Tag:

Super Rugby

Rugby

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

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

Western Force moves from Brisbane to Canberra. Where they were oh so close v Queensland Reds on their turf. But fell short by a few points in the end. As they look to overcome as the underdogs here.

While the Brumbies came off a week-long break. After a close loss also by the Reds at home in Week 4. They will need to catch up in order to stay at least in the Top 3. With dealing injury/suspension lists a worry that could see them lose again.

Brumbies did win against the Force 27-11 during Week 1 in Perth. And would want to do the same thing again. Force have yet to beat them in a long time. The away team would like to go one better with a 2nd win of 2021. In order to stay in contention towards the Finals berth.

Brumbies

Harry Lloyd gets to start at loosehead prop. Alongside James Slipper in the tighthead role. While Folau Faingaa retains at hooker. So does Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville. And Rob Valentini on the blindside. Jahrome Brown replaces Tom Cusack at 7. And Pete Samu rounds at 8.

Nic White at scrum-half alongside Noah Lolesio. Mack Hansen & Andy Muirhead on their respective wings. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the midfield. And Tom Banks completes the Brumbies XV at full-back.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran behind Folau Faingaa at hooker. Fred Kauhea & Sefo Keutai in the props. James Tucker on the second row. Rory Scott at flanker/No.8. Ryan Longeran at reserve scrum-half. Reesjan Pasitoa alongside him in the 2nd choice No.10. And Issak Fines at utility back.

Western Force

Tom Robertson & Greg Holmes in the props. Felati Kaitu’u as the main throw-in/hooker. Jeremy Thrush & Sitaleki Timani on the second row. Fergus Lee-Warner & Kane Koteka in the flanker roles. And Brynard Stander completes the Force forward pack. He will skipper them at 8.

Tomas Cubelli at scrum-half. So does Jake McIntyre in 1st five-eighth. Marcel Brache prompted again from the bench to starting left wing. That is where he will replace Richard Kahui. Henry Taefu & Tevita Kuridrani on the midfield. Bryon Ralston stays on the right wing. And Jack McGregor replaces Rob Kearney at full-back. That sums up Force XV on Friday.

Subs

Jack Winchester at hooker. Angus Wagner & Santiago Medrano in the props. Ryan McCauley & Tim Anstee both at lock/loose forward. Ian Prior at scrum-half. Jono Lance alongside him at fly-half. And new signing from England it is Jordan Olowofela. He will be in reserve & look for some playing time later on at utility back.

Final Thoughts

Brumbies has unfinished business to catch up this Friday. Having came off a bye last week. They have the foundations needed with a balanced setup. Both in attack and defense that makes one of the successful teams in SRAU. Just needs to watch their discipline. Where the opposition have plenty of chances against them. And it will really hurt once the other team score. Brumbies have to avoid this if they are to return to winning tomorrow.

Western Force have a great defensive shape like the Rebels. Having seen them spot the opposition missed chances in the attack. And gave every chances to put as many points possible. Such as a few three-pointer penalty goals that kept them in contention. But they just need to remain patient going forward. It was not the case last week v Reds despite a very close matchup. As it will be the only weakness if the Force are to close out the Brumbies.

It will be another great game to watch between the reigning champions. And the Force who does not see themselves as a soft touch recently. But the Brumbies for me will return to winning ways by 8 points.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 5 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds stayed undefeated after four games so far. They are able to get ahead early this time. Credit to Tate McDermott who looked after the scrum at half-back. Picked up two assists there. One for himself & the other is Jock Campbell. He too secured the match-winning try late in the 2nd 40. And a double big score from Hunter Paisami in the inside midfield. Lots of running & talkup that ripped up the opposition.

The only weakness though is giving plenty of penalties & fumbles away. With not much opportunities with the ball on occasions. Reds had to witness what the Western Force had to offer up front. The away team did capitalize the Reds mistakes that kept them in the game.

