Tag:

Suncorp Stadium

Rugby

Rugby News, Wallabies regain the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate with back to back wins v reigning World Champions the Springboks

by Sports Benches

Brilliant first-half performance from both the Wallabies and Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane with a three-point difference at the half-time break 15-12.

Wallabies fired off very well courtesy of a double score from Len Ikitau in the midfield but need to improve their discipline especially when Lachie Swinton was slapped with a yellow card in the 33rd min if they want to leave this battle v Boks undefeated 2-0.

Boks, on the other hand, has won a few penalties where Handre Pollard at fly-half successfully converted a couple of penalty goals into the post but South Africa needs to be patient through the executions & cut the ill-discipline/lost penalties that would ultimately dictate this match.

In the end, the Wallabies had a complete performance when they may have lost the lead at one point just after the break but turned around thanks to a few fresh faces off the bench as well as Taniela Tupou’s all-round play & Marika Koroibete’s double TRY.

And the Boks may have stolen the lead at one point just after the break courtesy of Faf De Klerk’s little cross-kick to Lukhanyo Am but unable to kick on when their attack continues to lack the consistent execution as well as more ill-discipline that prevented them from closing in the Wallabies.

Full-Time: Wallabies 30-17 Springboks

Wallabies ended their two-match meeting this year with the Boks as undefeated alongside the series win which saw them regain the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate as they have two more games left v Los Pumas from Argentina over the next two weeks.

The Springboks have two tough weeks to prepare v All Blacks going into the closing stages of this tournament, they are just five points behind them right now pending on the All Blacks’ result v Argentina later on but should the men in black lose then the Boks are not out of the running just yet.

Watch this space going into the last two weeks of the 2021 Rugby Championship.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Australian Rugby News, Game 3 of the 2021 Australia v France Series

by Sports Benches

Great start from France who jumped ahead early, with credit coming from a robust defense that became the build up base in the 1st half.

But it’s the Wallabies who stole the show despite the red card controversy that left Marika Koroibete punished & had to play 14 men.

Nevertheless, they moved on with two wonderful tries (Tate McDermott & Noah Lolesio) off the back of France’s impatient attacking shape.

The home side tied 20-20 apiece at the break before they were able to get away with the win last night that sealed the three-game series 2-1.

France did make up some lost time off the work from Teddy Thomas who kept them in contention, but their impatience going forward especially with the lack of communication saw the Wallabies win that turnover before they kicked out.

And what a series indeed with three close finishes from both teams that reflected the top product of International Rugby.

Next up from the Wallabies is the three-game Bledisloe Cup Series v All Blacks starting on Saturday, August 7 at Eden Park, Auckland.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from Game 3 of the 2021 Wallabies v France Tour

by Sports Benches

Darcy Swain is outstanding on debut at the second row where he kept a robust French attack quiet, especially in the dying seconds that helped the Wallabies kick out for the win.

He already has the Brumbies mentality applied last night that was taught from Super Rugby, which it’s crucial to step up & handle against International opposition.

And Darcy used his tall reach with his vision/physicality that highlighted France’s weaknesses before he took it with both hands with some attacking help along the way. Well done with many more to come if he plays again next month v All Blacks.

Then we move onto fellow Brumbies team-mate Noah Lolesio who is sensational at first five-eighth.

The kicking accuracy is there as usual even from difficult distances that ultimately secured last night’s Game 3 & series tour win (2-1) for the Wallabies.

Noah also shown much physicality thanks to his creative vision that was too hard to chase him down. Not only he was patient when he had the ball in hand, but spotted their lack of communication via the passage of play before he intercepted in return with the 1st half big score.

So really good representation from both Brumbies stars who can become key players at both provincial & International level in the next couple of years.

Cameron Woki is not an easy opponent to run into at the openside back row for France, where he’s solid as a rock in defense that earned them winning penalties.

He handled the maul well going forward during the first half, so great setup towards an early lead via the TRY thanks to half-back Baptiste Couilloud.

But the one thing that stopped the French from winning is the impatient attacking shape, and it’s something they lack on occasions that ultimately saw the Wallabies steal in return.

#AUSvFRA #InternationalRugby #Rugby #RugbyUnion #Wallabies #France

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Australia v France Game 1 of 3 Test Series & Top 3 players Review

by Sports Benches

What a close matchup between the Wallabies & France in Game 1 of 3 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

The French may have clinched the 1st half alone 7-15, with two superb tries coming from Gabin Villière on the left wing.

