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

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds return home in Brisbane undefeated. They just fended off the ACT Brumbies by 2 points (40-38) last week in Canberra. Now they want to keep their winning streak alive going to Saturday.

They will face the Western Force who has one win v Waratahs away. But have two losses at home. Having seen them lose to the Rebels last week. Reds won all of last years meeting v Force. But the away side have yet to win v them. If you wind back to R14 in 2017. That is where the Force last tasted victory v Reds in Brisbane, 26-40.

Reds

Dane Zander & Taniela Tupou starts at loosehead & tighthead. Alex Mafi given another chance at hooker. Angus Blyth & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto retains in the second row. So does Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright at flanker. As Harry Wilson caps off the Reds forwards at 8.

Tate McDermott starts at 9 alongside skipper James O’Connor at 10. Filipo Daugunu on the left wing. With Suliasi Vunivalu at the other flank. Hunter Paisami & Jordan Petaia retains in the midfield. And Jock Campbell at full-back.

Subs

Brandon Paenga-Amosa behind Mafi at hooker. Harry Hoopert & Zane Nonggorr in the props. Ryan Smith as reserve for Blyth & Salakaia-Loto. Seru Uru either at flanker/No.8. Kalani Thomas in for Moses Sorovi at back up No.9. Hamish Stewart behind JOC. And Bryce Hegarty can come & fill-in anywhere in the Reds backline.

Western Force

Greg Holmes joins Tom Robertson at tighthead prop. Felati Kaitu’u as the hooker. Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani retains in the second row. So does Fergus Lee-Warner & Kane Koteka as blindside & openside flanker. And Brynard Stander completes the Force forwards unit at 8.

Tomas Cubelli & Jake McIntyre retains at 9 & 10 respectively. Richard Kahui shifted to the left wing from midfield. Where Henry Taefu takes his place on the inside centre. Tevita Kuridrani & Byron Ralston retains at outside centre & right wing. As Rob Kearney backing up in the 15 shirt.

Subs

Jack Winchester as reserve for Felati Kaitu’u. Angus Warner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley behind Thrush and Timani. Tim Anstee back as loose forward. Ian Prior behind Cubelli. So does Jack McGregor as reserve 1st five-eighth. And Marcel Brache rounds off the Force 23 at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Reds would want to capitalize with an extended winning run. The whole group is firing up. Especially in the 2nd half where they worked together so hard. Reds were 10-15 points behind the Brumbies at one point after the break. But it is the talk up and maximum support of these decoy runners backed them up. And that is how the Reds executed that won a great game.

The one thing they need to improve on is the starts. Reds did not have the chance to lead early so far. Two of their recent games almost ended in losses. Especially up against the Melbourne Rebels & ACT Brumbies. If they can cut the discipline and get the whole team together. Then Reds will have a great time to win easily. Just like in Week 1 v Waratahs 41-7 in Brisbane. Despite firing off behind them.

While the Western Force may have fallen so short last week at home. Having seen them lose to the Rebels by three points (7-10). But they do have a win away in Week 3 v Waratahs. Force has a great group of players who have plenty of experience. Both Super Rugby & International level. And you see these youngsters benefiting their presence. In which does lifts the whole squad up.

The next question is can the Force bounce back? Even it means facing an undefeated side. It will be tough road for sure. When they do not have the best of starts like the Reds. Although, a couple of changes did see them get back in the game. After the Force scored nothing last week in the first 40. But did not have enough time to make up another win. That is a challenge the Force must answer this weakness. If they are going to upset the Reds on Saturday.

It will be another good game to watch. But I am picking the Reds to win by 18 points.

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

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels are finally back hosting on home turf at AAMI Park. It has been over a year since the Rebels unable to host here due to COVID. Which saw their games in 2020 played in Sydney.

Their opponents will be the NSW Waratahs who have yet to win. Three straight losses in this 2021 Super Rugby AU run. The first two were away and the third at home in Parramatta. But they won against the Rebels before late last year 1 v 1. After losing the 1st meeting at the SCG.

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. Alongside James Hanson as the starting hooker. Steve Cummins back as the first lock. Where he replaces Ross Haylett-Petty in the 4 shirt. After RHP was given a red card last week v Western Force away. So Ross will be out for a couple of weeks. Trevor Hosea always retains alongside Cummins. So does Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick at flanker. As Michael Wells rounds off their forwards.

