We roll into the second half of Super Rugby AU with an expected clear leader at the top of the table. The front running Brumbies are on the road to take on competition contenders the Rebels on Friday night. Then in out Saturday evening clash, its a big chance for the Reds to cement their number two place when they travel to take on a refreshed Waratahs. The winless Force will watch on from the bye this weekend. Lets check out the games……
REBELS vs BRUMBIES – Leichhardt Oval
This may be third place up against the top side, but I cannot even see this one being much of a contest. The Rebels have struggled against everyone they have come up against, looking good against the better team in losing efforts or looking terrible against the Force and winning it in SUPER TIME!
This screams of a side that dictates their play more on their opponents rather than focusing on their own game. That was plain to see against the Force last weekend when the Rebels continually did just enough to stay in front or on par right to the end and cashed in during the extra time.
Now the sides have all played once before, we can look back to round one when the Brumbies hosted the Rebels and it ended in a 31-23 scoreline to the home team. The featured of that match up was the domination by the Brumbies on either side of half time that ultimately seal their victory.
The Brumbies just look so much more complete than the other Australian sides. They know what works for them and use it to extremely good precision. We all know I’m talking about the lineout maul. Give them a penalty inside your own half and you can nearly chalk up at least five points, normally for Folau Faingaa.
Its tough to see where the Rebels can gain an advantage in this match up. The pack will be on the side of the Brumbies, when their backs have got a little ball they have been deadly with guys like Tom Wright in some cracking form.
The Rebels need to use their points of difference, power running of a Pone Fa’amausili, thunderous boot of a Reece Hodge and the finishing skills of a Marika Koroibete. Just don’t give up those penalties in your own half Rebels, or its going to be a long night I fear….
RESULT – Brumbies by 10
WARATAHS vs REDS – Sydney Cricket Ground
The Waratahs will be nicely rested after the bye week last weekend but I’m slightly concerned if that rest is going to make any better or the possibility of being worse…..
If we talk about some Australian sides looking quality on paper but not transferring those abilities onto the field, the Waratahs are on the top of that list. Aside from the one good performance against the Brumbies a few weeks back, even the Force will be keen to have another crack at them!
This ones pretty clear cut for me as well. The Reds have really turned up the heat this season with not only that quality mobile forward pack we know and expect to see galloping around the field, but with the interplay into the backs and flowing offload game.
They have had good consistent selections with a much more mature James O’Connor leading their backline and generally playing the sensible game very well.
I am excited to see what they can manage against a wayward and disjointed Waratahs side and think we could be in for a bit of an exhibition this weekend from the Reds if they keep improving like that have over the last few weeks. There’s no doubt for me who the second best side in Australia is, Brad Thorns boys leading the way.
RESULT – Reds by 5
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