He demonstrated so much pace off their early patience upfront, especially when he was blessed with the inside ball support from Jonathan Danty in the midfield.

But it doesn’t mean the game is over yet for the Wallabies to catch up, having seen them settle in following the slow starts.

Michael Hooper was exceptional as always on the openside back row, where not only he held the French accountable with the defensively.

But he can be a great plot in the attack as well. Such an all-rounder with so much physicality & leadership if I can say a couple of words to Mick.

And how about Taniela Tupou who came off the bench at tighthead with 30 mins to go?

The best part about him is his attacking setup, as he has the reading, pace & muscle that helped Australia stay in contention.

It’s something the French found it difficult to handle on their danger zone, which hindered chances to stay ahead like it was in the first 40. Even the three-point penalty goals wasn’t enough to provide that boost they hope to close out.

Without Taniela on it wouldn’t be possible where he didn’t start Game 1 behind Allan Alaalatoa. What a way to wow in front of his Queensland Reds home fortress. 2nd Game moves to AAMI Park in Melbourne next Tuesday, as the Wallabies win 23-21 France & lead this series 1-0.

#AUSvFRA #Wallabies #France #MichaelHooper #TanielaTupou #GabinVillière #Rugby #RugbyUnion #InternationalRugby #TestRugby #SuncorpStadium

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman RD2: Reds v Crusaders Game Review

by Sports Benches

Last night was the best of both Super Rugby sides in each country. One from Australia and the other across the ditch. It is Queensland Reds take on Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Perfect timing to commemorate the 10 year anniversary. When they battled it out for the 2011 Super Rugby final at the time. And Queensland trumped the most successful Super Rugby team for the major win.

Unfortunately it was not the same however when it comes to this game. Which is Round 2 of 5 in the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. The defensive shape is one of the strengths Queensland have picked up. Which saw them win a few penalties. And eventually got it going with a couple of tries in the final 40. But for the majority they were disjointed in their attacking run. There was really little to no decoy runners around them through the channels. It backfired their passage of play that failed to bridge towards the execution. Thanks to the brilliant read from the Crusaders the away team got away with plenty of points on the board. Before it was way too late to catch up after the full 80.

On the other hand Crusaders were simply outstanding on all areas. They defended really well off the Reds impatient attacking test. It has gaps and holes around their corner. Which demonstrates poor communication & passage of play. And took advantage to their own mistakes. From there the away team were able to remain patient on the run home. Before Crusaders ultimately got around the Reds wall that accrued a whopping 60+ points. Richie Mo’unga has been sensational in the playmaker role via the physicality & kicking. So does Sam Whitelock on the second row who cancelled the Reds conversion plans. And Sevu Reece continues to light up with the executions on the right wing. That is how you see the best of attacking football which entertains their own fans.

The final score is 28-63. As none of the five Australian Super Rugby teams have yet to make up a win in this competition. While all five NZ sides have stiff competition towards the Top 2 spots going into Round 3. It can be awesome to have the best of both franchise/provincial clubs facing each other. Especially when we have saw this returned for the first time in 12-14 months. But so far it is not the same balance/competitiveness we hope to see on the field. It will take time for these teams here to adjust going into the 2022 season. As there is no South African clubs in there anymore. It may be a sigh of relief to Australia when they have a big job of closing the gap to AFL & NRL. Especially with Nine & Stan coming onboard this year that changed everything on TV/Streaming. We are just in the early stages of rebuilding the exposure of rugby union in Australia. That is why they are putting their bid to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup. And that would mean compensating the broken promises where they fell off after 2003. For now all we have to do is support these teams up with three rounds left. Maybe the final if one of the Australian sides did end up in an unlikely Top 2 finish.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU: Top 3 players from the Reds v Rebels Game

by Sports Benches

Alex Mafi was outstanding as the starting hooker for the Reds. He has the physical build to set up throw-ins and driving maul.

That first good example was not long after half-time. When Mafi controlled the maul by staying square & forward. He can notice the Rebels struggling to hold on.

Despite their desperate defense needed to hold the Reds out. But Mafi is focusing on the support needed to find some space. Thanks to the push from his team-mates. And pulled the trigger at the right time. When Mafi able to find the execution that marked the Reds first touchdown.

