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 |
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.
Game information
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)
Teams
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
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yeah agreed re Wilson I just like the edge stander brings plus he's faster and a bit more agile in tight. I think the more players we can bring in the better, an older head like stander could be great for team culture even without being in the 23. I hope Rennie chooses more Force than tah forwards at the very least, could still see Harrison and Gordon sneaking in in the backs.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
I've thought about it a little more. Notice how few, if any, silly penalties he has given away this season. Keeping his head all the way through the game, even when fatigue should be setting in.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I wouldn't worry about that. It read clearly.
PeterC
Guest
Thanks, Max.
Double Agent
Guest
Delusional As Usual.
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Because every time he has come on he has been seriously lacking. No idea how he has made international argy squad with his showings so far. Looks like he's on holiday
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Epic comment
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Holmes should have played more tests. His scrummaging was excellent; the Reds pack did not have all their own way.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Aren't they all !
jeznez
Roar Guru
:laughing: no I googled Jr. Wasn’t even a twinkle in the old man’s eye when Snr would have been going around. Good comment on Tupou. I know they are trying to manage his work load a bit more this season but he looks to me a guy that is hungry for big minutes. He definitely sent a message to the coaches as that back end of the game went on.
Mo
Guest
Standers eligible. Only played provincial in sa and migrated to Perth maybe 10 years ago. Good man to have but Wilson is heavier and had a good game too.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Sorry for the time capsule jez. There were a couple of 5N coaches who thought Hall was the best tight forward of his time. You didn't google his father? A Kangaroo of great note in the 50's. As for TT at 60 mins... a point at which coaches seem to be subbing their front row. Is he simply saying to BT (and DR), Ï've got plenty left and I'll lead the way for the win."?
Micko
Roar Rookie
So you think NZ would be a better location than Tasmania for a new AFL franchise?
Grev
Roar Rookie
If only the game was actually played in slow motion it would be so much easier....
Grev
Roar Rookie
I don’t know the answer, but I suspect many more supporters at the Brumbies home games than Melbourne’s first home game for over a year....
Grev
Roar Rookie
They were indeed fantastic. But if one of the players he cleaned out suddenly rubs his head, then he gets four weeks. I love how he is playing, but I fear someone ducking his head as he connects.
Grev
Roar Rookie
Led the tackle count last night and is Always in support. His pass inside to Hegarty was not perfect but should have been taken. He’s wary of turnovers being penalised at key moments and that is a credit to him. Nick Berry has never done him any favours and at least last night the communication from Ref was pretty good. And his try disallowed is typical of everything that is wrong with rugby refereeing. Consistency. He was first man there ( because he was in support again) so had rights to the ball.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
It was and I do. Sorry John.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
The poor grammar could explain it. :unhappy:
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Brache is a seasoned performer, and as a force fan I really like him at 13. However I agree it wasn't his best game. McGregor usually tries to do too much from fullback. Agreed with Macintyre as well, but I don't see him as a long term option at 10 he lacks any true imagination with his plays