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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa: Blues v Highlanders Report

by Sports Benches

Highlanders may have taken the three points early. Thanks to the penalty goal between the sticks after the Blues went offside. But have struggled for the majority in the attack. Which led to plenty of lost penalties & lack of ball carry.

While the Blues scored two tries in the first 40. One each from Otere Black & Caleb Clarke. Plus the one penalty goal also from Black in the 26th minute. As the home side lead 17-3 at the break. Blues continued to earn some tries. Having capitalised the Highlanders discipline mistakes. And their disjointed attacking feel. Which both has not been ticked off.

Despite the two late tries scored from the away team. Just not enough time to make up the their poor first 40. As the Blues closed the Highlanders out by a big margin at Eden Park. Final score is 39-17.

What a weekend of rugby it has been in Super Rugby. Both in Australia and New Zealand stand-alone competitions. With the Crusaders won from last night v Chiefs 39-17. Pretty much the exact same score too. After the Chiefs were a point behind 10-11 at half-time. But Crusaders just too good to exploit their attacking setup.

In which found it difficult for the Chiefs to fire on their own. Plus the lost penalties counted against them. As their search of a win still goes on next Saturday. When the Chiefs v the Hurricanes in Wellington. The Blues v Crusaders next Sunday at home.

You can look back at our weekend run of Super Rugby AU. Including our Top 3 players where we saw two super close & unpredictable games. Western Force v Melbourne Rebels from Friday. And Brumbies v Reds last night. Make sure you come back here tomorrow night for the NASCAR Cup Series fix. It is Race 5 of the 2021 season at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona. Like the Rugby we will have the Top 3 underdogs & mid-tier teams report card. Plus we look the best placed Toyota driver. And a debrief of that race itself.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa: Top 3 players from Blues v Highlanders Game

by Sports Benches

Akira Ioane is all rounder in the starting blindside spot for the Blues. Where he looked after his own forwards pack. In which added a robust defensive setup.

Highlanders are unable to get themselves over the line. Especially with a lack of decoy runners out there. Akira was alert to mark one down alone. Before he turned around that saw the ref hand that penalty/turnover to the Blues. This is pure hard work with plenty of physicality. But wait there is more about his runs in the attack.

Like how his backline troops talked well with him defensively. Where they were able to assist his aim to help win the ball on hand. Akira exactly gave a helping hand in return. He ran forward to keep an eye on Emoni Narawa. After Sam Nock cleared out. Then Narawa passed to his brother Rieko. And that talk up when the inside pass went to him. It was so easy for Akira to close out with the TRY. As he deserves an all-round Blues Performance.

Caleb Clarke

Another Blues star who was unstoppable on the left wing is Caleb Clarke. He just could not stop running all day. Credit to his forwards with the great defensive work. And the opposition lack of fire.

It gave them plenty of time to sort out his attacking setup. Caleb was ready straight away. Where he sprints towards the finish line. Thanks to a great offload from Rieko Ioane. And he touched down beautifully.

Caleb provides that pacey dimension in the Blues final third. As said with the poor discipline & lack of conversions from the Highlanders today. He went out there to help plant his team’s foundations. And the way they want to play. Which was not hard to put themselves ahead. Blues stayed there with the consistency for the whole game. Well done to Caleb who was destructive to the Highlanders own half.

Ash Dixon

I think the fresh change not long after the break have climbed back a bit. Meet that hooker who came off the bench. And made an impact straightaway. His name is Ash Dixon who plays for the Highlanders.

The way he brings so much physicality such as the throw-in. Handled the maul very well that successfully flipped the touchdown. Then forming these defensive blocks. This is something the away team have missed out on during the first 40.

His presence really gave what Ash can offer for the Dunedin-based side. He hopes to start in the No.2 shirt ahead of Liam Coltman. But just not his day today to witness the Blues win. When there was plenty of ill-discipline involved. Plus a lack of finishing to create difficulty on the other end. Not his fault though with very little time to compensate their poor 1st half. His run today would need more time to give the Hurricanes a tough road ahead.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 4 Round-Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies off to a great start with a patient run in the attack. With plenty of fumbles & defensive mistakes from the Reds. That saw the referee gave the Brumbies have the opportunity with the ball more. And saw excellent results along the way with incredible patience. With Pete Samu scored a double TRY in the first half. While Folau Faingaa handled the maul & throw well. He too deserved a mention in the big scoring books. They may still have held on a bit longer after the break. When Faingaa scored a 2nd TRY himself alongside Pete Samu.

