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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6: Brumbies v Force Report

by Sports Benches

Brumbies off to a great start with the first big score in the 20th minute. Despite a few early successful attempts. They were so patient with the ball in hand. Each time Western Force concedes a penalty. And Brumbies at last got the job done.

Credit to scrum-half Nic White who spread out wide so quick. With Noah Lolesio & Mack Hansen assisted Len Ikitau for the finish. They lead 7-0 followed by a 2nd touchdown. Again the Brumbies have the ball in hand. The patience is there after another Force error.

The home team able to get the job done to extend 14-0. Thanks to the inside ball from Irae Simone at inside centre. He made a quick inside ball that unleashed Ikitau with the touchdown. Then again in the 31st minute from Simone who found some space. At least on the far left where he found Rob Valentini. And Valentini offloaded that short pass to Caderyn Neville. Brumbies now 21-0 after 33 mins.

They are on a comfortable position ahead of half-time. When the Brumbies not only have yet to concede a penalty. They also managed to score a 4th try. Having shown great patience going forward. Especially cashing in that space out wide. Mack Hansen assisted again to Andy Muirhead on the right wing. As Brumbies 28-0 to Western Force at the break in Canberra.

Western Force at last won a couple of penalties against the Brumbies. With plenty of chances of the ball. They were able to secure their first touchdown. Not just the brilliant involvement from Jono Lance via the 50/22 kick. He also helped the Force stay patient. Thanks to their midfield duo with Kevita Kuridrani helped finish off Henry Taefu. Western Force now 7-28 with 25 minutes left on the clock.

But Brumbies fired back with a 5th big score not long later. Showed great patience with the ball. Got themselves with the penalty. And executed well on the run home. Where Nic White offloaded beautifully to Lachlan Longeran. As well as Rory Scott with the help at substitute No.8. Before Force struck their 2nd touchdown also done from a sub in Ian Prior. After Brumbies gave some penalties away where Harrison Lloyd was sin binned. Brumbies still lead though 35-14.

Even with 14 men it did not affect the Brumbies a lot. They added another big score. Used every chance possible with the ball on hand. Repeated their excellent setup forward via the penalties. And helped Andy Muirhead execute his way on the far right side. The home team extended the scoreboard right until the 80th minute. Final Score is 42-14.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK6: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Western Force Game

by Sports Benches

Len Ikitau is outstanding at outside centre with two tries on hand. He credits the Brumbies strong start. Especially when his side did not lose any penalties. Having seen them build a great lead earlier on.

While the Western Force unable to get the ball rolling. His forward pack gave the Brumbies a chance to capitalize their mistakes. Where the communication was superb. Not only Ikitau helped them out defensively. They helped him found a gap to nail down in return. And struck them with two big scores himself on the board.

It goes to show that Ikitau is a brilliant force on the midfield. He showed plenty of excellent physicality. As well as the power contributed going forward. You got the Brumbies side stayed patient. Found a way to make the opposition hard to defend. And Ikitau will always be there to reach out. Before getting ready to activate his attacking ingredients on the run home.

Rob Valetini

He played a great show at blindside flanker for the Brumbies tonight. The reading was there when the Western Force struggled to attack. Especially with the lost penalties taken in the first 40.

And Rob took great care of the Brumbies defense. So much physical pack that blocked the Force from going past his way. He gave the Brumbies a chance to get it done. With plenty of ball carry on hand after the winning penalties. Not even conceded once that put them way ahead.

He never stops working on all areas in the No.6 shirt. Contributed well in the attack as the backline did to help him out. As mentioned earlier on with the defensive contributions. Where Rob helped built some pressure to add patience. Same physicality applied. Before they were able to add so many touchdowns. What an all-round performance from the 22 year old.

Jack McGregor

Well it was not an easy night from the Western Force. They came to Canberra with two recent near wins. But this time it was such a heavy loss. Especially up against one of the successful Super Rugby AU sides. Which is the Brumbies.

One player who stood out though is Jack McGregor at full-back. He had to replace Ireland International Rob Kearney who was out due to injury. Got plenty of pace and power. Not just to clear the ball away via the kick. But can use the physical pack to block a couple of opposition attackers.

