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
RobC
Roar Guru
Just saw it. Interesting game to study: - First half was keystone cops from both sides, but Tahs put enough phases to score points. - 40' to 60' Reds on front foot. But cannot score points. - Final 20' Tahs finally took over. But still scrappy - In any case, game was over when Reds kicked back aimlessly around 20' The Reds have good players. But so far, they are not a good team. This week was a big back step. They do not know how to attack or score tries. An awful reflection on coaching: - Bizarre when replacement backrowers run more metres than the backs. - Thought the pack defended well. But no punch in attack. - Backs 10 - 15: An F. So many opportunities for the inside pass for 50m, not taken - too deep - Tahs weren't even rushing hard in D. It was bad. - Some midfield / wing opportunities finally opened up towards the end. But no finish. Tahs scrum starting to match their weight. Good turnaround from the pariahs of scrum world: Big Willy and Paddy: - I believe Tahs scrum will only get better as the season rolls. - It was a training run for them. Mostly for set piece - Folau's over the top head knock on, is almost there with the Brache's fubared try
Billy Bob
Guest
I think that was a joke Tragic. Have you had an irony bi-pass,? Or are you a NZer?
Redsback
Guest
The Reds forward pack is not Super Rugby standard. We are desperately missing Horwill and Simmons. When is Simmons coming back? The two that were on the field are not good enough for the bench. TH prop also got shown up and Benn Robinson showed he deserves a bit more of a go in a UK tournament.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
join the club!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
"Groan*... I have to be up at 5.30am to drive to airport this morning. Going to PNG, at least I can cry in my beer there without having to watch the Blues.....
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Adam Thomson cannot play for the Wallabies .... he already has played for the All Blacks
Squirrel
Guest
Ask TWAS apparently in a professional age you don't need club rugby. This is the result these players should not be paid
Anto
Guest
No, the problem is the coaching. Individually, the players looked good in most parts. However, there was no apparent strategy, the set pieces were poor and second phase play looked like they were just making it up as they went along. And that's the problem - they are. The coaching is appalling. There is no game plan to speak of, beyond the first phase. That's not the players' fault.
ethan
Guest
Pretty much what it says is that we lack consistency.
winston
Guest
Allan Jones :)
Hoy
Roar Guru
I wanted to walk out with 20 to go. I just couldn't bring myself to do it... but I was so f-ing close. That was an embarrassment to professional rugby on all levels... coaching, playing, refereeing.
Armchair sportsfan
Guest
Brian smith or john connonley Prefer the latter,, but would take smithy as an interim coach to see out the season. He didn't have the best time of it as England assistant coach, but had a decent record with London Irish.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
The Force beat the Waratah's so what does that say about them?
NickBrisbane
Guest
What were Carmichael and Mackenzie thinking? Are there any decent coaches around to replace him?
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Mmmmm I have to say that as a New South Welshman I thought the Tahs were poor on many occasions especially losing line-outs and fumbling the ball at critical times .Having said that they were impressive in their defensive hits and confidence in attack .Potsie hit it up and defended manfully I just wish he would hold on to the ball a bit better .-if the Tahs had held on to those vital passes they would have won by 50 points .Hoiles cleaned up the line-out mistakes when he came on , Big Willy could learn a bit from his example . A not very impressive win by the Tahs but really Carmichael for all his business nouse has been a careless manager when handling the Hunt Scandal and letting Graham have a long leash -it's evident by any standard that the excellent recruiting RG has been gifted with is being quickly squandered away .
lao hu
Guest
If the Reds are not up to Super standard what does that say about the Force
kombiutedriver
Guest
Graham will have the full support of the board
Armchair sportsfan
Guest
Bring back Knuckles!
abdul
Guest
Karmichael Hunt's suspension was meant to be a punishment but I think he'd be pleased to not have to play in a team like the Reds.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
Fortunately the cream of OZ rugby played on Friday night ;-) Both teams today were awful... Reds look completely lost... too many key players missing and poorly coached... Larkham was right - they're just not up to Super Rugby standards... and yet the Tah's couldn't even manage a bonus point against them! They're going to have their work cut out next week against the Highlanders!