Joe Powell at half-back with Matt Toomua as 1st five-eighth. Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Lachie Anderson on the other flank. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili on the midfield. And Tom Pincus at full-back.

Subs

Jordan Uelese is now back from injury sustained in Week 2. But Hanson did well last week so will he have to wait. Matt Gibbon & Lucio Sordoni in the props. As Tom Nowlan behind both Cummins & Hosea. Robert Leota either at flanker or No.8. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell as reserve half-back. Glen Vaihu at backup fly-half for Toomua. And Frank Lomani caps off the Rebels 23 at utility back.

Waratahs

Harry Johnson-Holmes & Tetere Faulkner in the props. Dave Porecki holds on at hooker. Hugh Sinclair & Sam Caird as second rowers. Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano at the flankers. And Jack Dempsey rounds off the Tahs forwards.

Jack Grant stays at 9 while Jake Gordon recovers. Will Harrison at fly-half. James Ramm on the left wing. Alongside Jack Maddocks in the other flank. Tepai Moeroa & Alex Newsome both at centre midfield. And Mark Nawaqanitawase retains at full-back to complete their XV.

Subs

Tom Horton looks to gain some minutes & outclass Porecki. George Francis & Darcy Breen in the props. Sam Wykes in for either Sinclair or Caird. Jeremy Williams at flanker or No.8. Henry Robertson as reserve half-back. So does Tame Edmed behind Will Harrison. And Lakalai Foketi conpletes the Waratahs 23 man squad.

Final Thoughts

It will be interesting to see how the Rebels respond at their home turf. They know how to build the foundations in defense.

As shown in all of their games. And help gift penalty goals off Matt Toomua at fly-half. But they need to show the 2nd part more in the attack. It is good that they won v Force. Especially in a low-scoring game last week. If they can show more executions along the way. Then the Rebels will give the home fans a lot to cheer.

While the Waratahs desperately need to find some form. Having been the only side who have yet to win. They always to get the lead early. Which is a strength the Tahs carry against any opposition team.

But they just need to remain patient & cut down the discipline. The Tahs have a couple of talented youngsters coming through. Some now able to hold their starting spots. If they can identify the Rebels lack of attacking awareness. And look out to strike down in return. Where the opposition do not tend to score that big. Then we may see a Tahs win at last.

In a game where both sides needed to get the ball rolling. I am tipping the Rebels to win by three points v Waratahs at home.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

by Sports Benches

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.

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

by Sports Benches

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.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 4 Round-Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies off to a great start with a patient run in the attack. With plenty of fumbles & defensive mistakes from the Reds. That saw the referee gave the Brumbies have the opportunity with the ball more. And saw excellent results along the way with incredible patience. With Pete Samu scored a double TRY in the first half. While Folau Faingaa handled the maul & throw well. He too deserved a mention in the big scoring books. They may still have held on a bit longer after the break. When Faingaa scored a 2nd TRY himself alongside Pete Samu.

But the Reds began to climb back. Having seen a few discipline mistakes/fumbles earlier on. Just like their last game v Rebels in Week 3. Bar the Suliasi Vunivalu TRY & 2 James O’Connor penalty goals.

Referee gave the ball in hand to Queensland. Where they shown incredible patience in their final third. Thanks to Taniela Tupou who put down to eat the home team lead by eight. Then followed up with a 2nd big score from Harry Wilson. Brumbies may have pulled the scoreboard away to eight again. When Samu found Issak Fines for the assisted TRY with 7 to go.

But just unable to hold on towards the final siren. When James O’Connor added the three-point goal again. Before Hunter Paisami made brilliant inside kick. Where Jordan Petaia capped off a game-winning TRY to level the scoreboard. O’Connor converts the two points. And Tupou gave the Brumbies their loss in the end, 38-40.

What a game of rugby between two halves throughout the full 80. So much attacking rugby on offer that through the very end. Reds now leapfrog the Brumbies on the ladder undefeated. While the home team for the first time in a couple of months. Wind back to Round 10 when they also lost to the Reds in Brisbane.

Also another great game from Friday to look at Week 4 in Super Rugby AU. As the Western Force returned home in Perth, Western Australia. Having came off a win win from Round 3 v the beleaguered Waratahs. This time they faced the Melbourne Rebels who have yet to win.

