Five key match-ups in the Brumbies v Waratahs World Cup audition
The NSW Waratahs host the Brumbies in a blockbuster Super Rugby match that will double as an audition for Wallabies spots at the World Cup on Saturday.
There are five key match ups in the penultimate round clash that could go a long way to deciding who starts for Australia in Japan later this year.
Tighthead props Sekope Kepu (Waratahs) and Allan Alaalatoa kick things off in the front row, while second-rowers locks Rory Arnold (Brumbies) and Rob Simmons will lock horns behind them.
Arguably the most interesting battle is at No.10, with inspirational Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano facing under fire Waratahs playmaker Bernard Foley.
That contest will have a big influence on the next, with red-hot Brumbies outside centre Tevita Kuridrani looking to run through veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Finally, it’s the battle of the fullbacks looking to fill the void of exiled star Israel Folau. The showdown features the immensely talented Kurtley Beale against Brumbies young gun Tom Banks.
The 10 players have 588 Test caps between them but half will be relegated to the bench or even drop outside the game day 23.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he was looking forward to the head-to-head battles and believes Lealiifano is the form five-eighth in Super Rugby.
“I don’t think (Wallabies coach) Michael Cheika will be picking his Wallabies 10 off the back of Saturday night but all of these games certainly play a role,” McKellar said.
“It will be as close to Test match footy as you can get at Super Rugby level, so you just get a gauge of how players handle that environment.
“Christian has played in more of these games than most and he’ll be very relaxed and calm and will know he’s just got to do his job well.
“Christian has been the form 10 of the competition, consistently .. I don’t think he’ll be thinking a whole lot about Bernard.”
McKellar also backed his fullback.
“Banksy and Beale isn’t a bad one, he’s playing well Tommy, he gets a lot of raps when he’s scoring tries, but for me, the strength of his game this year is his ability to clean up kicks in the back field,” McKellar said.
“His defensive work is a real area he’s improved as well and we all know he can attack.
“I think Kurtley (Beale) is more dangerous at 15 (than 10 or 12), it allows him to sit in behind the play and chime in and spot opportunities when they present.”
The Brumbies are leading the Australian conference after winning six of their past seven games, and can all but secure a home quarterfinal by ending NSW’s season at Bankwest Stadium.
“There’s a lot on the line for us and them, and (for) individuals, so she’ll be on,” McKellar said.
– AAP
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments