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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Matt Toomua

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

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

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

Lalakai Foketi

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

Waratahs

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

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

Subs

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

Melbourne Rebels

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Queensland Reds

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Western Force have back to back wins now. They fired off really well with the points on the board. Although the Force were inconsistent at times. Especially when they lost a few penalties to the away team. And the Tahs take over the lead later on. But never gave up until the every end. When they came from behind with ten to go. Before taking advantage of the Tahs poor line-out throw. And done enough with two late good penalty goals.

Waratahs were left gutted in the dying seconds. They did make up some lost time in the first 40. Having seen them concede via the ill-discipline. But have settled during the second 40. Such as two tries on the board. There is no fault about them defensively as of late. Especially with a few key players coming back. But the only real mistake was the poor line out just after the final hooter. Only for the Force to win a penalty & kicked into the goal. They still have a few areas to improve. Just another loss at the wrong time sadly.

In case if you missed it the Force won by a single point in Perth (31-30). As they have their finals hopes still alive going into Week 10. Then we look at another cracking game in Melbourne. Where the Rebels v Brumbies earlier this afternoon.

Melbourne Rebels got away early in the first 30-35 minutes. They may have took advantage of the Brumbies poor start. But there were a few inconsistent runs spotted there. Such as two players sit on the naughty chair. And the ill-discipline which ultimately lost their lead ahead of half-time. Rebels did make some lost time in the 2nd 40. Just unlucky when they were not patient with their attacking setup. And that hurts with a six point loss in the end.

And Brumbies got away with a win in Melbourne. They might have fallen behind at the start. But settled very well to hold on for the majority. Credit is due with the Rebels mistakes. Both with the lost penalties/disjointed talk up. And used these ball opportunities that put more pressure in return. Before they held on tight in defense. That is by making the Rebels struggle to execute. Which was enough to win that penalty after the final hooter. And cap off a great afternoon in the office. Both the bye next week and the Qualifying Final v Force or Rebels ahead.

The final score is Melbourne Rebels 20-26 Brumbies. As the home side need to win big v Waratahs away next Saturday. And see Queensland Reds beat the Force in five days. That is the only scenario if Rebels are to finish third. So they can be in the Qualifying Final for the 2nd straight year. Then have an extended run from there for a meeting v Reds in the Final.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Top 3 players from the Rebels v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches

Andy Muirhead was outstanding on the right wing for the Brumbies. He offers so much pace and physicality. Especially as one of the experienced guys in this side.

He can get involved a lot more in both areas. Such as the defense via the tackling/deflections. Thanks to his read with the Rebels isolated play. There were no decoy runners around them. And Andy was there to notice their mistakes. Before he helped his side get the job done. Such great teamwork that makes them winning.

Having seen his side win Super Rugby AU last year. As well as being one of the best Super Rugby teams here in recent years. If you pit the Brumbies against the five New Zealand teams. He will get his chance to take them on sometime next month. But for now his run here helped win a Wallabies sample. In which is one of the reasons why Andy played very well today.

Rob Valetini

Another Brumbies star who did well is Rob Valetini. Normally he plays on the blindside. But today he is at the Number 8 role v Melbourne Rebels. Regardless of that he showed versatility. With his natural game remained intact for the whole time.

He can make up tackle busts going forward. Having eat every inch of the Rebels own territory. The communication is always needed. In order for the passage of play to remain patient. Before finding the sweet spot. Where they scored towards a few touchdowns. Which is how the Brumbies got ahead for the majority.

Not only he gave a helping hand to his backline. They helped him in the forward department too. When the Rebels struggled to execute. Read their lack of support runners. And helped arrested them with the turnover/penalty. Leaving the home side isolated. As Rob put up a great show in the Brumbies back row.

Joe Powell

He may have been disappointed with the result for the Rebels. Having came off from the Brumbies after last year. Only for him to come in Melbourne ahead of the new season. And have the chance to play in front of their home crowd. Where they were so furious with the refs decisions.

It really hurt him the most. Having seen his side got hit so harsh via the lost penalties. They were up ahead in the first 20-30. When Joe was able to dictate the Rebels attacking strategy. And saw James Hanson touch down the first TRY. Then two players were punished in the naughty chair. Both sat out on separate occasions.

The short run momentum did not leave his side out of contention. Credit to Cameron Magnay who ran past the Brumbies territory. He was called up by the inside midfielder who helped pay back with the big score. It is just not consistent unfortunately. Especially when the Rebels were behind. And rushed through it without his support to get the job done. As Joe better needs their back v Waratahs in Week 10. If his side were to win. And the Queensland Reds beat Force in Perth.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies Game Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels ran off first with the scoreboard lead. They might not have the initial penalty goal attempt going. But at least remained patient going forward. As James Hanson touched the ball down at hooker. Rebels 7-0 Brumbies after 10.