Rebels were patient to get by the Force in the 1st 40. Thanks to Lachie Anderson with the first big score. Where there was a great passage of play by Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge on the far right. Despite the lone touchdown scored in the lead up towards half-time. Force may be good defensively but just unable to execute.

Another big score taken away from the Force. Again credit is due through another patient run from the Rebels. The line-out penalty was good to help James Hanson set up the assist. Advised Marika Koroibete to run through the gate. And the plan really worked. With Joe Powell extending their lead to 10 points.

So a few changes in the subs may have put the Force back in the game. After seeing Jack McGregor fired back the full converted seven points. But just not enough time to compensate. When the finishing is still not consistent. You saw Fergus Lee-Warner isolated with no decoy runners. As the Rebels denied the Force home cheer in Perth by three points, 10-7.

Well the Force will have to wait until Week 9 in Melbourne. As their losing streak v the Rebels goes on. Despite they were just three points away from winning back to back. And the first time in a long time on home turf. But Rebels did not fall short this time. After two near wins v Reds & Brumbies respectively. Now they can really kick on with a 1st victory on hand.

We are at the halfway stage of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Brumbies will take the bye before they return in Week 6. As the Rebels will take on the Waratahs at home in Melbourne on Friday. Which is the first time in a long time. Since early 2020 when the Super Rugby 1.0 was there before COVID struck down. And Rebels unable to play at home for a year. While the Reds come back home on Saturday Night. They will face the Western Force in Brisbane.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Brumbies v Reds Report

by Sports Benches

The Queensland Reds did not have a great start. With the offside from Angus Blyth. As the Brumbies got the early three point penalty goal. Thanks to their patience going forward when they had the ball. Having starting first at kickoff.

Reds struggled to hold on defensively as well as going forward. Where Jordan Petaia fumbled. Before the Brumbies took advantage of the scrum. Made some run meters while the Reds unable to watch their discipline. And it gave Nic White some time to spread out wide towards the far right. With a great passage of play Folau Faingaa to Noah Lolesio. Before Andy Muirhead assisted Pete Samu for the finish. Brumbies 10-0 Reds after 7.

Still not progress turned around from the away side. They did win a penalty at one time. But unable to find some decoy runners in their attacking third. And it ultimately took a big hit. When the Brumbies cleared out towards the other end. Now Suliasi Vunivalu may have grounded. But the ref gave the scrum to the Brumbies. Where they were patient via two winning penalties. And Folau Faingaa handled the maul well that made the TRY.

The Brumbies however began to make up some discipline mistakes. Especially in the defense. Plus the fumble at one time when building the attack. As the home side seen their lead cut from 17-0. To two three-point penalty goals. With Brumbies 17-6 Reds & leads by 11 points after 23 mins.

And the Brumbies 2nd run decline in the 40 continues. With the Reds able to save off the opposition attacking threat. Due to the credit from Tate McDermott. Stayed patient with the penalty throw-in. Before finding some space towards the finish on the far right. As James O’Connor & Harry Wilson assisted Vunivalu with the touchdown. Reds now 11-17 Brumbies.

But Brumbies extended their lead with 5 mins before half-time. Unfortunately for the Reds James O’Connor fumbled after their clearout. Gave themselves a chance to crack in return with the scrum. And Nic White showed great patience to find that inside ball. Where Pete Samu scored his 2nd try that upped the Brumbies lead, 24-13. Although, the Reds added a late penalty goal to bring 16-24 at the break.

Reds again losing these penalties with the poor defense/fumbling. Having seen the Brumbies given another crack in the attack. That saw Folau Faingaa score his 2nd touchdown. As the Brumbies extend their lead to 31-16 after 47 mins. The away side did have their chances to reduce the Brumbies lead. But unable to execute with a lack of decoy runners.

Despite a big 15 point lead held against the Reds. The away team began to climb back. Where they showed plenty of patience going forward. And with the advantage. Reds able to touch one down thanks to their tighthead prop Taniela Tupou. They are now 8 points behind the Brumbies with just 17 minutes left to go.