Such as the 1st 40 big score from Felati Kaitu’u. And a couple of successful penalty goals from Jake McIntyre. But Reds luckily left them unscathed as the winners. Due to decent defensive work in the end. When the Force just did not remain patient with the finishing. They were isolated in contrary to what the Reds have shown last night. Western Force just need to work on this weakness next time.

It was a very close game indeed while we look back from the Friday game. Where the Melbourne Rebels host NSW Waratahs at home. It was just over once year since they host in Melbourne. Rebels did not play there last year due to COVID.

Melbourne Rebels were too easy to go back to back wins. They have a great defensive foundation. As seen so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Able to spot and ground down the Waratahs misfiring attacking third. Having seen them give away these penalties/turnovers there.

They used their opportunities wisely in return. And found some space where the Waratahs unable to chase down. With a couple of big scores along the way. There was great communication that provided a great passage of play. Found their man to assist their execution. And that is how the Rebels built their lead by a big margin.

Although, The Rebels began to falter in the last 10 minutes. When the Waratahs finally able to connect those support runners. And the away team may have gained two consolation tries. A couple of changes from the bench really have seen a different side. Tom Horton was really good as the reserve hooker. Got involved & assisted both big scores. Same goes to Jack Maddocks on the right wing. He too also scored the 2nd late score. Jeremy Williams would celebrate this first big moment. His first TRY at back up lock.

The Tahs do have a couple of young stars integrating to the first team. Alongside a great defensive setup that won them penalties/turnovers. But unfortunately the damage was done a lot longer beforehand. Too much ill-discipline & rushed through their attack. Despite having plenty of opportunities with the ball. It is not a good look when they lost by 15-20 points on the board. All they can do is win every game from Week 6. Seems like their Playoffs hopes is very bleak now.

Western Force will take a short trip to Canberra in a few days. Where they will face the ACT Brumbies on Friday. While the NSW Waratahs back at home on Saturday night. They will host the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium. And the Melbourne Rebels will take the bye.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Reds v Western Force Report

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds off to a great start at home in Brisbane. They are able to take advantage of the Western Force poor discipline. Thanks to a great scrum orchestrated/scored by half-back Tate McDermott. With Harry Wilson for the assist via the inside short ball. 7-0 after 9.

But they are not perfect at the same time as well. Having seen a couple of penalties lost against the Force. Which ultimately saw them score the three-point penalty goal. It did not take that quick though for the Reds to bounce back. Especially when they were patient in their third. Found some gaps on the far right side. And found Hunter Paisami with the finish. Reds 12-3 Western Force after the 17th minute.

Force did make up some lost time when they had the ball. Took their chance with patience this time. Credit is due from half-back Tomas Cubelli who needed his forwards help. And that request was answered successfully. As Felati Kaitu’u touched down the goal line. Alongside the push from Sitaleki Timani at second row (No.5). Force trails by 4 points after 20.

Reds next run were not the same from the 1st 20 mins. There were ill-discipline gained from their end. Especially when they defend. Plus a couple of unsuccessful conversions to try and extend the lead. Despite given some chances to lunch the attack. While the Force had more time with the ball. They might have fallen short towards the goal line during a couple of attempts. But the away team got a three-point penalty goal.

Half-Time is the Queensland Reds lead the Western Force by one point. 14-13.

Reds continued to have some attacking opportunities. But unable to get themselves over the line. Especially when the referee and the TMO rendered as No Try. And Force able to remain patient wth the ball carry. Which saw them take over the lead for the first time tonight. After the successful penalty goal from Jake McIntyre for the Force. 14-16 after 51.

Reds though able to flip the ball with the Force struggling to continue. Thanks to the push from Taniela Tupou who read their isolation well. Before they reclaimed the scoreboard lead. When Hunter Paisami found some gap through the gate for his 2nd touchdown. Reds 19-16 after 53. But Force leveled the lead not long later via another penalty goal. It is 19-19 square with 23 minutes left on the clock.

