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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

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

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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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU WK3: Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Western Force game

by Sports Benches

Tim Anstee is one of the superstars tonight in the Force shirt. He is age 23 who plays blindside flanker at No.6.

He is happy with the requirements needed to produce. When Tim came in to look after his defensive play. So the Waratahs cannot slip past the Force own field. Got a good look at what they play. And helped his troops nail down the ball to turnover.

Communication not just important to protect the Force defense. And wipe away the Waratahs executions. He can apply the same traits going forward. When Tim has that tall reach & physicality to run.

A good example of his version of attacking approach. That would be once again as said earlier communication. You see Jeremy Thrush offload him with the inside pass. Then Tim activates his attacking instincts through the gate. It might not be the touchdown the first time. But at least he was not isolated. When he found Fergus Lee Warner for the big finish.

Although Anstee did get the touchdown himself later on. There is also talk up where it is an important aspect to test in any sport. Tim got a good read on how to split the Tahs defense. Before the Force line out was good. And you can see a brilliant offload immediately. As Tim exactly planned it right on the money.

It was Tim Anstee’s first start of the 2021 Super Rugby AU. After he made some minutes two weeks ago at home v Brumbies. He is settling very well into the XV game from the 7s tour. Gives him the tools of using the physicality & pace on all areas. And his run tonight shows that he can make a name for himself in Super Rugby. He is still learning from guys who played at International level. That will be a big benefit for his career in the long run.

Fergus Lee-Warner

Another Western Force star who stands out is Fergus Lee-Warner. He stars in a robust forwards unit with Tim Anstee.

He has got the tall height to look at the Tahs attacking setup. The home team lost these chances. Before he was able to help his troops turnover the ball. Thanks to the support he needed to form those blocks.

And he pays them the same work rate in the attack. Just like Fergus need a lot of powerful bodies to cancel the Tahs potential touchdowns. Used the physical trait and some pace in the final third.

Where you see Tim Anstee also running on the same page as Fergus. After a brilliant inside pass from veteran Jeremy Thrush on his opposite lock role. Gave his hand up to Anstee. With excellent talk up to let Fergus find his touchdown zone himself.

It goes to show that he is such an all-rounder in the Force side. Possessing all of the above attributes needed to produce a winning run. Especially when he follows their lead off captain Brynard Stander.

Well done on looking after his troops and help back himself up. In case of what the Tahs throw at them in return. Before presenting their own version. And wows them with valuable points on the board.

Jack Dempsey

It is hard yet again to see the Waratahs got shut down short. Despite some improved progress tonight. After coming here with two heavy defeats beforehand.

The one individual player who puts so much effort is Jack Dempsey. He looked after the Tahs defense with a great start.

Especially when he and his forwards unit able to spot the Force mistakes. And took their chances with the line-out. Where Dempsey was able to push the maul forward. Before giving his team-mate Dave Porecki for the 1st touchdown.

So this is great team-work and direction to guide his troops upfront. Not just the mind reading off the Force missed chances on occasions. Then apply with the physical strength to turn it around.

Same thing happens when he contributes going forward. Has got the physicality to break through the Force dummies. Just not enough support hand ups around him to help with the consistency. Where Jack forced to be isolated. While his backline dropped the ball. And saw his troops unfortunately beaten to the punch.

Not the night he wanted when he sat down upset in the dressing room. It is not his fault. Just issues way beyond the Tahs on field performance. All they can do now is show up as a different NSW side in Week 5. As next week is their week off.

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

by Sports Benches

Tomorrow night is a very crucial night at BankWest Stadium in Parramatta. All eyes are on the NSW Waratahs. This is their first home game of 2021. And just came back with two heavy losses against them.

Even though these defeats come from the Reds & Brumbies. It is still not acceptable to see themselves as low-tier. With heaps of pressure annoying head coach Rob Penney. As they host the Western Force.

While Force also came in with a loss in Round 1 v Brumbies at home. They did not play last week due to a bye. But the Perth-based team have yet to win a game in Super Rugby AU. Since their re-admission last year. Hoping an influx of marquee International signings will lift them up.

Waratahs

Angus Bell is out with an ankle injury so Tetera Faulkner steps in his spot. With Harry Johnson-Holmes stays on as tighthead prop. Plus Dave Porecki in for Tom Horton as the 1st choice hooker.

Sam Caird retains his second row role at No.4. As Hugh Sinclair displaced Jack Whetton. Lachie Swinton & Carlo Tizzano in the flanker roles. And Jack Dempsey rounds out the Tahs defense at No.8.

