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Western Force

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sitaleki Timani

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

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

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

Lewis Holland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebels

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

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

Subs

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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Glad to see the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman leg going ahead. When New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arderh gave the green light yesterday. So Australia and New Zealand are allowed to travel each other. Without the need to quarantine in return for just both of us.

The earliest we can travel to NZ begins on April 19. Which is just right ahead of Anzac Day on April 25. I cannot wait personally to see one of the New Zealand teams come here. And battle against the best of the Australian sides. We might be on the closing stages of the Super Rugby AU at Week 8. Two weeks of round-Robin match ups. Followed by a Qualifying Final & Final. The Aotearoa portion catches up just after six rounds of play. With four weeks left followed by the one big final.

Then we have the condensed five round competition. Plus the Final before the International Tests come in. It will be the best sides of both countries. I would love the Super Round to happen. Where all 10 teams get to play a week in the one venue. But it will not happen for just this year. Fingers crossed for 2022 though.

It does not mean we will be able to go to another state. Or pop up a weekend in the Ditch before going home on Sunday.

There is no better time right now to see Crusaders v Brumbies. Two of the best in each end. As well as Blues v Reds where they both resurged in their own domestic portions. It will benefit the best of Australia and New Zealand. Helping each other out to test these limits. Which is going to be more competitive. And even entertaining in the long-run. That would finally see the Wallabies win the silverware off NZ every few years.

Although the Super Rugby AU has been wonderful since mid-2020. You have all five Australian teams batting out for the one title. It makes most sports fans here reignite the game. With more exciting rules via the 50/22 or 22/50 kick. Plus the Goal Line Drop Out. More free kicks. And the Golden TRY through extra time.

But the only weakness is this competition runs for 10-12 weeks. Unlike the Aussie Rules & Rugby League. The full transition into a 20-24 week Trans-Tasman comp from 2022 will help. Teams such as South Africa, Argentina & Japan are not there anymore. Which saves long travel times and overnight stays up. That is no more.

Image Reference: Wikipedia

And I am saving it on Friday May 14 as the opening date. Highlanders face the Queensland Reds in Dunedin. As well as sometime during any of the five rounds on-site. We just cannot wait to watch both as a fan and update here on this blog!

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Reds wrap up in Melbourne still up front v the Rebels. They fired off with three spectacular touch scores in the first 20 minutes. Might have faltered in between on occasions. When the lost penalties slapped against them. That saw the home side began catch up to a ten point buffer at half-time. But they were able to regroup together with more big scores. So the momentum returned as it was from the beginning. Thanks to their impressive attacking setup. The more the Reds have the ball in hand. The better it will be to dictate the game and cap it off their way.

Rebels on the other hand be disappointed not to win another one at home. They eventually got the ball rolling. Especially with Frank Lomani got involved a lot more going forward. So much pace that helped put some points for this side. Plus the talkup that brought a couple of his own through the channels. The same goes to Michael Wells on his defensive contribution. Having seen him dived in the Reds poor areas and flipped into winning penalties. But sadly it is about the slow starts & inconsistent long runs. Like the fumbling & impatient setup last night. As this limit plenty of chances with the ball.

Final Score: Rebels 19-44 Reds

While we look back at the Friday night game in the same round. It was the NSW Waratahs hosting their 2nd home game of 2021. This time at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their opponents is the defending Super Rugby AU champs ACT Brumbies.

Waratahs have improved in some ways after a tough week beforehand. Thanks to the return of usual half-back Jake Gordon. He really gave this embattled team a hand. Where the Tahs gave themselves ample time with the ball. Due to the brilliant work in defense. And were firing that picked a few touch points. But they were gutted not to get the conversion kick right after 80 mins. Tahs still need to fix their discipline. As well as the patience going forward. Then this side would be able to finally get a win. But not this game.

And the Brumbies left the SCG unscathed with the two point win. It was a close one to escape after the Tahs missed conversion kick. They were not cooperating for the majority. Having seen them lose plenty of penalties via the ill-discipline. It saw two players receive the yellow card. Most notably Tom Cusack who was hit with a double yellow that turned into red. This is one area they need to fix before their next meeting in Brisbane. But there is no doubt their attack is still superior as seen in the first 40. They got themselves on the board early. Before stayed ahead with a decent total that gave the best chance to win.

Final Score: Waratahs 22-24 Brumbies

We are going into Week 8 of 10 in the round-robin portion. Rebels will still be at home in Melbourne on Friday night. As their next meeting is against the Western Force from Perth. While Saturday night sees the Reds v Brumbies. Now we will wait and see where they will play. It will be a Queensland home game. But with the recent spike of COVID cases there. The ground is still yet to be confirmed at this stage. And the Waratahs will take the bye.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can the Reds cope without Suliasi Vunivalu?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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