- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Queensland Reds
26
Match Complete
Western Force
19
| J. O'Connor |  | 68 | ||
| J. Campbell |  | 66 | ||
| 55 |  | J. McIntyre | ||
| H. Paisami | | 51 | ||
| 50 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| 38 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| 20 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| 19 | | F. Kaitu'u | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 17 | ||
| H. Paisami | | 15 | ||
| 14 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 9 | ||
| T. McDermott | | 8 |
| 4 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 4 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The Reds host the Force on Saturday evening at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm (AEDT).
Last year, the Reds thrashed the Force by 52 points. After a big win last week, the Queenslanders will hope to deliver a similar blow today. But it may not by so easy, as their heroic last-gasp try was facilitated by the Brumbies’ front-row collapse, literally and figuratively, as a platform of 17 unanswered points failed to deliver a big win. But it masked the various issues faced by the Reds.
The Western Force, led by Brynard Stander, are a different team to last year. They have started to gel, delivering a predictable yet effective attack model. Their forwards are tough and are not afraid to express themselves. The growing quality is evident in that a player like Fergus Lee-Warner is pushed back to blindside, and Tim Anstee is pushed to the bench.
We can expect some speed from the Force in the last stanza, but probably not enough. Out-paced and outwitted last week, as was brilliantly exposed by Nicholas Bishop, the Reds’ back rowers will seek redemption.
Jim McKay’s genius attacking mind and ability to translate that on the paddock is self-evident. His set moves and attacking structures, complemented by the blistering speed of the Queensland outside backs, are expected to deliver exciting tries today.
The Force’s set piece is decent, with former Reds old bull Greg Holmes fronting up at tighthead. They have reinforced it somewhat by starting 34-year-old Sitaleki Timani in the second row. But the Reds’ scrum will take them to the limit with a young, strong and well-drilled pack.
The halves from both sides have the same approach to rugby, with one veteran Test player apiece. The outside backs and centre battle is intriguing, if the pack does not get in the way of things.
It is brimming with young talent on one side, and deadly experience on the other side. Toni Pulu is not playing for the Force, and will be a big advantage for the Reds. I hope the Force give Byron Ralston clear instructions to steer clear of his sideline.
Prediction
The Force can still win because they are improving rapidly. They have the forwards to win the gain line, and the backs to score points. But the Reds are in good form at home and will be almost impossible to beat today.
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEDT)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: 9Gem
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Reds $1.14, Force $5.70 (odds via PlayUp)
Reds
1. Dane Zander, 2. Alex Mafi, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O’Connor (c), 11. Ilaisa Droasese, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Suliasi Vunivalu, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Ryan Smith, 20. Seru Uru, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Bryce Hegarty
Force
1. Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Greg Holmes, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Sitaleki Timani, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander (c), 9. Tomas Cubelli, 10. Jake McIntyre, 11. Richard Kahui, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Robert Kearney
Bench: 16. Jack Winchester, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Santiago Medrano, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Jack McGregor, 23. Marcel Brache
Hide Preview
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.