Then again in the 77th minute when the Reds earned another reprieve. As the Rebels began to falter. In return Mafi got the same routine right. Knowing where the Rebels struggle. Before the opposition just too slow to catch him. With Mafi using his attacking prowess of power & pace. And secured another touchdown that eventually became a winning moment.

It goes to show that Brad Thorn trusts Mafi in the starting XV. Where he disposed Brandon Paenga-Amosa. He has the defensive attributes to help out & build blocks. And the same goes in the attack with the physical package to hurt the defenders. As long he knows where the opposition unable to reach him. Mafi hopes he can help go one better in 2021.

Suliasi Vunivalu

Glad to see him return to rugby union after all with the Reds. Where he came off a great 2020 in rugby league for the Melbourne Storm. He may not been starting for most of the time tonight.

But as soon as he got off the bench in the 64th minute. Vunivalu added a different dimension in the backs. Mainly on the right flank alongside Filipo Daugunu via the opposite dial. While Jordan Petaia moved to inside centre. After a great run before Vunivalu came on. Just not enough support to support his execution early.

With Vunivalu you see him reliving Petaia to his favoured position. While he runs and runs around. Especially when he almost scored a touchdown off the boot of Joe Powell. The ball may have gone into touch one meter past the TRY line. But it still gave the Reds more chances in return.

Where the attacking awareness injected on the field. Despite the 14 men created by the Feao Fotuaika dangerous tackle earlier on. And the ill-discipline. The Reds were relieved to have his support. With the end goal all about winning. And they were able to just meet that requirement.

If Vunivalu did not come on then the Reds may not have won without him. He deserves to start next game. Not next week since his team has the bye. But he already shown lots of finishing prowess in league. There is lots of touchdowns recorded last year. Might be a different code this time. But he can transfer this attribute. So his presence is exactly what Brad Thorn needs in this squad. And go one better in 2021 for the championship.

Reece Hodge

He would be one of the best players on the opposite end tonight. Even though he is in a losing side. After starting the lead for most of the time & holding it. But just unable to maintain it until the very end.

Reece has the ability to run up to the defenders. Where he can provide the headstart needed for the Rebels. Thanks to the Reds ill-discipline. Credit is due to give himself a chance from the forwards unit. Goes to show these foundations.

It gives credit for the Rebels knowing where the Reds struggled. And why the home side unable to stay ahead for the majority. With Hodge using the pace & physicality not just the usual attack. In a bid to try and fend the opposition team.

He can hold back and stuff the Reds attacking half. When they lack support to continue with the ball. Hodge able to find and hold them short. Good reading there when the Reds felt isolated at times. And you have a tall stature in Reece holding them back. Reece can also kick into goal as well even from long range. Another reason there to face such a tough player.

The discipline mistakes late from the Rebels cost this game. Where there was not much opportunity to support Reece crack up the defense. Instead it is just desperately holding off with a lot of defensive input. And so little in the attack to distance themselves even further from the Reds. That is the one area the Rebels need to focus on next game. May be the answer to see more of Hodge being an all round player in the attack. Where he can finish off both the speed and boot. Marry it up and you see it as the game changer.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Match Report, Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Reds made the early mistake as soon as the game started. Where Taniela Tupou unable to release the tackle. As the Melbourne Rebels took the three points.

When Matt Toomua found enough distance inside the goalposts. Hunter Paisami got a good read to ground Toomua for the Reds turnover. But lost another three points when the Reds struggled to get going. As Toomua makes up this mistake for the penalty goal.

Halfway into the first 40 and the Reds take their first points in account. They are able to stop the Rebels maul from their own half. As well as a crack to make up lost time upfront. Although it may not be a touchdown at the first attempt. But a dangerous tackle from Cabous Eloff gave them a reprieve. With an easy penalty goal executed from James O’Connor.

Despite some progress the Reds continue to struggle in the discipline. With the three points pulled away against them. As Matt Toomua successfully sorted out the penalty goal. So the Rebels extend their lead to six points after 25 minutes of play.

Reds still unable to sort out a way to get through the gate. Having been rebuffed by the Rebels defense. There is little support in hand to help their cause. In which despite able to intercept the Rebels line out. The communication is still disjointed. Where Lachie Anderson made them release the ball. Before Matt Toomua extended another three points. As the kicking to goal still remains accurate.

