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

by Sports Benches

Western Force returned home with their 2nd win of 2021 last week. That was in Melbourne v Rebels by 15-16. Now they need to get past the NSW Waratahs this Saturday. At least not just to show off their true colours. But they can guarantee a chance in the Playoff final v Brumbies.

NSW Waratahs on the other hand may still climb out of nowhere. Despite no wins after six meetings. Thanks to the mathematicial difference to advance in the Playoffs. But chances are it is unlikely for this year. As this away side is doing whatever they can in Perth. Having lost against the Force at home in Week 3.

Western Force

The front three remains unchanged. Tom Robertson & Santiago Medrano in the props. Alongside Felati Kaitu’u as the starting hooker/throw-in in the 2 shirt.

Behind them is Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani. Then Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka in the respective blindside & openside. As Brynard Stander returns at Number 8.

The Argentine pair at 9 & 10 of Tomas Cubelli & Domingo Miotti. Jordan Olowofela & Richard Kahui both on each flank. Followed by Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. And Jack McGregor rounds off the Force XV.

Subs

Andrew Ready at hooker behind Felati Kaitu’u. Angus Wagner & Greg Holmes in the props. Ryan McCauley in reserve for Thrush/Timani. Fergus Lee-Warner as loose forward. Ian Prior at 2nd choice half-back. Before Grason Makara & Jake Strachan can fill-in in the utility backline.

Waratahs

Nothing changed up front. When you have Angus Bell & Harry-Johnson Holmes in the props. So does Dave Porecki at hooker. In the second row sees Hugh Sinclair & Max Douglas. You got the Bash Brothers of Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano. And Will Harris completes this Waratahs back row.

Jake Gordon is joined by new fly-half in Ben Donaldson. Since Will Harrison is out for six weeks due to injury. James Ramm & Alex Newsome on the wings. Lalakai Foketi & Izaia Perese in the midfield. As Jack Maddocks rounds off at full-back.

Subs

Tom Horton behind Dave Porecki. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Sam Caird & Jeremy Williams at reserve second row. Charlie Gamble as back up to Swinton/Tizzano/Harris. Jack Grant at scrum-half. And Tane Edmed remains in the bench at utility back. Despite not been given a chance in the starting five-eighth.

Final Thoughts

Western Force have a great 2nd half momentum. They used some lost time from the previous 40. And took advantage of the opposition mistakes. In which helped them overtake the Rebels. And held them off before the final hooter. One thing they need to work on is the slow starts. That is something the Force need to cut their ill-discipline. As well as fire off early in the attack. If they are to finish 3rd & play in the Qualifying Final v Brumbies.

Waratahs still needs to find a win. The return of Jake Gordon at half-back gave them a lift. And dominated the 2nd half alone. In which helped them stay in contention until the end. Only for the kick to sail out wide that saw the Brumbies relive that pressure. But at the same time you have Will Harrison injured for a few weeks. Then they put an untried fly-half in their starting XV. It will be a gamble for sure. But the Tahs just need to balance on both halves that does guarantee victories.

This will be a close low-scoring game in Perth. But I am going for the Waratahs to finally win here in 2021. And break the Force hearts at home by seven points.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Reds may have fired off from behind. Not only they conceded a few penalties. Their finishing was mislead. Which lead to leaked points for the first 50-60 mins. But they did make some gains from somewhere defensively. It aided them winning penalties. Where they added a couple of safe three-points into the goal.

Before the Reds were finally settled after the break. Credit to James O’Connor who produced a playmaking masterclass. He found a way to crack the Brumbies territory. Unpacking that cross-kick is one of their weapons. That influenced most of their big touch scores. Such as Josh Flook & Jordan Petaia who also learned off JOC for his 50/22 kick. As the Reds overtook a late winning move that ended up on top.

Brumbies on the other hand moved ahead immediately. They were able to get their attacking setup organised. Due to the winning penalties & ball on hand. It aided their early big scores. With two in the first 40 off Folau Faingaa. And Tom Banks who made a brilliant intercept off the poor long ball. Where no one was there to stop him.

Plus the third from Tom Wright in the second half. But unfortunately the momentum was not the same. When the Brumbies conceded plenty of ill-discipline along the way. Not only it cost them a couple of small points off the goal. It ultimately hit them hard by the final hooter. After the Reds ran from behind & produced two big scores. In which was enough for the home side to win. And it is something they must address ASAP. If the Brumbies want another championship.