But the Reds began to climb back. Having seen a few discipline mistakes/fumbles earlier on. Just like their last game v Rebels in Week 3. Bar the Suliasi Vunivalu TRY & 2 James O’Connor penalty goals.

Referee gave the ball in hand to Queensland. Where they shown incredible patience in their final third. Thanks to Taniela Tupou who put down to eat the home team lead by eight. Then followed up with a 2nd big score from Harry Wilson. Brumbies may have pulled the scoreboard away to eight again. When Samu found Issak Fines for the assisted TRY with 7 to go.

But just unable to hold on towards the final siren. When James O’Connor added the three-point goal again. Before Hunter Paisami made brilliant inside kick. Where Jordan Petaia capped off a game-winning TRY to level the scoreboard. O’Connor converts the two points. And Tupou gave the Brumbies their loss in the end, 38-40.

What a game of rugby between two halves throughout the full 80. So much attacking rugby on offer that through the very end. Reds now leapfrog the Brumbies on the ladder undefeated. While the home team for the first time in a couple of months. Wind back to Round 10 when they also lost to the Reds in Brisbane.

Also another great game from Friday to look at Week 4 in Super Rugby AU. As the Western Force returned home in Perth, Western Australia. Having came off a win win from Round 3 v the beleaguered Waratahs. This time they faced the Melbourne Rebels who have yet to win.

Rebels were patient to get by the Force in the 1st 40. Thanks to Lachie Anderson with the first big score. Where there was a great passage of play by Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge on the far right. Despite the lone touchdown scored in the lead up towards half-time. Force may be good defensively but just unable to execute.

Another big score taken away from the Force. Again credit is due through another patient run from the Rebels. The line-out penalty was good to help James Hanson set up the assist. Advised Marika Koroibete to run through the gate. And the plan really worked. With Joe Powell extending their lead to 10 points.

So a few changes in the subs may have put the Force back in the game. After seeing Jack McGregor fired back the full converted seven points. But just not enough time to compensate. When the finishing is still not consistent. You saw Fergus Lee-Warner isolated with no decoy runners. As the Rebels denied the Force home cheer in Perth by three points, 10-7.

Well the Force will have to wait until Week 9 in Melbourne. As their losing streak v the Rebels goes on. Despite they were just three points away from winning back to back. And the first time in a long time on home turf. But Rebels did not fall short this time. After two near wins v Reds & Brumbies respectively. Now they can really kick on with a 1st victory on hand.

We are at the halfway stage of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. Brumbies will take the bye before they return in Week 6. As the Rebels will take on the Waratahs at home in Melbourne on Friday. Which is the first time in a long time. Since early 2020 when the Super Rugby 1.0 was there before COVID struck down. And Rebels unable to play at home for a year. While the Reds come back home on Saturday Night. They will face the Western Force in Brisbane.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Brumbies v Reds Report

by Sports Benches

The Queensland Reds did not have a great start. With the offside from Angus Blyth. As the Brumbies got the early three point penalty goal. Thanks to their patience going forward when they had the ball. Having starting first at kickoff.

Reds struggled to hold on defensively as well as going forward. Where Jordan Petaia fumbled. Before the Brumbies took advantage of the scrum. Made some run meters while the Reds unable to watch their discipline. And it gave Nic White some time to spread out wide towards the far right. With a great passage of play Folau Faingaa to Noah Lolesio. Before Andy Muirhead assisted Pete Samu for the finish. Brumbies 10-0 Reds after 7.

Still not progress turned around from the away side. They did win a penalty at one time. But unable to find some decoy runners in their attacking third. And it ultimately took a big hit. When the Brumbies cleared out towards the other end. Now Suliasi Vunivalu may have grounded. But the ref gave the scrum to the Brumbies. Where they were patient via two winning penalties. And Folau Faingaa handled the maul well that made the TRY.

The Brumbies however began to make up some discipline mistakes. Especially in the defense. Plus the fumble at one time when building the attack. As the home side seen their lead cut from 17-0. To two three-point penalty goals. With Brumbies 17-6 Reds & leads by 11 points after 23 mins.