The only way Reds can do is via penalty goals. Where James O’Connor began to eat the Rebels lead by six points. With just a minute spare in the first 40. No tries made from each side so far. But it is Melbourne Rebels 12-6 Reds at the break.

Reds continued to see both units disconnected. Especially when Tate McDermott went offside at maul. Despite a successful throw in beforehand. With Matt Toomua extended the Rebels lead by 16-5. Thanks to a successful penalty goal.

There is improved progressed at last from the Reds. They took advantage of the Rebels who began to decline. After a great first 40 from the away team. Before the line-out was good. Where Alex Mafi kept the maul square until the end. When the starting hooker sorted out the touchdown.

The scoreline saw the Reds close on by two points behind Rebels. But fallen back by five after the Reece Hodge penalty goal. The discipline was not extra careful from the Reds. Having continued to leak points from the Rebels successful penalty goals. Before it gets worse when Feao Fotuaika slammed hard on Richard Hardwick. And the referee red carded Fotuaika on the spot with 20 mins left.

Despite the 14 men Queensland able to close the lead by 2 points. Thanks to the Rebels offside. As James O’Connor got the penalty kick straight this time. But the discipline still not turned around. When Matt Toomua pushed their hopes down to five points. Eventually the Reds able to lead for the first time tonight. 23-21 with two mins left to go. After a very long patient run to crack the Rebels defense.

Hunter Paisami made a dangerous tackle on Frank Lomani. And his ill-discipline antics almost cost the game for the Queensland Reds. But Matt Toomua unable to get the final penalty kick into the goalposts. Instead it went very left shy away from the sticks. As the Reds left it almost late to haunt the Melbourne Rebels. The Full-Time score is 23-21.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU WK2 Preview: Reds v Rebels

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

Week 2 of the Super Rugby AU begins tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds once again at Suncorp Stadium on home soil. This time they go up against the 2020 3rd placed Melbourne Rebels.

This is the Rebels first game of 2021 after taking the Week 1 off. Safe to say they have prepared a little longer. While the four other teams played at the same time last week. Add the extra travel going to Brisbane as well. This season they want to be in the Top 3 again. Having showed quality against some top sides. Rebels would like to show off their vast experience. In which would give the Reds a tough battle. Especially the young guns.

Queensland Reds on the other hand came off a big win v Waratahs in Week 1. They currently lead the ladder. As they look to go back to back wins. Most importantly about this team is the ability to explode an attack. The support is there when the defense blocked the Tahs chances. Before Reds convert it on their own. And it will be the key towards building a strong start.

Queensland Reds

Taniela Tupou replaces Feao Fotuaika at tighthead prop. Where Tupou joins Dane Zander on the opposite role. Alex Mafi retains as the starting hooker. No signs lately from Brandon Paenga-Amosa.

Angus Blyth pairs with Seru Uru in the locks. Angus Scott-Young stays at blindside flanker. Fraser McWright filled the 7 role well for Liam Wright who is sidelined from injury. And Harry Wilson rounds out the forward pack at No.8.

Tate McDermott starts as the first choice half-back. Where he will look feed support to playmaker James O’Connor. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia slots in each flank. With Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami playing centrally. Before Jock Campbell covers them up at full-back.

Subs

Josh Nasser as backup for Alex Mafi in the 16 shirt. Feao Fotuaika back on the bench with Harry Hoopert. Both will look to come in for Zander or Tupou later on.

Ryan Smith takes cover in the lock/second row. Sam Wallis behind Scott-Young, McWright & Wilson. Moses Sorovi decent as 2nd choice half-back. Bryce Hegarty flexible at 10 and 15. And Suli Vunivalu can cover anywhere in the wing/centre. He came off a great 2020 with the Melbourne Storm. Having guide them to a NRL title.

Melbourne Rebels

Cabous Eloff & Vaauli Faamausili in the props. With Jordan Uelese as the first choice hooker. Steve Cummins and Trevor Hosea backs them up in second row role.

Then you have the back three to complete the Rebels forward pack. Such as Brad Wilkin & Richard Hardwick at flanker. With Michael Wells comes in at Number Eight.

Joe Powell who is a former Brumby in at half-back. Joined by an experienced fly-half in Matt Toomua. Marika Koroibete on left wing looking to break the Reds defense. In the centres you have Reece Hodge alongside Stacey Ili. Lachlan Anderson on the right wing. And Tom Pincus completes the Rebels starting 15.

