On Saturday, the NSW Waratahs host the ACT Brumbies in a vital match for both sides. At stake is the carrot of a potential lucrative home semi-final for the Tahs and for the Brumbies, well they love (live?) to spoil any Tahs’ party and they can also qualify for a finals spot. There’s plenty to play for.
Why should I bother?
The Tahs have scored an average of 4.7 tries per match this year compared to only 3.3 for the Brumbies and have displayed a willingness to move the ball quickly once they have achieved suitable field position. Henry Speight will need to deny space to Taqele Naiyaravoro but will also fancy his chances of getting around Big T.
The clash between David Pocock (who has 19 pilfers in only 9 matches in 2018) and impressive Tahs’ openside Will Miller promises to be gigantic. Both sides will be looking for season-best accuracy at the contact zone and intelligent decision making prior to taking contact.
Key match ups
Will Miller v David Pocock
The importance of this clash stands out like the proverbial. Enough said.
Spectators v TMO
An acquaintance of mine recently suggested that SANZAAR should review the whole salary structure introduced for TMOs this season. There appears to be some ambiguity as to how a TMO would qualify for performance pay but I couldn’t possibly comment. Past matches between these sides have often had some heat to them so it is quite possible that George Ayoub may may be required to assist referee Angus Gardiner.
The game plans
The Brumbies need a bonus point win if they are to have a chance of making the final eight so they simply must bring all the attacking flair they can muster to the clash. The Tahs will want to ensure they finish in second position on the ladder to reap the benefits (and dollars) that will bring in terms of opponents and home playoff matches. All logic suggests both teams will be looking to score as many points as possible, playing right to the final whistle.
Both sides maintained relatively secure primary possession this year. The difference between the teams has been in the effectiveness of their backlines. The Tahs have shown a willingness to move the ball wide and they have scored some fine five pointers this year. The Brumbies have some decent players in their high numbered jerseys as well but they just don’t seem to have clicked this year. It really is a match where players such as Lealiifano, Godwin and Kuridrani have to exert significantly more influence with ball in hand. It’s a case of now or go home for the Brumbies.
Prediction
The Waratahs to continue their recent improved form and secure second place on the ladder.
Tahs by 14
Match Details
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Waratahs
1. Tom Robertson
2. Damien Fitzpatrick
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Jed Holloway
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ned Hanigan
7. Will Miller
8. Michael Wells
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Taqele Naiyaravoro
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Curtis Rona
14. Cameron Clark
15. Israel Folau
Reserves:
16. Silatolu Latu
17. Harry Johnson-Holmes
18. Paddy Ryan
19. Tom Staniforth
20. Brad Wilkin
21. Jake Gordon
22. Alex Newsome
23. Bryce Hegarty
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Brumbies
1. Scott Sio
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Rory Arnold
5. Richie Arnold
6. Blake Enever
7. David Pocock
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Joe Powell
10.Christian Lealiifano
11. Andrew Muirhead
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Tom Banks
Reserves:
16. Connal McInerney
17. Nic Mayhew
18. Leslie Leulusialii-Makin
19. Sam Carter
20. Lachlan McCaffrey
21. Matt Lucas
22. Wharenui Hawera
23. Lausii Taliaula
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Match Details
Date: Saturday, 14 July 2018
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19:45 AEST
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees:
Will Houston, James Leckie
TMO: George Ayoub
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