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Rugby Union

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

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

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

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

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Half-Time: Rebels 14-24 Reds

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

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

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

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

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 3, 2021

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

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

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

Fraser McReight

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

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

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

Frank Lomani

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

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

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

April 3, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 2, 2021

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.

April 2, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches April 2, 2021

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.

April 2, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 31, 2021

Queensland Reds are on top of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Ladder. As of Round 7 they have won each of their games. With no losses made so far. As the winning streak would hopefully still be alive.

Melbourne Rebels on the other hand just came off a bye. Having won the last two games. Both the Western Force & NSW Waratahs. They would like to keep that winning momentum. And keep themselves in the Top 3 with four rounds left to go.

The first game of 2020 Super Rugby AU between them ended in a draw. But Reds still win 2-0. One during Round 7 19-3 & Qualifying Final 25-15 both at home. As well as the first game this year 23-21. But Reds have last won against them as a away team. That was Round 12 on 13 May 2017 where they won 24-29 in Melbourne.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli remains in the props. Same goes to Jordan Uelese at hooker. Steve Cummins & Trevor Hosea in the second row. Protecting these first two is Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick at flanker. And Michael Wells rounds off the Rebels forward line at Number 8.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua remains at 9 & 10. So does Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili in the midfield. Lachie Anderson replaced by Frank Lomani. As Tom Pincus rounds off the matchday XV v Reds on Saturday.

Subs

James Hanson at hooker behind Jordan Uelese. Matt Gibbon & Albert Anae in the props. Thomas Nowlan as back up for Cummins/Hosea. Rob Leota in any of the loose forward roles. James Tuttle at scrum-half. As Lewis Holland & Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 v Reds.

Note: Rebels also added Lucio Sordoni where he plays as hooker. And Glen Vaihu as utility back. It does not mean any of the players on the bench will guarantee game time. Depending on the game and how the coach Dave Wessels dictates later on.

Queensland Reds

Feao Fotuaika in for Dane Zander at loosehead. Alongside Taniela Tupou on other prop dial at tighthead. As Brandon Paenga-Amosa retains as hooker. Ryan Smith & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the second row. Same goes to Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright. Except Seru Uru who is replaced by Harry Wilson.

Tate McDermott at half-back & James O’Connor skippers at fly-half. Jock Campbell moved from full-back to the left wing. While Jordan Petaia took the other flank. Due to the injury from Suliasi Vunivalu that will take one month. Hamish Stewart back in at inside centre alongside Hunter Paisami. And Bryce Hegarty at 15.

Subs

Alex Mafi at reserve hooker despite a hat-trick last week v Waratahs. Even though he was not the starter. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Angus Blyth & Seru Uru at lock/loose forward. Kelani Thomas as reserve half-back. Josh Flook can fill-in for O’Connor if he has the chance. And Filipo Daugunu completes the Reds 23 man squad this Saturday.

Final Thoughts

Reds have a great attacking setup that can be patient on the spot. And get it done when they can. Which is exactly what they did last week for the majority v Waratahs. But they do have a couple of injuries at the same time. So they will need to overcome that slow start. As seen in most games then make up lost time. It does involve risk. But knows as long as the attack is organised then they will win.

While the Rebels have what the Reds offer in the contrary. That is the defense. They know how to spot the opposition weaknesses straightaway. And put themselves early that would go a long way. Before it would be too late to chase down. Once the points are theirs ahead of the Reds. They would like to explore further to extend their lead. And get to dismantle their defense. Just like they did to the Waratahs two weeks ago. It would exactly be the strategy come Saturday.

It will be a close game so sure at AAMI Park in Melbourne. But despite the Reds have a injury or two. Their attack for me will still stand out. So they will continue to stay undefeated and win by 7 points.

March 31, 2021 0 comment

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

by Sports Benches March 31, 2021

The Waratahs remain winless after five meetings so far. Especially when they were hit so easily last week v Queensland Reds at home. Despite a little boost only in the 2nd half. At the same time they also sacked Rob Penney from the coach role.

With Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker taking the reigns for now. Their first assignment will be a tough one at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Where the Tahs will face current champs ACT Brumbies.

Brumbies have won both games against them in 2020. The same goes two years ago. While the Waratahs have last won during Round 7 on March 31 2018 in Canberra. And their last home win v Brumbies was Week 6 on 22 March 2015.

Waratahs

Angus Bell moves back to loosehead after coming off the bench last week. Where he recovered on the sidelines from Round 2 to 5 due to injury. So Harry Johnson-Holmes pushed to tighthead. With Dave Porecki still holding on at hooker. There is a new face on the block such as Max Douglas. He will join Jeremy Williams.

And the back row trio will remain ahead of tomorrow night. Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano & Will Harris. Jake Gordon now returns from injury at half-back. As well as the captaincy. Will Harrison remains at fly-half. So does James Ramm & Alex Newsome on each wing. Izaia Perese & Lalakai Foketi swap each other in the midfield. And Jack Maddocks at No.15.

Subs

Tom Horton still behind Dave Porecki at hooker. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Michael Wood in the second row. As well as Charlie Gamble at loose forward. Jack Grant demoted to the reserve half-back. Tane Edmed behind Will Harrison. And Mark Nawaqanitawase completes the Tahs matchday 23. Where he looks to gain some time at utility back.

Brumbies

Harry Lloyd & James Slipper in the prop positions. With Folau Faingaa at hooker in the No.2 shirt. Darcy Swain out for Nick Frost alongside Caderyn Neville. Rob Valetini is joined by the returning Tom Cusack at flanker. And Pete Samu at 8.

Nic White & Noah Lolesio remains at 9 & 10. Andy Muirhead shifted from right to left wing. Where Tom Wright returns from a long-term knee injury. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau stays in this midfield. As Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV v Waratahs.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at hooker. Fred Kaihea & Richie Kautai in the props. James Tucker at lock. Rory Scott as reserve back rower. Ryan Longeran behind White. While Bayley Kuenzle back as the 2nd choice fly-half. And Mack Hansen at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Waratahs would have to be on their very best. Since there is little pathway to get themselves in Playoff contention. One thing for sure is that they know how to fire off. Thanks to their defense reading/help that helped them win penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling with a lack of patience. And it will interesting if the Tahs can marry up the consistency. Especially with Jake Gordon back from injury. And take the skipper band again at half-back

Brumbies on the other hand wants to keep on winning. And it would be a better time when they have a couple returned from injury. In which will no doubt boost their chances. So the Grand Final berth is still there either way. And chase that 2nd consecutive title. They are well balanced when their run was all-round from start to finish. Too easy to close cap it off last Friday v Western Force. They hope to do the same thing again v the Waratahs.

The end result for me would be the Brumbies to win by 25 points.

March 31, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, Looking at Mark Nawaqanitawase who is looking to make full-back his own at the Waratahs

by Sports Benches March 16, 2021

There is one player who was emerging as of late in the Waratahs. Look out for Mark Nawaqanitawase. He normally plays in the backline. Either at wing or full-back.

He might have a couple of games on the bench during Week 1 & 2. But his first start on 2021 went coming during Week 3 v Western Force at home. Mark instead started at full-back rather than on the wing. With Jack Maddocks part of the heavy loss v Brumbies away during Week 2. It does not mean Maddocks was dropped. But rather see a change of experiment between the two players.

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Mark ran a lot of miles with covering up the backline. Where he has the height and strong physique to ground off the opposition. Not just in defense. But he can really kick via the cleanout. As well as communicating which would help give himself chances with the ball. And once he has the ball Mark just could not stop running until the very end. Thanks to some space needed to execute it perfectly.

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Although his position switch did initially start to pay off. Despite not scoring any tries or assists. At least his presence did see the Tahs improve a few steps. Having seen them lead at half-time. But the only thing that struck against him is the cramps. After 60 minutes of play Mark had to call out for physio. And he just unable to hold out until the full 80. If he stayed then the result may have changed.

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That would be the one key Waratahs player to watch this Friday. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. It will be on their turf for the first time in just over one year. Since the COVID pandemic began that halted all sports competitions for a while. It looks like that full-back is a position Mark wants to create long-term. He has played there throughout his junior career. And he is sending Jack Maddocks with big competition in this 15 shirt. The more, the merrier at the Waratahs. As they look to reboot their season after three losses.

