Zander or Tupou later on.

Ryan Smith takes cover in the lock/second row. Sam Wallis behind Scott-Young, McWright & Wilson. Moses Sorovi decent as 2nd choice half-back. Bryce Hegarty flexible at 10 and 15. And Suli Vunivalu can cover anywhere in the wing/centre. He came off a great 2020 with the Melbourne Storm. Having guide them to a NRL title.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Vaauli Faamausili in the props. With Jordan Uelese as the first choice hooker. Steve Cummins and Trevor Hosea backs them up in second row role.

Then you have the back three to complete the Rebels forward pack. Such as Brad Wilkin & Richard Hardwick at flanker. With Michael Wells comes in at Number Eight.

Joe Powell who is a former Brumby in at half-back. Joined by an experienced fly-half in Matt Toomua. Marika Koroibete on left wing looking to break the Reds defense. In the centres you have Reece Hodge alongside Stacey Ili. Lachlan Anderson on the right wing. And Tom Pincus completes the Rebels starting 15.

Subs

Ed Craig as second choice behind Uelese in No.16 shirt. Issac Aedo Kailea & Rhys Van Nek in the reserve props. Rob Leota & Josh Kemeny can fill in both lock/flanker/No8. Former Red James Tuttle & Frank Lomani at backup scrum-half. Lomani can pass/run a bit up the field if needed.

And Glen Viahu rounds out the Rebels 23 man squad on reserve backline. While the starting XV is experienced with some have Wallaby caps. Most of the Rebels bench comes from the youth development ranks.

Final Thoughts

It will no doubt be a cracking game between Reds v Rebels. Youth v Experience in other words for the win.

I guess the attack will fire it up from each end. Where the conversions will be tight to say at least. No doubt Filipo Daugunu is a top finisher. Same goes to James O’Connor. There is striking comparisons from the other end. With the Rebels pair of Marika Koroibete & Matt Toomua.

But my pick would be the Reds win by 10 points. Seems that the home team have a better defense than Rebels. And therefore a balanced XV would win the race. In contrast to a half-decent side. Nothing against this away team. I reckon despite the extra preparation. Rebels will have a tough time handling a emerging Maroon.

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Rugby Australia News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK1: Reds v Waratahs game summary from last night

by Sports Benches

A discipline mistake or two from the Reds saw the Waratahs take the early lead 7-0.

When the line-out & maul looks good before Jake Gordon sneaked out left & found his way into the gate with the help of Jack Maddocks & Izaia Perese.

But have been hammered for the majority with the lack of finishing. Where one player was unfortunate not to execute alone. That’s what happens when the they lack support runners. As well as a few lost penalties. Most notably a dangerous tackle from Perese on Hunter Paisami.

It is a shame that Perese got a straight red card. Although they have been good defensively. Even without 15 men for a while. In which is important to knock back the Reds finishing touches at times. Just a disjointed backline not putting up the standard. As the forwards have set where they have them chances. And nothing came out of it that blocked them points.

It is the Reds that put an extraordinary display on home turf. In front of their loyal fans at Suncorp Stadium. They are able to make up lost time in the attacking play.

They used the wide areas of the pitch to try and crack the Waratahs half. Where Tate McDermott did a great job with the quick release. Before his support runners dictated the game. When James O’Connor has that playmaking ability at fly-half. And let called his backline to help finish his attacking to do work for him.

In which it worked well to put the Reds out in front. Before they extended their lead with two tries ahead of the break. It may have been defensive first over the next 20-30 minutes. But the Reds able to give the Tahs an easy thrashing 45-7. As they fired off well in the 2021 Super Rugby AU.

There is also a couple of guys contributing this attacking masterclass. Such as Fraser McWright who has that physical & pacey mobility. He can hold the opposing attackers back one on one. As well as help his backline attack even more. Where he gave Filipo Daugunu the finishing he needs. Goes to show that McWright can fill the 7 role every week. Especially with Liam Wright out for the next 10 weeks.

So does Hunter Paisami in the centres at 13. Also a pacey attacker who lights up this backline. The scrum half roles have been exceptional. With McDemott for the majority as a starter. And Sorovi as cover in the last 20 mins as sub. Where he quickly moved on the scrum. Before Sorovi found Daugunu with the 2nd big TRY. Plus not just McWright looking after the defensive unit. Praises to Dane Zander on reading the Waratahs troubles. As well as contributing the attack. With the assist on Alex Mafi when the Reds gone up 17-7.

The Reds will be at home again next Friday v Melbourne Rebels. As they would look to continue their winning start. While the Brumbies host the Waratahs at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The latter game moves to Saturday night for the rest of this season. As Week 1 came to a close.

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Rugby Australia News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK1: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs fired off within two minutes of the game v the Queensland Reds. When the Reds went offside with the mistake & the Tahs took advantage of the penalty. As the line up looked good before Jake Gordon scored the 1st touchdown of the night. Thanks to the assist of Izaia Perese & Jack Maddocks towards the far left side.

