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Rugby Union

Rugby Union News , 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD1: Waratahs v Hurricanes Game Report

by Sports Benches May 14, 2021

It was a high scoring affair between the Canes & Tahs at SCG. Both teams were able to get the ball rolling with a few touch scores. But it is the away side who lead NSW Waratahs ahead of half-time. It does not mean that the Tahs are out of the race just yet. As they are split with a 11 point buffer at 22-33 going into the final 40.

Tahs tried to hold back Hurricanes with more touchdowns submitted. Especially with tighthead prop Harry Johnson-Holmes at No 3. Where he picked up two good big scores. But cannot underestimate an attacking minded away team. They too extended their lead past them by 15-16 points with 20 minutes left.

Before the Canes topped up a couple more late tries towards the end. Which was enough to hold off Waratahs for the win. Despite the two late five pointers earned from the home side. Plus some improvement as of late. Thanks to skipper Jake Gordon. Just not enough time to catch up. With the ill-discipline/lost penalties. And the advantage against them reflected another loss. The final score at the SCG is a 16 point gap, 48-64.

Hurricanes will head south to Melbourne next Friday v Rebels. While the Tahs enters the NZ borders. When they will meet the Blues in Auckland next Saturday.

For now we look forward to another Trans-Tasman affair here. That is Rebels v Blues tonight at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Make sure you tune in at 7.30pm live on 9Gem via Free to Air. And Stan Sport (paywall).

May 14, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Hurricanes

by Sports Benches May 14, 2021

Jordie Barrett was outstanding at full-back for the Canes. He just knows how to execute a well balanced attack. Especially through the wide areas through the channels. That is how his side were able to stack up the big touch scores last night.

He has so much hand eye coordination with the ball on hand. That is good for Jordie to look at the Tahs weaknesses. In which he was able to flick through to his man. It is not far away from him to keep that communication ticking. Before the Hurricanes were able to reduce his workload. And get past the opposition that is hard for the Waratahs to nail down.

We also know that Jordie is great with the kicking too. In which he demonstrated so much attacking flexibility. Such as the quick balls, cross kicks & physicality. It makes him a complete player that any opponent hates to hear. Because if they cannot add defensive pressure. After the mistakes going forward. Then the team Jordie is playing will punish ultimately them. The Canes may not done well in Super Rugby Aotearoa. But a win v Tahs in Sydney could see the Canes thrive against the Aussie teams. Watch this space over the next few weeks from Jordie Barrett.

Julian Savea

Another player who was great for the Canes is Julian Savea. He plays at right winger. So part of the backline three with Jordie Barrett at full-back. And Salesi Rayasi on his opposite flank via the left.

He is blessed with his side attacking setup going forward. Especially with the patience Jordie Barrett kept a great read on the Tahs. They were able to keep that passage of play flowing. Before the ball came to Julian at the right time. Then he controlled the game with the blistering finish. Pace, power and precision. That is three words where he touch scored twice.

He is age 30 right now with a tall near two meter build. It is like how his attacking shape kept the ball in play. Then go out wide that advised Julian to get ready. And once he has the ball. He was always involved in a sprint race down to the touch line. If you remove the ball & put him in a 100m sprint at the Olympics. He may have a decent chance to close out with the gold medal. For now the Canes has to take one step per week. His side may not be outstanding in Super Rugby Aotearoa. But can emerge out of nowhere v AUS teams.

Jake Gordon

He continued to be a great influence in the Waratahs final third. When Jake was injured in the early weeks during Super Rugby AU. It was not the same without him at scrum-half. That ultimately led to the firing of Rob Penney as Coach. Which is 24 hours after I attended in person v Reds in Homebush. Just in time before he came back & improved this Tahs team.

Jake did make up some lost time. He called in for some decoy runners to help him look at the Canes. It is important to look around their weaknesses. Before the communication was there via the short pass. Then got around with some space that saw the Tahs top up a few tries. They never gave up for the whole time. While still in contention towards a win at home.

Unfortunately they were still left with a loss against them. Even though it was a high scoring game. It was good to see the Tahs score plenty of points. If Jake was there for the 10 weeks v Australian teams alone. Then at least they would make it to the Qualifying Final. But sadly it did not go their way at the wrong time. When you look at the five powerful New Zealand teams. That puts them with even more pressure. Now it is just a fresh start for NSW after one game. They just need to keep that attacking awareness as shown last night. And show what they are made of against the Blues (away) next Saturday.

