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Rugby Union News, ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar perfect for the Wallabies top job but wait until 2024

by Sports Benches

Wallabies are trying to pull off another Stephen Larkham here. When they want to use the brains from one of the best Super Rugby clubs. Especially at the Top 2 in Australia alone. Just like the Crusaders as a sidestick to the All Blacks. As Kirstie Stanway said to me on YouTube last year.

It did pay off the first time that helped Michael Cheika in 2015. Not only the Wallabies won the shortened Rugby Championship. But also the Rugby World Cup Final during the same year. Then they were downhill ever since. And these poor results along the way was the last of him.

Even though Stephen had to sacrifice his Brumbies role. When he left after the 2017 Super Rugby season. Brumbies came home 4th overall. 1st in the Australian conference. But barely gone past the Final 8 v Hurricanes. He did finish worse than 6th. And made the semis during his first two seasons as Head Coach. All of them throughout his four year tenure in 2014-17.

Now when Dan took over since 2018 it might have taken time. Where the Brumbies finished 10th during his first season. Bounced back in Year 2 during 2019 in 3rd that extended through to the semi-final. And gone one better with the Super Rugby AU title last year. Even though the usual competition was shuffled around due to COVID. But a first title win for any kind is an achievement.

There are a few weaknesses to address under his skin. Such as the key injury/suspension hit lists. Which exposed their ill-discipline and defense. One was Allan Alaalatoa for a red card during Week 3 v Melbourne Rebels. He has served his three-game ban. And should he back by Saturday v Reds. But at the same time they saw Tom Cusack given both yellows.

That was last week away v Waratahs with a couple of weeks out of action. Jahrome Brown is also in there. But it was through an injury. It will be interesting to see if the Brumbies can stay on track. Especially with Will Miller around for the rest of the Super Rugby AU season. In the hope of answering their loose forward crisis. It does not affect their usual attacking setup too much. Where it remained intact as their main weapon over the last 5-6 years.

The next question is how long Dan will stay at the Brumbies? Before things can go wrong like the Reds did since Ewen McKenzie left in 2013. And later recovered under Brad Thorn. As well as the Waratahs after Michael Cheika who followed suit two years later. Both of them coincidentally went on to become Wallaby coaches. If Dan does replace Dave Rennie in the green and gold top job. It would most likely after the 2023 World Cup.

What would the Brumbies do in order to prepare for life after him? The answer is to get someone who knows this club inside out. Whether it will be another Brumbies legend. Or else a coach who is the best of club rugby in this state. He has to carry the legacy of what Dan McKellar did over the last four years. And it will be up to the board to look after their their top players.

Before they can look forward to more consistent seasons. No matter who will be at the helm in five to ten years. While Dan will not be unnoticed for the Wallaby top job. As long as the Brumbies are still doing well. Not just in Super Rugby AU. But also against the New Zealand teams. When the Trans-Tasman leg starts in mid May.

Once he eventually becomes head coach of the Wallabies. It will be his chance to get the best Super Rugby players in this country. At least 23 of them in any of the important tests. And use this Brumbies mantra to help Australia beat the All Blacks regularly. For now he is best suited for the Brumbies for another 1-2 years.

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Rugby News Australia, Will Miller back at the Brumbies as short-term cover in the flanker department

by Sports Benches

Will Miller may be enjoying life after rugby right now. Having seen him hang up the boots last year full-time. So he can work on the farm which suits him well. That will not change his mind forever and ever.

But the Brumbies have experienced a few weaknesses. Most notably the number of injury lit lists in the treatment room. As well as their first loss in a long time v Queensland Reds at home. And they just escaped a near loss v Waratahs a few days ago. Only by a two-point difference.

That is pretty much a wake up call. They gave a couple of penalties away via the ill-discipline. Which exposed their defensive struggles at times. Without Will you have two current loose forwards in his openside role. Jahrome Brown who is a bright prospect at 24. But have been inconsistent on occasions. As well as a nasty injury picked up last week in Sydney.

So Jahrome would be out for the rest of this Super Rugby AU competition. While Tom Cusack might have done okay with the basics. And captained the side during Week 4 v Reds. But he had a very nasty night at the same time. Where Tom copped two yellow cards that later became red. It is something that also spotted a sign of the Brumbies crisis area.

After Tom and Jahrome there is a couple of inexperienced guys in this group. Both Rory Scott & Luke Reimer. Again they are young who is tipped for great potential in 2-3 years. But not yet ready to get used to the senior setup. Which is why Will has came to the rescue. He is still on his prime at the minute despite not playing much nowadays. Brumbies see him as their new weapon towards their title defense. With three weeks of group stage play. And two weeks of Playoffs action until the end.

