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Rugby Union

Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Reds v Blues

by Sports Benches June 4, 2021

Queensland Reds came in without their main man of James O’Connor. It was a late blow just hours before the game started in Brisbane. We do not know why for sure which delayed his 100th game.

But they had to move on without him via an early headstart. Courtesy of a quick inside ball from Hunter Paisami in the midfield. As Harry Wilson launched straight through for their first touch points.

The majority of the game however was controlled by The Blues. When they took advantage of the Reds ill-discipline & disjointed attack. Having scored two tries in the first 40 to go ahead by 10 points at half-time. Before they extend their lead further with two more touch tries accrued after HT.

Although the Reds began to chase down from behind in the last 20-25 minutes. Where they accrued a mix of touch scores & few penalty goals. But Queensland Reds unfortunately did not have much time to settle a draw in the end. When Dalton Papalii caught Harry Wilson alone with the turnover. Before Jonathan Ruru kicked into touch. As The Blues win by 7 points (24-31) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

June 4, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Top 3 players from the Reds v Blues Game

by Sports Benches June 4, 2021

Pat Tuipulotu was one of the Blues big contributors last night. When he started on the second row at No.5. The impact was there straightaway both in attack & defense. In which helps his side reduce the workload and be more patient upfront.

It is something Patrick did exactly just like that with the assists/tries. He has a great read while the Reds defenders were under pressure. Before he unpacks the physicality to push themselves closer to the touch area. And it really set up a easy route in accruing maximum points possible. With credit to Pat who contributed both tries in the first 40.

The work is not over yet though after the half-time break. This time his backline put in the great work closer to the Reds danger zone. When Mark Talea ran really well but fell a tad short. Before Pat answered his help & extended The Blues lead with the try himself. This is really good communication in making up a well balanced attack. Like how Pat talked up well to have a decoy runner by his side. So the human shield is there for Mark to complete the execution. Then the same goes for Mark to reach out for help & Pat answers his cause. Well done to Pat who put out a great shift that helped get ahead early. And he also got an early mark too after 65 minutes. So he can recharge in the final round next week.

Mark Telea

He was so electric last night on The Blues right wing position at No.14. Where he has to credit to the forwards contribution. That would be in a way to spot the Reds lack of executions. Before his side took advantage of it and cashed in patiently.

This is an effective strategy to bide some time going forward. Then let them find clues to break the Reds chain. Which made life for Talea so easy to make up two contributing tries in the first 40. The first one was a great offload from Pat Tuipulotu. Where Pat called out his second rower to add some backup. And that is how Mark was able to extend The Blues lead. Then he was given another chance to extend his 2nd & ran wide.

It may have fell short when he battled against a few defenders alone. But at least he reached out for support to avoid getting isolated. And Pat answered his call just after the break. This shows how his Blues side stayed patient when given the ball. Communication is one thing via the short passes. Before processing the physicality which Mark took great care in the end. He is really tall who can get behind his team. Then he can run that anyone else unable to catch him. He does reminds me of Bryan Habana for the Springboks. And Mark does have both Samoan and South African blood. But it will be interesting if he dons the All Blacks.

Harry Wilson

He did his best possible in a losing side last night at Number 8. Queensland Reds may be a tad behind during the start. But the defensive shape is always there as a positive. It tested his skills in a way that helped them win a couple of penalties.

Before Harry was able to get some support runners. Thanks to Hunter Paisami in the midfield via a short ball offload. And translated his attacking outlet both with the physicality/speed. In which saw him accrue the first of three touchdowns of the night. With Brandon Paenga-Amosa scoring the second after the break that also came from his forwards pack. That communication is there from Paisami who spotted a clear gap. So Harry pulled off past The Blues defenders.

But for the majority they were isolated unfortunately. Thanks to the Reds lack of conversions with their attacking shape going forward. It is something they are unable to bridge that weakness in order to catch up. As Harry needs plenty of help from the backline to sort out. Especially when they are going up against the top ranked Hurricanes. Three-point penalty goals are there late in the second 40. Due credit as said with the defensive application. Just not enough time to settle for a draw at least after the final siren.

June 4, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Reds v Chiefs Report

by Sports Benches May 29, 2021

Reds fired off with a great start in Townsville. Chiefs on the other hand have been good defensively. But struggled with the ill-discipline. Such as the deliberate fumble from Chase Tiatia. While Queensland were under advantage. That cost the away team a penalty TRY. Tiatia was instantly given a yellow card by the referee. He had to sit out for ten minutes.

