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Rugby News, Darren Coleman takes up the NSW Waratahs job in a rebuilding project ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby season

by Sports Benches

Great move by the NSW Waratahs to have someone named Darren Coleman who knows the system in NSW very well!

Especially when he developed a great reputation in club rugby, which is the first grade Shute Shield level. Having guided Gordon to a championship last season.

He will finish coaching the LA Giltinis soon in Los Angeles for the Major League Rugby before moving back to Sydney.

It will be a difficult ride for sure after a disastrous 2021 campaign but is here for the long haul, so the Tahs can return to winning ways & most of all win trophies.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final: Top 3 players from the Blues v Highlanders

by Sports Benches

Hoskins Sotutu has wowed his Blues fans all night at Number 8. Where he was part of building a great defensive shape. As the Highlanders began to suffer with the poor discipline despite leading early. The reading was there to help convert the focus from defense to attack. Before he made them stabilise with the patience.

That is how he was able to help get away with the winning penalties. In which did lead towards a spectacular first 40 touchdown from Mark Talea. While the next half after the break may not exactly been the same. But once again Hoskins found a way to expose their main weaknesses. And it would be the lack of conversion/execution going forward.

As soon as the Blues found them isolated at the back of their danger area. Hoskins picked up the pieces before he gave Blake Gibson the winning moment. Such an all-round performance on the back row that backed his natural game. Hoskins has improved over the past year starting with Super Rugby Aotearoa. And he puts so much hard work for his provincial team every week. So the tight competition is there should he start for the All Blacks.

Mark Talea

He also played really well on the right wing tonight for Auckland Blues. The credit was there at the start when his side were patient. Having seen the opponents struggle to find their way past the Blues terroritory. So Mark took care of that defensively with the vision & tackle.

Then he was so ready when Blues found a way to process these conversions. And Otere Black at one point cross kicked straight to him. Where he has the tall reach to keep the ball in play on the far left. Before Mark unleashed the pace to cap off an easy ride for the touchdown.

It helped his side lead towards the half-time break. Now they may have lost the lead again before the final 10 minutes of the night. But Mark lended a hand to protect his own forward pack. It prevented

the Highlanders from smashing The Blues brick wall. Before they went on to turnaround the away team’s isolation on their own half. That helped Hoskins set up another TRY which ultimately confirmed as the winners. Overall Mark is such a team player where he can haunt any other opposition. Courtesy of his attacking awareness such as the pace to provide the execution. Plus the defensive skills with the tackling & protect his forwards.

Jona Nareki

He ran really hard on both fronts in attack & defense. Where Jona did his best to stop The Blues from bypassing his own way. The physicality and pace is there to cancel these phases on occasions. It helped the referee choose a couple of winning penalties to his Highlanders team.

As they were able to make up the correct three-point penalty kicks possible. But the one big weakness that let him down tonight is the executions. They did have their chances to build some pressure back to The Blues upfront. It was either a lack of long-term planning or just rushed through it. There was no way Jona was unable to get past The Blues end, When they were held back by the ill-discipline.

And despite seeing his side leading again it was still not enough to hold off. It is quite hard for Jona to go through this as runners-up. The Highlanders came from a long way from the back half of Super Rugby NZ. Before they wowed everyone during the Trans-Tasman leg out of nowhere. Especially when they had a free run against the five Australian teams. He now to go one better next year regardless of the format. Whether it will be Super Rugby NZ or a full Trans-Tasman season.

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Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final: Blues v Highlanders

by Sports Benches

Such a competitive first 40 from both teams in the Blues & Highlanders. Blues were very patient when it comes to the attack. A number of winning penalties provided those opportunities needed to get ahead. Before Mark Talea managed to touch down the big score first. Thanks to a fantastic cross kick from Otere Black.

Highlanders also doing well with plenty of involvement in the Blues zone at the start. The early three-point penalty goal reflected the build up base built defensively. But they need to sort out their lost penalties through the ill-discipline.

As the Highlanders were messy with the poor throw-ins & attacking chances. The yellow card of Ash Dixon gave the Blues some fightback. Although, the away team are not of the race just yet ahead of half-time. They just added another three-point penalty goal in the 35th minute. The score going into the 2nd half is 13-6 to Blues.