Waratahs however followed the Reds’ mistakes with the offside defensively. With the successful penalty goal conceded against them. When their lead was cut 4 points (3-7). And later lost the lead by one point. As the Queensland Reds are back on track. Thanks to the Jock Campbell touchdown via the James O’Connor assist. 

Not much progress has made from the Waratahs with another touchdown conceded against them. They still are not careful via the discipline. While the Reds go strength to strength going forward after they extended their lead to ten points. Thanks to Alex Mafi.

The home team were patient with the foundations before Queensland added another touchdown. Again they took advantage of the Waratahs poor playing tactics. Such as the discipline and the lack of conversion support. Which in turn gave the Reds plenty of benefit towards an easy ride home on the far left side. Reds now 24-7 ahead of Waratahs by the intial halfway mark during the first 40.

Then the Watatahs have their chance to try and make up some lost time in return. But they got their touchdown held up. Despite some progress from Jake Gordon alone. Their conversion play looked still isolated with one player carrying this workload. With the lead fallen further away from the Reds after the O’Connor penalty goal 27-7.

And the Reds lead out in front with a 20 point lead ahead of the break 27-7. The Waratahs need to turn around in an unlikely win in the last 40. The discipline remained a mess when Izaia Perese made a dangerous tackle on Hunter Paisami. And Perese unfortunately received a red card from the referee. He cannot be replaced until the Waratahs are allowed to replace him after 20 minutes. So does the finishing when there is a lack of support operators to clear this up.

So far no team have scored a touchdown after the break. Both teams have their fair share of penalties. Plus the ill-discipline and the missed chances in return. Even with 14 men from the Waratahs right now who have been productive of late. The best about them so far is the defensive play. Where they held back the Reds finishing chances and was cancelled by them.

The score though still goes to the Reds 27-7 with 25-20 minutes left on the clock. None of these sides have yet to strike a touchdown in the 1st half of the final 40. There is still missed touchdown chances left on the table. While this half was a defensive minded portion.

But the last 10 minutes went to a Reds attacking masterclass to close out the game in style. With another touchdown from Filipo Daugunu in the 71st minute. Thanks to an assist from playmaker James O’Connor. Before substitute Ilaisa Droasese wrapped up the Reds 5th and final touchdown of the night. The final score at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane goes to the Reds 41-7 Waratahs.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU, WK1: Top 3 players from the Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs Game

by Sports Benches

James O’Connor is both a playmaker and leader of the Reds cohort. Where he credits the defenders for the foundations.

It really took time for them to eat each meter from the Waratahs half. And they gave O’Connor the chance to be creative

Both mentally to find a way to break the Sky Blue half. As well as the execution to lessen his workload. So the credit is there when due. This tactic has really worked.

When they used the wide areas of the pitch. Calling names and communication is another part of his playmaking creativity. Before the execution is there.

Thanks to the assist towards Jock Campbell for the first touchdown. In which helped them put back on track. The same goes for his 2nd assist on Filipo Daugunu with ten mins left. Again James has the licence to thrill with the ball in his hand.

Dictates the play as it always should be out wide. Finds Filipo next to him with the short & quick pass. And there goes his attacking masterclass tonight in the 10 shirt. James wants to keep hammering

by attack, attack, attack every week. It will be the recipe for success this season.

Fraser McWright

He played such an all-round display in the 7 shirt for the Reds. Fraser knows how to read the Waratahs weaknesses. In which is important to limit their finishing play.

Such as taking advantage of their poor throw ins. And hold the ball up to turn over for the Reds. Fraser also knows when they lack support with one attacker alone. It is very easy for McWright to hold him down.

These attributes convey how good he contributes in the defense. Both physical and mental. As he is very capable to ruin the Waratahs from extending their lead..

Then he uses his physical build to knock one defender to the next. Attacking wise by giving himself and the Reds a chance to strike. As well as the pace to run them down through the gate. Communication is always good to find them another way.

It may not exactly be a touchdown aimed for himself. McWright is at least wanting to help the whole team. It is a job he has to guide his troops. Since Liam Wright is not here for 10 weeks due to injury. And it is evident when he assisted Filipo Daugunu earlier in the 1st 40. With the Reds are up ahead by way miles ahead by that stage.

And it remained unchanged until the very end. Might be a defensive minded game for the first two minutes. Despite the 14 men from the Waratahs. But at least the last 10 minutes changed everything. With McWright worn his absolute best for the badge. So he deserved to be in the Top 3.

Harry Johnson-Holmes

He looked after the Waratahs defense for 75 mins. Where Harry spotted the opposition mistakes. With the reading there to help the Reds loss the ball. And a very strong build to form these walls.