Subs

Ed Craig as second choice behind Uelese in No.16 shirt. Issac Aedo Kailea & Rhys Van Nek in the reserve props. Rob Leota & Josh Kemeny can fill in both lock/flanker/No8. Former Red James Tuttle & Frank Lomani at backup scrum-half. Lomani can pass/run a bit up the field if needed.

And Glen Viahu rounds out the Rebels 23 man squad on reserve backline. While the starting XV is experienced with some have Wallaby caps. Most of the Rebels bench comes from the youth development ranks.

Final Thoughts

It will no doubt be a cracking game between Reds v Rebels. Youth v Experience in other words for the win.

I guess the attack will fire it up from each end. Where the conversions will be tight to say at least. No doubt Filipo Daugunu is a top finisher. Same goes to James O’Connor. There is striking comparisons from the other end. With the Rebels pair of Marika Koroibete & Matt Toomua.

But my pick would be the Reds win by 10 points. Seems that the home team have a better defense than Rebels. And therefore a balanced XV would win the race. In contrast to a half-decent side. Nothing against this away team. I reckon despite the extra preparation. Rebels will have a tough time handling a emerging Maroon.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby AU, WK1: Top 3 players from the Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs Game

by Sports Benches

James O’Connor is both a playmaker and leader of the Reds cohort. Where he credits the defenders for the foundations.

It really took time for them to eat each meter from the Waratahs half. And they gave O’Connor the chance to be creative

Both mentally to find a way to break the Sky Blue half. As well as the execution to lessen his workload. So the credit is there when due. This tactic has really worked.

When they used the wide areas of the pitch. Calling names and communication is another part of his playmaking creativity. Before the execution is there.

Thanks to the assist towards Jock Campbell for the first touchdown. In which helped them put back on track. The same goes for his 2nd assist on Filipo Daugunu with ten mins left. Again James has the licence to thrill with the ball in his hand.

Dictates the play as it always should be out wide. Finds Filipo next to him with the short & quick pass. And there goes his attacking masterclass tonight in the 10 shirt. James wants to keep hammering

by attack, attack, attack every week. It will be the recipe for success this season.

Fraser McWright

He played such an all-round display in the 7 shirt for the Reds. Fraser knows how to read the Waratahs weaknesses. In which is important to limit their finishing play.

Such as taking advantage of their poor throw ins. And hold the ball up to turn over for the Reds. Fraser also knows when they lack support with one attacker alone. It is very easy for McWright to hold him down.

These attributes convey how good he contributes in the defense. Both physical and mental. As he is very capable to ruin the Waratahs from extending their lead..

Then he uses his physical build to knock one defender to the next. Attacking wise by giving himself and the Reds a chance to strike. As well as the pace to run them down through the gate. Communication is always good to find them another way.

It may not exactly be a touchdown aimed for himself. McWright is at least wanting to help the whole team. It is a job he has to guide his troops. Since Liam Wright is not here for 10 weeks due to injury. And it is evident when he assisted Filipo Daugunu earlier in the 1st 40. With the Reds are up ahead by way miles ahead by that stage.

And it remained unchanged until the very end. Might be a defensive minded game for the first two minutes. Despite the 14 men from the Waratahs. But at least the last 10 minutes changed everything. With McWright worn his absolute best for the badge. So he deserved to be in the Top 3.

Harry Johnson-Holmes

He looked after the Waratahs defense for 75 mins. Where Harry spotted the opposition mistakes. With the reading there to help the Reds loss the ball. And a very strong build to form these walls.

When the Waratahs have their turn with the ball. After the Reds unable to cope with the discipline as soon as the game began. His defensive work was the catalyst on giving his attack a chance.

You already saw how Tom Horton sorted the throw-in. And Harry joining in the maul to push it forward. Where his attacking instincts held the Reds up. While Horton still has the ball. Before giving Jake Gordon the finishing he needs. With the support of Jack Maddocks & Izaia Perese.

But unfortunately the backs poor finishing & ill discipline cost his hard work. As well as giving himself and his forwards a hard time alone. Where in the end a few Reds defenders can hold them back. And the ref hands the ball over. There is also disjointed talk between the two areas.

The only thing the Waratahs are good tonight is the foundations. And defensive minded play. Where the Reds have a few missed touchdowns left on the table. It can surely be a good thing for DJH that reflects his defensive attributes. But only this part alone for the whole time.