Blues may have not had the chance to extend their lead for a while. So nothing much changed when the Highlanders began to catch up at one point. Despite the fact they have scored a series of correct penalty goals against them.

But the home side did not waste any time catching up immediately. Especially when Harry Plummer’s kick from the difficult angle sinked in. Before Hoskins Sotutu found a way to turnover a scrambled Highlanders gate. That is how he got away where he assisted Blake Gibson with the finish. As Blues managed to shut them down after the full 80, 23-15 at Eden Park.

The 18 year drought is finally over for the Blues on home soil in Auckland. They deserve this moment after finishing 2nd in the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa. It might not have been the same in the same NZ-only comp before the Trans-Tasman began. But The Blues came in clean with picking up as many victories + points possible. And they ended up as victors tonight thanks to their patient attacking shape. That is how The Blues took advantage of the Hurricanes errors.

Such as the ill-discipline and lack of executions despite the penalty goals. It puts so much pressure to their defensive end that was so hard to hold off. Thanks to Hoskins Sotutu who handed Blake Gibson the Blues winning moment. Now we are looking at the International Test season starting next month. It is a three-match tour between Australia v France.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Week 5 Saturday Summary

by Sports Benches

It may be difficult for me to keep up with a few sporting events at the same time in a busy weekend which is so huge to cover so had to rest up at times with managing my body. But I will put in a summary of what we have seen so far from Week 5 of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

First of all, we will start with the Crusaders here and they may have won all five games so far in this cross-border competition between the Australian and New Zealand teams. That includes yesterday afternoon’s encounter v Melbourne Rebels at Leichardt Oval, New South Wales at 52-26. But they unfortunately did not meet the 33 point margin & bonus point requirements to pip The Blues for next weekend’s final.

It did not go the Crusaders way when The Blues had a big head start v Western Force in the 1st half at 28-0. The Aickland-based side were almost blown off by the Force’s fantastic comeback after the break alone but not enough time to catch up in the end at 31-21. So it’s an all New Zealand showdown once more at Eden Park & see who will take home this trophy ahead of the International leg which kicks off next month.

Then we go to Brookvale Oval for the final regular Super Rugby Trans-Tasman game as NSW Waratahs welcome The Chiefs from Waikato. Chiefs pulled away with the early lead before the home team registered a late first touch just right on half-time thanks to a Will Harrison cross kick that sent Mark Nawaqanitawase flying up high. But it’s the visitors who stole the show when Sean Wainui collected a whopping five tries at 7-40 that sums up the Tahs frustrating 2021 test.

We were excited to see them battle against the Kiwi counterparts beforehand after a wonderful 10 weeks of Super Rugby AU. But it’s no fun seeing the Australian teams fall way behind with only two wins out after five rounds in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman which saw all five of them out of the Top 2 almost immediately. There are some good moments however when it comes competing against the best, and it will benefit them in the long term from 2022.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Brumbies v Hurricanes

by Sports Benches

It was a low scoring affair in Canberra between Brumbies v Canes. The home team were able to get away first thanks to Ryan Longeran. While Canes were held back due to ill-discipline they too have leveled it up. With courtesy of Dane Coles before they won the penalty just before HT. As Jordie Barrett knicked one well from long range between the sticks. The score was Brumbies 7-10 Hurricanes.

But nothing much happened from the Canes after the break however. When they still dealt with the same mistakes from the first 40. It gave the Brums ample time to get it done up front. Thanks to the change of subs & penalties Len Ikitau struck back with the TRY. Although the Canes have plenty of chances towards a late win. But not enough time to get their attacking shape organised. With Jordie Barrett unable to clear the kick into the goal posts. As ACT Brumbies end the Canes unbeaten run on home soil (12-10).

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Top 3 players from the Brumbies v Hurricanes

by Sports Benches

Bayley Kuenzle has been great last night for the Brumbies. It may not be the usual craft he occupies at fly-half but started in the midfield. Where he & Len Ikitau were patient going forward based on the Canes early errors. That is how they were able to get away with the headstart in the first 40.