Before the Reds extended their lead again in the 67th minute. When the Force unable to get themselves ahead. Due to a lack of talk up there such as the fumble. And the Reds patient going forward. Tate McDermott once again looked after the scrum well. Found Suliasi Vunivalu quickly towards his left. Then assisted Jock Campbell with the Reds 4th touchdown.

Reds lead 26-19 with nearly ten minutes to go. They might have dealt a couple more discipline mistakes. Plus the fumbles involved as well. But managed to defend well in the end that secured the win. As Western Force did have some chances to level the score again. So this game can go into extra time. But spent too much time via the pick & drive. Alongside a lack of executions that ultimately cost the game.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU: Top 3 players from the Reds v Force

by Sports Benches

Tate McDermott played really well in the half-back role for the Reds. Very blessed to have so much control when he has the ball. You see how he orchestrated that scrum to stay square. They listed to how Tate wanted to attack. Pushed through to help him find some Force weaknesses. With credit from Harry Wilson via the quick ball release. And found his way past the goal line for the first Reds big score.

Same exact thing later in the 2nd 40. He looked at the opposition half. Called out Hunter Paisami who able to trick the Force by cutting inside. And secured his 2nd TRY. Then a tad later he got out quickly to rope Suliasi Vunivalu with the breakthrough. His winger ran past them with some space. Before Suliasi found Jock Campbell with the finish. Tate as always hands the keys to James O’Connor when starting the attack. Or boxxed kick when trying to trick the Force defenders.

Although, Tate did agree with the captain JOC there. There are plenty of ill-discipline and fumbles involved. Plus a lack of ball play on hand. Which saw the Force earned the points they need. In order to keep themselves in the game & hopefully hijack them for the win. But luckily the Reds defended well in the end.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Another Reds player who light up the attack is Suliasi Vunivalu. He plays on the right wing. Having got himself more involved in their final third. Got a great eye due to the directions set by the fantastic 9 & 10 combo. Tate McDermott as mentioned above. And James O’Connor.

He protected the Reds set phases in the ruck. Where Suliasi let Tate dictate the finishing. That saw Hunter Paisami wrapped up the touchdown from the midfield. Then he was guided later on from Tate to help him run through some space. Noticed his calls where the Force began to slip away. And found Jock Campbell with the finish. Although he needs to fine tune himself. Such as the high ball where he fumbled at times.

But safe to say that he is adapting so easily in Rugby Union. After he came over off a great run last year in the NRL. When he helped the Melbourne Storm to the Grand Final. Scored one of sensational big score that secured the title. Now he is exactly doing the same with the Reds. As they remain undefeated. Suliasi is a big & tall player as Allana Ferguson said on Nine/Stan. And there is no doubt Suliasi will continue to run down any opposition defenders. Based on his electric speed as long as they help him out. So he can get involved in the finishing more like tonight.

Jake McIntyre

He really had a great game tonight at No.10 for the Western Force. Credit is due to his forwards pack. Where the Reds gave away some penalties. The home team did not cooperate at times. Especially when defending for the majority. And it gave his Force side a chance with the ball on hand.

They managed to gain some meters going forward. With Brynard Stander giving Jake a safe pair of hands. Such as the penalty goal. The kicking is so neat into the goal posts. By the way he was a Red before heading off to France. Then coming back here for the Perth-based side. So some overseas experience really helped the Force. And kept an eye on the scoreboard.

Despite a great defensive setup & easy points strategy. The only weakness the Force did not match tonight. And it is the finishing. They have the ball carry for most of the time. Where Queensland Reds did not watch their discipline. But not enough talk up & direction. No support runners involved to help keep the ball alive. Saw one or two players being isolated. And it let him down. Even though it was by a seven-point difference. Force will take some positives by taking it to Canberra on Friday v Brumbies.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

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

by Sports Benches

Waratahs still unable to get themselves over the line. With four straight losses against them so far in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Although, they do know how to build some foundations. Such as the defense that won them some penalties.