May 14, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Reds v Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches May 8, 2021

Queensland Reds got ahead first with the three-point goal after two minutes. When the Brumbies were exposed in defense which led to a lost penalty. But they were patient going forward with holding most of the possession. That is how the away side took away their first touch points from Tom Banks. While Reds may still have the defensive shape. They did not have much chances with the ball on hand. Especially via the poor throw-in. Reds 3-7 Brumbies after 15 minutes.

Nothing much happened over the next ten minutes of play. But the Reds began to have an extended run against the Brumbies own half. They may not be able to get over the touch line. But snatched another successful penalty goal to make a one-point buffer at 6-7. Before ACT Brumbies extended their lead. Following the penalty against the Reds.

The score goes to the away side at 6-10 in the 32nd minute. Followed by another successful three-pointer into the goal at half-time, 6-13. With Queensland being isolated with a lack of support runners going forward. That led to limited chances with the ball which converted into leaked penalties.

Brumbies began to concede a couple of penalties after the break. While Reds got their first chances upfront early this time. The touchdown may not be there yet as denied by the referee. But got three-points between the sticks. As Reds trail ACT Brumbies by five points with 30 minutes left at 9-13. No score has been made over the next ten minutes. Brumbies did lose Rob Valetini via the yellow card. While Queensland close in the Brumbies lead to just one point. With 17 minutes left at 12-13.

Going into the last ten minutes of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. ACT Brumbies continued to distance themselves from the Reds. Having seen them tick off the penalty goal. The score is a four point difference between the two teams at 12-16. In the end the Brumbies desperately tried to hold off Queensland towards another potential title. Despite having lost two men to the ten minute naughty chair. But Reds never gave up with the endless penalties won.

Before the home team finally got themselves a touchdown. Courtesy of their skipper James O’Connor. In which was enough to cross the finish line first. And secure the 2021 Super Rugby AU title for Queensland Reds. The final score at Suncorp Stadium is 19-16.

May 8, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Final: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches May 8, 2021

You got to praise the skipper first in James O’Connor. He was a key player in this Queensland Reds rebuild. Ever since head coach Brad Thorn lured him back in 2019. It may have been a divided move at the start. But he has proved them wrong.

He was blessed with the Reds strong defensive shape. That helped his side win penalties. In which allowed them to suit themselves. Where James scored a couple of three-pointers into the goalposts. They may have been behind ACT Brumbies for the majority tonight.

But Reds were able to take note of the opposition ill-discipline. Based on the amount of late penalties won. Before they finally found a way to nail down a touchdown. All thanks to the skipper himself in JOC. It was enough to get the home crowd cheering on. And celebrate in style with the championship. What an improved man he is right now. Having turned around a corner over the last 18 months. Now he leaves with this trophy!

Fraser McReight

Another Reds player who stood out is Fraser McReight. He is a focal part of this back row department. Both blindside & openside flanker. And never stood himself down through every game he plays. Even when Liam Wright was injured for most of the Super Rugby AU season. Then nailed down his place at No.7 without a doubt.

He was part of the Reds strong defensive setup. Where Fraser was tasked to look at the Brumbies weaknesses. Such as a lack of their decoy runners. And exposed their ill-discipline. That is one thing he held on defensively while they are isolated. Which helped his Reds side win a few penalties.

It may have taken some time to have the Reds fire back going forward. Especially when he used his physicality to knock down a few defenders. But remained patient for the whole time during the second 40. Where Fraser was able to keep the communication close. Before the gap was there for JOC to finish. And there goes him celebrating that big win. Well done on being an key player in that Reds back row. It will be very useful going into the Trans-Tasman leg & Wallabies stints.

Tom Banks

Commiserations to ACT Brumbies who led for the majority. But unable to held on going into the final siren. There is one player who gave the Reds a hard time tonight. His name is Tom Banks at full-back. He knows how to clean the ball out via the kicking to stay away from danger.

It helps him read better. So it can be hard for the Reds to defend. And make them isolate with no option going to touch. That allowed his Brumbies side to get themselves ahead early. Thanks to the patience shown in the attack. Which helped them win a few penalties. As well as more chances with the ball earlier on.