Followed by a fabulous inside ball from Tate McDermott. Where he helped Issac Henry finish the clear chase. Before Tate was bumped heavily by Damian McKenzie. As the referee sent him off under red for the rest of tonight. With Chiefs now on 13 men. Reds continued to take advantage of their decline.

When the home team made a patient play via the far right corner. There was clear passage of passes. And it gave the perfect offload for Suliasi Vunivalu who finished their 3rd TRY. Then built another touchdown off the back from Feao Fotuaika. Plus the 5th big score based on the penalties accrued. Which eventually saw Isaac Henry register his 2nd touch finish. It goes to show that Reds shown patience going forward so far tonight.

Half-Time: Reds 33-3 Chiefs

Reds continued their momentum after the break. They were patient off the back from James O’Connor at 10. Where he produced a stunning cross kick on the right flank. Saw Suliasi Vunivalu catch the ball first. Before drifting towards the opposite flank. And saw a clear route with the finish courtesy of Filipo Daugunu.

Chiefs eventually got themselves settled at last. Thanks to them finishing the 20 minute red card rule. Which puts them on a level playing field with the Reds. They may not have Damian McKenzie back for the rest of the night. But they have some fresh faces coming off the bench. And look to stake their claim for next game.

They began to catch up with a couple of touch points. Having seen the forwards make up the hard work upfront. As seen earlier defensively. While Queensland are faltering at the same time. Before one or two on the backline gave them a huge threat. And look to break their hearts towards the final siren. But Reds hold off so tight for the winning scrum & lockout.

Final score: Reds 40-34 Chiefs

Reds really took advantage of the Chiefs rough play. And did just that with as many touchdowns scored in the first 40. Before they stayed ahead. With 13 men at the time Reds were patient going forward. The passage of play was there. Alongside the use of wide areas via the channels. It was well set up to throw decoy runners. Which saw them become the 1st Australian team to win in this comp. Despite the poor last 20 minutes that almost end up as a loss.

Chiefs at last never gave up. Especially during late in the 2nd half alone. They were unstoppable to give the Reds a huge threat in the final third. Credit to their forwards who kept a great eye on the Reds faults. Both in the defensive shape at first. Followed by the attack. That eventually saw one/two players score from the backline. Which they were almost close towards winning. But not enough time due to ill-discipline earlier on.

Reds will be at home once again. But at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. When they host The Blues from Auckland. That is Friday night. While Chiefs return home in Waikato next Saturday afternoon. Their next challengers are the Melbourne Rebels. Three down, two rounds to go.

May 29, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Top 3 players from the Reds v Chiefs Game

by Sports Benches May 29, 2021

Isaac Henry has given a fresh new option in the midfield. Where he plays on the inside centre. After Hamish Stewart was inconsistent at times. As well as Jordan Petaia remains sidelined. I think it would be injury. Despite seeing this combo worked well with Hunter Paisami. That was during the Reds winning streak. At least mightily of 2021 Super Rugby AU.

He credits the 9 & 10 combo who communicated well. You see how the teamwork is there. As well as the patience flowing through the passage of play. It allowed to stay close. Before the short ball came to Issac. And he controlled the offload really well towards the touch line.

Not just one but also two tries during the first half. What a way to introduce himself in the 2021 Super Rugby TT. Especially when we have not seen him in SR AU at all. But against one of the competitive New Zealand teams. This is a great learning experience for him in the long term. The more Issac goes up against the difficult sides. Regardless of the results in the end. The better he will be able to hold his position by himself. He has a great mentor of Hunter Paisami who knows the Reds spirit. As long as Hunter does not get injured. Issac wants to learn from him as much as possible. There is two rounds left before the International leg starts. For now Issac is hoping to keep it consistent like tonight. Before we will find out in 2022 if Isaac can be a regular starter at No.12.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

He worked really hard on the Reds second row. Where he pairs up alongside youngster Ryan Smith. The build up base is there when Lukhan noticed the Chiefs early struggles. Especially with the lopsided teamwork from their backline.

It is something Lukhan took advantage during the first 40. And his attacking ability was tested. When he made a couple of tackling busts against the opposition defense. In which saw him showcase the packed muscle. Plus some pace to help make the Reds find a clear direction. So it makes life easier for his backline to wrap it up home. And thanks to him they were able to accrue four/five touch tries. In order to stay ahead of HT.

He might need some help next time. As the last 20 minutes of the game was dominated by the Chiefs. Especially with a few changes off the bench. When the Reds did not have a couple of chances up front. Having seen them go back to 15 men. And eventually became settled that almost lost the game. But as always they defended so tight until the final siren. And Reds were able to put their last minute scares to bed. Thanks to being the first Australian team to win in Super Rugby TT.

