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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Preview: Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds are on top of the 2021 Super Rugby AU Ladder. As of Round 7 they have won each of their games. With no losses made so far. As the winning streak would hopefully still be alive.

Melbourne Rebels on the other hand just came off a bye. Having won the last two games. Both the Western Force & NSW Waratahs. They would like to keep that winning momentum. And keep themselves in the Top 3 with four rounds left to go.

The first game of 2020 Super Rugby AU between them ended in a draw. But Reds still win 2-0. One during Round 7 19-3 & Qualifying Final 25-15 both at home. As well as the first game this year 23-21. But Reds have last won against them as a away team. That was Round 12 on 13 May 2017 where they won 24-29 in Melbourne.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli remains in the props. Same goes to Jordan Uelese at hooker. Steve Cummins & Trevor Hosea in the second row. Protecting these first two is Josh Kemeny & Richard Hardwick at flanker. And Michael Wells rounds off the Rebels forward line at Number 8.

Joe Powell & Matt Toomua remains at 9 & 10. So does Marika Koroibete on the left wing. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili in the midfield. Lachie Anderson replaced by Frank Lomani. As Tom Pincus rounds off the matchday XV v Reds on Saturday.

Subs

James Hanson at hooker behind Jordan Uelese. Matt Gibbon & Albert Anae in the props. Thomas Nowlan as back up for Cummins/Hosea. Rob Leota in any of the loose forward roles. James Tuttle at scrum-half. As Lewis Holland & Jeral Skelton rounds off the Rebels 23 v Reds.

Note: Rebels also added Lucio Sordoni where he plays as hooker. And Glen Vaihu as utility back. It does not mean any of the players on the bench will guarantee game time. Depending on the game and how the coach Dave Wessels dictates later on.

Queensland Reds

Feao Fotuaika in for Dane Zander at loosehead. Alongside Taniela Tupou on other prop dial at tighthead. As Brandon Paenga-Amosa retains as hooker. Ryan Smith & Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the second row. Same goes to Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright. Except Seru Uru who is replaced by Harry Wilson.

Tate McDermott at half-back & James O’Connor skippers at fly-half. Jock Campbell moved from full-back to the left wing. While Jordan Petaia took the other flank. Due to the injury from Suliasi Vunivalu that will take one month. Hamish Stewart back in at inside centre alongside Hunter Paisami. And Bryce Hegarty at 15.

Subs

Alex Mafi at reserve hooker despite a hat-trick last week v Waratahs. Even though he was not the starter. Richie Asiata & Zane Nongorr in the props. Angus Blyth & Seru Uru at lock/loose forward. Kelani Thomas as reserve half-back. Josh Flook can fill-in for O’Connor if he has the chance. And Filipo Daugunu completes the Reds 23 man squad this Saturday.

Final Thoughts

Reds have a great attacking setup that can be patient on the spot. And get it done when they can. Which is exactly what they did last week for the majority v Waratahs. But they do have a couple of injuries at the same time. So they will need to overcome that slow start. As seen in most games then make up lost time. It does involve risk. But knows as long as the attack is organised then they will win.

While the Rebels have what the Reds offer in the contrary. That is the defense. They know how to spot the opposition weaknesses straightaway. And put themselves early that would go a long way. Before it would be too late to chase down. Once the points are theirs ahead of the Reds. They would like to explore further to extend their lead. And get to dismantle their defense. Just like they did to the Waratahs two weeks ago. It would exactly be the strategy come Saturday.

It will be a close game so sure at AAMI Park in Melbourne. But despite the Reds have a injury or two. Their attack for me will still stand out. So they will continue to stay undefeated and win by 7 points.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Preview: Waratahs v Brumbies

by Sports Benches

The Waratahs remain winless after five meetings so far. Especially when they were hit so easily last week v Queensland Reds at home. Despite a little boost only in the 2nd half. At the same time they also sacked Rob Penney from the coach role.

With Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker taking the reigns for now. Their first assignment will be a tough one at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Where the Tahs will face current champs ACT Brumbies.

Brumbies have won both games against them in 2020. The same goes two years ago. While the Waratahs have last won during Round 7 on March 31 2018 in Canberra. And their last home win v Brumbies was Week 6 on 22 March 2015.

Waratahs

Angus Bell moves back to loosehead after coming off the bench last week. Where he recovered on the sidelines from Round 2 to 5 due to injury. So Harry Johnson-Holmes pushed to tighthead. With Dave Porecki still holding on at hooker. There is a new face on the block such as Max Douglas. He will join Jeremy Williams.

