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Rugby News, Super Rugby Trans-Tasman can go ahead thanks to the reopening of the Australia-New Zealand border

by Sports Benches

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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Rugby Union News, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 7 Round Up

by Sports Benches

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can the Reds cope without Suliasi Vunivalu?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Rob Valetini

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

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

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

Jack McGregor

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

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

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

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

Brumbies

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

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

Subs

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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