And the Reds able to build on their consistency at last. With two penalties handed to the away team. Before they are just one point behind the Brumbies. Due to the credit coming from the scrum staying square. As Harry Wilson able to go down low to cross past the touchdown line. It is the Reds 30-31 Brumbies with 10 to go.

But the Brumbies have not finished their day just yet. When they had the ball on hand. And found some space on the right-hand side. Pete Samu able to find Issak Fines with the finish. Brumbies extended their lead from one to eight points. Just 7 minutes left on the clock. The Reds would need a converted TRY & drop goal. If they are to upset the Brumbies on their turf.

Reds again cut the Brumbies lead by just one point. After Rob Valentini fumbled the ball. Which saw James O’Connor added three points via the penalty goal. Then followed up with another touchdown this time from Jordan Petaia. Before O’Connor added the two extra points to the Reds out in front. And held out defensively in the end. Brumbies 38-40 Reds at FT.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Taniela Tupou is such a hard worker at tighthead for the Reds tonight. It might have been a slow start. But at least he was able to put some shift in the 3 shirt.

He possesses such a strong physical presence. Where Taniela was able to identify the Brumbies discipline/defensive mistakes. And him in there were able to help the Reds have the ball in hand. As approved/given by the main referee.

Not just Taniela forming a couple of Reds defensive blocks. He can also help out the Reds attacking contributions. Where they were initially in trouble a couple of times in the first 40. The same happened during the Rebels at home in Week 3. But they finally able to group together. Having won a couple of penalties along the way.

And Tupou able to find his way with the TRY himself with less than 20 to go. Due to the scrum staying square. Before they helped him found a little gap down low that tricked the Brumbies. The opposition would be fuming why they were unable to hold him out. Congratulations to Taniela on his all-round run for the Reds tonight.

Hunter Paisami

Another Reds player who shown all-round quality is Hunter Paisami. Where he plays the outside centre role in the No.12 shirt.

He can make up the foundations to form a robust defense. Whenever his forwards pack needed a hand. Despite the slow start from Reds. Having seen the Brumbies lead beforehand in the first 40.

But like Taniela he really put a big effort in the last 40. And turned his game around that saw the Reds more better. He seen the Brumbies lost some penalties. Due to their poor discipline. And given a chance to show his attacking capabilities in return. Especially one of his great demos that saw the Reds level the score. Just very late in this game with 2 mins to go.

Hunter has the ball in hand when he made an inside kick through the TRY line. And advised Jordan Petaia with the chase quickly. Where Petaia handled the ball well on the touchdown line. This is really good talkup and assist making there. In which is going to help win games. As Hunter & Taniela have the same capabilities. Both the packed muscle and the pace needed to run down defenders.

Pete Samu

He was blessed with a great start built by his Brumbies side. Pete saw the Reds early fumbles alongside their lack of finishing. It was great reading to help him cancel their chances. And saw the Brumbies have the ball in hand often.

Where the backline were able to help what the Brumbies offer in return. And there is excellent communication. Such as Nic White who was able to find Andy Muirhead with the clear offload. Then Muirhead assisted him with the finish.

The same goes with White talking to him on the far left. After the Brumbies won that penalty via the scrum. Which was just a few minutes before he break. And White was able to find Samu with the small gap that help extend their lead. Both of his finishing were no different. Just so much physicality to marry up the pace. That is just all-round action there from Samu.

He has cemented the 1st choice Number 8 shirt for the Brumbies. Having came back to Australia from the Crusaders in New Zealand. Developed his game there to show how destructive he can be to the opposition. Which was difficult for the Reds to go through in the early stages tonight. However the Brumbies just unable to hold on. When the defensive & poor discipline gone against them. And the Reds got their chance that shown plenty of quality in the end. Best player alone for the Brumbies. But not for the whole team.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Force v Rebels Game Talk

by Sports Benches

It was a really close and low-scoring game between Force & Rebels. When the Force returned home after a win last week away from home v Tahs. While the Rebels have yet to win a game so far this season.

Rebels off to a great start with great patient going forward. When they finally found some space on the far right. Where Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge made a brilliant offload. And assisted Lachie Anderson with the first five-point score.

Force were good defensively that was in line with the Rebels setup. Having won some penalties/turnovers. But just unable to crack their finishing. When they were scoreless at the break. Before a couple more lost penalties saw the Rebels extend their lead. Thanks to some talk-up from James Hanson & Marika Koroibete. Which saw Koroibete break through the Force own half. And found Joe Powell towards the finish line that extended the lead to 10.

