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.