Even at one time during the first 40 when he denied Pete Samu a touchdown. It reflects the Force best strengths defensively. Having seen his side turn the ball around on occasions. And gave them a chance to crack in the final 40. But sadly gave plenty of penalties away. In which limits their chances with the ball.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK6 Preview: Waratahs v Reds

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs return home after a heavy loss v Rebels last week. Despite two consolation tries which was very little time to catch up. Now they have four straight losses against them. Will they end this losing hoodoo in order to turn around?

While the Queensland Reds would like to continue their winning run. They just escaped the Western Force unscathed in Brisbane. So does their close win in Canberra two weeks ago v Brumbies. Can they clean sweep their oldest rivalry against NSW this Saturday? This action takes place at ANZ Stadium in Homebush.

It is always the Reds who are good against the Waratahs at home. They won both of their season opener games in 2020 & 2021. But have yet to win against them in Sydney since July 2013. Where the Reds won on their turf 12-14. That is one streak they would like to end here.

Waratahs

The front three remains intact from last week v Rebels. Harry Johnson-Holmes & Tetera Faulkner in the props. And Dave Porecki as the starting hooker. Despite a late cameo off the bench from Tom Horton.

Sam Wykes brought in at second row alongside Sam Caird. With Hugh Sinclair pushed to Blindside Flanker as Lachie Swinton’s replacement. Carlo Tizzano still at 7. And Will Harris dispatches Jack Dempsey in the Number 8 position.

Jack Grant starts at half-back along with Will Harrison in the 10 role. James Ramm on the left wing. Izaia Perese back on the inside midfield after the Week 1 suspension. So does Lalakai Foketi. Alex Newsome pushed back on the other flank as skipper. And Jack Maddocks at No.15.

Subs

Tom Horton at hooker. Alongside the returning Angus Bell & Darcy Breen in the props. Jeremy Williams in for both Wykes or Caird. Max Douglas as the reserve loose forward. Henry Robertson at 2nd choice scrum-half. Tane Edmed behind Harrison. And Mark Nawaqanitawase at utility back after three starts in full-back.

Reds

Dane Zander & Taniela Tupou holds off on the props. Brandon Paenga-Amosa back as the starting hooker. Where he replaces Alex Mafi. So does Ryan Smith who comes in for Angus Blyth at lock. While Lukhan Salakaia-Loto stays on the other side of Smith. Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright in the flanker roles. And Seru Uru gets his chance ahead of Harry Wilson. He will start at Number Eight.

Tate McDermott begins in the half-back role. James O’Connor leads the line at 1st five-eighth. Filipo Daugunu returns on the left wing. Hunter Paisami & Jordan Petaia on the midfield. Suliasi Vunivalu on the right wing. And Jock Campbell rounds off the Reds starting XV. He starts at No.15.

Subs

Alex Mafi demoted behind Paenga-Amosa at hooker. Richie Asiata & Zane Noggorr in the props. Harry Wilson & Sam Wallis at reserve lock/loose forward. Kalani Thomas as 2nd choice scrum-half. Same goes to Hamish Stewart behind O’Connor. And Bryce Hegarty at the utility back role.

Final Thoughts

It will be another state of origin like rivalry this time at ANZ Stadium. Reds have a winning formula here. With four wins and no losses so far. A win here would push them closer to a Grand Final berth. But they will need to sort out their discipline though. That is where they were not happy about the other day v Force. And needs to cut it out if they are to dominate.

Waratahs on the other hand desperately needs to find a win. Not only they experienced a couple of players lost to injury/suspension. The home side also struggled to get the ball rolling. As seen so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. But have some talented youth coming through. And dominated the last 10 mins alone v Rebels last week. Now they need to show consistency from start to finish. If the Tahs are to overcome the Reds at home.

If I was to tip between the Waratahs and Reds. An undefeated side v a desperate team who wants to win. But has excellent home form against Queensland. The Reds though will break this long running drought with the win. Just by 15 points.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK6 Preview: Brumbies v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

Western Force moves from Brisbane to Canberra. Where they were oh so close v Queensland Reds on their turf. But fell short by a few points in the end. As they look to overcome as the underdogs here.

While the Brumbies came off a week-long break. After a close loss also by the Reds at home in Week 4. They will need to catch up in order to stay at least in the Top 3. With dealing injury/suspension lists a worry that could see them lose again.

