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Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Melbourne Rebels v Western Force Game, Week 2 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific

by Sports Benches

Izack Rodda worked really hard on smashing through every blow of the Melbourne Rebels defense tonight. He brings valuable Super Rugby and overseas experience by his side on the second row at the Western Force, which helped play a part in their win at AAMI Park. It’s so easy to look through the lens when it comes to the Rebels’ ill-discipline mistakes and their lack of numbers, thanks to his fantastic two-meter height plus the packed physicality. And he provided the Force plenty of chances to get the job done, before they took these for granted with a few tries & successful kicks that made Rodda’s game easier to play around. Since he had a well-deserved rest after 70 minutes of play, Rodda hopes to recover in time for next Friday’s home clash v Reds and continue tormenting opposition defenders throughout this Super Rugby season.

Next up is Force team-mate Ian Prior at the starting half-back role, who heavily contributed with two assisted tries and plenty of converted points tonight v Rebels. Not only did he look after the Force’s attacking shape with great care and talk-up that helped them execute past the Rebels, but also his brilliant kicking skills when clearing out & converting inside these two goalposts. He’s been at the Force for many years now with plenty more left in the tank on offer, as his presence both on and off the pitch will help them put this team on the hunt towards more breakthrough success at Super Rugby level.

And Michael Wells never gave the Western Force an easy go at Number 8 for the Melbourne Rebels. Every time a Force player runs into him or his team-mates, Wells is always there to tackle plus push and shove that may have given him some pain, but he never backs down. Credit to the Rebels forward back and defensive contribution, where it helped them win a few penalties. It’s just the messy discipline & the miscommunicated attack, has played a part of their huge loss tonight, however. He desperately needed the attack to combine with their defense that can go a long way towards winning games & stay in the fight long-term.

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2022 Super Rugby Pacific Preview

by Admin

2022 is a big shakeup for super rugby. The competition includes three new teams and is now exclusive to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Despite the changes, this season should still be incredibly exciting.

Australian Teams

The closest thing we have had to super rugby over the last three years was the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman series last year. It was a series in which the Australian teams struggled massively, only winning two games against the five New Zealand teams in the competition.

It looks likely to be another year where Aussie teams will struggle. The Brumbies once again look to be the pick of the Australian teams despite the Reds winning their first domestic title in Super Rugby Australia last season. The Queensland Reds will be looking to compete thanks to a variety of international players like Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermott.

The Waratahs, Force and Rebels will all be looking for spots in the knockout stages, but it will not be easy. The Waratahs do see captain Michael Hooper return for 2022, but they still look to be towards the bottom end of the table. Both the Force and Rebels have lost a lot of test experience over the last year and it will sadly hurt them this season.

New Zealand Teams

After dominating the Trans-Tasman series last year, it looks to be another Super Rugby season dominated by Kiwi teams.

Favourites for their fourth title, the Crusaders have a wealth of international talent led by two time reigning player of the year Richie Mo’unga. Their talent also includes Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, George Bridge as well as recent addition Pablo Matera. They may have some competition for their fourth title in a row.

The Blues are welcoming back Beauden Barrett, while still having internationals like Rieko Ioane, Nepo Laulala and Dalton Papalii. They come into 2022 off the back of winning the Trans-Tasman series. The Chiefs could be a surprise this season despite the losses of Damain Mckenzie and Lachlan Boshier. The Chiefs have one of the most talented set of forwards in Super Rugby which could dominate any team on any day.

The Highlanders and Hurricanes both have a huge amount of talent on the squads. But the Highlanders will struggle having lost a third of their starting XV from the Trans-Tasman final. They have a brilliant leader in Aaron Smith, but will struggle to progress in the tournament. Similar situation for the Hurricanes with some major losses coming into the season. But the Hurricanes add Dom Bird and TJ Perenara and could surprise a few people this season.

Two New Pacific Teams

This season features two new teams, both based in the Pacific Islands. After many years of lobbying, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will join Super Rugby. Starting with the Fijian Drua. They have had a difficult preparation for Super Rugby due to COVID issues, meaning the squad is based on the NSW North Coast as they could not prepare in Fiji. It looks like the team will need some time to adapt to Super Rugby’s intensity. Their squad contains Olympic champions Napolioni Bolaca, Kalione Nasoko and Meli Derenalagi. Don’t be surprised if Fijian Drua make a push for the knockout stages this season.