His side may be a tad behind at the half-time break. But the Canes have not changed much with their shape since then. So he read it well again to apply those tackle busts going forward. Before they eventually found a way to get the lead back. Thanks to the winning penalties that saw Ikitau score this TRY.

In the end the Canes thought they have bounced back. But the constant mistakes along the way & being ill-organised denied them the win. Bayley showed that he is capable of playing a key role for the Brumbies. The playmaking skills is there to add some pace/physicality. While looking to find some decoy runners towards the execution. Those skills he learned at No.10 can be transferred to an any attacking role. Especially in the midfield where Bayley can still have a bright future here. And credit to the defense on ending the Canes winning run.

Rob Valetini

How about we applaud on Rob Valetini who plays in the Brums blindside. Where he has been so exceptional in all areas last night. Even when going up against a strong New Zealand side in the Hurricanes. Well he has kept them quiet for the majority based on their ill-discipline. It is something Rob has kept himself patient when being given the ball.

That took ample time to force his way past the Canes end. But his Brumbies side eventually found a way to stamp their first touch points. As Rob unpacked the physicality in contrast to what Hurricanes cannot offer. Now the Brums may be a tad behind at HT via the penalty goal. But he again noticed the lack of Canes progress going forward. Where he managed to repeat his best strengths in return. Before applying the defensive skills to block them out. And make the Canes rush with heaps of pressure towards the final siren. Which gave his team a sigh of relief at home.

Rob has a bright future ahead for both club & country. Not only he was destructive against the Australian sides earlier on. But learning from playing off the Kiwi teams is what made himself better. Having protected his forwards pack from the Canes messy work. Then adding some blows against them going forward. It shows that he is ready to take on the All Blacks & Springboks later this year. And Dave Rennie should use his him v France as preparation for next month.

Dane Coles

He has been very productive at hooker for the Canes last night. Having gone off the ground immediately to protect his defenders. And block out the Brumbies early conversion attempts. With great teamwork & talkup that won penalties.

It allowed his backline to get themselves into touch via Jordie Barrett. Where Dane managed to keep his toes going forward with the maul. Before he touched one down for the first five points. In which later became seven thanks to the successful conversion kick. This goes to show that he still has a lot to offer in all areas. Even at age 34 right now he has the leadership to pull off. And it made the youth stars around him & his life at the Canes easier.

But unfortunately they just fell very short in the end. When there is plenty of ill-discipline going on that saw the Brums being patient. Then putting the pressure back to his side which is very hard to stop defensively. It limits the ability to get organised going forward that saw Jordie being isolated.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Reds v Blues

by Sports Benches

Queensland Reds came in without their main man of James O’Connor. It was a late blow just hours before the game started in Brisbane. We do not know why for sure which delayed his 100th game.

But they had to move on without him via an early headstart. Courtesy of a quick inside ball from Hunter Paisami in the midfield. As Harry Wilson launched straight through for their first touch points.

The majority of the game however was controlled by The Blues. When they took advantage of the Reds ill-discipline & disjointed attack. Having scored two tries in the first 40 to go ahead by 10 points at half-time. Before they extend their lead further with two more touch tries accrued after HT.

Although the Reds began to chase down from behind in the last 20-25 minutes. Where they accrued a mix of touch scores & few penalty goals. But Queensland Reds unfortunately did not have much time to settle a draw in the end. When Dalton Papalii caught Harry Wilson alone with the turnover. Before Jonathan Ruru kicked into touch. As The Blues win by 7 points (24-31) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

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Australian Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD4: Top 3 players from the Reds v Blues Game

by Sports Benches

Pat Tuipulotu was one of the Blues big contributors last night. When he started on the second row at No.5. The impact was there straightaway both in attack & defense. In which helps his side reduce the workload and be more patient upfront.

It is something Patrick did exactly just like that with the assists/tries. He has a great read while the Reds defenders were under pressure. Before he unpacks the physicality to push themselves closer to the touch area. And it really set up a easy route in accruing maximum points possible. With credit to Pat who contributed both tries in the first 40.