Brumbies did win against the Force 27-11 during Week 1 in Perth. And would want to do the same thing again. Force have yet to beat them in a long time. The away team would like to go one better with a 2nd win of 2021. In order to stay in contention towards the Finals berth.

Brumbies

Harry Lloyd gets to start at loosehead prop. Alongside James Slipper in the tighthead role. While Folau Faingaa retains at hooker. So does Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville. And Rob Valentini on the blindside. Jahrome Brown replaces Tom Cusack at 7. And Pete Samu rounds at 8.

Nic White at scrum-half alongside Noah Lolesio. Mack Hansen & Andy Muirhead on their respective wings. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran behind Folau Faingaa at hooker. Fred Kauhea & Sefo Keutai in the props. James Tucker on the second row. Rory Scott at flanker/No.8. Ryan Longeran at reserve scrum-half. Reesjan Pasitoa alongside him in the 2nd choice No.10. And Issak Fines at utility back.

Western Force

Tom Robertson & Greg Holmes in the props. Felati Kaitu’u as the main throw-in/hooker. Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani on the second row. Fergus Lee-Warner & Kane Koteka in the flanker roles. And Brynard Stander completes the Force forward pack. He will skipper them at 8.

Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half. So does Jake McIntyre in 1st five-eighth. Marcel Brache prompted again from the bench to starting left wing. That is where he will replace Richard Kahui. Henry Taefu & Tevita Kuridrani on the midfield. Bryon Ralston stays on the right wing. And Jack McGregor replaces Rob Kearney at full-back. That sums up Force XV on Friday.

Subs

Jack Winchester at hooker. Angus Wagner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley & Tim Anstee both at lock/loose forward. Ian Prior at scrum-half. Jono Lance alongside him at fly-half. And new signing from England it is Jordan Olowofela. He will be in reserve & look for some playing time later on at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Brumbies has unfinished business to catch up this Friday. Having came off a bye last week. They have the foundations needed with a balanced setup. Both in attack and defense that makes one of the successful teams in SRAU. Just needs to watch their discipline. Where the opposition have plenty of chances against them. And it will really hurt once the other team score. Brumbies have to avoid this if they are to return to winning tomorrow.

Western Force have a great defensive shape like the Rebels. Having seen them spot the opposition missed chances in the attack. And gave every chances to put as many points possible. Such as a few three-pointer penalty goals that kept them in contention. But they just need to remain patient going forward. It was not the case last week v Reds despite a very close matchup. As it will be the only weakness if the Force are to close out the Brumbies.

It will be another great game to watch between the reigning champions. And the Force who does not see themselves as a soft touch recently. But the Brumbies for me will return to winning ways by 8 points.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 5 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds stayed undefeated after four games so far. They are able to get ahead early this time. Credit to Tate McDermott who looked after the scrum at half-back. Picked up two assists there. One for himself & the other is Jock Campbell. He too secured the match-winning try late in the 2nd 40. And a double big score from Hunter Paisami in the inside midfield. Lots of running & talkup that ripped up the opposition.

The only weakness though is giving plenty of penalties & fumbles away. With not much opportunities with the ball on occasions. Reds had to witness what the Western Force had to offer up front. The away team did capitalize the Reds mistakes that kept them in the game.

Such as the 1st 40 big score from Felati Kaitu’u. And a couple of successful penalty goals from Jake McIntyre. But Reds luckily left them unscathed as the winners. Due to decent defensive work in the end. When the Force just did not remain patient with the finishing. They were isolated in contrary to what the Reds have shown last night. Western Force just need to work on this weakness next time.

It was a very close game indeed while we look back from the Friday game. Where the Melbourne Rebels host NSW Waratahs at home. It was just over once year since they host in Melbourne. Rebels did not play there last year due to COVID.

Melbourne Rebels were too easy to go back to back wins. They have a great defensive foundation. As seen so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Able to spot and ground down the Waratahs misfiring attacking third. Having seen them give away these penalties/turnovers there.

They used their opportunities wisely in return. And found some space where the Waratahs unable to chase down. With a couple of big scores along the way. There was great communication that provided a great passage of play. Found their man to assist their execution. And that is how the Rebels built their lead by a big margin.

