Reds
31
Match Complete
Western Force
24
| J. O'Connor |  | 78 | ||
| 69 |  | A. Ready | ||
| J. O'Connor |  | 45 | ||
| F. Daugunu | | 44 | ||
| 38 | | B. Ralston | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 27 | ||
| T. Tupou | | 26 | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 23 | ||
| J. Campbell | | 22 | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 19 | ||
| B. Paenga-Amosa | | 18 | ||
| 14 | | I. Prior | ||
| 13 | | B. Ralston | ||
| 12 | | I. Prior | ||
| 10 | | J. McGregor |
| 4 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 0 |
The undefeated table-toppers of Super Rugby AU, the Reds, host a resurgent Western Force team at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:05pm (AEST).
The Reds, despite looking down and out in the latter stages last week, came back to level the scores against the Rebels at the end of 80 minutes.
And despite Super Rugby’s first extra time, the two sides couldn’t be split. With those two points, the Queenslanders hold top spot of Super Rugby AU with a total of six points. They’re only narrowly ahead of the Brumbies on five with a game in hand, and the Waratahs who are also on five, so a win tonight against the Force is critical.
After this game they won’t play at home until Round 7, and will want full points heading into next week’s bye.
The Force are back, and didn’t let themselves down last week in the loss to the Waratahs. They were the first team to score a try, but the hosts wrestled it away from them in the second stanza. On the plus side for the West Australians, their next four games are at home, but this would be a key win in terms of getting momentum, especially given they missed out on a bonus point last week.
They’ve been busy during the week, recruiting former All Black Richard Kahui in a savvy signing. We won’t see him in play this weekend, but look forward to his involvements.
In team news, the Reds will call on Angus Scott-Young to start at lock, after Angus Blyth was ruled out. Chris Feauai-Sautia is at 14, and Jock Campbell moves to fullback. This pushes Bryce Hegarty back to the pine, in number 23.
There are a couple of potential debutants: Jack Straker and Ryan Smith sitting in on the bench.
The Force have kept it stable, making only one change. It’s Ollie Atkins subbing on for Johan Bardoul in the reserves.
Prediction
It’s a toss-up. The Reds probably start favourites, but the Force are going to start upsetting sides soon, possibly even tonight.
Reds by six.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:05pm (AEST).
Game information
Kick off: 7:05pm (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel
Betting: Reds $1.14, Force $5.75
Teams
Reds
1. Harry Hoopert, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Angus Scott-Young, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Liam Wright (c), 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. James O’Connor, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Chris Feauia-Sautia, 15. Jock Campbell
Reserves
16. Alex Mafi, 17. Dane Zander, 18. Jack Straker, 19. Ryan Smith, 20. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 21. Scott Malolua, 22. Josh Flook, 23. Bryce Hegarty
Force
1. Angus Wagner, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Fergus Lee-Warner, 6. Henry Stowers, 7. Tevin Ferris, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior (c), 10. Jono Lance, 11. Brad Lacey, 12. Nick Jooste, 13. Marcel Brache, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Jack McGregor
Reserves
16. Andrew Ready, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Ollie Atkins, 20. Ollie Callan, 21. Jacob Abel, 22. Henry Taefu, 23. Kyle Godwin
LeftRight
Guest
The fact that we've got a local/Oz comp now, which means Oz teams win (every game is a local derby), and all teams are competitive, and means the games are good to watch. There's now always local interest in the games and this is bloody fantastic. Super Rugby - not too sure it's needed now.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Ball was on line and thus in goal...no offside in that situation. Would have been a try possibly if the half had lifted the ball off the ground. But ref should prob. have called carried over...scrum to Reds. But correct decision not to award the try !
Connor33
Guest
And Paisaimi decided to run a different line to what he was running all game on that intercept, too. JOCs either 12 or 10 for Australia. Can we have Toomua and JOC at 12? I think they’ve both got the skill and experience to do so, particularly with TK at 13.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Ah yes, good point. We could have done with him last night.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
and Frisby
ScottD
Roar Guru
we will have our best team on the field next week.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Knowing Jonno, he will be absolutely filthy on himself.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Cowan , Koteka, Kahui have yet to be seen on the paddock
Dean
Roar Rookie
Cracking game of Rugby. Thoroughly enjoyed it. A very high standard of play from both teams.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Different to Cane Cutters Cordial of course.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
See what's happening...we are seeing a few play that we might never have. Cool hey!
Discrete Pete
Guest
Bundy and OJ (as every genuine Queenslander can tell you) is a well known and regularly prescribed antidote to the common cold. I wonder if it will work on Covid-19? Perhaps a long term study is in order? Haven’t seen the game (I live in Vegas) but I’m glad the Reds won and apparently the Force performed well and it was an entertaining game.
MW7
Roar Rookie
Who is still in quarantine?
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
What a game. Very impressed by the sheer intensity of the reds defence and the ingenuity from the force back line. The moves they were pulling were some of the best I've seen from an Ozzy side in a while. Although disappointed we didn't get our first win it was an absolute pleasure to watch. Well done reds for the win. Ozzy rugby is BACK
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
What about the force reserve scrum half. Jacob Abel has some seriously clean ball and he's quick with his delivery too. Definitely one for the future
Adsa
Roar Rookie
The navigator on our boat would brew up a mean rum and powdered milk drink called Moreton bay porridge.
mused6
Roar Rookie
Great game of rugby. The Force are very well coached. It’s awesome to see them back in super rugby where they belong. The best aspect of the game is that there is plenty of improvement left in both sides, and yet the match was entertaining.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
And, whilst we'd seen a bit of him already, McDermott is a goer. Also, the first I'd seen of McReight living up to the wraps from some here. He's got some skills
ScottD
Roar Guru
Easily the best game of rugby in Australia this year. This is the sort of rugby that brings back the fan base. Force soooo close I could almost taste it.
Tim Rogers
Roar Rookie
Really enjoyed the game tonight! Just the pure joy of yelling at the telly! I thought ref... was ok let the game flow and was clear with his instructions in general- not that I’m an expert! If the boys could’ve taken their chances we’d have the chocolates. Well done to the Reds- they played well. I was impressed with quick bullocking runs especially in the first 40 after we scored two tries! Again well done to both sides Rugby was the winner.