In my opinion Will has to make up his game day fitness. This is the first important step if he was to walk in the Brumbies XV immediately. Then he will be able to know what is it like to face the Reds. We know under his guidance the Brumbies won against Queensland 2-1 last year. It is important that the Reds must know their opponents are a different team now. Not the same one from Week 4 in Canberra. As Allan Alaalatoa should return now after his three-week ban.

We cannot wait for another Grand Final rematch on Saturday. This time on the Reds stomping grounds in Brisbane.

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Rugby Union News, NSW Waratahs must meet what Angus Bell wants as part of their rebuilding phase

by Sports Benches

A few days after the Waratahs have made some progress. Despite the narrow loss against the Brumbies at home. But there is every reason to put so much heart in this rebuilding path. Ever since the Tahs began to collapse at least since 2019.

Which is the same time as the Reds were very much dismantled. Even the damage was done years before Ewen McKenzie left in 2013. Two of his successors did not do a good job. Then Brad Thorn took over as Coach in 2018. Their resurrection did not complete overnight. But eventually ever since Super Rugby AU began last year they battled in the Top 2. And now they are undefeated so far in this season.

Now the focus is here goes to Angus Bell who plays at loosehead prop. He is a very bright prospect at age 20. Having came from a rugby-led background via his dad Mark. And has made a cap or two last year with the Wallabies. In the hope of adding more later this year. Not just France. But also the Rugby Championship.

The question remains here if Angus will leave the Tahs? And join a rival Super Rugby club? This beleaguered team at the minute hit and missed plenty of opportunities. It may be a young side in progress right now. Such as Carlo Tizzano on the openside role. You got Mark Nawaqanitawase playing some minutes at wing/full-back. And Jeremy Williams put a great shift in the second row. Especially with that cameo TRY v Rebels away.

But definitely retain Angus here for 3-4 years. He has to be part of the Tahs rebuild that would finally benefit everyone else. It is up to the board to offer what he wants. As said a while ago that they have a predominately young squad. So there is not much leaders out there like Jake Gordon. Which is something the NSW need to find later this year ahead of 2022.

There is nothing against these youngsters moving to the senior setup. Just need excellent mentors who have lots of expertise & glory before. And it will no doubt benefit the current youth crop regarding competition. That includes Angus Bell who would give his hometown a helping hand. In my opinion two new wingers on each flank. Plus an extra second rower. All of them experienced would be exactly the Tahs need to buy.

So once the Tahs balance a side with youth and experience. These youngsters will be able to learn from someone who is at their prime. Or else way past it towards the twilight stages. Before they are able to become leaders of this squad. Just like a couple of Reds youngsters now who have 3-4 years experience. And played like they are used to Super Rugby level for a long time. That is a lesson the Waratahs must take note. Not only the experienced men can help them win. The youngsters would be happy to follow their lead. And pass to the next generation in 10-15 years.

It might be reasonable to see Angus join the Brumbies. They are like the Crusaders out of the five Australian Super Rugby teams. Two of their experienced props are approaching their twilight years. And the Brumbies see Angus as a natural fit. As he would be guaranteed a starting spot every week. But for the best interest that would reshape Australian Rugby. The Tahs must and should retain him in a long-term deal.

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

by Sports Benches

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.

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

by Sports Benches

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.

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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

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.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Game Talk: Waratahs v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Brumbies still able to hold on with the close win. Despite their messy 2nd half performance. Where there was so many penalties given away. That exposed their defense v the Waratahs. Having seen two players given a yellow card. And later one of them converted into a red card. Not good from Tom Cusack on the openside position.

But it is the attacking setup that gave them an early momentum. The communication is there that not only created a passage of play. It allowed them to open up the width of the field. Then run through the channels. Before they successfully got around the Waratahs. A win is a win. But must watch the discipline.

While the Waratahs still gutted to leave the SCG without a win. They were this close to end a very frustrating hoodoo at home. Credit is due from their defensive setup. The reading is there when the Brumbies gave penalties away. Especially after the away team looked disjointed with the blocks. Which is something they failed to match the Tahs main strength alone.

They did have a couple of chances to flip over into touch points. Especially with increased control of the ball given by the referee. Where the home side scored one try in the first 40. And followed up by two more that almost went into extra time. It was just an unlucky miss into the goal during the final hooter. As the kick went wide off left which saw the Brumbies escape unscathed. Waratahs blessed with the return of Jake Gordon. He got the attacking setup settled later on. But just needed support to improve first 40 run next time.