The work is not over yet though after the half-time break. This time his backline put in the great work closer to the Reds danger zone. When Mark Talea ran really well but fell a tad short. Before Pat answered his help & extended The Blues lead with the try himself. This is really good communication in making up a well balanced attack. Like how Pat talked up well to have a decoy runner by his side. So the human shield is there for Mark to complete the execution. Then the same goes for Mark to reach out for help & Pat answers his cause. Well done to Pat who put out a great shift that helped get ahead early. And he also got an early mark too after 65 minutes. So he can recharge in the final round next week.

Mark Telea

He was so electric last night on The Blues right wing position at No.14. Where he has to credit to the forwards contribution. That would be in a way to spot the Reds lack of executions. Before his side took advantage of it and cashed in patiently.

This is an effective strategy to bide some time going forward. Then let them find clues to break the Reds chain. Which made life for Talea so easy to make up two contributing tries in the first 40. The first one was a great offload from Pat Tuipulotu. Where Pat called out his second rower to add some backup. And that is how Mark was able to extend The Blues lead. Then he was given another chance to extend his 2nd & ran wide.

It may have fell short when he battled against a few defenders alone. But at least he reached out for support to avoid getting isolated. And Pat answered his call just after the break. This shows how his Blues side stayed patient when given the ball. Communication is one thing via the short passes. Before processing the physicality which Mark took great care in the end. He is really tall who can get behind his team. Then he can run that anyone else unable to catch him. He does reminds me of Bryan Habana for the Springboks. And Mark does have both Samoan and South African blood. But it will be interesting if he dons the All Blacks.

Harry Wilson

He did his best possible in a losing side last night at Number 8. Queensland Reds may be a tad behind during the start. But the defensive shape is always there as a positive. It tested his skills in a way that helped them win a couple of penalties.

Before Harry was able to get some support runners. Thanks to Hunter Paisami in the midfield via a short ball offload. And translated his attacking outlet both with the physicality/speed. In which saw him accrue the first of three touchdowns of the night. With Brandon Paenga-Amosa scoring the second after the break that also came from his forwards pack. That communication is there from Paisami who spotted a clear gap. So Harry pulled off past The Blues defenders.

But for the majority they were isolated unfortunately. Thanks to the Reds lack of conversions with their attacking shape going forward. It is something they are unable to bridge that weakness in order to catch up. As Harry needs plenty of help from the backline to sort out. Especially when they are going up against the top ranked Hurricanes. Three-point penalty goals are there late in the second 40. Due credit as said with the defensive application. Just not enough time to settle for a draw at least after the final siren.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Reds v Chiefs Report

by Sports Benches

Reds fired off with a great start in Townsville. Chiefs on the other hand have been good defensively. But struggled with the ill-discipline. Such as the deliberate fumble from Chase Tiatia. While Queensland were under advantage. That cost the away team a penalty TRY. Tiatia was instantly given a yellow card by the referee. He had to sit out for ten minutes.

Followed by a fabulous inside ball from Tate McDermott. Where he helped Issac Henry finish the clear chase. Before Tate was bumped heavily by Damian McKenzie. As the referee sent him off under red for the rest of tonight. With Chiefs now on 13 men. Reds continued to take advantage of their decline.

When the home team made a patient play via the far right corner. There was clear passage of passes. And it gave the perfect offload for Suliasi Vunivalu who finished their 3rd TRY. Then built another touchdown off the back from Feao Fotuaika. Plus the 5th big score based on the penalties accrued. Which eventually saw Isaac Henry register his 2nd touch finish. It goes to show that Reds shown patience going forward so far tonight.

Half-Time: Reds 33-3 Chiefs

Reds continued their momentum after the break. They were patient off the back from James O’Connor at 10. Where he produced a stunning cross kick on the right flank. Saw Suliasi Vunivalu catch the ball first. Before drifting towards the opposite flank. And saw a clear route with the finish courtesy of Filipo Daugunu.

Chiefs eventually got themselves settled at last. Thanks to them finishing the 20 minute red card rule. Which puts them on a level playing field with the Reds. They may not have Damian McKenzie back for the rest of the night. But they have some fresh faces coming off the bench. And look to stake their claim for next game.

They began to catch up with a couple of touch points. Having seen the forwards make up the hard work upfront. As seen earlier defensively. While Queensland are faltering at the same time. Before one or two on the backline gave them a huge threat. And look to break their hearts towards the final siren. But Reds hold off so tight for the winning scrum & lockout.