Such as scoring the first touchdown in the 2021 Super Rugby AU Final. Followed by a series of three-point penalty goals from his side. But the most disappointing part was the ill-discipline. Especially during the second 40. When the Brumbies saw their opponents have an extended run against them. With not much chance with the ball as seen from the previous run. Before there were three players sent to the naughty chair. And that ultimately cost Brumbies the win they badly needed.

May 8, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Brumbies v Western Force Game Report

by Sports Benches May 1, 2021

The first 32 minutes saw both Brumbies & Western Force fight for their first points. When they struggled to find any solution to get past the touch line going forward. So far the defensive work from Western Force got them ahead. Thanks to the three-point penalty goal. But Brumbies bounced back straight away. Thanks to the advantage against the Force.

And used that opportunity to nail down the Brumbies first touchdown from Tom Wright. After the home side used the short side towards the left with no way for the Force to prevent it. At the same time Force also lost a man in right winger Toni Pulu.

Where he made a dangerous tackle on Irae Simone. And received a straight red card. Before Brumbies scored another touchdown via Tom Banks. Brumbies 14-3 Force at half-time.

Western Force began to close down the lead despite having 14 men. When their defensive setup remained key to their strengths. Thanks to the successful scrum which led to another penalty goal. Brumbies 12-6 Western Force after 45 minutes. The away team however struggled to group themselves together in the attack. While Brumbies took advantage of their mistakes going forward.

Especially with plenty of patience via the ball in play. They might have been denied a touchdown. But pushed their extended lead via the penalty goal to nine. Brumbies 15-6 Western Force with 20 minutes left.

Before Force bounced back a bit with the three-point penalty goal. Score remains to the Brumbies in front at 15-9 going into the final ten minutes of play. But still struggled to get going in the attack.

Where Ryan Longeran kicked enough into the goal. That pushed the Brumbies ahead by another three-points. The home team leads at 18-9 with six minutes left. In the end Western Force unable to get away their lack of attacking awareness. After another penalty goal was enough to pull it off first at the finish line. Final score is Brumbies 21-9 Western Force. As the home side will face Queensland Reds next Saturday for the Final.

May 1, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Western Force

by Sports Benches May 1, 2021

Rob Valetini is an all-rounder on the blindside tonight. He is so powerful with a balance of speed and physicality. That is how he was able to make every meter off the Force. When the away side unable to get themselves together going forward.

It is the one strength Valetini was able to help out. Thanks to the communication needed to help his backline find some space. And execute these offloads towards the touch line. Which is exactly where the Brumbies was able to court two touchdowns. Just in between the final five to ten minutes of the first half. Once again it does not isolate this attacking setup.

Valetini has been a key player at loose forward. Having played at Number 8 during Week 9 v Melbourne Rebels. He is 22 years old with a bright future ahead both provincial & country. Very important to have him stay there for the big final v Reds. If he can guide his Brumbies team to another premiership. Then his skillset will be a cautionary tale to the New Zealand sides. When the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman begins in two weeks time.

Tom Wright

He played very well on the left wing tonight. The reading was there when his opposition struggled with the attack. It is something Tom did well to cancel that line out kick penalty attempt. And give his Brumbies team the chance to rebound.

It might have taken a while during the first 40 to try and get ahead. But eventually things do start to gel. Thanks to the Western Force who did not really turn around. Apart from the defense. Where the Brumbies remained patient. Before they supplied Tom with the talk up & offload. Which allowed him to get the job done via some room for the touchdown.

His contribution helped the Brumbies stay ahead. As said a while ago that communication is important. Then unpack that physicality. It is exactly how his side are able to close out towards the finish line. Especially during a low scoring game against a defensive minded Force. Now they hope to continue this journey. And look to win their 2nd straight title v Reds.

Tom Robertson

He is a great asset at loosehead for Western Force. Where he has years of Super Rugby expertise. Having played with the Waratahs in the past. And came to Perth this year. It is a good move after fall. After he helped guide his side to their first ever finals tour. In which is a great achievement. While his old side were languishing as the woodern spooners.

The defensive structure is there. Due to his physical build. As his other forwards department guys do. That is a strength Western Force lifted during the beginning of the game. They won a few penalties as well as turnovers to try and reset the momentum. At least the Force were in the game for the majority. It is great teamwork from Tom at his finest who gave his 100%.