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Rugby News Results, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7: Waratahs v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Brumbies fired off well at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Courtesy to a brilliant passage of play through the width of the far left. Where Noah Lolesio popped the quick pass for Tom Wright to cap it off.

And Wright ran through the gate 60 meters out to the touch line. Brumbies 5-0 after five minutes. Waratahs meanwhile made a couple of square pegs going forward. Especially with Alex Newsome & Dave Porecki gutted not to touch down.

It gave the Brumbies another chance with the ball. Lolesio again assisted that 2nd touchdown. It might not be a perfect offload to Tom Wright. But Wright finished it well as long as it keeps away the boundary. Great comeback straightway after a few months out due to a knee injury. Brumbies 10-0 after 15 minutes.

Waratahs bounced back a little though with the three points. After the Brumbies began slipped away their discipline. As the home team 3-10 going into the next 20 towards half-time. Then followed up by their first big score. Due to the chances given with the ball. It really tested the Brumbies defense. Which saw them level in contention. With Jake Gordon swift to play on after the winning penalty. Before Harry Johnson-Holmes touched down.

But the Brumbies bounced back not long later. They have a great attacking setup that helps them score points. Especially with the communication and passage of play remained alert. This time with Andy Muirhead blasted a clean run to the touch line on the left. Waratahs 10-17 Brumbies with ten minutes to go towards the break.

And the Brumbies are out in front by the first 40. They managed to extend their lead. Courtesy of a couple of winning penalties. In which converted into extended points. When Folau Faingaa looked after the throw-in/maul to process this home. Waratahs 10-24 Brumbies.

Nothing much happened in the 2nd half between the two teams. Especially with the Tahs given plenty of chances via the ball. After Tom Cusack was at one point punished for a yellow card. It allowed Waratahs to finally break through. In contrary to the Brumbies who gave away penalties. Thanks to the 2nd five-point touch. When Jeremy Williams deflected the clean out. Before Izaia Perese ran though to assist Will Harrison for the finish. Waratahs 17-24 with 14 mins left.

The home team continued to be given chances with the ball. While Brumbies desperately held on in the defense. But with the ill-discipline still not careful to turn around. They saw both Rory Scott and Tom Cusack (again) receive yellow cards. Although the Waratahs have scored another try with the kick to come.

Unfortunately Will Harrison unable to convert into the goal. In which would have seen the Waratahs given another reprieve to extra time. It went towards the wide left away from the sticks instead. As the Brumbies lucky to escape the SCG with the win. The final score is a two-point margin here. Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies.

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

by Sports Benches

Tom Banks was really outstanding tonight at full-back for the Brumbies. He has really rapid pace going forward. That is a big warning sign to any opposition defender. In which haunted the Waratahs.

Especially at the beginning of this match up. When his side was given the ball on hand. He was part of their attacking setup that needed to process. The communication is there with the solutions needed to get past them. And it allowed Banks to be part of that passage of play.

Once someone like Noah Lolesio or his backline runners pass onto him. Tom pretty much has full control. Knowing where the Waratahs unable to capture him. And it is really good teamwork after he touched down. That benefited the Brumbies in picking up points. And stay ahead. Despite a messy run in the 2nd 40.

Noah Lolesio

As said just after the Tom Banks report card at No.1. Brumbies still held on with the win. Even though they gave so many penalties away. In which the defensive part was left exposed by the Waratahs.

But you cannot undermine the Brumbies attacking unit. When you have one of their star 1st five-eighths on display. It is Noah Lolesio who assisted most of their touchdowns. Credit to the patience needed to get around the opposition half.

Especially when the Brumbies have the ball. That means they got ample time to put themselves ahead. And Lolesio was there to direct where they wanted to go. It allowed him to open some space through the channels. Where his attackers managed escape to the Waratahs danger zone. Before they upped the momentum early after a few big point touches. Then stay there that fended them off so close.

Jake Gordon

He is so influential after coming back from injury sustained in Week 1. Got the ball rolling at last to target the Brumbies defense. In which was clear that helped them win penalties. Especially with the ball in hand as given by the referee.

The credit comes from the Tahs defense who followed his demands. Read a couple of the Brumbies players being isolated on the spot. And it allowed Gordon to find paths to chase them down. That was successfully converted into points this time. In which helped stay in contention.

Although he would be gutted not to see themselves going into overtime. But Jake gave every reason to frustrate the Brumbies. With himself as the tribal chief in this Waratahs rebuilding phase. After a really difficult past week. When Rob Penney was sacked as head coach. There are still some weaknesses to work on such as the consistency to fire up. As the Tahs have something to offer. Just like the much improved run at home tonight. That their fans would almost feel like winning.

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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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