While we wind back another cracking ball game from Friday. Which is the Rebels v Force in Melbourne also during Week 8.

Melbourne Rebels jumped ahead on the scoresheet early. Having oversaw the Force poor start. Such as the winning penalties. Which saw them control what they want to do with the ball. The safe shots into the goal are always there. As seen with their attacking strategy so far in 2021 Super Rugby AU. Where the home side lead by six points (12-6) at the break.

But the only weakness that ultimately robbed them is the finishing. There was long balls flying everywhere. And not one/two players picked up the ball. In order to try and complete these offloads. It is very difficult to have that communication flowing. Even from a medium to far away distance. That allowed the Force to make up lost time. Before it was too late to catch up with a narrow loss in the end.

And on Western Force. They may not have the best starts. Where their attack was not up to scratch in the initial run. But the defensive part was good. It allowed them to make some progress. That aided winning penalties along the way. With two three-point goals scored in the first half.

They continued maintaining that build up base after the break. Such as more winning penalties. As well as the ball on hand. Where both of these strengths saw them close the lead on the Rebels. Before the Force were able to bridge their executions. Thanks to Tim Anstee who came off the bench. And submitted that winning touch score with less than five to go. In they went to hold the Rebels off by the final siren. After Reece Hodge missed that drop goal attempt going wide left.

We cannot wait for Round 9 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. It will be the Western Force v Waratahs in Perth on Saturday Night. While Melbourne Rebels take on the Brumbies next Sunday. There is no Friday game until Week 10. As Reds take the bye.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8: Top 3 players from the Reds v Brumbies Game

by Sports Benches

Jordan Petaia played an outstanding run tonight for the Reds. Especially during the 2nd 40. In which benefitted this comeback that haunted the Brumbies in the end. He is a valuable pacey player. Whether it is on the wing, midfield or even at full-back.

He can make up the defensive contributions. When the Brumbies had one player running through. It allowed Petaia to read their lack of support runners. And drag them out into touch with the tackle. It really gave the Reds to settle defensively in the first 40. While the attack were not speeding up earlier on.

Then in the last 20 minutes Petaia tried something different. Thanks to the inspiration from skipper James O’Connor via the cross kick. So he went with the 50/22 strategy that granted his side a throw-in. Before the Reds were able to stay patient. Where O’Connor assisted the same thing that helped Petaia cap off really special. This is really good communication. Which is a relief to go from behind & dismantle the Brumbies.

James O’Connor

Another player who was behind the Reds comeback is James O’Connor. He is the skipper who plays at No.10 role. The start may not go against his way. Where the Reds were disjointed on occasions. But he was blessed with the defensive setup. In which helped JOC grab the safe route via a series of penalty goals. The Reds were nine points (6-15) behind at the break.

Then he finally found a trick to help the Reds grab their first big score. When he crossed kick towards the wide left. Saw Josh Flook pick up the pieces from the midfield. And easily made his way to the touch zone. Before he brought up Jordan Petaia with his creative brains. Such as the 50/22 kick into touch. Then followed up with the same attacking finish via the cross kick. And that saw Petaia execute this brilliant masterclass with the TRY.

In which is sensational to close out tonight on a high. Where JOC capped off another few successful kicks into the goal. Thanks to the Reds defensive setup who looked after it well all game. Saw them dissect the Brumbies poor areas in defense that lost them penalties. As it gave the Reds plenty of time to catch up towards the final siren. He is a very important player with lots of creativity. Reds need him badly not just to help them win Super Rugby AU. But also give them an extended run against the New Zealand sides too.

Folau Faingaa

He played well in the starting hooker role for ACT Brumbies. Fired off well with their attacking setup. Which exposed the Reds slow start. Such as the winning penalties on hand. And it allowed him to take control of the ball. It led to his side move ahead early. Especially when Faingaa used the maul to touch one down himself.

That allowed his backline to pay back what he built on. They dissected the Reds impatient finishing & foul play. With Faingaa in there alongside his forwards to build some blocks. Before Brumbies pushed each meter into the opposition territory. As seen with the maximum of points gained ahead of half-time at 6-15.