Final score: Reds 40-34 Chiefs

Reds really took advantage of the Chiefs rough play. And did just that with as many touchdowns scored in the first 40. Before they stayed ahead. With 13 men at the time Reds were patient going forward. The passage of play was there. Alongside the use of wide areas via the channels. It was well set up to throw decoy runners. Which saw them become the 1st Australian team to win in this comp. Despite the poor last 20 minutes that almost end up as a loss.

Chiefs at last never gave up. Especially during late in the 2nd half alone. They were unstoppable to give the Reds a huge threat in the final third. Credit to their forwards who kept a great eye on the Reds faults. Both in the defensive shape at first. Followed by the attack. That eventually saw one/two players score from the backline. Which they were almost close towards winning. But not enough time due to ill-discipline earlier on.

Reds will be at home once again. But at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. When they host The Blues from Auckland. That is Friday night. While Chiefs return home in Waikato next Saturday afternoon. Their next challengers are the Melbourne Rebels. Three down, two rounds to go.

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Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD3: Top 3 players from the Reds v Chiefs Game

by Sports Benches

Isaac Henry has given a fresh new option in the midfield. Where he plays on the inside centre. After Hamish Stewart was inconsistent at times. As well as Jordan Petaia remains sidelined. I think it would be injury. Despite seeing this combo worked well with Hunter Paisami. That was during the Reds winning streak. At least mightily of 2021 Super Rugby AU.

He credits the 9 & 10 combo who communicated well. You see how the teamwork is there. As well as the patience flowing through the passage of play. It allowed to stay close. Before the short ball came to Issac. And he controlled the offload really well towards the touch line.

Not just one but also two tries during the first half. What a way to introduce himself in the 2021 Super Rugby TT. Especially when we have not seen him in SR AU at all. But against one of the competitive New Zealand teams. This is a great learning experience for him in the long term. The more Issac goes up against the difficult sides. Regardless of the results in the end. The better he will be able to hold his position by himself. He has a great mentor of Hunter Paisami who knows the Reds spirit. As long as Hunter does not get injured. Issac wants to learn from him as much as possible. There is two rounds left before the International leg starts. For now Issac is hoping to keep it consistent like tonight. Before we will find out in 2022 if Isaac can be a regular starter at No.12.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

He worked really hard on the Reds second row. Where he pairs up alongside youngster Ryan Smith. The build up base is there when Lukhan noticed the Chiefs early struggles. Especially with the lopsided teamwork from their backline.

It is something Lukhan took advantage during the first 40. And his attacking ability was tested. When he made a couple of tackling busts against the opposition defense. In which saw him showcase the packed muscle. Plus some pace to help make the Reds find a clear direction. So it makes life easier for his backline to wrap it up home. And thanks to him they were able to accrue four/five touch tries. In order to stay ahead of HT.

He might need some help next time. As the last 20 minutes of the game was dominated by the Chiefs. Especially with a few changes off the bench. When the Reds did not have a couple of chances up front. Having seen them go back to 15 men. And eventually became settled that almost lost the game. But as always they defended so tight until the final siren. And Reds were able to put their last minute scares to bed. Thanks to being the first Australian team to win in Super Rugby TT.

Lachlan Boshier

He looked after the Chiefs well tonight especially on the openside. The defensive shape was a great start to deny the Reds attacking chances. Which was part of his watch on protect his forwards. As well as have his backline roped in to help out. It is a strength that helped win a few penalties.

These types of practices ultimately helped them score a few touch points. At least during the 2nd 40. Unfortunately they were swamped by the ill-discipline. The rough play through the foul play. As well as the aggressive/illegal tackling. Which held them back for the majority. With little time to catch up towards the final siren.

So far in the Super Rugby TT the forwards are always great in this area. You look at how Luke Jacobson was outstanding last week v Brumbies. Same goes to Boshier tonight. Plus most of these tryscorers also coming from this forward line. Where they can have the ability to make up in both ways. Both attack & defense. They just need the backline help from now on. As just winning without scoring many touches will not cut it. They have the chance to bounce back v Rebels & Waratahs. Just two rounds left before the grand final.

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