And the Brumbies 2nd run decline in the 40 continues. With the Reds able to save off the opposition attacking threat. Due to the credit from Tate McDermott. Stayed patient with the penalty throw-in. Before finding some space towards the finish on the far right. As James O’Connor & Harry Wilson assisted Vunivalu with the touchdown. Reds now 11-17 Brumbies.

But Brumbies extended their lead with 5 mins before half-time. Unfortunately for the Reds James O’Connor fumbled after their clearout. Gave themselves a chance to crack in return with the scrum. And Nic White showed great patience to find that inside ball. Where Pete Samu scored his 2nd try that upped the Brumbies lead, 24-13. Although, the Reds added a late penalty goal to bring 16-24 at the break.

Reds again losing these penalties with the poor defense/fumbling. Having seen the Brumbies given another crack in the attack. That saw Folau Faingaa score his 2nd touchdown. As the Brumbies extend their lead to 31-16 after 47 mins. The away side did have their chances to reduce the Brumbies lead. But unable to execute with a lack of decoy runners.

Despite a big 15 point lead held against the Reds. The away team began to climb back. Where they showed plenty of patience going forward. And with the advantage. Reds able to touch one down thanks to their tighthead prop Taniela Tupou. They are now 8 points behind the Brumbies with just 17 minutes left to go.

And the Reds able to build on their consistency at last. With two penalties handed to the away team. Before they are just one point behind the Brumbies. Due to the credit coming from the scrum staying square. As Harry Wilson able to go down low to cross past the touchdown line. It is the Reds 30-31 Brumbies with 10 to go.

But the Brumbies have not finished their day just yet. When they had the ball on hand. And found some space on the right-hand side. Pete Samu able to find Issak Fines with the finish. Brumbies extended their lead from one to eight points. Just 7 minutes left on the clock. The Reds would need a converted TRY & drop goal. If they are to upset the Brumbies on their turf.

Reds again cut the Brumbies lead by just one point. After Rob Valentini fumbled the ball. Which saw James O’Connor added three points via the penalty goal. Then followed up with another touchdown this time from Jordan Petaia. Before O’Connor added the two extra points to the Reds out in front. And held out defensively in the end. Brumbies 38-40 Reds at FT.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Reds Game

by Sports Benches

Taniela Tupou is such a hard worker at tighthead for the Reds tonight. It might have been a slow start. But at least he was able to put some shift in the 3 shirt.

He possesses such a strong physical presence. Where Taniela was able to identify the Brumbies discipline/defensive mistakes. And him in there were able to help the Reds have the ball in hand. As approved/given by the main referee.

Not just Taniela forming a couple of Reds defensive blocks. He can also help out the Reds attacking contributions. Where they were initially in trouble a couple of times in the first 40. The same happened during the Rebels at home in Week 3. But they finally able to group together. Having won a couple of penalties along the way.

And Tupou able to find his way with the TRY himself with less than 20 to go. Due to the scrum staying square. Before they helped him found a little gap down low that tricked the Brumbies. The opposition would be fuming why they were unable to hold him out. Congratulations to Taniela on his all-round run for the Reds tonight.

Hunter Paisami

Another Reds player who shown all-round quality is Hunter Paisami. Where he plays the outside centre role in the No.12 shirt.

He can make up the foundations to form a robust defense. Whenever his forwards pack needed a hand. Despite the slow start from Reds. Having seen the Brumbies lead beforehand in the first 40.

But like Taniela he really put a big effort in the last 40. And turned his game around that saw the Reds more better. He seen the Brumbies lost some penalties. Due to their poor discipline. And given a chance to show his attacking capabilities in return. Especially one of his great demos that saw the Reds level the score. Just very late in this game with 2 mins to go.

Hunter has the ball in hand when he made an inside kick through the TRY line. And advised Jordan Petaia with the chase quickly. Where Petaia handled the ball well on the touchdown line. This is really good talkup and assist making there. In which is going to help win games. As Hunter & Taniela have the same capabilities. Both the packed muscle and the pace needed to run down defenders.

Pete Samu

He was blessed with a great start built by his Brumbies side. Pete saw the Reds early fumbles alongside their lack of finishing. It was great reading to help him cancel their chances. And saw the Brumbies have the ball in hand often.

Where the backline were able to help what the Brumbies offer in return. And there is excellent communication. Such as Nic White who was able to find Andy Muirhead with the clear offload. Then Muirhead assisted him with the finish.

The same goes with White talking to him on the far left. After the Brumbies won that penalty via the scrum. Which was just a few minutes before he break. And White was able to find Samu with the small gap that help extend their lead. Both of his finishing were no different. Just so much physicality to marry up the pace. That is just all-round action there from Samu.

He has cemented the 1st choice Number 8 shirt for the Brumbies. Having came back to Australia from the Crusaders in New Zealand. Developed his game there to show how destructive he can be to the opposition. Which was difficult for the Reds to go through in the early stages tonight. However the Brumbies just unable to hold on. When the defensive & poor discipline gone against them. And the Reds got their chance that shown plenty of quality in the end. Best player alone for the Brumbies. But not for the whole team.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Force v Rebels Game Talk

by Sports Benches

It was a really close and low-scoring game between Force & Rebels. When the Force returned home after a win last week away from home v Tahs. While the Rebels have yet to win a game so far this season.

Rebels off to a great start with great patient going forward. When they finally found some space on the far right. Where Matt Toomua & Reece Hodge made a brilliant offload. And assisted Lachie Anderson with the first five-point score.

Force were good defensively that was in line with the Rebels setup. Having won some penalties/turnovers. But just unable to crack their finishing. When they were scoreless at the break. Before a couple more lost penalties saw the Rebels extend their lead. Thanks to some talk-up from James Hanson & Marika Koroibete. Which saw Koroibete break through the Force own half. And found Joe Powell towards the finish line that extended the lead to 10.

A few changes on the bench were applied from the Force. Where they began to climb back. The talkup finally began to get the whole group together. And get that passage of passes going which saw Jack McGregor touched down. Despite the late TRY & red card from the Rebels in Ross Haylett-Petty. Force were given another crack for a match-winning score at home.

They unfortunately just did not have enough patience/time in the end. There is still some mistakes the Force unable to match in the final third. Having seen Fergus Lee-Warner struggling to find some support. That saw the Rebels turnover thanks to their robust defense.

Final Score is Force 7-10 Rebels.

Such a brilliant production of rugby that gone down to the very end. Force almost ended up back to back wins. And the first in a long time on home soil. But just not last night. With the Rebels now back on track. Due to their foundations built in the defense. And able to flip out two brilliant attacking contributions. That denied the Force the win they needed. We cannot wait for the Brumbies v Reds tonight.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4: Top 3 players from Force v Rebels Game

by Sports Benches

Marika Koroibete just could not stop running all night. He brings so much attacking edge on offer in the 11 Rebels shirt. When he helped out with his forwards pack to stop the Force from scoring. He is good to tackle defensively based on their lack of decoy runners.

That part of contributing added more muscle to help turnover the ball. Before the forwards able to help Marika out in return. Having seen them gain some meters. Where he did offered some great reading to break through the gate. Added some protection on the far right. And Joe Powell was able to patten these passes to the Rebels backline. That saw Lachie Anderson take their first five-point score.

Another good example during the the 2nd half. The communication was there after the successful throw-in penalty. James Hanson was able to find a gap through the gate. And called Marika out for his help via the inside ball. Where he has the licence to thrill through some space. Then found Joe Powell on his left to assist the Rebels touchdown in the end. Now that is impressive attacking play communication.

He was the man of the match last week v Brumbies. Despite most of his backline were not really firing without his help. As the Rebels have a great defensive structure that can win penalties. But last night is all about helping the overall team out. And that helped the Rebels connect their XV to put these points early. Before holding off in the end. It is something they want to carry on v Waratahs next week.

James Hanson

He is very mindful and alert in the defensive play. Where James kept an eye out on what the Force wanted to plan in return. The opposition did not fire with the support they need. So he was able to form some decent blocks to cancel these runs.

So does their poor maul/scrum where the Force unable to stay square. And the poor communication there like these lack of conversions. It gave another chance for Hanson to unleash that physicality. Then there goes the ref for that Rebels turnover.

Again his impressive defensive play gave a helping hand in attack. The throw-ins are accurate to help win the line-out for his team. That one example he did in the 63rd minute saw the Rebels extend their lead. Where Hanson was able to spot an gap through the gate. Flicked the inside ball to Koroibete. And saw this winger speed straight through. Before Marika found Joe Powell towards the run home.