Although, The Rebels began to falter in the last 10 minutes. When the Waratahs finally able to connect those support runners. And the away team may have gained two consolation tries. A couple of changes from the bench really have seen a different side. Tom Horton was really good as the reserve hooker. Got involved & assisted both big scores. Same goes to Jack Maddocks on the right wing. He too also scored the 2nd late score. Jeremy Williams would celebrate this first big moment. His first TRY at back up lock.

The Tahs do have a couple of young stars integrating to the first team. Alongside a great defensive setup that won them penalties/turnovers. But unfortunately the damage was done a lot longer beforehand. Too much ill-discipline & rushed through their attack. Despite having plenty of opportunities with the ball. It is not a good look when they lost by 15-20 points on the board. All they can do is win every game from Week 6. Seems like their Playoffs hopes is very bleak now.

Western Force will take a short trip to Canberra in a few days. Where they will face the ACT Brumbies on Friday. While the NSW Waratahs back at home on Saturday night. They will host the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium. And the Melbourne Rebels will take the bye.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Reds v Western Force Report

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds off to a great start at home in Brisbane. They are able to take advantage of the Western Force poor discipline. Thanks to a great scrum orchestrated/scored by half-back Tate McDermott. With Harry Wilson for the assist via the inside short ball. 7-0 after 9.

But they are not perfect at the same time as well. Having seen a couple of penalties lost against the Force. Which ultimately saw them score the three-point penalty goal. It did not take that quick though for the Reds to bounce back. Especially when they were patient in their third. Found some gaps on the far right side. And found Hunter Paisami with the finish. Reds 12-3 Western Force after the 17th minute.

Force did make up some lost time when they had the ball. Took their chance with patience this time. Credit is due from half-back Tomas Cubelli who needed his forwards help. And that request was answered successfully. As Felati Kaitu’u touched down the goal line. Alongside the push from Sitaleki Timani at second row (No.5). Force trails by 4 points after 20.

Reds next run were not the same from the 1st 20 mins. There were ill-discipline gained from their end. Especially when they defend. Plus a couple of unsuccessful conversions to try and extend the lead. Despite given some chances to lunch the attack. While the Force had more time with the ball. They might have fallen short towards the goal line during a couple of attempts. But the away team got a three-point penalty goal.

Half-Time is the Queensland Reds lead the Western Force by one point. 14-13.

Reds continued to have some attacking opportunities. But unable to get themselves over the line. Especially when the referee and the TMO rendered as No Try. And Force able to remain patient wth the ball carry. Which saw them take over the lead for the first time tonight. After the successful penalty goal from Jake McIntyre for the Force. 14-16 after 51.

Reds though able to flip the ball with the Force struggling to continue. Thanks to the push from Taniela Tupou who read their isolation well. Before they reclaimed the scoreboard lead. When Hunter Paisami found some gap through the gate for his 2nd touchdown. Reds 19-16 after 53. But Force leveled the lead not long later via another penalty goal. It is 19-19 square with 23 minutes left on the clock.

Before the Reds extended their lead again in the 67th minute. When the Force unable to get themselves ahead. Due to a lack of talk up there such as the fumble. And the Reds patient going forward. Tate McDermott once again looked after the scrum well. Found Suliasi Vunivalu quickly towards his left. Then assisted Jock Campbell with the Reds 4th touchdown.

Reds lead 26-19 with nearly ten minutes to go. They might have dealt a couple more discipline mistakes. Plus the fumbles involved as well. But managed to defend well in the end that secured the win. As Western Force did have some chances to level the score again. So this game can go into extra time. But spent too much time via the pick & drive. Alongside a lack of executions that ultimately cost the game.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Top 3 players from the Reds v Force

by Sports Benches

Tate McDermott played really well in the half-back role for the Reds. Very blessed to have so much control when he has the ball. You see how he orchestrated that scrum to stay square. They listed to how Tate wanted to attack. Pushed through to help him find some Force weaknesses. With credit from Harry Wilson via the quick ball release. And found his way past the goal line for the first Reds big score.

Same exact thing later in the 2nd 40. He looked at the opposition half. Called out Hunter Paisami who able to trick the Force by cutting inside. And secured his 2nd TRY. Then a tad later he got out quickly to rope Suliasi Vunivalu with the breakthrough. His winger ran past them with some space. Before Suliasi found Jock Campbell with the finish. Tate as always hands the keys to James O’Connor when starting the attack. Or boxxed kick when trying to trick the Force defenders.