But the only thing that lets his down is a lack of attacking feel. We saw how Toni Pulu made a big tackle on Irae Simone just before HT. Referee found it very unnecessary and sent him with a straight red card. As well as a lack of talk up going forward. It means there was no chance of getting themselves over the TRY line. And it ultimately saw the Force being eliminated. But credit to them for the fairytale work through the regular portion.

May 1, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 10 Report: NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

by Sports Benches April 24, 2021

It was an instant start from Melbourne Rebels with the first touchdown. Especially when Frank Lomani made a great line break past the Waratahs gate. Having kicked the ball further. Before Rebels held off Jack Maddocks alone. And gave some time to execute that big score. Thanks to Matt Toomua who put in a great cross kick for Stacey Ili to finish. Waratahs 0-7 Rebels after 2 minutes.

Waratahs however made their first points on the board. After the Rebels were penalised with the offside twice. That is where Ben Donaldson was able to clear it straight between the sticks. As the home side just four points behind the Rebels at 3-7. Followed by a one point ball game at 6-7 going into the 10th minute. With the Rebels continued to make disciplinary mistakes via the offside.

But it does not mean the Rebels took their chances wisely through the ball on hand. Having extended the scoreboard lead to six points (6-12). They kept the scrum square before finding some space for thethe clear offload. Michael Wells was the second touchdown recipient who plays on the blindside for Melbourne. Waratahs on the other hand struggled without the ball on hand when it comes to the defense. They saw lost valuable points when Toomua cleared the penalty goal. Rebels extend their lead to nine points after 17 mins at 6-15. Despite this Isi Naisarani was slapped with the red card following the high tackle on Jeremy Williams. Then a punch or two against Lachie Swinton.

Rebels may lost a man for the next two minutes leaving a 14 player field. But it did not really detract their progress too much. Especially with more chances with the ball on hand. While the Waratahs have not turned around. The away side pushed another three points via the penalty goal. It is a 12 point difference (6-18) after 25 mins going to Rebels. Before Waratahs bounced back despite not having the perfect passage of passes. But used the short side to get the job done. Thanks to Lalakai Foketi who made a great offload to Mark Nawaqanitawase for the touchdown. Score is 11-18 to the Rebels after 31 mins. Followed by an instant three-point penalty goal to 11-21 from the away side.

Waratahs however are not out of contention. They were patient with the ball on hand with the number of phases built. And still able to get around the Rebels via the wide areas. Where the talk up was there to keep the passes going through the channels. Foketi once again got involved more on the far left alongside Nawaqanitawase. Having found Jack Maddocks with the execution towards the touch line. But Melbourne Rebels still have the upper hand at the break by just three points, 18-21.

Immediately after the break Melbourne Rebels able to return to their initial run. Having held on going forward via the winning penalties. Such as the maul stayed square before Rob Leota touched down. As the away side extend their lead to 10 points at 18-28 after 43 minutes. Waratahs meanwhile have lost at times. But never gave up when the home side won a couple of penalties against the Rebels. And saw Dave Poecki make up the touch score. In which it is now a three-point ball game to the Rebels after 50 minutes at 25-28. Before Melbourne saw the back of the Waratahs weaknesses in the defense. Where they took advantage of the three-point kick into the goal. The game is not over yet. But still a six-pointer (25-31) between the two sides after 53 minutes.

Rebels followed up with another touchdown that further extended their lead. The patience is there going forward. Having seen the Waratahs struggle to find some decoy runners. As they were exposed defensively via the lost penalties. Before the maul was good enough for Matt Gibbon to complete that execution. It is 15 minutes to go with a nine point buffer going to the Rebels. The away side may have seen two players sent to the bench. From the sin bin for James Hanson to a straight red in Pone Faamasulli. But Rebels still managed to hold off for the win by nine points at 25-36. While the Waratahs finish their 2021 Super Rugby AU campaign without any wins at all.

April 24, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 10: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Rebels Game

by Sports Benches April 24, 2021

Michael Wells put in a great shift tonight on the blindside for Melbourne. Where he was blessed by a brilliant fire off. Thanks to the backline who took the pressure off his forward line. As well as the build up defense that gave themselves chances.