Got to praise his all-round work rate from last night. With competition heating up in the No.2 Rebels starting shirt. Especially with Jordan Uelese injured right now. He would be back in Week 7. So Hanson has to keep his good run v Force. And carry it v the beleaguered Waratahs next week.

Fergus Lee-Warner

He had a great game himself all night in the No.6 Force shirt. The defense was there as usual. Where he was able to read the Rebels missed chances at times. In which gave his Rebels side an opportunity to come back. Thanks to his physical build & tall reach. After winning the penalty or turnover having seen not much big scores.

But unfortunately there was not much support going forward. When his backline were not on the same page. As it was during last week v Waratahs in Parramatta. Just unable to replicate what the Rebels have shown during the 1st 40.

Although, a few changes with 20 minutes left saw the Force back in contention. But most of the starting backline. And their lack of contribution to support the Rebels forward pack cost them. When Fergus tried to force his way through the finish line alone. Once again just no support players to find. And that was the beginning of the end from the Force. With not much time to catch up in the end.

It may have been a really close game after all. If the Force won again then the home crowd would be off their seats. But not last night. As usual the foundations are there to help win turnovers & penalties. Just missing what their backline can offer in return. That would have seen them gain more points for the whole Force side. He will need them to be on their very best next Saturday in Brisbane. When they face 2nd best side Queensland Reds.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4 Preview: Brumbies v Reds

by Sports Benches

After the Force v Rebels Week 4 moves on to the Game of the Round. Which is the moment we have been waiting for. And also everyone can see it via Free to Air on 9Gem. It is the Grand Final rematch from last year. Brumbies v Queensland Reds.

Brumbies did win two games to one v Reds last year. It was the first meeting at home in Canberra. Where the home side just edged the Reds by two points, 22-20 in Round 5. In the 2nd fixture Brumbies chose to focused heavily on the final.

After the Brumbies ended up on top that guaranteed a Grand Final berth. So they fielded a weakened side. And lost to the Reds in Brisbane 26-7. But faced each other for the third time. When the Reds won v Rebels in the Playoff final at home 25-13. Before the Brumbies bounced back in the final at home 28-23 that cliched the title. As they are the reigning champions.

One of them will have to lose this Saturday night. While the winning side will still get to keep top spot. And try to hold it until the end of the round 10. When the 1st place team will straight go to the final.

Brumbies

Tom Ross replaces the suspended Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop. Where he joins Scott Sio on the other dial. As Folau Faingaa retains as hooker/main throw-in.

Darcy Swain & Caderyn Neville retains in the second row. So does Rob Valentini at blindside flanker. But Valentini is joined by Tom Cusack who will be captain in this game. With Jahrome Brown demoted to the bench. As Pete Samu rounds off the Brumbies forward line at Number 8.

Nic White starts at fly-half alongside Noah Lolesio in No.10. Mack Hansen & Andy Muirhead on the wings. Irae Simone & Len Ikitau in the centres. And Tom Banks completes their starting XV.

Subs

Lachlan Longeran behind Faingaa as the reserve hooker. Harry Lloyd & Archer Holz in the props. Nick Frost as backup for Swain & Neville. Jahrome Brown in the loose forward role. Ryan Longeran as half-back. Reejan Pasitoa in 2nd fly-half behind Noah Lolesio. And Issak Fines as utility back to cap off the Brumbies bench.

Queensland Reds

Dane Zander & Taniela Tupou starts in their loosehead & tighthead props. With Alex Mafi retained as the starting hooker.

Angus Blyth will be welcomed back by the return of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Where both of them will support his own front three at lock. Angus Scott-Young & Fraser McWright at blindside & openside flanker respectively. And Harry Wilson completes the Reds forward unit at Number Eight.

Tate McDermott starts at half-back with James O’Connor in 1st five-eighth. Filipo Daugunu on the left wing joined by Suliasi Vunivalu in his other flank. Hunter Paisami & Jordan Petaia playing centrally. As Jock Campbell rounds off the Reds starting XV.

Subs

Brandon Paenga-Amosa just returned from injury. But with Alex Mafi in-form during Week 2 v Melbourne Rebels at home. He will have to wait until at least 20-30 mins in the 2nd 40. Plenty of competition at the hooker department.