When the Waratahs have their turn with the ball. After the Reds unable to cope with the discipline as soon as the game began. His defensive work was the catalyst on giving his attack a chance.

You already saw how Tom Horton sorted the throw-in. And Harry joining in the maul to push it forward. Where his attacking instincts held the Reds up. While Horton still has the ball. Before giving Jake Gordon the finishing he needs. With the support of Jack Maddocks & Izaia Perese.

But unfortunately the backs poor finishing & ill discipline cost his hard work. As well as giving himself and his forwards a hard time alone. Where in the end a few Reds defenders can hold them back. And the ref hands the ball over. There is also disjointed talk between the two areas.

The only thing the Waratahs are good tonight is the foundations. And defensive minded play. Where the Reds have a few missed touchdowns left on the table. It can surely be a good thing for DJH that reflects his defensive attributes. But only this part alone for the whole time.

Harry needs his backline to perform better next week. A defensive only team with seven to eight men trying to stop the Reds from scoring. As the foundations built by Harry & his defenders. While the backline not matching the opposition attack will cost you games. That is one thing they will need to give him credit when due. They should listen and thank him for later. But not tonight though after the big loss.

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Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU R1 Pre-Game Overview of Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

It will be a blockbuster Round 1 Clash of Super Rugby AU tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds host NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium. Right at the centrepiece of the Brisbane CBD.

Last year the Reds just pipped the opening round win 32-26. But the Tahs have won the other meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground 45-12. One of these moments include a Jake Gordon hat-trick touchdown. While Will Harrison looks always spotless with the kicking in goal.

And just want to add a bit with the trial game a few weeks ago. Where the Tahs just closed out the Reds 45-33. Safe it say it will be a State of Origin like rivalry between Maroon v Sky Blue. It is not just the competitiveness of these athletes who are looking to shine a light. It is also the first time that any rugby fan can watch it on Free TV Live. Once every week during the Super Rugby AU competition. As well as the Trans-Tasman leg if is approved.

NSW Waratahs

The Waratahs will have Tom Horton at hooker. Where he is supported by Angus Bell & Harry Johnson Hooker in the prop section. Sam Caird & Jack Whetton pairs up in the second row. So does Will Harris & Carlo Tizzano at flanker. Where Tizzano will replace Michael Hooper. And Jack Dempsey round the forwards unit at 8.

Jake Gordon will have Hooper’s armband at scrum-half. Followed by kicking machine Will Harrison at 10. James Ramm at left wing. Then you pair the two centres of Joey Walton & Izaia Perese. Alex Newsome on the right wing. Jack Maddocks at full back. In which sums up the Tahs XV for tomorrow night v Reds.

Their substitute bench consists of David Porecki at hooker. Te Tera Faulkner & Sio Tatola at prop. Jeremy Williams at the lock position. Hugh Sinclair at flanker. Jack Grant as the backup for Jake Gordon at scrum-half. Tane Edmed at fly-half. And Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wing.

Queensland Reds

Brandon Paenga-Amosa is out of the side at hooker. So Alex Mafi takes his place as the starting spot instead. Dane Zander & Feao Fotuaika supports Mafi as the props.

Seru Uru will make his Super Rugby debut as the second rower. Joining him is Angus Blyth. Before Angus Scott-Young comes in at 6. While Fraser McWright takes over Liam Wright at 7. Where Liam was unfortunate to suffer an injury during pre-season. And will not be back until at least Round 10. Harry Wilson who won a few Wallaby caps recently comes in at 8. As Wilson completes the Reds forward pack.

Then Reds connect with the backline department. Starting with Tate McDemott at scrum-half. Alongside new stand-in skipper James O’Connor. Despite unsuccessful attempts to join the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia will look to unleash their pace at each flank. Supported by Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami centrally. Before Jock Campbell backs them up at No.15.

Richard Asiata begins the interchange at hooker. Harry Hoppert & Taniela Tupou as back up props. Ryan Smith at lock. Tuaina Taii Tualima can fill in at both lock & flanker. Moses Sorovi as back up to McDemott. Same goes to Bryce Hegarty as second choice behind O’Connor. And Illaisa Droasese can fill in anywhere at centre/wing/fullback.

Final Thoughts

It will be a tough and competitive game for sure. Waratahs would want to put their poor 2020 season behind. And look ahead of life after Michael Hooper. With a few young guns forming this nucleus. While still having a few experienced guys available to help this cohort. As some already created their own names last year. That would hopefully bridged this gap and be in the Top 3 fight every week.

And on the Reds they would want to go one better this year. Most of the players have been retained that helped guide them to the final. Which is important to continue their resurgence. Credit to Head Coach Brad Thorn who admires youth. But are unfortunate to deal with the Liam Wright injury recently. As the Reds will need Angus Scott-Young to step up in his absence. And help out Fraser McWright & Harry Wilson. Avoiding defeat v the Tahs would determine where they go after R10.

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