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Western Force

Rugby

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Suliasi Vunivalu

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

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

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

Jake McIntyre

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

Reds

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

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

Subs

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

Western Force

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

Final Score is Force 7-10 Rebels.

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

James Hanson

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

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

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

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

Fergus Lee-Warner

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

Western Force

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

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

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

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

Subs

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

Melbourne Rebels

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

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

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

Subs

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Sports Benches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 3 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Rebels off to a great start thanks to a great first 40 defensively. Where they were able to spot the Brumbies ill-discipline choices. And move ahead via a series of three-point penalty goals.

But the away team have struggled on occasions in the attack. That is one weakness the Rebels did not match with the Brumbies. They got a patient attacking setup after they won some penalties. Maul was square before moved to the left with some space. Where Noah Lolesio asssisted Len Ikitau for the TRY.

Although, Brumbies continued to struggle with the lost penalties. Including the poor defense. Which saw Allan Alaalatoa received the red card. After he put out a dangerous tackle on the other Rebels prop dial Pone Faamasulli. So the Rebels lead Brumbies 12-10 at the HT break.

Rebels still holding on tight defensively as it was during the 1st 40. But the finishing & ill-discipline remained the same. When they collapsed the maul after losing the penalty. And saw James Hanson cop a yellow card. With the referee awarded a penalty try to the Brumbies. It did not mean Rebels are out of the game just yet.

They continued to add more three-point penalty goals. When the Brumbies let themselves down with the poor choices defensively. But a few changes arranged from Brumbies coach gave them a reprieve. Most notably half-back Ryan Longeran who came off the bench. And assisted Tom Banks for the TRY. When the Brumbies had their chances upfront.

Rebels almost held the Brumbies back at the first attempt before Full-Time. But Richard Hardwick made a mistake that gave the home team a penalty. Where Ryan Lonergan went on to sink a long range penalty kick into the goal. And the Brumbies camp went wild for this game-winning moment. Final score went the Brumbies way 24-21 Rebels in Canberra.

What a week it has been in Round 3 of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. With Western Force upset the Waratahs from Friday night. Tahs off to a great start with the early touchdown from Dave Porecki. He was the starting hooker in that game for Tom Horton. Plus a solid defense that helped Will Harrison put a penalty goal.

But Tahs were lopsided in the attack unfortunately. When the Force began to bounce back. With one touchdown in the 1st 40 to stay close to the Tahs. Before adding another one via the opposition lost penalty. They took their chances well with patience. Especially via a great line-out where Tim Anstee quickly touched home.

Force may have copped an unnecessary blow from Andrew Ready. Having clashed with Tom Horton in the ruck. And punched him through the chest that saw him pick up a red card. But able to hold on defensively in the end. When the Tahs unable to find the feel within their attacking setup. After sub Triston Reilly unable to crack the defense out side.

As the Force kicked into touch for the win by four points 20-16. This is a big moment from the Perth-based side. Since they re-entered Super Rugby last year under the Australian only comp. After two and a bit years of absence from this competition.

While the Waratahs were heartbreaking at home. Despite some improved shift this time around. Just a lack of executions from the backline. Especially with Mark Nawaqanitawase experimented at starting full-back. He might have offered oozes of pace. But suffered some cramps that forced him to come off. There will be more questions demanded for the underperforming side. With a bye next week before the Rebels away in Week 5.

Roll onto Week 4 now in the 2021 Super Rugby AU. The Western Force will return home in Perth this Friday. They will host the Rebels who are looking for their first win of the season. While the Brumbies remain at home again. But this time it will be up against an undefeated Reds side.

Two interesting games ahead. Especially with the Brumbies v Reds Grand Final rematch. Brumbies narrowly escaped the Rebels unscathed last night. Will they do the same to remain undefeated. Or it is revenge time at last to go one better from the Reds? We cannot wait!! Make sure you return to Sports Benches website tomorrow night. As I will bring you some NASCAR Cup content. It is Race 4 of the 2021 season from Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Waratahs v Force Game Talk

by Sports Benches

It was such a thrilling game to watch last night. When the Waratahs fired off with the touchdown from Dave Porecki. Where he displaced Tom Horton as the 1st choice hooker. Did not take that long for the Tahs to put a more experienced figure. Having showed plenty of impact immediately.