Although, Tate did agree with the captain JOC there. There are plenty of ill-discipline and fumbles involved. Plus a lack of ball play on hand. Which saw the Force earned the points they need. In order to keep themselves in the game & hopefully hijack them for the win. But luckily the Reds defended well in the end.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Another Reds player who light up the attack is Suliasi Vunivalu. He plays on the right wing. Having got himself more involved in their final third. Got a great eye due to the directions set by the fantastic 9 & 10 combo. Tate McDermott as mentioned above. And James O’Connor.

He protected the Reds set phases in the ruck. Where Suliasi let Tate dictate the finishing. That saw Hunter Paisami wrapped up the touchdown from the midfield. Then he was guided later on from Tate to help him run through some space. Noticed his calls where the Force began to slip away. And found Jock Campbell with the finish. Although he needs to fine tune himself. Such as the high ball where he fumbled at times.

But safe to say that he is adapting so easily in Rugby Union. After he came over off a great run last year in the NRL. When he helped the Melbourne Storm to the Grand Final. Scored one of sensational big score that secured the title. Now he is exactly doing the same with the Reds. As they remain undefeated. Suliasi is a big & tall player as Allana Ferguson said on Nine/Stan. And there is no doubt Suliasi will continue to run down any opposition defenders. Based on his electric speed as long as they help him out. So he can get involved in the finishing more like tonight.

Jake McIntyre

He really had a great game tonight at No.10 for the Western Force. Credit is due to his forwards pack. Where the Reds gave away some penalties. The home team did not cooperate at times. Especially when defending for the majority. And it gave his Force side a chance with the ball on hand.

They managed to gain some meters going forward. With Brynard Stander giving Jake a safe pair of hands. Such as the penalty goal. The kicking is so neat into the goal posts. By the way he was a Red before heading off to France. Then coming back here for the Perth-based side. So some overseas experience really helped the Force. And kept an eye on the scoreboard.

Despite a great defensive setup & easy points strategy. The only weakness the Force did not match tonight. And it is the finishing. They have the ball carry for most of the time. Where Queensland Reds did not watch their discipline. But not enough talk up & direction. No support runners involved to help keep the ball alive. Saw one or two players being isolated. And it let him down. Even though it was by a seven-point difference. Force will take some positives by taking it to Canberra on Friday v Brumbies.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Rebels v Waratahs Game Talk

by Sports Benches

Waratahs still unable to get themselves over the line. With four straight losses against them so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Although, they do know how to build some foundations. Such as the defense that won them some penalties.

As well as launching their attacking setup going forward. But lacked a couple of support players. Where one or two were isolated with no one to pass. They were also rushed through/impatient. That is how the Waratahs got left behind for the majority. A few changes though late in the 2nd half did see a different Tahs side firing. Credit to Tom Horton who was involved both in attack & defense. He assisted two late tries in the end. And put his name up for the 2 shirt next weekend v Reds. But the team as a whole not good.

While the Melbourne Rebels shown courage in front of their home fans. They always have a great eye on the defensive side. Especially when the Waratahs did not watch their discipline. And rushed through the attack with a lack of their support. It gave the home side a chance to get themselves ahead. And spotted some space in the final third where the Tahs cannot defend. Brought some decoy runners to support them. As the Rebels executed easily past the goal line. Great talk up to keep that ball carry. Plus their passage of play on the run home.

Not once and twice. Where Matt Toomua made a playmaking masterclass just by himself. Such as his running into space & the cross kicks. But three big scores including some penalty goals between the sticks. It helped the Rebels extend their lead by a comfortable margin. Although, the only weakness is the two late tries leaked v the Waratahs. When they began to falter with some penalties gained. But at least the Rebels did enough to win.

One game down so far in Week 5 of the Super Rugby AU. One to go tonight when the Reds v Western Force in Brisbane.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Rebels v Waratahs Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels took the lead at the first attempt. With the penalty goal ticked off between the sticks. Thanks to Matt Toomua who grabbed three-points for the Rebels at home. 3-0 after five minutes.