A few changes on the bench were applied from the Force. Where they began to climb back. The talkup finally began to get the whole group together. And get that passage of passes going which saw Jack McGregor touched down. Despite the late TRY & red card from the Rebels in Ross Haylett-Petty. Force were given another crack for a match-winning score at home.

They unfortunately just did not have enough patience/time in the end. There is still some mistakes the Force unable to match in the final third. Having seen Fergus Lee-Warner struggling to find some support. That saw the Rebels turnover thanks to their robust defense.

Final Score is Force 7-10 Rebels.

Such a brilliant production of rugby that gone down to the very end. Force almost ended up back to back wins. And the first in a long time on home soil. But just not last night. With the Rebels now back on track. Due to their foundations built in the defense. And able to flip out two brilliant attacking contributions. That denied the Force the win they needed. We cannot wait for the Brumbies v Reds tonight.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Top 3 players from Force v Rebels Game

by Sports Benches

Marika Koroibete just could not stop running all night. He brings so much attacking edge on offer in the 11 Rebels shirt. When he helped out with his forwards pack to stop the Force from scoring. He is good to tackle defensively based on their lack of decoy runners.

That part of contributing added more muscle to help turnover the ball. Before the forwards able to help Marika out in return. Having seen them gain some meters. Where he did offered some great reading to break through the gate. Added some protection on the far right. And Joe Powell was able to patten these passes to the Rebels backline. That saw Lachie Anderson take their first five-point score.

Another good example during the the 2nd half. The communication was there after the successful throw-in penalty. James Hanson was able to find a gap through the gate. And called Marika out for his help via the inside ball. Where he has the licence to thrill through some space. Then found Joe Powell on his left to assist the Rebels touchdown in the end. Now that is impressive attacking play communication.

He was the man of the match last week v Brumbies. Despite most of his backline were not really firing without his help. As the Rebels have a great defensive structure that can win penalties. But last night is all about helping the overall team out. And that helped the Rebels connect their XV to put these points early. Before holding off in the end. It is something they want to carry on v Waratahs next week.

James Hanson

He is very mindful and alert in the defensive play. Where James kept an eye out on what the Force wanted to plan in return. The opposition did not fire with the support they need. So he was able to form some decent blocks to cancel these runs.

So does their poor maul/scrum where the Force unable to stay square. And the poor communication there like these lack of conversions. It gave another chance for Hanson to unleash that physicality. Then there goes the ref for that Rebels turnover.

Again his impressive defensive play gave a helping hand in attack. The throw-ins are accurate to help win the line-out for his team. That one example he did in the 63rd minute saw the Rebels extend their lead. Where Hanson was able to spot an gap through the gate. Flicked the inside ball to Koroibete. And saw this winger speed straight through. Before Marika found Joe Powell towards the run home.

Got to praise his all-round work rate from last night. With competition heating up in the No.2 Rebels starting shirt. Especially with Jordan Uelese injured right now. He would be back in Week 7. So Hanson has to keep his good run v Force. And carry it v the beleaguered Waratahs next week.

Fergus Lee-Warner

He had a great game himself all night in the No.6 Force shirt. The defense was there as usual. Where he was able to read the Rebels missed chances at times. In which gave his Rebels side an opportunity to come back. Thanks to his physical build & tall reach. After winning the penalty or turnover having seen not much big scores.

But unfortunately there was not much support going forward. When his backline were not on the same page. As it was during last week v Waratahs in Parramatta. Just unable to replicate what the Rebels have shown during the 1st 40.

Although, a few changes with 20 minutes left saw the Force back in contention. But most of the starting backline. And their lack of contribution to support the Rebels forward pack cost them. When Fergus tried to force his way through the finish line alone. Once again just no support players to find. And that was the beginning of the end from the Force. With not much time to catch up in the end.

It may have been a really close game after all. If the Force won again then the home crowd would be off their seats. But not last night. As usual the foundations are there to help win turnovers & penalties. Just missing what their backline can offer in return. That would have seen them gain more points for the whole Force side. He will need them to be on their very best next Saturday in Brisbane. When they face 2nd best side Queensland Reds.

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