The second new team is Moana Pasifika, made up of players from New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Australia, including 18 former or current internationals. Much like Fijian Drua, it will be a season of getting used to Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika. 110 capped Australian Sekope Kepu is captain for the 2022 season, bringing a huge amount of experience to the new team. Moana Pasifika will be very exciting in the upcoming season, but don’t expect them to be near the top of the table come the end of the season.

The Loss of South African Teams

The reshaped 2022 Super Rugby does not include any South African teams, after their Super Rugby licenses expired after the 2020 season. It does seem odd going into a Super Rugby season without the Bulls, Sharks, Lions or Stormers. Their exclusion opens the floor up a lot for either the New Zealand teams to take over or opportunities for the new teams or the Australian teams to step up.

Super Rugby is going to look very different this season. Losing the South African teams is big for the competition. Despite not competing with them domestically, South Africa is still playing against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship. It does show some disjointed thinking when it comes to Super Rugby’s thinking. But the 2022 changes bring plenty of opportunities for Pacific Island teams who have been trying to get into Super Rugby for years.

Predictions

In this new look Super Rugby, it looks as if it will be a few years until the new teams or the Australian teams can compete with the talent of the New Zealand teams. 2022 looks to be a similar story.

Working from the bottom up, I think the four teams that are likely to miss out on the knockout stages are most likely to be the Rebels, Force, Waratahs and Moana Pasifika. These teams just don’t have the talent to move any higher. In terms of the teams to get stuck at the quarterfinals, I could easily see these teams being the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Fijian Drua and the Brumbies. The Brumbies could be the surprise package this year, with the talent their squad possesses.

But this season will be dominated by the New Zealand teams. The Reds will be the exception to this, looking likely to at least reach the semi-finals. In an emotional season, the Chiefs will also be targeting a semi-final push, but it may be slightly too difficult for them to get past either of the two teams left.

These two aren’t exactly surprising to anyone who has followed Super Rugby over the last five years. The Blues welcome back Beauden Barrett after his time in Japan, the team has talent in all areas. But the Blues don’t quite have the two time reigning Super Rugby Player of the year.

I think at the end of the season, the Crusaders will lift their fourth title in a row. A team with Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Sam Whitelock and Joe Moody is too much talent for any team to compete with when you reach the knockouts. The Crusaders will win their fourth title in a row.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Week 5 Saturday Summary

by Sports Benches

It may be difficult for me to keep up with a few sporting events at the same time in a busy weekend which is so huge to cover so had to rest up at times with managing my body. But I will put in a summary of what we have seen so far from Week 5 of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

First of all, we will start with the Crusaders here and they may have won all five games so far in this cross-border competition between the Australian and New Zealand teams. That includes yesterday afternoon’s encounter v Melbourne Rebels at Leichardt Oval, New South Wales at 52-26. But they unfortunately did not meet the 33 point margin & bonus point requirements to pip The Blues for next weekend’s final.

It did not go the Crusaders way when The Blues had a big head start v Western Force in the 1st half at 28-0. The Aickland-based side were almost blown off by the Force’s fantastic comeback after the break alone but not enough time to catch up in the end at 31-21. So it’s an all New Zealand showdown once more at Eden Park & see who will take home this trophy ahead of the International leg which kicks off next month.

Then we go to Brookvale Oval for the final regular Super Rugby Trans-Tasman game as NSW Waratahs welcome The Chiefs from Waikato. Chiefs pulled away with the early lead before the home team registered a late first touch just right on half-time thanks to a Will Harrison cross kick that sent Mark Nawaqanitawase flying up high. But it’s the visitors who stole the show when Sean Wainui collected a whopping five tries at 7-40 that sums up the Tahs frustrating 2021 test.

We were excited to see them battle against the Kiwi counterparts beforehand after a wonderful 10 weeks of Super Rugby AU. But it’s no fun seeing the Australian teams fall way behind with only two wins out after five rounds in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman which saw all five of them out of the Top 2 almost immediately. There are some good moments however when it comes competing against the best, and it will benefit them in the long term from 2022.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Brumbies v Western Force Game Report

by Sports Benches

The first 32 minutes saw both Brumbies & Western Force fight for their first points. When they struggled to find any solution to get past the touch line going forward. So far the defensive work from Western Force got them ahead. Thanks to the three-point penalty goal. But Brumbies bounced back straight away. Thanks to the advantage against the Force.