While the Waratahs were inpatient going forward. They lost a couple of penalties so far tonight. As the Rebels able to capitalize in return. Thanks to a great setup from Pone Faamasulli. Having found Stacey Ili breaking through. Before Ili assisted Tom Pincus & finally Lachie Anderson with the touchdown. Rebels now 10-0 ahead of Waratahs by the 15th min.

Nothing much changed going into the 2nd half of the first 40. Waratahs did have some chances to bounce back. But became isolated without patience via the pick & drive. As they continued to concede penalties. Plus another six points inside the goal posts for Melbourne Rebels. Waratahs trails by 16-0 with a couple of minutes before the break.

The home side able to get around the Waratahs defensive line. When the Rebels scored a 2nd big score. Credit is due from the playmaker at fly-half himself in Matt Toomua. He found the opposition weakness on the far right. Found some space through the gate. Made a cross kick. Before Toomua executed by himself towards the TRY line. Melbourne Rebels with a decent lead at half-time, 23-0.

Waratahs still yet to score despite winning some penalties. The defensive run is a great start as seen during Week 3 v Force at home. But did not make up these chances when looking for the breakthrough. While Rebels able to extend their lead a bit further. As Reece Hodge got the penalty kick right from long range into the goal. Rebels 26-0 after 55 mins.

Then the same momentum still not moving from the Waratahs. When the Melbourne Rebels able to stay patient. Thanks to a great line-out and maul from the returning Jordan Uelese. He saw the opposition weaknesses not staying square. Before he made his way towards the touch line. And registered a 3rd Rebels touchdown. They lead by 33-0 with nearly 10 minutes left.

Away team at last found a breakthrough with 3 mins to go. Waratahs won a couple of penalties as of late. There is plenty of ball carry on hand. Where Carlo Tizzano found an easy feed first to Jeremy Williams. Then to Tame Edmed, Tom Horton & Jack Maddocks. And found Williams for the Tahs 1st TRY. Followed by a 2nd late touchdown. Backup half-back Henry Robertson ran a great line through the break. Despite some controversy with the fumble there. He managed to find Tom Horton for the pass. Before he offloaded to Jack Maddocks for the late comeback.

But it is still not enough to make up lost time. As the Rebels win at home 33-12 Waratahs.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Stacey Ili is outstanding who put a real shift in the Rebels midfield. He gives the credit to his forward pack. With the way they saw how the Waratahs attacked in return. And it was very isolated from the away side to have it executed alone.

He can make up hits and tackles when making up his defensive mindset. In order to protect and balance the workload with his forwards. That is how Stacey gave them a chance to build some set phases.

Where the Rebels managed to find themselves through the gate. Asked him to run alongside them through the channels. He catched the ball firm. With great set piece & passage of play. So he can find his man for the finish via the quick offload. In which was a job well done that inspired the Rebels tonight.

Richard Hardwick

Another Rebels player who shone at home is Richard Hardwick. He plays at openside flanker in the No.7 shirt. Got a great read in the defense. Able to look at the Waratahs attacking setup. Where they were impatient & one-dimensional.

Without the Waratahs bringing their support men further forward. Richard was able to ground them before turning the ball over. As the referee able to reward his way. Such a great defender to watch with the packed muscle. That gave every opportunity for his side to round it off.

Where he can play a great part of giving his backline a helping hand. As they do in reverse defensively. And it makes communication a brilliant flow between each other. This is how Richard contributed to the Rebels early momentum. With the winning penalties/turnovers involved. Which converts to more ball carries on hand. And even more points gained on the board. So the Waratahs unable to catch up in the end.

Tom Horton

He may have came off the bench for Dave Porecki in the 51st minute. But Tom made an impact immediately. His throw-ins was good. As well as a great eye to spot the Rebels weaknesses. Where they tend to dip down at times. And safe to say that Tom saw every bit of it. Having helped ground them down & turn the ball around.

Tom packs great physicality with plenty of mobility to move around. As said a bit earlier about his throw-ins. No doubt it has helped him launch the Waratahs attack. Where he can also get involved in advance. Such as two late assisted touchdowns towards the end of the game.

And it shows that Tom demonstrated flexibility both in attack & defense. He did well to add some winning penalties delivered for the Waratahs. Plus the late points needed to show some fightback in return. Even though their day was already done just before Tom walked in. This team now needs to rope him at No.2 next Saturday v Reds. If they are to win any games between Week 6 to Week 10.

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