And the back row trio will remain ahead of tomorrow night. Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano & Will Harris. Jake Gordon now returns from injury at half-back. As well as the captaincy. Will Harrison remains at fly-half. So does James Ramm & Alex Newsome on each wing. Izaia Perese & Lalakai Foketi swap each other in the midfield. And Jack Maddocks at No.15.

Subs

Tom Horton still behind Dave Porecki at hooker. Tetere Faulkner & Darcy Breen in the props. Michael Wood in the second row. As well as Charlie Gamble at loose forward. Jack Grant demoted to the reserve half-back. Tane Edmed behind Will Harrison. And Mark Nawaqanitawase completes the Tahs matchday 23. Where he looks to gain some time at utility back.

Brumbies

Harry Lloyd & James Slipper in the prop positions. With Folau Faingaa at hooker in the No.2 shirt. Darcy Swain out for Nick Frost alongside Caderyn Neville. Rob Valetini is joined by the returning Tom Cusack at flanker. And Pete Samu at 8.

Nic White & Noah Lolesio remains at 9 & 10. Andy Muirhead shifted from right to left wing. Where Tom Wright returns from a long-term knee injury. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau stays in this midfield. As Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV v Waratahs.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran at hooker. Fred Kaihea & Richie Kautai in the props. James Tucker at lock. Rory Scott as reserve back rower. Ryan Longeran behind White. While Bayley Kuenzle back as the 2nd choice fly-half. And Mack Hansen at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Waratahs would have to be on their very best. Since there is little pathway to get themselves in Playoff contention. One thing for sure is that they know how to fire off. Thanks to their defense reading/help that helped them win penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling with a lack of patience. And it will interesting if the Tahs can marry up the consistency. Especially with Jake Gordon back from injury. And take the skipper band again at half-back

Brumbies on the other hand wants to keep on winning. And it would be a better time when they have a couple returned from injury. In which will no doubt boost their chances. So the Grand Final berth is still there either way. And chase that 2nd consecutive title. They are well balanced when their run was all-round from start to finish. Too easy to close cap it off last Friday v Western Force. They hope to do the same thing again v the Waratahs.

The end result for me would be the Brumbies to win by 25 points.

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Rugby News Australia, Top 3 talking points ahead of Round 7 in the 2021 Super Rugby AU

by Sports Benches

Six weeks done now in the 2021 Super Rugby AU season. We got four more round robin rounds left. Before there are two final games. Such as the Qualifying Final between 2nd & 3rd place. And the Grand Final the week after. Where the 1st placed team already gets that spot guaranteed. While the other opponent will be whoever wins the Qualifying Final.

For now we will focus on Round 7. This Friday sees the Waratahs host again at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their visitors will be the ACT Brumbies. Saturday night sees the Reds continue to go South. But in Melbourne at AAMI Park. Where they will face the Rebels. And the Western Force will take this week off. Before they return to play next week away also v the Rebels.

New Waratahs midfield duo gave some hope in the 2nd 40 alone

The Waratahs are still yet to search a win so far in 2021. In which is not what these fans want to hear. They did show some displays at least in the 2nd 40 alone. As seen two weeks ago with 10 minutes left in Melbourne. And the same momentum happened last week. Especially with Izaia Perese who returned after a few weeks suspension. When he made a dangerous tackle on Hunter Paisami in Round One.

He came back refreshed alongside Lalakai Foketi in this midfield. They both just did not stop running. Having seen them protect/look after the forwards defensively. As well as crack a few meters into the Reds territory. It only converted well once in the 2nd 40. Where Foketi made a good line break on the wide right.

And found Will Harris via a short inside pass past the touch line. But for the majority they were isolated with a lack of talk up. So the conversions can be done which is ultimately failed. It will be interesting to see if the whole team can get behind this midfield duo. We will get to find out on Friday night v the Brumbies.

Can the Reds cope without Suliasi Vunivalu?

He might have done the wrong thing off the field before Round 1. Waited to come off the bench the next week. And made an impact straightaway. In which did save the low scoring game in Round 2 v Melbourne Rebels at home. Since then he was a brilliant contributor in the 14 shirt.

The mistakes are still there when giving away the balls. As well as the high tackles after the jump. So that is one thing via the discipline. But once he is in the attacking setup. Suliasi gets to unleash his destructive pace in the final third via the channels. Where the decoy runners are there to create the passage of play. And you see him smash one or two defenders on the run home. Just like in his rugby league days with the Melbourne Storm.

