The Reds‘ Super Rugby season is at an end, but they’ve got the chance to build some positive momentum with a good strong finish against the Sunwolves. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEST.
When these two teams last met, it was the Sunwolves who pulled a swift one on the highly dynamic and unpredictable Rebels. Hayden Parker was immense that afternoon, and set the Sunwolves franchise point scoring record for a single game, dropping 38 of them as his side ran away 63-28 victors.
For the record, I don’t expect the same to happen tonight.
Being the last game of the season, both sides are out of finals contention, and playing for pride – but that doesn’t mean tonight’s fixture won’t have a bit going for it.
The Reds are playing their last game with George Smith in and around the squad, and while he failed to recover from a knee injury in time to take the field, they’ll be keen to see him off in style.
For the Sunwolves, despite their position on the table, they have played some enterprising, and at times breathtaking, rugby this season. They’ll see tonight as a chance to win two games against Southern Hemisphere opponents for the first time in a season.
Team news
First, the Reds.
As mentioned above, George Smith failed to recover in time, and Liam Wright holds his spot at 7. Lukhan Tui comes back into the starting team, and Kane Douglas shifts out of the matchday 23.
In the backs, Tate McDermott starts in place of Moses Sorovi, playing 9 in an otherwise unchanged backline from the one that unseated the Rebels last week.
For the Sunwolves, Temisi Masiwera is serving the first game of his three-game suspension, and is replaced on the right edge by Harumichi Tatekawa.
Jason Emery starts at fullback, with Michael Little shifting to outside centre. Willie Britz returns at number 8, while Wimpie Van Der Walt returns in the second row.
Where the game will be won
Are the Reds keen on retribution?
They were pummelled and totally out-enthused the last time these two met. Brad Thorn is too proud a coach to let their levels slip as badly as they did that afternoon, again.
Up front, the Reds scrum dominance should be telling if last week is any indication. If they can control the set piece, they should have too much for a willing and ever-improving Sunwolves outfit.
Prediction
The Reds will win their last game of the season, rolling over a gritty Sunwolves outfit.
Reds by 11
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEST.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Last week it was a tip tackle on a player not in possession. The red card was appropriate. Last night's was a rubbish call. Reffing to the letter of the law for the RWC?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Well bugger me, a Reds fan cheering for the Tahs ?, good on ya Rids !!! The Brums will make it tough for our lads, so much up for grabs with second place.
Uncle Eric
Guest
Switched off at 38 mins, second game in a row now that I've turned off early after yet another farcical decision. Can't say much more really other than these irrational cards are killing the game.
riddler
Roar Rookie
6 months from memory mate.. injury cover at start of season.. option to extend depending on those injuries.. your definition of a few is maybe different to mine..
Riddler
Guest
My infamous bias shining thru.. maybe.. But just like I would take a jp over slipper.. would take a rodda over horwill..
Katipo
Guest
This red card nonsense has to stop. It's killing the game. Send players off, fine, but let the team go back to XV after the sanction period, so that my spectator enjoyment is not ruined. Dear Foxtel, Sanzaar and World Rugby, I'm not going to pay to watch rugby union anymore. Sort it out! Fast.
Melburnian
Roar Pro
Only managed to watch the first half and enjoyed the game immensely. I hate to criticize referees but on this seasons performance Ben O'Keefe needs to be stood down from SR. Hopefully with decent coaching he can come back in the future but right now he ia not up to it. Lack of consistency hurts this game and he is all inconsistencies.
Dave_S
Guest
Yeah maybe Duncan at 15 is the way to make it work. I reckon he has skills to be a utility player, and I'm not averse to having the 2nd playmaker at 15, it worked well with Hunt and Beale, for eg. I think we're all on the same page that Petaia is too a good talent to be wasted on getting scraps in attack. Ive been critical of Stewart but he took another step up in this game, as did McDermott and (in orher recent games) Sorovi. 2019 Reds backs have genuine potential, not sold on Carozza as their coach tho.
ethan
Guest
I think Kerevi is best at 12, so would look to put the second playmaker at fullback. DP at 12 shines against weaker opposition where he has more time and space, but not yet against the best in the comp. And as I mentioned, is still a bit suspect in defence even against the weaker teams. I think the comparison to Beale is apt, similar sort of player, I've made that comparison a few times before. Petaia's natural position is 13, and he looks more like a runner than a passer. But then, haven't really seen enough of him to know whether he would make it as a fullback.
TwoTahs
Guest
After yet another Mystery Red Card I’m about to boot Super Rugby and glad to be going out with GS. Damn pity the Cats went down last night but being there last week to watch them down the Swans, well what else enough for me. Farewell Rugby and the Tahs, all the best but life is just too short. PS. I’ll be at Allianz next week for the last time but that’s it after 47 years. I’m over the BS. Pity it had so much potential. Over and out. TwoTahs
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Yes Riddler, I know Georgie Smith is going to Bristol but thought it was just for a few months till a multi-Yen deal started. I could be wrong though, happened before - about 25 years ago. :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Qld Country killed them in last year's NRC, they were fearsomely good in the finals. Although most of the daffodils can be given to the forwards for their great competition (T.Tupou and C.Timu take a bow) the #10-12 pairing of H.Stewart and D.Paia’aua played a big part also. Definitely they are the apple in Brad Thorn's eye. :)
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Or Petaia as a 15 - can he kick? Definitely want to see him kept in the mix, but I like Duncan as the 12 if Stewart is the 10 - he is the 2nd playmaker, sort of like Beale is to Foley. Not sure I see Duncan as a 15. Anyway, upside is there is plenty of young talent on offer.
ethan
Guest
Pray for that Izzy signature. If not, I wonder if DP can be converted to a 15, so Kerevi and Petaia/Sautia can be our midfield pairing. DP still doesn't like defending or rucking much, but fulfils the second playmaker duties well and likes the open space running. Get him to catch a 1000 highballs in the off season and I'm sure he'd make a decent fist of it.
riddler
Roar Rookie
yes matey.. very chuffed for 6 wins.. at the start of the year so many said we would have zero and zero crowd!! thorn knows what he wants.. i am hoping he gets it there... as you said, a lot to like.. good luck for your lads tomorrow.. will be tough.. but will be watching and supporting your boys!!
Karl K
Guest
Rodda reminds me of a young James Horwill, great player great leader.
ethan
Guest
Entertaining game from both sides. Defence a bit optional at times, not unexpected with no finals to play for. Reds pack were quality, and probably the best game I've seen Stewart play. Got to feel for Eddie Quirk, probably the softest card of the season.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Well done Rids, nice finish to the season and your most wins since 2013. Lots to like about the future with plenty of good young talent. I think a couple of experienced hard heads will help along with a good goal kicker. I saw Brad Thorn interviewed after and he said ‘ a work in progress with lots to do still ‘, agree with that however lots to like also !
riddler
Roar Rookie
smith is playing the premiership next year in england thugby.. not easy going there at all mate.. we need a 15.. that is for sure.. let´s see what money is available and who thorn goes looking for..
riddler
Roar Rookie
across the board we had some good performances mate which was great to see.. even nabulli did okay!! hopefully we will release the 1.5m from our wage contracts that is sitting on the sideline for next year.. i would really hate to lose some of these lads we are bringing on to other clubs due to not having money in the salary cap..