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.