We also note that he is around 193 cm in height. In which also helps him read and defend better. Safe to say that the transition from league to union is not bad here. Although he picked up an injury only a few days ago. Where it will take just one month to recover. So Suliasi would be back by the Playoffs portion. The next question is will the Reds cope without him? They already overcame the first time via usual captain Liam Wright. Suliasi is up next. If not then the Rebels have a fighting chance here on Saturday. With a great defensive setup from Melbourne.

When the Waratahs ever get back to form after Rob Penney is fired as head coach?

It is hard to get under their skin each time a loss hits against him. Rob Penney came here just before 2020 in the hope of results. After the predecessor Daryl Gibson left despite signing a contract extension. And not favouring Simon Cron for the top job by the Tahs management.

That is right the management has lots of unanswered questions here. When the previous CEO Andrew Hore left only days after Penney came in. Although the results were mixed last year in the Super Rugby AU. They were left out by the Rebels in 4th spot. With no finals campaign at all. Then still no turnaround after six rounds of play.

Penney knows how to nurture young talent. Having coached Canterbury and the New Zealand U20s before. But at the same time the Tahs need some established stars. Having been under the $1 million value of the current players in this disposal. Which is pretty much out of his control. And unfortunately it is a results driven business. Can Chris Whitaker & Jason Gilmore get the best out of this lopsided squad? The Playoffs hopes may be very bleak. But have just four rounds to prove themselves. Before it is about fixing the NSW Rugby system. For now we wish Rob Penney good luck here.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds remained undefeated after five games so far. They might have fired off slow at the start. Having seen the Waratahs scored two-three point penalty goals. But able to stay patient for the majority. And grouped them together.

When the Reds simply very powerful upfront last night. Three tries in the first half. Especially with Tate McDermott being involved a lot more. He scored the first one for himself. And a assist to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at lock. Then followed up in the second with four more tries. One from Taniela Tupou. Plus a hat-trick from Alex Mafi as hooker. Even though he came off the bench! He looked after the throw-in/maul. And it allowed him to find some room. That is how Mafi made it to the touch line on the spot.

While the NSW Waratahs gone ahead early with a couple of three-pointers. They are able to spot the Reds slow start straight after kick off. There is plenty of ill-discipline involved that gifted them winning penalties. But unable to get the ball rolling unfortunately. Plenty of lost penalties gained against them. And little talkup that rushed through with the ball.

Not even one big score in the second half is a long way to catch up. They were finally able to snatch some points from the Reds. But at large it is just the same momentum from the very start. With the damage already done by the time Alex Mafi produces a hat-trick. As the Waratahs still looking for answers. It seems their finals hopes are very bleak.

We also look back from the Friday game in Week 6. Brumbies v Western Force.

Western Force endured a very difficult game. Having travelled to Canberra with two near wins v Rebels & Reds. They simply were not cooperating. Each time a penalty is marked against them. Which limited their chances with the ball. Just no possession in the first 40. Although they did show up with two tries later on. But again the Force left it very late. And it is something they still need to group their attack next time. Other than the defense that helped them win penalties/turnovers.

And the Brumbies way too good that returned to winning form. After they were robbed at the last minute two weeks ago v Reds at home. Just spotted the Force struggles with the ball in hand. As well as their poor discipline. Where the home side were so good when they were given these chances. Then converted into a number of big scores throughout the night. Four tries in the first half via a Len Ikitau double. And two more in the last ten minutes. With Andy Muirhead finished off the match in style. He also scored his 2nd touch too.

Just a little note here. The Brumbies did go back to top spot after Friday night with the win. But Reds pushed them down to 2nd the next day. Due to their continuous winning form. We are now in Week 7 of 10 in the 2021 Super Rugby AU competition.

NSW Waratahs will host again this time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents will be the Brumbies on Friday night. Next Saturday night sees the Melbourne Rebels host their 2nd home game. Where the Reds will continue travelling south. And Western Force will have the week-long off until Week 8.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Alex Mafi is outstanding for the Reds tonight off the bench. When he came on for Brandon Paenga-Amosa after the break. And made an impact immediately.

He looked after the line-out and driving maul. Especially when the Waratahs were disjointed via the lost penalties. Took advantage after Alex was given the ball in hand. Where he credits the communication and patience. So he can get around the Waratahs touch line.

A hat-trick touchdown from the 24 year old. This is great competition to battle against Brandon Paenga-Amosa. In fact he could even be a great in the Wallabies squad. When Head Coach Dave Rennie will announce the best 40 players tomorrow. Perfect timing to have Alex considered alongside Folau Faingaa. The more you have quality hookers. The better it will be to help dominate the throw-in/maul for your country. For now he comes in No.1 tonight out of all players combined.