Brumbies on the other hand fired off slow behind the Rebels. Especially when they saw their opponents have the early ball chances. Which ultimately led to them take up the early score. They may have the first touch attempt turned down. But finally bounced back after 17 mins. Due credit to Rory Scott who scored on the openside. As Rebels lost a man in Marika Koroibete via the 10 min yellow card. It is 7-7 apiece now between the two teams.

Rebels have not changed much. When they saw another man to the naughty chair via Trevor Hosea. The defensive structure as always have remained unchanged. But have less chances with the ball going forward. That is where the Brumbies able to execute & got past the home side. Thanks to Caderyn Neville who touched down. It is Rebels 7-14 Brumbies with five to go. Followed by a fantastic intercept from Rob Valetini. Where he helped offloaded to Tom Wright with the finish. And extend the Brumbies lead ahead of half-time by 12 points (7-19).

Rebels made up some lost time when the Brumbies rushed through it. Played on by the referee. Before Cameron Magnay break past the opposition territory. And found team-mate Joe Powell who touched down against his old club. The home side closes in by five points after 43 mins (14-19). Then followed up with a successful penalty goal from Matt Toomua. Now Rebels are just two points behind the Brumbies (17-19) after 49.

But the home side were impatient through their executions. Where the Brumbies cleared out the ball twice. Saw Andy Muirhead ran so fast as a threat to block that kickout. Before it deflected into Bayley Kuenzle who got the job done. And extended the Brumbies lead to nine points (17-26) after 52 mins. Nothing much has changed for a while. Until when the Rebels got the penalty goal right. Thanks to Matt Toomua who helped the home side close down to six points. It is 20-26 after 71.

In the end Rebels unable to stay patient going forward. Despite the late winning penalties. The communication was disjointed. Especially with very little time on the clock. Which led their executions slipped away. As Brumbies defended very well. Made the home side knocked the ball past the 80th minute. And held them off with the narrow win here in Melbourne.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9: Top 3 players from the Western Force v Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Felati Kaitu’u is an all-rounder at hooker for the Force tonight. He is a great contributor on both sides. Such as attack and defense. Where his form so far this Super Rugby AU season was good. It helped him get a Wallabies call up. Due credit from National coach Dave Rennie.

He has a great read who really lifted the Force up early. Thanks to the Tahs slow start via the poor discipline. Not only Felati was the root of his side first touchdown. But also the 2nd TRY capped of by himself. When he and Tom Robertson marked that isolated opposition tackle. This is great teamwork to gather some support. And that is how he got away past through the gate.

It aided the Force to try and hold on top spot as long as possible. They might have copped a few ill-disciplines. Which saw them run inconsistent here & there. But the home side never gave up. And his influence really gave every reason why the Force deserve a Qualifying Final. For now they will watch Melbourne Rebels with interest. Before the ladder is finally determined after Week 10 on April 24.

Richard Kahui

He threw in a great shift for the Force backline on the right wing. Especially having been involved in the attack more earlier on. Such as the physicality that helped eat every inch of the Tahs territory.

This player may be 35 right now. But his vast experience benefits the Force. When the communication is there that aided him to run out via the channels. It goes to show they are unpacking set pieces with the ball on hand. Although Force may have rushed their finishing play at times.

It does not mean that the Force are out of the fight. Having seen the direction from Kahui dictate their strategy. Passed on that passage of play via the other wing flank. And saw another International star in Jordan Olowofela touch down. Which ultimately led to a successful win. When Domingo Miotti executed two brilliant penalty goals. As the Force were blessed to have his word. They need someone who has won a World Cup before ten years ago. It turns out that Kahui is the right man to rise up their revival in 2021.

Izaia Perese

He did very well at outside centre for the Waratahs. Having made a couple of tackle busts through the Force. When they got the ball in hand with patience. Izaia might not have scored any tries at all tonight. But his huge involvement going forward helped them stay in the game.

Especially with communication being the focal point. It allowed him to read where the Force unable to mark. And using that passage of play aided the execution the Tahs need. Such as the short passes with plenty of call ups. So they do not fumble it under his watch. Which is how Jack Maddocks & Alex Newsome got away in the 2nd 40. We do not forget the defensive contributions he made as well.

Like the attacking run Izaia needed help with a couple of support men. Where the Tahs successfully grounded the Force build up play into touch. So much physical pack & pace offered in the midfield. We might not have seen him play a lot this season. Especially after that red card in Week 1 v Reds. But he has some expertise before in Queensland. Both at Union and league level. In which demonstrates versatility via all facets of rugby. He may be disappointed with the close loss. But well done on the hard work made tonight.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Report: Western Force v Waratahs Game Report

by Sports Benches

Western Force flew on the up with the early first TRY. Thanks to the penalty that saw Tom Robertson finish up first at tighthead. While the Waratahs saw Lachie Swinton received that yellow card. As the home side lead 7-0 after four minutes.

They followed up by a three-point penalty goal. Having seen the opposition oversaw their poor start. With the ill-discipline not really lifting up the Waratahs. Eight minutes in & the Force lead 10-0. Before the away team bounced back. When the Force were struggling with their defensive play. And Will Harris able to touch over the touch line. Scoreline is now 10-7 in Perth.

