The Waratahs and the Rebels face off against each other first time this year for the Weary Dunlop Shield. Join us here on The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00pm AEDT.
The New South Wales side lost out to a ferocious Brumbies team last weekend, ending their unbeaten start to the season.
The game was there for the taking for the ‘Tahs, particularly in the second half. Unfortunately they couldn’t recover from their poor start, with the opening stanza a major let down.
It is a trend that has become pretty obvious in Super Rugby of late. Teams whom fall behind early are always playing catch up and haven’t always been able to get over the line.
Even though the ‘Tahs produced a good comeback that moved them to within five points of the Brumbies by the end of the game, it wasn’t enough. What was highlighted though was the Waratahs showed great attitude to never give up chasing the game.
Despite coming close they wouldn’t be happy at giving the Brumbies the head start. Look for them to start well tonight.
As for the Rebels, it’s been a case of what ifs so far this year. They started with promise with a good win over the Cheetahs, but from there they haven’t been able to replicate the same form.
The kings of upsets got close last week but the classy Crusaders nipped them by six points. But it is interesting to note that when the odds have been against the Rebels they have played better.
Tonight is a special one for Rebels winger Lachlan Mitchell playing his 50th game and congratulations to him. Incidentally, Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper will bring up the same milestone tonight.
It’ll be a big game for both teams looking to bounce back. The Waratahs probably have the edge in their attack but the Rebels should never be underestimated.
Join us here on The Roar for all the live scores, commentary and banter from 7:40pm AEDT. Look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
The Bleat
Guest
The RAAF have called off the search for MH370 and have instead redeployed their Orion P3's to Melbourne in order to find the Rebels who have been missing since round 1.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Definitely still needs work but there were signs of improvement. They aren't going to win a kicking duel with Mogg, Toomua and White anytime soon but Foley pulled out some unusually big kicks by his standards. Time will tell if that was luck or if Mehrtens is having an impact. Certainly Foley's goal kicking was quite good. No sign of Crawford. Was Carraro on the bench again.
Blinky Bill of Mt.Victoria (brrrrrrrr)
Guest
Hi guys - I'm away from home & sadly missed seeing the Tahs play the Rebs. :) I was wondering about their play with the boot & if that's showing any signs of improvement? Anyword on Crawford? I'd have thought that Cheika & Co would see him for what he offers with his big boot. I'm not saying the other wingers aren't doing a good job or anything but kicking seems a glaring short coming. Plus the boy sure knows his way to the try line. ;)
DMac
Guest
I was there too. 3 roarers. Anyone else?
DMac
Guest
Interestingly, by the end of the season Tahs will have played some 12-13 mediocre teams whereas the reds and brumbies will have only old played 4-5. All this despite having near issue identical schedules.
DMac
Guest
I can only judge based on the last time the force played the Tahs. Remind me, what was the score then?
jutsie
Guest
The only way it could be easier would be if they played nz teams instead. Did u see the cripple fight for the wooden spoon last night?
p.Tah
Guest
Matthew, you were at the game and post a positive comments about the Tahs ... I'm stunned and I tip my hat to you. ;)
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I actually happened to be having a bistro meal and a beer at the same table as Mr Dennis's sister at PJ's before the game -nice people all round :-)
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Yes they have JB, managed to gain a bonus point in the brumbies game too -my reservation is that they might not reproduce this effort in SA -the Tahs have a poor record in winning in Africa and in general away games -but I was at the game last night and it was a great pleasure and honour to watch Izzy and KB at the height of their powers against a good Rebels outfit :-)
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Everyone is watching on Foxtel instead. Ratings up 50% on last season. Source: SMH
JB
Guest
They can only beat who is in front of them, they have done more than most so far,.
Paul
Guest
on that performance, the Force would of beaten the tahs. Tahs to get a dose of reality next week.
Magic Sponge
Guest
The tahs marketing has done the Alan Joyce to rugby fans it will take years to get back. The tahs use to represent the clubs but don't any more, they have lost club support. NRC I have heard a few sides the Nortern rays - Gordon,manly& Nth Sydney. Easts have merged with NSW Country, Randwick, Souths, nsw Uni Sydney Uni are standing alone.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Well all will be revealed on da SA trip whether the wheels are going to fall off or they emerge with honour -be a interesting 4 weeks i'd say :-)
Rob G
Guest
Like the reds?
Mike
Guest
Playing better footie or more entertaining footie doesn't necessarily result in better crowds. NSWRU and ARU have to look at their whole marketing approach.
atlas
Guest
Absolutely - three home games, and one involving huge travel - all the way to Canberra, all four against local Australian sides, with a bye/rest break after 2 matches. Doesn't get tougher than that, does it?
Rugby stu
Guest
What's with the small crowd Tah's are playing great footy and everyone always talks about how Allianz is better for Tah fans and that this would change things thought it would be packed. Seriously Sydney what is going on down there!?
DMac
Guest
The Tahs are quite lucky. They seem to come up against a lot of mediocre teams.