Tate McDermott

Another Reds start who is excellent at half-back is Tate McDermott. He was the one who gave the Reds some hope. At least to get the ball rolling. Having seen his side fire off slow in the first 40.

He remained calm and collective as always. When beginning to build some set pieces. How Tate executed is looking what the Waratahs are trying to do? That is to find their weaknesses. Before he tricked them. Thanks to these decoy runners who communicated with Tate very closely.

It allowed to help him destruct the Waratahs wall. Especially during the first touchdown after winning the scrum. He looked after it well going square. Just like fellow Top 3 recipient Alex Mafi. Got his own players in line with him through the channels. And ran off to the touchline by unpacking that blistering pace. Then repeated the same trick again. Where Tate assisted that short pass offload to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Credit to him on making up lost time by building a competitive total. Which is why Tate is an very important player in the Reds squad.

Will Harris

It is still hard for any Waratahs fan out there who have yet to win. They always know how to fire off a game. Which is seen from most of their performances so far in 2021. But so little ideas to hold on that momentum for the majority tonight.

One player did well for the Waratahs alone is Will Harris. He plays at loose forward in the No.8 role. Will first oversaw as mentioned earlier a great start to have two three-point goals. Having documented the Reds slow start. As well as their ill-discipline on occasions. Where he scored one touchdown in the 2nd 40.

Although he took his chance well by dispatching Jack Dempsey. But the players around him were not really cooperating. So many penalties given away. Not enough time to try and give the Reds a hard look in return. And it limited their chances with the ball on hand. They instead rushed through it by leaving one/players isolated. Which is not good enough. Got to give Will Harris some support next time. The more talk up he needs. The better it will be to help him out and give more chances to grab points.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 6: Waratahs v Reds Report

by Sports Benches

NSW Waratahs may have fired off with two three-point goals. When the Queensland Reds were hit with early penalties. But bounced back after 12 of play. Thanks to half-back Tate McDermott who scored the first big score of the night.

Then the Reds followed up with a 2nd patient score. McDermott involved again this time with the assist. Where Lukhan Salakaia-Loto touched down via the inside short pass. As the Waratahs began to fall off the cliff. Such as the lost penalties via the ill-discipline. In which limited their chances in the attack.

The last five minutes before the break saw both sides add three-pointers. But it is Queensland who led comfortably in front at half-time. Having just added the 3rd touchdown. Thanks to a wonderful cross kick from skipper James O’Connor on the far left. And Filipo Daugunu chased it well that forced his way inside the touch line.

Waratahs 9-22 Queensland Reds

Reds continued to extend their lead from Taniela Tupou in the tighthead. While the Waratahs added a touchdown themselves with the patient run this time. Where Lalakai Foketi offloaded well to Will Harris past the Reds danger area. Score still remains to Reds 27-14 after 55 mins.

Then followed up with a Alex Mafi double touchdown. Even coming from the bench for Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the hooker role. Got the ball rolling immediately with excellent care. Both via the throw-in & driving maul. And that is how he completes an attacking masterclass. Reds now 39-14 Waratahs with ten mins left.

And Alex Mafi capped off a wonderful performance of his own tonight. Where he was able to convert a hat-trick of touchdowns. Before the Reds held off so easily in the end. Having finally ended their eight year drought against the Tahs in Sydney. As well as remain undefeated in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. So the Grand Final potential berth is theirs for the time being. The final scoreline at ANZ Stadium is 14-46.

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

by Sports Benches

Brumbies back to winning ways comfortably in Canberra. They noticed very well in defense with the Force poor start. Used these chances when they were given the ball. And remained patient throughout the night in return. Having scored four tries in the first 40 & another two in the 2nd. Goes to show excellent communication to navigate their way into space. So the passage of play & finishing is there to destruct the opposition half. It is so easy as they like after they build a very big total. And they are now back ahead of the Reds in the SRAU ladder.

While Western Force were blown away too easily unfortunately. Gave away so many penalties in the first 40. They did defend well on occasions. Especially from Jack McGregor who put a try saving tackle on Pete Samu. And later slowly bounce back in the 2nd half alone. But the damage was way done beforehand. No possession to fire it off. Plus very little time to build their attacking setup. Where it is hard to chase down later on. They might have came here with two near wins. But not last night as the Force lost by 28 points in Canberra.

One game done now in Round 6 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. We cannot wait for the State of Origin like rivalry again. It is the NSW Waratahs hosting the Queensland Reds. And it takes place at ANZ Stadium in Homebush tonight.

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Rob Valetini

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

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

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

Jack McGregor

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Waratahs

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

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

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

Subs

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

Reds

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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