As well as launching their attacking setup going forward. But lacked a couple of support players. Where one or two were isolated with no one to pass. They were also rushed through/impatient. That is how the Waratahs got left behind for the majority. A few changes though late in the 2nd half did see a different Tahs side firing. Credit to Tom Horton who was involved both in attack & defense. He assisted two late tries in the end. And put his name up for the 2 shirt next weekend v Reds. But the team as a whole not good.

While the Melbourne Rebels shown courage in front of their home fans. They always have a great eye on the defensive side. Especially when the Waratahs did not watch their discipline. And rushed through the attack with a lack of their support. It gave the home side a chance to get themselves ahead. And spotted some space in the final third where the Tahs cannot defend. Brought some decoy runners to support them. As the Rebels executed easily past the goal line. Great talk up to keep that ball carry. Plus their passage of play on the run home.

Not once and twice. Where Matt Toomua made a playmaking masterclass just by himself. Such as his running into space & the cross kicks. But three big scores including some penalty goals between the sticks. It helped the Rebels extend their lead by a comfortable margin. Although, the only weakness is the two late tries leaked v the Waratahs. When they began to falter with some penalties gained. But at least the Rebels did enough to win.

One game down so far in Week 5 of the Super Rugby AU. One to go tonight when the Reds v Western Force in Brisbane.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Rebels v Waratahs Report

by Sports Benches

Melbourne Rebels took the lead at the first attempt. With the penalty goal ticked off between the sticks. Thanks to Matt Toomua who grabbed three-points for the Rebels at home. 3-0 after five minutes.

While the Waratahs were inpatient going forward. They lost a couple of penalties so far tonight. As the Rebels able to capitalize in return. Thanks to a great setup from Pone Faamasulli. Having found Stacey Ili breaking through. Before Ili assisted Tom Pincus & finally Lachie Anderson with the touchdown. Rebels now 10-0 ahead of Waratahs by the 15th min.

Nothing much changed going into the 2nd half of the first 40. Waratahs did have some chances to bounce back. But became isolated without patience via the pick & drive. As they continued to concede penalties. Plus another six points inside the goal posts for Melbourne Rebels. Waratahs trails by 16-0 with a couple of minutes before the break.

The home side able to get around the Waratahs defensive line. When the Rebels scored a 2nd big score. Credit is due from the playmaker at fly-half himself in Matt Toomua. He found the opposition weakness on the far right. Found some space through the gate. Made a cross kick. Before Toomua executed by himself towards the TRY line. Melbourne Rebels with a decent lead at half-time, 23-0.

Waratahs still yet to score despite winning some penalties. The defensive run is a great start as seen during Week 3 v Force at home. But did not make up these chances when looking for the breakthrough. While Rebels able to extend their lead a bit further. As Reece Hodge got the penalty kick right from long range into the goal. Rebels 26-0 after 55 mins.

Then the same momentum still not moving from the Waratahs. When the Melbourne Rebels able to stay patient. Thanks to a great line-out and maul from the returning Jordan Uelese. He saw the opposition weaknesses not staying square. Before he made his way towards the touch line. And registered a 3rd Rebels touchdown. They lead by 33-0 with nearly 10 minutes left.

Away team at last found a breakthrough with 3 mins to go. Waratahs won a couple of penalties as of late. There is plenty of ball carry on hand. Where Carlo Tizzano found an easy feed first to Jeremy Williams. Then to Tame Edmed, Tom Horton & Jack Maddocks. And found Williams for the Tahs 1st TRY. Followed by a 2nd late touchdown. Backup half-back Henry Robertson ran a great line through the break. Despite some controversy with the fumble there. He managed to find Tom Horton for the pass. Before he offloaded to Jack Maddocks for the late comeback.