Although the Brumbies tried to fend off Queensland. But it is the ill-discipline that let Faingaa down. Their 2nd 40 run was not the same as the 1st half. They did not attack a lot. Instead the momentum turned around against their way. And it is something the Brumbies need to shave off ASAP. Especially when they are most penalised team so far this season. They have the Rebels next Sunday. And maybe again in the Qualifying Final. So they better give Faingaa more attacking chances. Before it is too late in the Final.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Reds v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Brumbies touched down first with the ball on hand. Thanks with the early penalties won against the Reds. Having remained patient via the throw-in attempts. Where Folau Faingaa submit the touchdown. As the away side lead 5-0 after six minutes.

Reds have some chances as well in the attack. Due to their defensive setup that gave them a boost. But so far struggled to make up lost time. Especially with the fumbling & lack of talk up. Where James O’Connor went for the long ball. And it went past Bryce Hegarty who was not alert. Which reminded of Matt Toomua from the Rebels poor finishing last night.

As Tom Banks intercepted the ball with a clean run for the touchdown. Just no one there to stop him on the run home. The away side lead 0-12 going into 20 minutes. The Reds have began to climb out of nowhere with the three-point penalty goal. Where the lead difference is 9 points. Then cut down to six (6-12) that saw the Brumbies lost a few penalties.

In which exposed their defense. But the Brumbies still went into half-time as the leaders. With enough distance into the penalty goal from 53 meters. Thanks to half-back Nic White who just extended the lead to nine points. Scoreline card is 6-15.

Reds at last found their way past the Brumbies touch line. When James O’Connor made a cross kick to Jock Campbell on the left. Gained some meters along the way. Before the short passes are there that helped Josh Flook submit this touchdown. As the home side cut the Brumbies lead to just two points after 50 mins. But the away side quickly bounced back via Tom Wright. The score is 13-22.

It took a while for the Reds to try and get their way past the Brumbies. Having changed a couple of players from the bench. When Jordan Petaia made a brilliant 50/22 kick into touch. Won the penalty advantage along the way. In which saw James O’Connor unpack that cross kick. And it really set up a great finish from Petaia to touch one down.

It is a four-point buffer (18-22) after 65 mins. Followed by a single-point ball game after the Refs penalty-goal. With ten minutes to go. Where the Reds won a couple more penalties. Took another successful penalty goal. Before the home side managed to shut down the Brumbies in the end. The final score is 24-22.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Game Talk: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels fired off with a couple of three-point penalty goals. They were so organised with the ball on hand. When the Western Force were left behind at the start. It helped them take advantage of these mistakes along the way. Before they always take up the safe route for goal.

But they struggle to complete the attack for the majority. There were passes flying everywhere. Especially through the long ball offload. Where it was difficult to find communication. Just not patient to help them execute. And that approach ultimately cost the Rebels in the end.

While the Western Force were behind at the start. Having gave away a couple of lost penalties. In which later converted into leaked points. As the Rebels lead for the majority. They did however found some momentum. Thanks to their robust defense that allowed them to catch up.

They were 12-6 at the break when the attack were not settled yet. But a few changes off the bench saw the Force turn around. Thanks to a couple of penalties that went their way. Such as a few three-point goals. Before they eventually bridge that strong defensive structure into the attack. Where the away side managed to get the job done with a few minutes to spare. Even by a one point margin at 15-16. Thanks to Tim Anstee who produced that winning TRY off the bench.

One game down. One to go tonight in Week 8 of Super Rugby AU. Where the Queensland Reds v Brumbies in Brisbane.

It was an unbelievable low-scoring game by both sides. But it is the Force who got their way their 2nd win of 2021. They now need at least one more win v Waratahs next Saturday at home. Before they can finish 3rd in the ladder. And advance to the Qualifying Final for the first time. So they can have an extended crack v the 2nd placed side. A run towards the final.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Report: Melbourne Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels snatched the early lead with the penalty goal. When Reece Hodge able to clear the kick from the halfway meter line. As Western Force fired off on a poor note. Especially with the isolated build up base with the ball on hand. And it went against their way by the ref. The score sees Rebels lead 3-0 after 2 mins.

Force did win some penalties along the way. They were able to get it going with the defensive setup. Which is some sign of progress. But had limited chances or rushed through it in the attack. It allowed the Rebels to have their crack in return. As Matt Toomua added another three-point goal. Rebels 6-0 Force after 13 minutes.

Before Force bounced back. Where the Rebels gave away penalties in their defensive half. The referee warned Rob Leota about the offside. It was a wake up call that saw Domingo Miotti complete the penalty-goal. Force now 3-6 after 16.

But later slipped away with the offside penalty. Even though they found Bryon Ralston concussed at the initial halfway stage. With the Rebels completed another successful penalty goal. The home side extend their lead to 9-3 after 22 mins.

Nothing much happened with the Force in play. Their defense still gave them a boost regarding a reprieve. Despite seeing Kane Koteka punished via the yellow card. They may have added the safe three-point penalty. But have not yet turned around in the attack which was impatient. As the Rebels pushed the Force back to six points. They lead 12-6 ahead of half-time.

Rebels did have plenty of chances with the ball in hand. But rushed through it that stalled their bid to extend these points. As the Force still strong in the defensive setup. It gave them a chance to bounce back. Where the away team closed the Rebels lead to three points (12-9). Thanks to the penalty kick off Miotti after 52.

Ten minutes later Western Force unable to get themselves ahead. Especially with the poor throw-in. Which cost the away side three points via the penalty goal. Rebels now push them back to six points. The score is 15-9 with just nearly 15 to go.

Western Force at last got past the Rebels half for the touch score. Having won a series of penalties. Picked the full option via the line-out rather than the penalty goal. Kept the maul straight that saw Tim Anstee put the ball down. Before Domingo Miotti converted the two points. Where the away side managed to hold on until the end. Despite the controversial knee slide to Reece Hodge. While Hodge attempted a late drop goal that was unsuccessful.

It could easily have been a penalty as the Rebels fans complained. And see the accuser in the Force camp receive a straight punishment. But the referee called it a day. As the final score is the Melbourne Rebels 15-16 Western Force.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8: Top 3 players from the Melbourne Rebels v Western Force Game

by Sports Benches

Tim Anstee came off the bench on the blindside in the 48th minute. Having replaced Fergus Lee-Warner for the Western Force. He made a brilliant impact straight away. With great reading to look at the Melbourne Rebels weaknesses.

Each time the Rebels lost the ball Anstee took great care defensively. It has been the case tonight that helped his side win penalties. The same goes when the opposition were isolated up front. With square pegs all over the place. And Anstee was there to help his forwards take advantage of these mistakes. Before applying the physicality that kept them waiting. While the Western Force get to eat every Rebels inch with the ball on hand.

That is when Anstee was able to lend his hand in the attack. Alongside his forwards in a tug-o-war maul. They were pushed forward by Andrew Ready who was another sub. And did well to keep the drive straight. Then Ready made the Rebels turn sideways. Where it helped Anstee find that big of space. Got there past the Rebels danger zone for the winning TRY.

Sitaleki Timani

Another Force defensive player who put a great show is Sitaleki Timani. His team may have fired off slow during the first 40 run. The defensive setup was working without a doubt. In which was important for his reading. And the physical application. When the Rebels did not make their best chances in return. As Timani was able to steal the ball off them.

Force only made mistakes via the ill-discipline. It did hurt at times as reflected earlier on & most of their meetings. With the backline disjointed initially. Before Timani was able to push every inch of the Rebels territory. Where his side was finally settled after the break. The penalties were there to close in. Before he used that physical pack to push the Rebels sideways. And that helped his team-mate Tim Anstee execute the winning moment.

You got to credit him who is very experienced at lock. Alongside Jeremy Thrush who plays with Timani on the left hand side. He is also in the mid-30s bracket too. And it does benefit some of the youngsters like Tim Anstee. So once he & Thrush eventually retire. They can learn from them off by heart. Once they are ready to start regularly for the Force.

Lewis Holland

He did well on his first start in the Rebels midfield. Having helped out his forwards that held off one/two Force players to mark. That is how this side was able to get ahead early. Thanks to a couple of penalty goals converted as successful.

Lewis has both the physicality to run down the opposition half. As done in reverse to apply those blocks defensively. It shows that the Rebels gave him an chance to what he has got to offer. Especially when he played in the sevens circuit for a long time. And it taught him on how to be an all-rounder with some space. Which did test him once he moved into the XVs.

The passing was there as needed to keep this passage of play going. Where it was part of the foundations in this skillset. But there were lack of support runners that exposed the Rebels poor finishing. Very little hands up or difficulty maintaining ball. After there was long balls chucking popping up. And it is something that ultimately cost the game in the end. It is better to have close communication. So guys like Lewis can link up on the wide areas. Before the execution can be done.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Preview: Reds v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

Saturday night sees the Reds host the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the recent COVID cases in Queensland. In which would have seen the match shifted elsewhere. But it should be okay as long as everyone there follows these protocols.