March 16, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa: Blues v Highlanders Report

by Sports Benches March 14, 2021

Highlanders may have taken the three points early. Thanks to the penalty goal between the sticks after the Blues went offside. But have struggled for the majority in the attack. Which led to plenty of lost penalties & lack of ball carry.

While the Blues scored two tries in the first 40. One each from Otere Black & Caleb Clarke. Plus the one penalty goal also from Black in the 26th minute. As the home side lead 17-3 at the break. Blues continued to earn some tries. Having capitalised the Highlanders discipline mistakes. And their disjointed attacking feel. Which both has not been ticked off.

Despite the two late tries scored from the away team. Just not enough time to make up the their poor first 40. As the Blues closed the Highlanders out by a big margin at Eden Park. Final score is 39-17.

What a weekend of rugby it has been in Super Rugby. Both in Australia and New Zealand stand-alone competitions. With the Crusaders won from last night v Chiefs 39-17. Pretty much the exact same score too. After the Chiefs were a point behind 10-11 at half-time. But Crusaders just too good to exploit their attacking setup.

In which found it difficult for the Chiefs to fire on their own. Plus the lost penalties counted against them. As their search of a win still goes on next Saturday. When the Chiefs v the Hurricanes in Wellington. The Blues v Crusaders next Sunday at home.

You can look back at our weekend run of Super Rugby AU. Including our Top 3 players where we saw two super close & unpredictable games. Western Force v Melbourne Rebels from Friday. And Brumbies v Reds last night. Make sure you come back here tomorrow night for the NASCAR Cup Series fix. It is Race 5 of the 2021 season at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona. Like the Rugby we will have the Top 3 underdogs & mid-tier teams report card. Plus we look the best placed Toyota driver. And a debrief of that race itself.

March 14, 2021 0 comment

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top 3 players from Blues v Highlanders Game

by Sports Benches March 14, 2021

Akira Ioane is all rounder in the starting blindside spot for the Blues. Where he looked after his own forwards pack. In which added a robust defensive setup.

Highlanders are unable to get themselves over the line. Especially with a lack of decoy runners out there. Akira was alert to mark one down alone. Before he turned around that saw the ref hand that penalty/turnover to the Blues. This is pure hard work with plenty of physicality. But wait there is more about his runs in the attack.

Like how his backline troops talked well with him defensively. Where they were able to assist his aim to help win the ball on hand. Akira exactly gave a helping hand in return. He ran forward to keep an eye on Emoni Narawa. After Sam Nock cleared out. Then Narawa passed to his brother Rieko. And that talk up when the inside pass went to him. It was so easy for Akira to close out with the TRY. As he deserves an all-round Blues Performance.

Caleb Clarke

Another Blues star who was unstoppable on the left wing is Caleb Clarke. He just could not stop running all day. Credit to his forwards with the great defensive work. And the opposition lack of fire.

It gave them plenty of time to sort out his attacking setup. Caleb was ready straight away. Where he sprints towards the finish line. Thanks to a great offload from Rieko Ioane. And he touched down beautifully.

Caleb provides that pacey dimension in the Blues final third. As said with the poor discipline & lack of conversions from the Highlanders today. He went out there to help plant his team’s foundations. And the way they want to play. Which was not hard to put themselves ahead. Blues stayed there with the consistency for the whole game. Well done to Caleb who was destructive to the Highlanders own half.

Ash Dixon

I think the fresh change not long after the break have climbed back a bit. Meet that hooker who came off the bench. And made an impact straightaway. His name is Ash Dixon who plays for the Highlanders.

The way he brings so much physicality such as the throw-in. Handled the maul very well that successfully flipped the touchdown. Then forming these defensive blocks. This is something the away team have missed out on during the first 40.

His presence really gave what Ash can offer for the Dunedin-based side. He hopes to start in the No.2 shirt ahead of Liam Coltman. But just not his day today to witness the Blues win. When there was plenty of ill-discipline involved. Plus a lack of finishing to create difficulty on the other end. Not his fault though with very little time to compensate their poor 1st half. His run today would need more time to give the Hurricanes a tough road ahead.

March 14, 2021 0 comment