Jack Grant starts in scrum-half alongside Will Harrison at No.10. James Ramm & Jack Maddocks on the wings. When Maddocks swapped his full-back role with Mark Nawaqanitawase. And both Tepai Moeroa & Alex Newsome in the middle.

Subs

Tom Horton has a chance to bounce back ahead of Porecki. If he jumps off later tomorrow night. Sio Tatola & Chris Talakai as back up props. Jack Whetton in the 2nd choice locks. So does Jeremy Williams who plays loose forward. Henry Robertson behind Grant. Tame Edmed ready to kick if Harrison comes off. And Triston Reilly as utility reserve back.

Western Force

Their front three was intact from Round 1 v Brumbies. Tom Robertson & Santiago Medrano in the props. Alongside Felati Kaitu’u where he will be 1st choice hooker.

Jeremy Thrush & Fergus-Lee Warner in the second row/lock. Tim Anstee & Kane Koteka as flankers. Before Brynard Stander rounds out the Force defense.

Tomas Cubelli starts at 9. With Tom McIntyre in first five-eighth. Toni Pulu & Byron Ralston on the wings. Richard Kahui & Tevita Kurindrani playing centrally. And Rob Kearney at full-back. With a few changes to complete their starting XV.

Subs

Andrew Ready as the back up hooker behind Kaitu’u. Angus Warner & Greg Holmes in the 2nd choice props. Ryan McCauley at second row. Tomas Lezana dropped back here after he started two weeks ago. Ian Prior as the reserve half-back. Domingo Mitotti as backup for Tom McIntyre. And Marcel Brache ready to find some minutes anywhere at the backline.

Final Thoughts

It will be a hard game to see which winless team comes out first. With 7 weeks left that first win of 2021 would mean a sign of resurgence. As the Tahs & Force are in a long way from reaching the Top 3. If it means trying to reach the Playoffs spots.

You got a young and inexperienced side who are tipped for the long run. Which does remind me of the Reds 2-3 years ago. When Brad Thorn first took over as head coach. And on the other side you got a very experienced team. At least for the majority who played Super Rugby & International level before. While some youth get to learn from this senior group.

Despite what Force has got on their disposal. It would be the Tahs who will bounce back by 10 points. And they hope to get the ball rolling. Especially with some youngsters settling in to the first team setting. Having once been dominant before a few years back in Super Rugby.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby AU Week 2 Round Up

by Sports Benches

Brumbies too good with the best of their attacking masterclass.

They took these chances well when the Waratahs looked misfiring at the back.

And the results are there with superior communication from their forwards. Having noticed the Tahs weaknesses in which turned into plenty of lost penalties/ball possession in the final third.

Able to plant a few phases before helping out the Brumbies backline unit dictate their play on all areas.

These are the moments that saw the Brumbies take home an easy win 61-10. Now they lead the Super Rugby AU ladder ahead of the Reds. With two home games over the next two weeks. When they take on the Melbourne Rebels next Saturday night. While the Reds take the week off from tomorrow. Before they come down here for Week 4 the week after. In which is going to be a very wild grand final revisit.

That is a side the Brumbies will not view the Rebels as an easy task. Rebels almost produced a shock win v the Reds two days back. When Matt Toomua cashed these penalty goals. Mistake after mistake from the Reds ill-discipline. As well as the unbalanced XV not firing off than expected in the 1st half. Even though it was a tryless portion. Reds still do not see this part of performance as good enough.

Fortunately for the Reds they came back from behind in the last 40. When there was attacking encouragement. Their backs may not been involved a lot for the majority. They still made mistakes going forward that conceded points in some ways. In contary to the forwards producing the hard work. Especially with the double touchdown from Alex Mafi. But the late change from Suliasi Vunivalu saw a better Reds side in the end. It is 1/2 strength that the Rebels unable to match.

Brumbies would still need to watch their discipline. And keep connecting the whole squad unpacking the attack. Plus the defense to be aware of the opppositon mistakes. Just like they did last night. If they want to keep their winning streak alive. Because in Round 6 last year the Brumbies were beaten by Rebels 30-12.

Waratahs on the other hand seen a misfiring backline let down the forwards hard work. Especially when the away side got the early lead. But then things went upside down ever since. Hard going through the first two games away from home. Ahead of a first home game of 2021 on Friday v Western Force who have yet to win a game as well.

Interesting to see if the Tahs can find the home ground advantage as a route to get themselves back on track. If the Tahs lose v Force, there will be lots of pressure from head coach Rob Penney. Not a good look here from the once dominant team as of late.

Roll on Week 3 now of Super Rugby AU.

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