Lachlan Boshier

He looked after the Chiefs well tonight especially on the openside. The defensive shape was a great start to deny the Reds attacking chances. Which was part of his watch on protect his forwards. As well as have his backline roped in to help out. It is a strength that helped win a few penalties.

These types of practices ultimately helped them score a few touch points. At least during the 2nd 40. Unfortunately they were swamped by the ill-discipline. The rough play through the foul play. As well as the aggressive/illegal tackling. Which held them back for the majority. With little time to catch up towards the final siren.

So far in the Super Rugby TT the forwards are always great in this area. You look at how Luke Jacobson was outstanding last week v Brumbies. Same goes to Boshier tonight. Plus most of these tryscorers also coming from this forward line. Where they can have the ability to make up in both ways. Both attack & defense. They just need the backline help from now on. As just winning without scoring many touches will not cut it. They have the chance to bounce back v Rebels & Waratahs. Just two rounds left before the grand final.

May 29, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Reds v Crusaders Game Review

by Sports Benches May 22, 2021

Last night was the best of both Super Rugby sides in each country. One from Australia and the other across the ditch. It is Queensland Reds take on Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Perfect timing to commemorate the 10 year anniversary. When they battled it out for the 2011 Super Rugby final at the time. And Queensland trumped the most successful Super Rugby team for the major win.

Unfortunately it was not the same however when it comes to this game. Which is Round 2 of 5 in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. The defensive shape is one of the strengths Queensland have picked up. Which saw them win a few penalties. And eventually got it going with a couple of tries in the final 40. But for the majority they were disjointed in their attacking run. There was really little to no decoy runners around them through the channels. It backfired their passage of play that failed to bridge towards the execution. Thanks to the brilliant read from the Crusaders the away team got away with plenty of points on the board. Before it was way too late to catch up after the full 80.

On the other hand Crusaders were simply outstanding on all areas. They defended really well off the Reds impatient attacking test. It has gaps and holes around their corner. Which demonstrates poor communication & passage of play. And took advantage to their own mistakes. From there the away team were able to remain patient on the run home. Before Crusaders ultimately got around the Reds wall that accrued a whopping 60+ points. Richie Mo’unga has been sensational in the playmaker role via the physicality & kicking. So does Sam Whitelock on the second row who cancelled the Reds conversion plans. And Sevu Reece continues to light up with the executions on the right wing. That is how you see the best of attacking football which entertains their own fans.

The final score is 28-63. As none of the five Australian Super Rugby teams have yet to make up a win in this competition. While all five NZ sides have stiff competition towards the Top 2 spots going into Round 3. It can be awesome to have the best of both franchise/provincial clubs facing each other. Especially when we have saw this returned for the first time in 12-14 months. But so far it is not the same balance/competitiveness we hope to see on the field. It will take time for these teams here to adjust going into the 2022 season. As there is no South African clubs in there anymore. It may be a sigh of relief to Australia when they have a big job of closing the gap to AFL & NRL. Especially with Nine & Stan coming onboard this year that changed everything on TV/Streaming. We are just in the early stages of rebuilding the exposure of rugby union in Australia. That is why they are putting their bid to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup. And that would mean compensating the broken promises where they fell off after 2003. For now all we have to do is support these teams up with three rounds left. Maybe the final if one of the Australian sides did end up in an unlikely Top 2 finish.

May 22, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches May 22, 2021

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

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

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

Sevu Reece

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

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

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

Harry Wilson

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

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

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

May 22, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Chiefs v Brumbies Report

by Sports Benches May 22, 2021

The Chiefs fired off well with the first serve of points accrued off the successful line-out/maul. Courtesy of Tupou Vaa’I on the second row. ACT Brumbies did bounce back not long later. When Len Ikitau scored the first five points to level the score after 12 minutes. But for the majority the away team struggled to make up these executions.

Especially during the scrum where they did not communicate well that forced the collapse. And it gave The Chiefs the reprieve to get themselves ahead of Half-Time at 19-5. Due credit to Luke Jacobson at No.8. Not only he read well with the Brumbies poor communication going forward. Luke cashed in their errors with two of his own tries in front of the opposing danger zone.

Nothing much changed for the Brumbies unfortunately to make the up lost time earlier on. Even 1/2 late touch scores towards the final hooter was not enough. As The Chiefs were so strong that got themselves comfortably home. Their attacking setup has not changed. Such as the passage of play & close call up via decoy runners that reflected the best of executions. Damian McKenzie continued to play well with the kicking into goal. Plus a TRY for himself not long after the break. And the midfield duo of both Alex Nankivell on the inside role. And Anton Lienert-Brown were key to The Chiefs patient & effective navigation past the Brumbies territory. The final score in Waikato is 40-12.