Harry Hoopert & Zane Nonggorr as the props. Ryan Smith at lock. Seru Uru who started at lock in the first two games. Now he returns to the bench as flanker. Moses Sorovi in the reserve half-back role. Bryce Hegarty at 1st five-eighth. And Josh Flook waiting in the wings as utility back.

Final Thoughts

This is a must see game for best of the best Australian Super Rugby sides. With the Brumbies & Reds so far undefeated.

Brumbies have a great attacking setup who can finish so destructively. Whenever they get the chance like in Round 2 v the Waratahs. Not so much last week despite some lost penalties. Which almost saw them lose to the Rebels. But Ryan Longeran saved them with the long-range penalty goal. If they can cut the ill-discipline then the Brumbies will flourish on all areas. Left, right and centre.

While the Reds also possess the same strengths as the Brumbies. They too also knocked down the Tahs so easily at home in Week 1. But again they will need to cut the discipline. If they are to defend well & support their backline. Where they made plenty of mistakes for the majority. That almost saw a big upset also by the Rebels. But Matt Toomua missed a penalty goal on the far left. And the Reds was lucky to finish that game unscathed.

Again very difficult but exciting to see what both sides have to offer. In terms of defense and attacking football. But I will have to go with the Brumbies. And they will beat the Reds at home by four points.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK4 Preview: Force v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night focuses on last week winner v Tahs in Western Force. They are back home for the 2nd time this season in Perth. Their opponents will be the Melbourne Rebels who yet to win so far.

Last year the Rebels won both meetings v Force. With the 2nd game they face in Round 10 last year was so close. Rebels able to escape them unscathed by a four-point victory 34-30. That moment helped them reach the Playoff final for the first time. Rebels went on to lose though v Reds 25-13. And ended up 3rd overall.

As said a bit earlier the Force did not win v Force in both games. Despite being four-points short in the 2nd meeting. They may have come back here again off a win v Waratahs last week. But Force have yet to win v Rebels since R16 7 July 2017, 31-22.

Western Force

Tom Robertson partners with Santiago Medrano in the props. Alongside Felati Kaitu’u as the starting hooker/throw-in.

Jeremy Thrush stays in the second row/lock at No.4. But will have a new man in Ryan McCauley. With Fergus Lee-Warner taking the blindside flanker role at 6. He will replace Tim Anstee who did well last week v Waratahs. Just not in tomorrow with no explanation after being left out.

Kane Koteka retains as openside flanker at 7. Before Skipper Brynard Stander rounds off the Force forwards pack at 8.

Tomas Cubelli starts at half-back alongside Jake McIntyre. Where Jake will play in a playmaker role. Toni Pulu out for Marcel Brache. As Byron Ralston retains on the right wing. So does Richard Kahui & Tevita Kuridrani in the middle. And Rob Kearney rounds off as No15/full-back.

Subs

Jack Winchester in for the suspended Andrew Ready at hooker. Angus Warner & Greg Holmes in the props. Sitaleki Timani at lock. Tomas Lezana can fill at flanker/No8. Ian Prior in scrum-half. Henry Taefu at reserve fly-half. And Jack McGregor completes the Force bench at utility back.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Pone Faamasulli in the props. Pone recovered from a nasty tackle from Allan Alaalatoa last week v Brumbies. James Hanson still starting as hooker. With Jordan Uelese out for another two weeks due to injury from R2.

Ross Haylett-Petty & Trevor Hosea retain their roles at lock. So does Josh Kemeny & Richard Harvick in the flanker roles. As Michael Wells rounds off the Rebels forwards unit. He will play at Number 8.

Joe Powell starts at 9 alongside skipper Matt Toomua in 1st five-eighth. Marika Koroibete & Lachie Anderson at their respective wing roles. Reece Hodge & Stacey Ili in the middle. And Tom Pincus will complete the Rebels starting XV.

Subs

Ed Craig behind James Hanson at reserve hooker. Issac Aedo Kailea & Lucio Sordoni as the reserve props. Steve Cummins in second row. Glen Vaihu in the utility backline. James Tuttle behind Joe Powell at half-back. With the Rebels yet to name their 2nd choice loose forward & back.

Final Thoughts

It will be a great game to watch with the Force playing at home again. One win is there away in Sydney. But satisfying their home crowd would be the next step up.

Their attack was brilliant last week with great passage of play. Especially from their forward pack who communicated very well. Before finding the finishing which helped reduce the pressure defensively. Just need to watch their discipline if the Force are to win again.

While the Rebels may have yet to win this season. Despite two near chance wins against their way. Can they go one better?

They got a great defense who can make up winning penalties. And send Toomua to strike within the sticks. Which happens all the time. That is a strength the Rebels possess. But they just needed their backline to help execute. And it would help connect that 2nd half run to win games.

If I was to decide between the Force & Rebels. Considering both of them possess plenty of International & Super Rugby expertise. But the Rebels would come off good this time & win by seven points.

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Rugby News Focus, Looking at the lack of Super Rugby coverage in the USA & Canada so far in 2021

by Sports Benches

It is somewhat surprising for those Super Rugby fans from America. When they are unable to tune in the first three rounds of Super Rugby. Not just Australia. But also the Aotearoa version in New Zealand too.

All due to the new three to five year year contracts kicking in. When Sky NZ already the first one to do so late 2019. The same goes to SuperSport in South Africa. They might not be around Super Rugby anymore. Ever since COVID hit one year ago. And eventually transferred all of their four teams to PRO Rugby in Europe. Such as the Sharks, Stormers, Lions and Bulls.

But it does not mean they are out of the south altogether. With the Springboks still in the Rugby Championship. In which will take place later this year. So the intense rivalry v All Blacks, Pumas & Wallabies are still on. At least for another ten seasons.

And we already talked about the new Australian Rugby tv deal a lot. When the Nine Network won the exclusive rights to cover rugby late last year. Effectively ended Fox Sports’ 25 year run. And Network 10 of eight years. Every rugby game acquired is via the paid Stan streaming service. Alongside one Super Rugby game per week plus finals for free on 9Gem. Every Wallabies games live on 9. And only 4 NSW & QLD club rugby games including all finals live on 9Gem.

Sadly this new TV deal finalized so late here affects both USA & UK. Since SANZAAR is the negotiator for all these packages. Super Rugby fans over in the north were asking their respective partners. Such as Sky in the UK & ESPN in the USA. I am not sure if TSN was part of the ESPN package in Canada. So far ESPN/TSN said that they will not be covering any Super Rugby this season.

But ESPN/TSN did not make any comment about the Rugby Championship. Which does see Argentina. Since they are the current TV holders over in the South American region. It even says on the Super Rugby NZ website that ESPN is still there. But only in South America. Sounds so harsh to the ESPN/TSN North American viewers.

While in the UK RugbyPass sorted out with SANZAAR during Round 2. But only the Super Rugby version in NZ. There is no clarity about the Australian comp. With talks still ongoing. So that would mean Sky UK out of the running. Since Sky UK were airing Southern Hemisphere rugby for over 20 years. When they were operated under Fox. But now owned by NBC/Comcast. Especially with very little rugby content themselves in recent years.

Whoever wins the Super Rugby rights gets the whole package. And shove it immediately for their North American viewers. So which potential TV/Streaming networks out there to pick up the pieces.

I do not think Fox Sports will get back to rugby again. They are better off with AFL and NRL. After they showed some rugby in the past. Before they were outbid by DirectTV in 2011-2015 & later ESPN from 2016-2020. The only other two genuine bidders is either NBC or CBS. Either network have yet to cover Super Rugby/Rugby Championship. But both have plenty of other rugby content on offer.

If I was SANZAAR then CBS would be the preferred bidder. Why? It is because NBC are undergoing the same changes. We already know that NBCSN will shut down by the end of this year. And put most of their sports via Peacock. With the bigger leagues still on the USA Network. In order to satisfy their cable/satellite customers.

CBS just renamed from CBS All Access to Paramount + a few days ago. It would be a perfect time to chuck in more sport for their brand. The European soccer was already there half a year ago with great success. Followed by some North & South American soccer along the way. Why not Super Rugby AU & Aotearoa in there every week on Paramount +. Every Finals game via the CBS Sports Network. And every Test involving the SANZAAR nations on Paramount + & CBSSN. Not a official rumour. But it is only my suggestion with six to seven weeks left in this competition.

While SANZAR is still seeking a North American rights holder. As well as RugbyPass to try & have Super Rugby AU/SANZAAR tests in the UK. Make sure return on Sports Benches every week for your Super Rugby AU content. Such as the preview, review, game talk, Top 3 players & round up. So much to cover that benefits the rugby community in Australia.

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