The word chances mean a lot of control every time they have the ball. Having benefited a great offload via the scrummaging. And used these Waratahs weaknesses to get the Rebels side ahead.

His team may have suffered lost penalties along the way. Which did see two red cards. But it does not mean that the Rebels would go down. Instead they never gave up with the build up base. As well as the opportunities given with the ball. And used it wisely to get maximum points on the board. Before they hold off till the end.

Matt Toomua

He was a great contributor to the Rebels attack tonight. Where Matt was involved a lot more going forward. Such as working closely with Joe Powell via the offload. As well as a series of penalty kicks into goal.

Especially within a few minutes into the first half. Thanks to a brilliant break from Frank Lomani. Got his forwards hold down Jack Maddocks alone. Before Matt unleashed that cross kick towards the short left side. And saw Stacey Ili collect that early touch points on the board.

It goes to show that the Rebels plan very well. Every time they were given plenty of chances with the ball. And never wasted a single minute of it. The only thing that lets them down is the ill-discipline. Which is something he is not happy about. Having seen two of his players received a straight red. But in the end he accepts the win & the derby cup v Waratahs. Despite not being accepted into the finals this year.

Lalakai Foketi

This man was so good in that Waratahs midfield tonight. Where he assisted two early tries in the first half. In which helped them stay in the game towards half-time.

He credits the Rebels weaknesses via the ill-discipline. Especially when they were patient going forward. Thanks to the influential skipper at half-back from Jake Gordon. It allowed some time to warm up and wait for the ball. Before Foketi has great control. And found his man via a close distance to help complete the TRY.

So much pace and physicality through the channels. Having seen him break past the Rebels chain via some space. Which allows the communication to flow. But unfortunately his side still fall short. After a couple of lost penalties punished against them. And that prevented them from crossing the finish line first in the end. It has been a tough 2021 Super Rugby AU for this side. But they better move on towards the Trans-Tasman leg.

April 24, 2021 0 comment

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 10 Preview: Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

by Sports Benches April 21, 2021

Saturday night marks the end of the 2021 Super Rugby AU round robin play. Where the Waratahs host Melbourne Rebels at BankWest Stadium. Both sides came off losses on their own after Round Nine.

Waratahs are out of the finals now after seven straight losses in 2021. But all they can do now is end their tough season on a high. Their last ever win was against the Rebels during Week 9 last year at 32-38.

Rebels on the other hand need two things that can do their way. One is to see Western Force lose. And two would be to beat the Waratahs. So they can head to the Playoff Final for the 2nd straight year.

The away team has the upper hand during Week 5 in Melbourne. Where they beat the Waratahs 33-14. Rebels did win as the home side in Sydney last year 24-10. Due to rising COVID cases there at the time.

Waratahs

Angus Bell & Harry Johnson-Holmes both remain in the props. Alongside Dave Porecki at hooker. With Hugh Sinclair & Max Douglas behind them. Before Lachie Swinton, Carlo Tizzano & Will Harris make up the back row. That remains unchanged from last week v Western Force in Perth.

So does Jake Gordon who skippers at half-back. As well as Ben Donaldson in 1st five-eighth. James Ramm & Alex Newsome on the wings. Lalakai Foketi & Izaia Perese pairs up in the midfield. And Jack Maddocks rounds off their XV.

Subs

Joe Cotton replaces Tom Horton as reserve booker. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Michael Wood & Jeremy Williams backs up for Sinclair/Douglas. Charlie Gamble at loose forward between 6 & 8. Jack Grant behind Jake Gordon. And Tane Edmed at utility back.

Melbourne Rebels

There will be a fresh duo in the props department. Cameron Orr in at loosehead & Cabous Eloff gone to tighthead. James Hanson replaced by Jordan Uelese at hooker. Robert Leota joins Ross Haylett-Petty in the second row. Michael Wells moved from 8 to blindside flanker. With Brad Wilkin at the openside. And Isi Naisarani back into Wells old slot No.8.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua stays in the 9 & 10 combo. Same goes to two speedsters on the wing. Marika Koroibete on the left & Frank Lomani on the right. As Campbell Magnay & Stacey Ili make up the midfield. Before Tom Pincus rounds off the Rebels starting XV for Saturday night.

