Roar Guru
Welcome to the second leg of our Super Rugby Saturday as we take in this pivotal Australian derby between long-time rivals the Queensland Reds and the NSW Waratahs from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:40pm (AEDT).
The Waratahs come into this match off a bye and a mixed start to their 2015 season. A disappointing opening-round loss to the Force was offset the week after with a hard fought victory over the Rebels in Melbourne.
Coming off the bye this week the challenge will be to hit the ground running.
In a blow to the Waratahs, experienced centre Adam Ashley-Cooper has been ruled out of this match with injury and replaced by Matt Carraro. However coach Michael Cheika has still named a strong team and despite playing in Brisbane, the Tahs are still favoured to win.
The Reds have also registered a mixed start to their season, with one win at home and two losses away, and have been rocked with off-field distractions and a significant injury list. Offering some respite is the return of the experienced James Horwill to the side after missing last week’s match with the Highlanders.
The Reds need to improve their presence at the breakdown after struggling to build any phases or momentum against the Highlanders. They do not lack for ability or experience in this area, with a number of internationally experienced players within the forward pack, and there should be significant improvement.
The Waratahs also boast an experienced forward pack and will look to target the Reds with their physicality. The battle of breakaways certainly appeals, with Reds Liam Gill and Adam Thompson squaring off against Michael Hooper and Jacques Potgieter. Whoever gets the upper hand here will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the match.
The cohesion and decision-making of the Reds halves, Will Genia and James O’Connor, will also be paramount to their team’s chances of success. They have their work cut out for them up against the Wallaby incumbents, Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley, who have yet to hit their stride this season.
While the Waratahs look to be the stronger side on paper, nothing can ever be taken for granted in a derby match and certainly not between these two bitter rivals.
Join us here on The Roar for all the action live and remember to leave your thoughts on the match below.
Tip: Waratahs