20 minutes in and the Force began to pick up lost penalties as well. It gave the Waratahs some chances with the ball in hand. Where the away team are tied 10-10 apiece. But Western Force bounced back not long later. When Felati Kaitu’u read his way through the Waratahs territory. Before he touched one down and put five points in front after 25 mins (15-10). Followed by a drop goal from Domingo Miotti that puts the Force ahead of HT. The score after 40 mins is 18-10.

Waratahs have closed in on the Western Force. When Izaia Perese made a great line break. Found a great pass through the left-hand side towards Dave Porecki. As Ben Donaldson offloaded his assist to Jack Maddocks for the touch score. 45 mins in and it is a one point buffer. Then the away side get to lead 18-24 for the first time. Courtesy of a great passage of play where Alex Newsome got one away.

While the Force did not get a great head start after the break. Having just lost top spot. But the home side closed the lead down to three points (21-24). Due to the penalty goal from Domingo Miotti. They however have unable to stay patient with the execution. Such as being dragged into touch. As well as the poor communication on the spot. In which turned into lost penalties. Waratahs extend their lead two penalty goals from Ben Donaldson. The score is 21-30 with ten minutes to go.

Force are still not out in contention just yet. They found a way to get past the Waratahs on the far left. When Jordan Olowofela scored a touchdown. And followed up with the successful kick from Domingo Miotti. As Force closed down to the Tahs by two points 28-30. In the end they were able to overcome the opposition poor throw-in. Before Force won the penalty advantage. When that successful kick was enough for them to win. The final score is the Western Force 31-30 Tahs.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 9 Preview: Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Week 9 of Super Rugby AU will only have a Saturday & Sunday Game. There is no Friday night rugby until Round 10. As the Queensland Reds travel to Perth. So they end their regular season undefeated v Western Force. Before the Grand Final.

But this Sunday match up focuses on Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies. So far the away side have one win against them in Week 3. When Brumbies held off by three points at home (27-24). Thanks to a 50 meter penalty kick from Ryan Longeran.

Now the Rebels want revenge this time on home soil. Having won the last two games against them at home only. One in 2020 during Round 6 at a natural ground in Sydney. And another one from Round 4 on March 8 2019 (29-26). Safe to say that they have the home ground advantage. As the Rebels need to win their last two games. In order to finish 3rd & face v Brumbies again in the Qualifying Final.

Melbourne Rebels

Matt Gibbon replaces Cabous Eloff at loosehead prop. Where he joins Pone Faamasulli in his other dial. As James Hanson stays at hooker. Robert Leota & Trevor Hosea remains behind the Rebels front three. Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick in the flanker roles. Before Michael Wells rounds off this forward line.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9/10 combo. Followed by the two speedsters on the wing. It is Marika Koroibete & Frank Lomani. Campbell Magnay joins Stacey Ili at inside centre. And Tom Pincus at full-back. With Reece Hodge out for 10 weeks due to an MCL knee injury last week.

Subs

Jordan Uelese behind Hanson. So does Cabous Eloff & Cameron Orr in the prop roles. Lucas Sordoni & Ross Haylett-Petty on the backup second row. Isi Naisarani at loose forward. James Tuttle at reserve No.9. With Lewis Holland & Glen Vaihu makes up the Rebels 23 squad as utility back.

ACT Brumbies

Scott Sio displaced James Slipper at loosehead prop. With Allan Alaalatoa remains at tighthead. Alongside Folau Faingaa as the starting hooker. Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville in the second row. Rob Valetini shifted to No.8. As James Tucker & Rory Scott fills in. Both on the respective blindside & openside roles.

Ryan Longeran at scrum-half ahead of Nic White who deserves a rest. While Noah Lolesio remains in No.10. Tom Wright & Andy Muirhead placed on each wing. Bayley Kuenzle & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at reserve hooker behind Faingaa. James Slipper & Tom Ross in the props. Nick Frost as backup for Swain/Neville. Will Miller back on short-term at loose forward. Nic White at half-back. As Reesjan Pasitoa & Mack Hansen rounds off their 23 man squad.

Final Thoughts

Rebels have a great start with the defensive setup. Where they did win penalties as early as possible. Thanks to the kicking specialist off the boot of Matt Toomua. But just needs to stay patient going forward. It is something that the Rebels struggled last week v Force. As they were unable to unpack their executions. And that ultimately cost them the winning opportunity they badly need.

Brumbies are on the same page too as the Rebels. They also too experienced a brilliant fire off. Such as the early maximum points earned to try and stay ahead. However they do need to bridge that 2nd half consistency. Where they blew some penalties. Before the Reds haunted them with a two-point narrow loss. It is a weakness they must address between now and the Playoffs time. Or else they are forced to settle in 2nd spot.

The tip would go to the Brumbies who will win v Rebels by 13 points. And the home side will have to work harder. Ahead of Round 10 v Waratahs away next weekend.

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