Subs

James Hanson demoted to the bench behind Uelese. Matt Gibbon & Pone Faamasulli in the props. Steve Cummins as reserve for Leota/Haylett-Petty. Rich Hardwick & Josh Kemeny at loose forward. Carter Gordon & Englishman George Worth makes up the utility backs.

Final Thoughts

Waratahs have improved in some areas as of late. Thanks to the return of key players. Such as Jake Gordon, Izaia Perese & Angus Bell. It even balanced the youth who need guidance from the experienced. Where they were so good during the 2nd half alone last week. Just need to stay patient & get ahead early from start to finish. If the Tahs can do that then they have a great chance of winning.

Rebels on the other hand are great defensively. Which did influence their positive starts. Like the winning penalties & safe shot penalty kicks. But did not have the best time in the attack. Where the executions did not go well. Thanks to the ill-discipline. And that is one thing they must answer ahead on Saturday. Or else there may miss out the Qualifying Final.

It will be a reinvigorated Tahs v under pressure Rebels. I will go for the Tahs to end their losing drought by 6 points.

April 21, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 10 Preview: Western Force v Queensland Reds

by Sports Benches April 21, 2021

Queensland Reds travel to Perth ahead of their meeting this Friday. Where they will face Western Force at HBF Park. This side so far remains undefeated. Having cemented 1st on the 2021 ladder. As well as hosting rights of the upcoming Final.

While Western Force came off a close win v Waratahs last week. They may have almost lost the game. But a throw-in during the 80th minute gave them a reprieve. Before the penalty goal was enough to keep their Finals hopes alive.

Reds have won the previous meeting back in Week 5 at home. And the last three games against them. But their last game in Perth was a loss though. That was during Week 2 on Thursday March 2 2017.

Western Force

Greg Holmes replaces Santiago Medrano at tighthead prop. Where he joins Tom Robertson in the loosehead role. Feleti Kaitu’u remains at hooker. So does Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani behind them. Tim Anstee & Kane Kotecka both on the respective blindside & openside. Before Brynard Stander rounds off at Number 8.

Tomas Cubelli & Domingo Miotti make up at 9 & 10 for the Argentine duo. Jordan Olowofela & Toni Pulu on the wings. Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani slots in the midfield. Before Rob Kearney returns from injury and regains his spot at full-back.

Subs

Andrew Ready behind Kaitu’u at reserve hooker. Angus Wagner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley for Thrush/Timani. Fergus Lee-Warner as backup loose forward. Same goes to Ian Prior at half-back. As Richard Kahui & Jack McGregor caps off the utility backs.

Queensland Reds

Feao Fotuaika & Taniela Tupou in the props. Brandon Paenga-Amosa as the main throw-in at hooker. Angus Scott-Young replaces Ryan Smith in the second row. Where he joins Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on his other dial. Liam Wright replaces Scott-Young in the blindside. As Fraser McWright stays on the openside. And Harry Wilson retains at Number Eight.

Tate McDermott at half-back. While James O’Connor may not have the skipper armband. Thanks to the return of Wright. But remains at fly-half. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia both on the wings. Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami in the midfield. And Bryce Hegarty at 15.

Subs

Alex Mafi as backup hooker behind Paenga-Amosa. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Ryan Smith back on the bench at lock. Seru Uru as loose forward. Kalani Thomas behind McDermott. With Josh Flook & IIaisa Droasese make up the reserve backline.

Final Thoughts

Western Force wants to win this match up v Reds. It will not be an easy task. Having just overcome the Waratahs last week by a single point. They know how to get the ball rolling. Especially when they held the top spot during the first 40. But needs to watch their discipline. As well as the attacking setup where it went lopsided at times. These are the ingredients if Force are to beat the Reds. And guarantee a Playoff Final spot v Brumbies next week.

Reds are in a comfortable headspace at the minute. They have secured 1st in the 2021 Super Rugby AU ladder. As well as the hosting rights of the Grand Final in Brisbane. One thing Reds has to work on is the slow starts. They were 9 points behind in the first 40. But can make up lost time later on. And it is something they can address ahead of the big game on May 8. If they can win comfortably tomorrow v Force. Then Reds should know which way now to try and win that trophy.

I am tipping the Reds to win v Force by 21 points.

April 21, 2021 0 comment