Reds come here as undefeated so far after five games. They hope to keep its winning hoodoo going. Especially when they go against one of the best Super Rugby sides here. As the Brumbies lost against them twice in a few months. Bar the Grand Final. One was in Week 10 last year in Brisbane. And the other was R4.

Despite seeing the Brumbies lead for the majority. Before the Reds bounce back from out of nowhere. And hijacked their night in the end by two points. This away side has not lost since then. But have yet to win against the Reds away. If you wind back to Round 5 on 14 March 2015, 0-29.

Reds

Feao Fotuaika & Taniela Tupou in the props. With Brandon Paenga-Amosa at hooker. Ryan Smith & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto just behind them. Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McReight on the Blindside & openside respectively. As Harry Wilson completes the Reds forwards department.

Tate McDermott as half-back. Where he is joined by James O’Connor. Jock Campbell & Jordan Petaia on the wings. Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami at centre midfield. And Bryce Hegarty rounds off the Reds starting XV for Saturday night.

Subs

Alex Mafi behind BPA as the reserve hooker. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Seru Uru at lock. Liam Wright back from injury so he hopes to have some minutes as loose forward. Kelani Thomas in the half-back role. Josh Flook & Filipo Daugunu as the Reds utility back.

Brumbies

James Slipper is joined by the returning Allan Alaalatoa at loosehead. After seeing the usual skipper served his three-game suspension. Folau Faingaa completes this front three as the starting throw-in/hooker. Darcy Swain back on the second row alongside Caderyn Neville. Rob Valetini & Tom Cusack at flanker. And Pete Samu as Number 8. Which is the Brumbies forward line for Saturday.

Nic White & Noah Lolesio in the 9 & 10 roles. Tom Wright & Andy Muirhead on the wings. As they now switch flanks from the Waratahs away game last week. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the midfield. Before Tom Banks rounds off their starting XV Reds. Where he will patrol at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at hooker. Scott Sio & Sefo Kautai in the props. Nick Frost behind Swain & Neville. James Tucker for Valetini, Cusack or Samu. Ryan Longeran at scrum-half. Bayley Kuenzle in the back up No.10. And Mack Hansen rounds off their matchday 23 anywhere within the back.

Final Thoughts

This will be another epic grand final rematch. 1st v 2nd best Super Rugby sides in Australia. Just three rounds left before two weeks of Playoffs. Reds as always have a great attacking setup.

Having seen them fire off well. And rebounded later on. Which is something they must continue if the Reds want the championship badly. But they also need to watch their discipline. The last 20 minutes in the first 40 was their low light. They were just ten points at the break. That gave them a wake up call if things do not turn around. Eventually they did and a great start would be the key to winning.

While the Brumbies have the same structure as the Reds. They will pick a fight on the opposition weaknesses. In which is going to help them unleash their own brand of rugby. But they have to better cut the discipline. The early start was there. Just too many penalties given away that exposed the defense. It went on for the majority of the game. Where the Brumbies almost lost to the Tahs. And this is really a wake up call. If they want to get ahead early and avoid these foul calls.

If I was to choose a winner in the end. It will be the Reds to still win by 11 points.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 8 Preview: Rebels v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night sees the Rebels host Western Force in Melbourne. They won two of their five games so far. Despite their loss v Reds last week. A win here would mean a step closer to the Finals.

Well at least for the the Qualifying Final game. Where the 2nd v 3rd best fuel for that one Final spot against the top ranked team. Rebels have won the last three games against Force. Both at home and away. While the Force desperately need a win in order to stay in contention for 3rd.

The Perth based side has won one game v Waratahs in Week 3 away. Nearly got themselves on the finish line against the Rebels at home. And Reds on their turf in Week 5. But have a tough last game out v Brumbies in Canberra. The last time the Force beat Rebels in Melbourne was Week 8. That was on the 12th June 2015 at 11-13. And the overall game v Rebels was Week 16 on 7th July 2017 in Perth, 31-22.

Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. With James Hanson as the starting hooker. Rob Leota dispatches Steve Cummins on the second row. Where he will join Trevor Hosea at five. Josh Kemeny, Richard Hardwick & Michael Wells as back rowers. So that is the Rebels forward line-up for tomorrow.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua in the 9 & 10 combination. Two flying Fijian born stars on the wing. Such as Marika Koroibete on the left. And Frank Lomani in the opposite dial on the right flank. Lewis Holland gets his first start at inside centre. Stacey Ili remains alongside Holland in the Rebels midfield. And Reece Hodge moved to 15.

Subs

Jordan Uelese pushed down to reserve hooker by Hanson. Matt Gibbon & Lucio Sordoni in the props. Steve Cummins is also dispatched by Rob Leota at reserve lock. Brad Wilkin as loose forward. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell. Tom Pincus usually at full-back over the past few weeks. Now as backup fly-half or 15 if needed. Before Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 match day squad v Force.

Western Force

Tom Robertson slots in at loosehead. And Santiago Medrano alongside him at tighthead. Felati Kaitu’u has the usual throw-in. Behind that front three is Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani. Then Fergus Lee-Warner on the blindside & Kane Koteka on the openside. Before Tomas Lezana replaces Brynard Stander at 8.

Tomas Cubelli at half-back. Where he is joined by fellow Argentine Domingo Milotti in 1st five-eighth. Jordan Olowofela & Bryon Ralston on the wings. Kyle Godwin & Tevita Kuridrani in the midfield. As Jack McGregor ticks off the Force XV v Rebels.

Subs

Andrew Ready now back after he served his three-game ban. Angus Wagner & Jack Winchester in the props. Kieran Longbottom as lock. Ryan McCauley at Flanker/Number 8. Now the next two are also forwards. But had to fill-in due to plenty of injuries in their backline. Such as Tim Anstee & Brynard Stander. Before Ian Prior rounds off the bench for tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Rebels knows how to connect the attack on occasions. Having eventually settled into the game. But fell behind when firing off. Where they picked up plenty of ill-discipline. And not enough time to bounce back. The home team need to score early as soon as it started. Otherwise they will struggle like last week & it will cost them.

While the Force also need to cut the lost penalties as well. It really limited their chances to get going with the possession on hand. With no score made in the first 40. They did get going in the 2nd half alone which was not enough. Once again the Force need a way to build a competitive lead early. Before it is too late.

It is 3rd v 4th placed sides to duel in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. One of them will step forward and look to hold on for that Qualifying Final berth. But I will go for the Rebels to win by six points. And step closer to the Playoffs for their 2nd year.

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Rugby News Australia, Ned Hanigan set for a return with NSW Waratahs ahead of 2022

by Sports Benches

He may be playing in Japan Top League right now with Kurita Water Gush. But the good news is that he is set to return to NSW Waratahs ahead of 2022. The confirmation is not offical just yet.

At least it will add much needed experience. Especially with the second row options are youth. But they need mentoring so Ned is the ideal man. So these kids can be comfortable playing Super Rugby in the long-term. He is 25 years old who has lot of energy left to contribute. As this team is going through a very tough time in both ways. Having seen Rob Penney dismissed before last week.

And the losses still pile up against them after five meetings. Despite a much improved performance v the Brumbies at home. Thanks to the return of half-back Jake Gordon from injury. It goes to show that the Tahs are a young side right now.

But more experienced heads would make up their rebuilding phase. Once they get Hanigan back. The next task is stop Angus Bell from going to a rival Super Rugby club. This board should take account of their failures of late. And take things different that would stop them from repeating the same errors. Tahs giving what the young loosehead prop wants will be great. Then they can imagine a brilliant forward line from the 2022 SR season.

Angus Bell & Harry Johnson-Holmes in the props. Tom Horton as the main hooker. Ned Hanigan & Jeremy Williams just behind the front three. Before you add Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper & Will Harris as back rowers. That is a balanced department of both youth & experience.

Same goes with the nine & ten duo of Jake Gordon & Will Harrison. As would the midfield pairing in the centres. Such as Lalakai Foketi & Izaia Perese. I would be alright with Jack Maddocks or Mark Nawaqanitawase at full-back. Just an experience winger or two would complete this rebuild. If the Tahs do really want to spend $2 million during the off season.

Plus another experienced lock & number 8 would not go amiss. Just in case if the Tahs still have some spare money. For now the interim co-coaching system has gave them a boost. Thanks to number of stars back from injury/suspension. In which backed up their improved run despite the narrow loss. All eyes on the board to address these key issues within management. Or everyone else will not thrive without a rugby dominated state.

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