But it is still not enough to make up lost time. As the Rebels win at home 33-12 Waratahs.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK5: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Stacey Ili is outstanding who put a real shift in the Rebels midfield. He gives the credit to his forward pack. With the way they saw how the Waratahs attacked in return. And it was very isolated from the away side to have it executed alone.

He can make up hits and tackles when making up his defensive mindset. In order to protect and balance the workload with his forwards. That is how Stacey gave them a chance to build some set phases.

Where the Rebels managed to find themselves through the gate. Asked him to run alongside them through the channels. He catched the ball firm. With great set piece & passage of play. So he can find his man for the finish via the quick offload. In which was a job well done that inspired the Rebels tonight.

Richard Hardwick

Another Rebels player who shone at home is Richard Hardwick. He plays at openside flanker in the No.7 shirt. Got a great read in the defense. Able to look at the Waratahs attacking setup. Where they were impatient & one-dimensional.

Without the Waratahs bringing their support men further forward. Richard was able to ground them before turning the ball over. As the referee able to reward his way. Such a great defender to watch with the packed muscle. That gave every opportunity for his side to round it off.

Where he can play a great part of giving his backline a helping hand. As they do in reverse defensively. And it makes communication a brilliant flow between each other. This is how Richard contributed to the Rebels early momentum. With the winning penalties/turnovers involved. Which converts to more ball carries on hand. And even more points gained on the board. So the Waratahs unable to catch up in the end.

Tom Horton

He may have came off the bench for Dave Porecki in the 51st minute. But Tom made an impact immediately. His throw-ins was good. As well as a great eye to spot the Rebels weaknesses. Where they tend to dip down at times. And safe to say that Tom saw every bit of it. Having helped ground them down & turn the ball around.

Tom packs great physicality with plenty of mobility to move around. As said a bit earlier about his throw-ins. No doubt it has helped him launch the Waratahs attack. Where he can also get involved in advance. Such as two late assisted touchdowns towards the end of the game.

And it shows that Tom demonstrated flexibility both in attack & defense. He did well to add some winning penalties delivered for the Waratahs. Plus the late points needed to show some fightback in return. Even though their day was already done just before Tom walked in. This team now needs to rope him at No.2 next Saturday v Reds. If they are to win any games between Week 6 to Week 10.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

Reds

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

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

Subs

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

Rebels

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

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

Subs

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

Waratahs

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, Looking at Mark Nawaqanitawase who is looking to make full-back his own at the Waratahs

by Sports Benches

There is one player who was emerging as of late in the Waratahs. Look out for Mark Nawaqanitawase. He normally plays in the backline. Either at wing or full-back.

He might have a couple of games on the bench during Week 1 & 2. But his first start on 2021 went coming during Week 3 v Western Force at home. Mark instead started at full-back rather than on the wing. With Jack Maddocks part of the heavy loss v Brumbies away during Week 2. It does not mean Maddocks was dropped. But rather see a change of experiment between the two players.

Mark ran a lot of miles with covering up the backline. Where he has the height and strong physique to ground off the opposition. Not just in defense. But he can really kick via the cleanout. As well as communicating which would help give himself chances with the ball. And once he has the ball Mark just could not stop running until the very end. Thanks to some space needed to execute it perfectly.

Although his position switch did initially start to pay off. Despite not scoring any tries or assists. At least his presence did see the Tahs improve a few steps. Having seen them lead at half-time. But the only thing that struck against him is the cramps. After 60 minutes of play Mark had to call out for physio. And he just unable to hold out until the full 80. If he stayed then the result may have changed.

That would be the one key Waratahs player to watch this Friday. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. It will be on their turf for the first time in just over one year. Since the COVID pandemic began that halted all sports competitions for a while. It looks like that full-back is a position Mark wants to create long-term. He has played there throughout his junior career. And he is sending Jack Maddocks with big competition in this 15 shirt. The more, the merrier at the Waratahs. As they look to reboot their season after three losses.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail