Here is my match-by-match statistical analysis of the Australian sides in round two of the 2012 Super Rugby season.
Waratahs 35 def. Rebels 19 at AAMI Park
It was a case of déjà vu for the Rebels in their first game of 2012.
As they did last season, the Rebels could not break the Waratahs’ defensive line. The Waratahs broke through the Rebels on 12 occasions. Incredibly, no Rebel has crossed the Waratahs try line in three games.
The Rebels missed 39 tackles – worse than last year when they averaged 28.1 – and 27 against the Waratahs in the opening week of 2011.
All the hype about big name signings James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale fizzled out somewhat after Tom Carter broke through some ordinary defending to open the scoring for the visitors.
James O’Connor could only keep banging over the penalty kicks to keep his new side within view of the Waratahs. The four-try bonus point was signed, sealed and delivered after halftime. It was only then that the Rebels thought they had better give this attacking lark a go.
Cooper Vuna, who was so dangerous last season, barely got a touch. From his three runs (for 35m) he did well to bust through three tackles.
Michael Foley will be pleased with his new recruits; Sarel Pretorius enjoyed another strong outing in the Waratahs jumper, making one linebreak and creating three. Bernard Foley impressed in his first outing in the 15 jumper making two linebreaks, creating one and achieving five tackle-busts to go alongside his debut try.
Special mention must go to Sekope Kepu who scored his debut Super Rugby try in his 35th appearance for the Waratahs. He’s done better than his former front row partner Al Baxter who took 100 games to score his first Super Rugby try.
So it’s back to the defensive drawing board for John Muggleton, and off to Sydney grade rugby for Michael Foley as he searches for a back-up hooker.
Brendan Cannon, are you tempted?
Reds 35 def. Force 20 at Suncorp Stadium
So it’s two from two for Link. The title defence is on track.
Michael Harris has slotted into first receiver rather well, and is busy breaking his own Super Rugby records.
24 from 24 is a phenomenal achievement. The only problem is that he probably made Morne Steyn spend even longer at the kicking tee practicing to once again reign supreme with the Gilbert!
Once again the Reds were on the back foot for possession (48 percent), runs (56) and metres (409m), linebreaks (2), and rucks and mauls (44), but they punished the Force for their handling errors (14) and penalties conceded (11) with the boot of Harris kicking 21 points from penalty kicks.
James Stannard continues to impress as first choice flyhalf with another dominant display. Third choice last year behind Willie Ripia and James O’Connor, the former boilermaker from Brisbane has relished his opportunities scoring 32 (86.5 percent) of the Force’s 37 points this season, which includes two tries in two games.
He has attacked the line, making two linebreaks, one linebreak assist, five tackle busts, and eight runs for 75m in the competition so far.
No wins yet for Richard Graham in 2012, but he will be hoping the Force faithful will help prevent a third straight loss against the Hurricanes next week. Meanwhile, McKenzie will want to keep the attacking momentum flowing against the Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.
With all five Australian franchises in action this weekend, keep your eyes open for my week three preview.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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