Harry needs his backline to perform better next week. A defensive only team with seven to eight men trying to stop the Reds from scoring. As the foundations built by Harry & his defenders. While the backline not matching the opposition attack will cost you games. That is one thing they will need to give him credit when due. They should listen and thank him for later. But not tonight though after the big loss.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News Australia: 2021 Super Rugby AU R1 Pre-Game Overview of Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

by Sports Benches

Image Reference: Wikipedia

It will be a blockbuster Round 1 Clash of Super Rugby AU tomorrow night. When the Queensland Reds host NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium. Right at the centrepiece of the Brisbane CBD.

Last year the Reds just pipped the opening round win 32-26. But the Tahs have won the other meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground 45-12. One of these moments include a Jake Gordon hat-trick touchdown. While Will Harrison looks always spotless with the kicking in goal.

And just want to add a bit with the trial game a few weeks ago. Where the Tahs just closed out the Reds 45-33. Safe it say it will be a State of Origin like rivalry between Maroon v Sky Blue. It is not just the competitiveness of these athletes who are looking to shine a light. It is also the first time that any rugby fan can watch it on Free TV Live. Once every week during the Super Rugby AU competition. As well as the Trans-Tasman leg if is approved.

NSW Waratahs

The Waratahs will have Tom Horton at hooker. Where he is supported by Angus Bell & Harry Johnson Hooker in the prop section. Sam Caird & Jack Whetton pairs up in the second row. So does Will Harris & Carlo Tizzano at flanker. Where Tizzano will replace Michael Hooper. And Jack Dempsey round the forwards unit at 8.

Jake Gordon will have Hooper’s armband at scrum-half. Followed by kicking machine Will Harrison at 10. James Ramm at left wing. Then you pair the two centres of Joey Walton & Izaia Perese. Alex Newsome on the right wing. Jack Maddocks at full back. In which sums up the Tahs XV for tomorrow night v Reds.

Their substitute bench consists of David Porecki at hooker. Te Tera Faulkner & Sio Tatola at prop. Jeremy Williams at the lock position. Hugh Sinclair at flanker. Jack Grant as the backup for Jake Gordon at scrum-half. Tane Edmed at fly-half. And Mark Nawaqanitawase on the wing.

Queensland Reds

Brandon Paenga-Amosa is out of the side at hooker. So Alex Mafi takes his place as the starting spot instead. Dane Zander & Feao Fotuaika supports Mafi as the props.

Seru Uru will make his Super Rugby debut as the second rower. Joining him is Angus Blyth. Before Angus Scott-Young comes in at 6. While Fraser McWright takes over Liam Wright at 7. Where Liam was unfortunate to suffer an injury during pre-season. And will not be back until at least Round 10. Harry Wilson who won a few Wallaby caps recently comes in at 8. As Wilson completes the Reds forward pack.

Then Reds connect with the backline department. Starting with Tate McDemott at scrum-half. Alongside new stand-in skipper James O’Connor. Despite unsuccessful attempts to join the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Filipo Daugunu & Jordan Petaia will look to unleash their pace at each flank. Supported by Hamish Stewart & Hunter Paisami centrally. Before Jock Campbell backs them up at No.15.

Richard Asiata begins the interchange at hooker. Harry Hoppert & Taniela Tupou as back up props. Ryan Smith at lock. Tuaina Taii Tualima can fill in at both lock & flanker. Moses Sorovi as back up to McDemott. Same goes to Bryce Hegarty as second choice behind O’Connor. And Illaisa Droasese can fill in anywhere at centre/wing/fullback.

Final Thoughts

It will be a tough and competitive game for sure. Waratahs would want to put their poor 2020 season behind. And look ahead of life after Michael Hooper. With a few young guns forming this nucleus. While still having a few experienced guys available to help this cohort. As some already created their own names last year. That would hopefully bridged this gap and be in the Top 3 fight every week.

And on the Reds they would want to go one better this year. Most of the players have been retained that helped guide them to the final. Which is important to continue their resurgence. Credit to Head Coach Brad Thorn who admires youth. But are unfortunate to deal with the Liam Wright injury recently. As the Reds will need Angus Scott-Young to step up in his absence. And help out Fraser McWright & Harry Wilson. Avoiding defeat v the Tahs would determine where they go after R10.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail