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NSW Waratahs play the Western Force in a good old-fashioned Sunday afternoon bonanza at Allianz Stadium. Join us for live scores and updates from 4.05pm AEDT.
The Waratahs are fresh off an inspired victory against the Blues last week at home. The win showed the team have real character – it was backs to the wall stuff.
After a torrid start in 2013 underscored by a few ugly losses to the Reds and the Brumbies, the Tahs have finally started to play with some enterprise.
While they lost to the Cheetahs in round four it was an encouraging loss, if there is such a thing.
And last week in round six it all came together as they took down a rampaging Blues outfit. And don’t be mistaken, the Blues turned up to play. But so did the Waratahs.
There seems to be an interesting trend developing in this side. The general kicks in play, from their opening game to last week look like this:
Game 1 (Tahs v Reds): 20 kicks
Game 2 (Tahs v Rebels): 17 kicks
Game 3 (Tahs v Brumbies): 14 kicks
Game 4 (Tahs v Cheetahs): 10 kicks
Game 5 (Tahs v Blues): 6 kicks
If this trend continues we can expect about zero kicks against the Force tonight. And it’s no surprise their season has picked up as the weeks have trudged on.
Their intent to run the ball is clear as Tasmanian water.
The Tahs’ set pieces are a tad shaky this year and will want to improve if they are going to contend for the finals.
Their attacking stats are actually fairly decent; the team is third in the comp for clean breaks and fourth in terms of running metres.
This is mainly due to Israel Folau, who is second in the comp for carries at an insane 58 runs with the ball in five games. He’s coming good.
Drew Mitchell features near the top billing for defenders beaten, primarily due to a strong game last week, and has clearly benefited from a bit of tough love from the coach when stood down the week prior.
To his credit he didn’t complain about his treatment, he got on with his work and did the business. More of it Mr Mitchell.
Onto the Force, who lost miserably to the Cheetahs last week as they went down 10-19 at home.
It wasn’t an enjoyable loss after the massive heights the week prior when they knee-capped the Reds at Suncorp.
The Force stand up when challenged, they just love to take down behemoths, and they have a penchant for winning away.
They always have and this year is no different.
The Tahs will have their hands full with winger Alfie Mafi; one of the form outside backs in world rugby and equal top try scorer so far in 2013.
Their attacking stats are not too bad and their continuity of possession is third best in the comp, but their scrum completion rate is second worst in the comp, just ahead of the Bulls, curiously enough.
This is going to be an interesting battle. Expect a big game from both teams and a heated derby.
Join us at 4.05pm AEDT this afternoon on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
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.