That forward pack from the home side with the way they set out. Not just taking advantage of the Western Force slow start. When there are lost penalties hit against them. And the Tahs able to get ahead in the first 20 mins. Thanks to two penalty goals from No.10 Will Harrison.

But last 20 mins during the 1st 40 saw the Tahs began to drop the momentum. This time they cop the ill-discipline. As well as the backline continue to lose these conversions. Where the Force bounced back. Credit to their patient run going forward. You see the lovely inside pass from Jeremy Thrush. Before he lets Tim Anstee run through the gate. And able to find Fergus Lee-Warner for the TRY.

Then the Tahs momentum hit rock bottom with no signs of turnaround. It was the same old during the 2nd run of the first 40. When the Force added another big score. Thanks to successful throw-in via the penalty. And Tim Anstee this time teared the Tahs wall apart through a brilliant maul. Having seen the Force take over the lead by 4 points with 25 mins left.

Although, the Force was spun around when they played with 14 men. It was down to sub Andrew Ready who clashed physically with Tom Horton. Ready unfortunately retaliated so he had to be red carded. As the Tahs able to capitalize a bit with the penalty goal. So the Tahs eat the Force lead by just 1 point (16-17).

The only thing the Tahs unable to connect is a misfiring backline. Where these missed potential tries ultimately hurt them. Saw another lost penalty that leaked three points between the sticks.

And Tahs might have the last chance during the final siren. Even though Triston Reilly had the chance to cap off towards the far right. Just unable to unlock in the end. With the Force narrowly closed the Tahs out for their breakthrough win.

The final score is Waratahs 16-20 Western Force. One game done now in Week 3. With another big game to look forward tonight for the Brumbies v Rebels.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Waratahs v Western Force Game Report

by Sports Benches

Waratahs fired off to a great start after two straight losses so far. The several changes with some experienced stars showed intense. When the Tahs noticed the Western Force early mistakes.

As Dave Porecki used the line-out penalty from the five meter line. Before he kept the maul square that marked the 1st touchdown. Waratahs 7-0 after 5 mins.

Western Force on the other hand are behind the Tahs. They did not make up their best chances upfront. Despite having won a penalty or two. But the ill-discipline beats them to the punch. With Will Harrison flicked the successful penalty goal. Waratahs 10-0 Force after 15 mins.

Still no sign of improvement from the Force. As their finishing chances have not yet turned a corner. In turned to lost penalties.While the Tahs lead comfortably via another penalty goal. The home team lead 13-0 after 24 minutes on the clock.

Force finally found the breakthrough with under 10 to go. Jeremy Thrush flicked the inside ball to Tim Anstee. Where Antstee cracked through the Tahs gate. Before he found Fergus Lee-Warner for the smooth finish. Western Force now 7-13 Waratahs.

Then the Force were patient again when starting the attack. And saw some gains along the way. With the Tahs beginning to drop the momentum. Such as the poor discipline against the home side. Followed by a few leaked points. Force closing in after the successful penalty goal 10-13.

After the break Western Force leapfroged Waratahs for the lead. The ill-discipline and some lost conversions haunted the home team. When Force took their penalty right. As Tim Anstee found his way through this gate for the touchdown. 25 mins left with Force lead Tahs by 4 points.

Force despite narrow leading the game lost a man. When sub Andrew Ready clashed with Tom Horton in the ruck. And the referee red carded Ready after he punched Horton on the chest. The away side did win a penalty thanks to Richard Kahui. But struggled on occasions with 14 men. As Will Harrison closed in the Tahs scoreboard by 1 point. Thanks to the successful penalty goal in the 73rd min.

In the end the Tahs was almost close towards winning. Especially with Triston Reilly trying to touchdown on the far right side. But was shut down by the Force defense that gone into touch. And Western Force just closed out the Waratahs for the win they deserve. Final score at Parramatta Stadium is 16-20.

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