And used that opportunity to nail down the Brumbies first touchdown from Tom Wright. After the home side used the short side towards the left with no way for the Force to prevent it. At the same time Force also lost a man in right winger Toni Pulu.

Where he made a dangerous tackle on Irae Simone. And received a straight red card. Before Brumbies scored another touchdown via Tom Banks. Brumbies 14-3 Force at half-time.

Western Force began to close down the lead despite having 14 men. When their defensive setup remained key to their strengths. Thanks to the successful scrum which led to another penalty goal. Brumbies 12-6 Western Force after 45 minutes. The away team however struggled to group themselves together in the attack. While Brumbies took advantage of their mistakes going forward.

Especially with plenty of patience via the ball in play. They might have been denied a touchdown. But pushed their extended lead via the penalty goal to nine. Brumbies 15-6 Western Force with 20 minutes left.

Before Force bounced back a bit with the three-point penalty goal. Score remains to the Brumbies in front at 15-9 going into the final ten minutes of play. But still struggled to get going in the attack.

Where Ryan Longeran kicked enough into the goal. That pushed the Brumbies ahead by another three-points. The home team leads at 18-9 with six minutes left. In the end Western Force unable to get away their lack of attacking awareness. After another penalty goal was enough to pull it off first at the finish line. Final score is Brumbies 21-9 Western Force. As the home side will face Queensland Reds next Saturday for the Final.

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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Western Force

by Sports Benches

Rob Valetini is an all-rounder on the blindside tonight. He is so powerful with a balance of speed and physicality. That is how he was able to make every meter off the Force. When the away side unable to get themselves together going forward.

It is the one strength Valetini was able to help out. Thanks to the communication needed to help his backline find some space. And execute these offloads towards the touch line. Which is exactly where the Brumbies was able to court two touchdowns. Just in between the final five to ten minutes of the first half. Once again it does not isolate this attacking setup.

Valetini has been a key player at loose forward. Having played at Number 8 during Week 9 v Melbourne Rebels. He is 22 years old with a bright future ahead both provincial & country. Very important to have him stay there for the big final v Reds. If he can guide his Brumbies team to another premiership. Then his skillset will be a cautionary tale to the New Zealand sides. When the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman begins in two weeks time.

Tom Wright

He played very well on the left wing tonight. The reading was there when his opposition struggled with the attack. It is something Tom did well to cancel that line out kick penalty attempt. And give his Brumbies team the chance to rebound.

It might have taken a while during the first 40 to try and get ahead. But eventually things do start to gel. Thanks to the Western Force who did not really turn around. Apart from the defense. Where the Brumbies remained patient. Before they supplied Tom with the talk up & offload. Which allowed him to get the job done via some room for the touchdown.

His contribution helped the Brumbies stay ahead. As said a while ago that communication is important. Then unpack that physicality. It is exactly how his side are able to close out towards the finish line. Especially during a low scoring game against a defensive minded Force. Now they hope to continue this journey. And look to win their 2nd straight title v Reds.

Tom Robertson

He is a great asset at loosehead for Western Force. Where he has years of Super Rugby expertise. Having played with the Waratahs in the past. And came to Perth this year. It is a good move after fall. After he helped guide his side to their first ever finals tour. In which is a great achievement. While his old side were languishing as the woodern spooners.

The defensive structure is there. Due to his physical build. As his other forwards department guys do. That is a strength Western Force lifted during the beginning of the game. They won a few penalties as well as turnovers to try and reset the momentum. At least the Force were in the game for the majority. It is great teamwork from Tom at his finest who gave his 100%.

But the only thing that lets his down is a lack of attacking feel. We saw how Toni Pulu made a big tackle on Irae Simone just before HT. Referee found it very unnecessary and sent him with a straight red card. As well as a lack of talk up going forward. It means there was no chance of getting themselves over the TRY line. And it ultimately saw the Force being eliminated. But credit to them for the fairytale work through the regular portion.

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Queensland Reds

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Richard Kahui

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

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

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

Izaia Perese

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

Western Force

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

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

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

Subs

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

Waratahs

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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