Chiefs will head to Townsville next Saturday night. Where they will face the best Australian Super Rugby side of Queensland Reds. While ACT Brumbies head to Eden Park in Auckland. And face The Blues on a Saturday evening showdown. For now we complete Week 2 of the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. That is the best of both worlds between the Queensland Reds v Crusaders.

May 22, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Top 3 players from the Chiefs v Brumbies

by Sports Benches May 22, 2021

Luke Jacobson is very dynamic at No.8 for the Chiefs. He looked after both ends of attack and defense. With lots of physicality on offer that can frustrate any opposition side. One of them was the Top 2 Australian Super Rugby teams. That is the ACT Brumbies based from Canberra.

Got a great read that saw the Brumbies fall behind tonight. Especially when they were impatient going forward. Such as the scrummaging. There was little talk up along the way. Which saw Luke collapse it and won the turnover from the referee. He used that reprieve. And cashed in their mistakes with two tries in the first half.

That puts his side on a comfortable position. Which does not require too much reliance to be isolated. As long as Luke gets so involved all the time. And giving his backline buddies a hand. This Chiefs side is interesting to watch. It demonstrates how he can play up to his strengths. And once Brumbies unable to escape past his corner. Luke is there to punish them that flipped into a winning asset.

Alex Nankivell

He played very well at the heart of Chiefs midfield. Mainly the on the inside centre alongside Anton Lienert-Brown. Made plenty of decent pushes against the Brumbies half tonight. Especially when his side had complete control of the ball.

It is important that his physicality and pace is key to their success. It allowed him to stay patient. And read where the Brumbies struggle. Which Alex did not hesitate finding his support men. So they are able to accrue the 5/7 touch points.

One of the tries include himself during the 2nd 40. As said he credits the patience towards his contribution tonight. Alex paid attention with the talk up needed. With the passage of play stayed intact through the channels. Before forced his way past the opposing territory to set up that execution. That is how Alex helped his side advance to the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final. And going 2 out of 2 wins so far shows he is hungry for silverware.

Tom Wright

He ran really well that gave The Chiefs a hard time on occasions. Especially on the left wing for the ACT Brumbies. Got to say that his presence and teamwork gave them a boost. When the communication was clear & saw Len Ikitau touched down.

But then the momentum unfortunately fell away. There is not much communication & decoy runners around him. It is hard to keep that passage of play going. Which does prevent them from finding that execution. That is how Henry Stowers were dragged into touch by a 1/2 Chiefs defenders. And it is something the Brumbies unable to turn around for the majority. Even two touchdowns during the 2nd half is not enough to compensate.

A few ill-discipline as well as the isolated areas in attack. These are the weaknesses Brumbies wished to match tonight. At least to stay in the game after they were 19-5 at half-time. But nothing much changed unfortunately. Especially going up against the Top 2 Super Rugby teams in NZ. They were so close v Crusaders last week. Just not the same with little hope of improvement though. As they head to Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday. Where they face The Blues.

May 22, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD1: Melbourne Rebels v Blues Report

by Sports Benches May 15, 2021

The Blues gone ahead early with the three point penalty goal from Otere Black. As Melbourne Rebels struggled to find their way past the away side. Having cleared away with the kick a few times. But they did expose the opposition defensive test. That earned them a winning scrum before Matt Toomua levelled the score 3-3 after 10 mins. It did not detract the Rebels struggles to clear the Blues pack. When the scrum collapsed against their way through the second reset feed. And saw Black complete another three-pointer goal after 17 mins. The score is Melbourne Rebels 3-6 Blues.

Rebels defense may still be robust. While The Blues rushed through going forward on occasions that stopped them from scoring full points so far. But it is the home side who got hit with lost penalties along the way. Thanks to the Blues strong possession in the Rebels territory they extended their lead. Score is Rebels 3-9 Blues after 26 mins courtesy of a penalty goal from Black. Followed by another three points to the Blues with 8 to go towards half-time. When the Blues forward pack were so strong driving straight. That saw Melbourne struggle to clear the scrum feed with the referee giving that next penalty go the away side. Thanks to Karl Tu’inukuafe who plays at loosehead prop.

Going into half-time The Blues scored their first touchdown of the night. As Melbourne struggled to get their throw-in straight. Despite a few recent penalties won closer to the touch line. So does Adrian Choat who plays on the openside flanker for the Blues. He had to spend ten minutes in the naughty chair. Before the away side got away with the cross-kick towards the far right at the 50 meter mark. Seen Marika Koroibete struggle to mark the ball alone with no one to cover him. And that is how The Blues found a way through the opposite short side. With Tom Robertson scored the first full points recipient as skipper on the blindside back row. Half-Time is The Blues 3-17 Rebels.

Blues continued to extend their lead going into the 20 point mark. Having remained strong with the scrum feed. As well as plenty of flexibility via the counter attack. That saw the away side use the best of the wide areas to get around the Rebels half. Where Hoskins Sotutu make up the 2nd touchdown tonight at Number 8. Even though Michael Wells tried to prevent the ball being grounded on his opposite dial. Rebels 3-24 after 47 minutes. Followed by another touchdown with Sotutu via the patient scrum feed. Which demonstrated the away team so powerful in this area. Rebels 3-31 Blues.

On the other hand the home side were left with impatient conversions. Especially when they did not have much lost time through the ball on hand. That led to more leaked points where Blues got past the Rebels territory from Josh Goodhue. Before Akira Ioane made an immediate impact off the bench for Adrian Choat in the 52nd minute. And helped further extended the Blues lead for the five touch points at 3-36 with 15 minutes left. Then entered the 40 point mark through sensational passage of play. Before Harry Plummer made a cross kick towards the far left for AJ Lam that touched down too easily. It is a 40 point gap going to The Blues at 3-43. With less than 10 to go and Akira once again scored another touchdown. As seen though the patience shown via the winning penalties & attacking setup. The away side reached half-century for the win in Melbourne at 3-50.

May 15, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD1: Top 3 players from the Rebels v Blues Game

by Sports Benches May 15, 2021

We will start with Karl Tu’inukuafe at loosehead prop for The Blues. Where he made a big contribution last night. Both to look after the defense. Alongside his attacking offerings that hurt Melbourne.

He possesses a great read which is important to protect his zone. Especially when the Rebels were struggling for some support up front. And not only he helped mark one or two players. Karl also had a look at their scrum feed. Even when Joe Powell has the first feed in against his side. That is how he used his packed muscle to lock them out with the collapse.

It convinced the referee to give the ball to The Blues. Where they made up a couple of successful three pointers. Followed by a couple of touch scores. Karl did not even have to complete the whole game. When his side were good to go towards an easy win. After he came off for Ofa Tuungafasi in the 52nd minute. At 135kg it is hard to get past this sort of stature like Karl. If any one cannot get back up. Whether when they tried to clear out or score tries. Then he will hold them back. And let his Blues side execute with the hard work he put in.

Akira Ioane

There are so many Blues players who made such an impact. But I will have to go to Akira Ioane off the bench. This side were a bit of trouble. When Adrian Choat was punished in the naughty chair. It was exactly in the same role he played on the openside back row. And since Akira came on Blues seemed to be settled with him.

He was so involved going forward in all areas. Especially when his side were able to get around the Rebels half. Got himself ready towards the execution. Based on a wonderful read to keep that passage of play. Before Akira unpacked it with so much physicality & pace. And that is how he touched down both scores to make it half-century. Even in the 2nd 40 alone.

I may not have followed Super Rugby Aotearoa for much this year. But Akira did his fair share to put himself back at No.7 next Saturday. He is such an impact player who changes the game. The defensive test is demonstrated. When he gets to read the opposition bring isolated without numbers. Before he was blessed through the patient attacking setup. And that helped him execute into an even all-round star. It is something any opposing team would be punished by his attributes.

Rob Leota

It is so hard to get through such a big loss against them. Even on their home crowd at AAMI Park in Melbourne. But only one player who did his best last night. And that is Rob Leota who plays at lock. So on the left hand side (No.4) at second rower.

The defensive setup was there at the beginning. Where the Rebels kept it simple along the way. He read well with The Blues earlier handling errors. As well as the improper communication going forward. It gave them a few resets for his side to try and get themselves ahead. As well as a few winning penalties. Where the Rebels only kicked one three point goal.

But unfortunately his side were unable to make up the attack. Especially when they struggled for support numbers. So does the poor line-out. It sums up the miscommunication which forced The Blues hand. Not only it limits their chances with the ball. It ultimately gave their forwards a hard time to defend. That is how Rob expressed his frustration post-game last night. He may be happy to play against five New Zealand teams. Which is going to be a long-term benefit. But needs help to unpack the best of the attack next time. If they are to stay in contention for the full 80. Especially with a change of head coach recently in Kevin Foote.

May 15, 2021 0 comment