Reds v Force 7pm Sat 29th March, Rd 7

[Derpus]

The big difference for me was White going off. The Force had done all the work to secure that win. They had spoiled plenty of Reds ball on attack and had their lineout absolutely cooked.

But then every time they got a sniff of possession they lacked the composure to work their way back up the field. Similar to the Tahs with Teddy Wilson at the base of the ruck - a lack of composure from 9 really infects the rest of the team.

 

[Ignoto]

I don't think the Force were the better team. They were not dangerous with the ball in hand, they had one freak try and two from tight forward play. The Reds back outplayed them completely.

The Force absolutely destroyed the Reds lineout and did nothing with this advantage. By being so effective at the lineout, it meant the Reds dominance in the scrum was wasted as the Force would pinch it back at the lineout.

BOK should have sent one of the Force players before Bryant was held up. There were so many consecutive penalties to the point where it was cynical.

Lynagh had close to a perfect game and that offload was so bloody good.

Khalni backed up with another solid performance and it was great seeing him being so vocal around the park.

Between Lonergen, Wilson and Khalni, I really cannot see how you take White as the third scrum half. Outside of a couple of bombs he was a passenger.

I was nervous seeing Hunter scratched just before kick off but Dre stepped up once again. Bloody incredible his journey considering he was playing QPR last season.

 

[Shiggins]

The big difference for me was White going off. The Force had done all the work to secure that win. They had spoiled plenty of Reds ball on attack and had their lineout absolutely cooked.

But then every time they got a sniff of possession they lacked the composure to work their way back up the field.

Fines has gone down the ranks at 9 that's for sure. Needs to find his form

 

[Derpus]

I don't think the Force were the better team. They were not dangerous with the ball in hand, they had one freak try and two from tight forward play. The Reds back outplayed them completely.

The Force absolutely destroyed the Reds lineout and did nothing with this advantage. By being so effective at the lineout, it meant the Reds dominance in the scrum was wasted as the Force would pinch it back at the lineout.

BOK should have sent one of the Force players before Bryant was held up. There were so many consecutive penalties to the point where it was cynical.

Lynagh had close to a perfect game and that offload was so bloody good.

Khalni backed up with another solid performance and it was great seeing him being so vocal around the park.

Between Lonergen, Wilson and Khalni, I really cannot see how you take White as the third scrum half. Outside of a couple of bombs he was a passenger.

I was nervous seeing Hunter scratched just before kick off but Dre stepped up once again. Bloody incredible his journey considering he was playing QPR last season.

There is no planet in which Lonergan or Wilson are better scrumhalves than White. Even at the Reds Kalani would be my third choice.

 

[BDA]

I'll start with we should of won that game. The last Reds try came from not competing in the lineout when we had stolen their ball all game! Why go away from a strength??

Can't knock the intensity as the boys were all over it all game. Tizzano try scoring and Robbo great to see that achilles is healthy on that run. Getting to love De Crespiney work ethics and love of the tough dark arts leart in France. A Wallabies smokey. The Lineoit.....Suburb, an absolute strength and should of backed yourself.

Some sneaky good performances given the weather and an entertaining game. Just felt we should of and could of won that. Need to beat your Oz rivals and knock the kiwis off where you can.

A great entertaining game. We push on into next week against another plucky team in the Highlanders.

Let's stay strong. This is a good Force team and proud to back them in week to week. GO You Force !

I cant argue with the sentiment from force fans that they probably have won. Id feel the same way. As a reds fan im hoping it speaks more to a win culture / mentality that comes with consistent success. They did the same thing to the force earlier in the season and managed to come from behind last week to beat the highlanders. Its a quality that the top kiwi sides have had for years. Even when the aussie sides outplayed them the kiwi side would so often eek out a win.

 

[BDA]

For me it was hard to judge to much from the 10s given the conditions, but id have to say donaldson never really imposed himself on the game. Not great conditions but as the 10 he probably has to bare some of the blame for the force being unable to capitalise on their possession

 

[Derpus]

For me it was hard to judge to much from the 10s given the conditions, but id have to say donaldson never really imposed himself on the game. Not great conditions but as the 10 he probably has to bare some of the blame for the force being unable to capitalise on their possession

I thought he looked good. He's really learnt how to draw and pass and you can see how his pace keeps defenders on edge.

Lynagh also looked good and did well for his setup. Lynagh is unassuming given his small size and lack of pace but he does the basics very well and his out of hand kicking is excellent.

They both look better than Lolesio for me - though I worry for Lynagh physically in test rugby.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Interesting attacking stats for the 10s (rugby pass)
* Donaldson: 23 passes, 8 kicks, 4 carries
* Lynagh: 11 passes, 5 kicks, 3 carries

Not sure I would have guessed that....

24 kicks and 87 passes for the Reds v 28 kicks and 152 passes for the Force - chasing the game?

 

[TSR]

There is no planet in which Lonergan or Wilson are better scrumhalves than White. Even at the Reds Kalani would be my third choice.

Third choice? Behind who … Werchon? What is that based on?

Not want to bag Werchon because he’s nothing to be bagged for - because he’s basically done nothing. Not his fault. He’s the third choice scrum half. But are you rating him better because you read something online somewhere because I’m not sure how you could make any other sort of meaningful judgement.

Thomas has taken some time to find his feet at this level, but he was introduced very prematurely as a 19 year old. His last two games have been very strong and deserves credit where it’s due.

White is a shadow of his former self. If he holds his place it’ll purely because Schmidt doesn’t want to blood someone new v the Lions. Probably fair enough but if we have to play White I’ll be pretty concerned.

 

[Derpus]

Third choice? Behind who … Werchon? What is that based on?

Not want to bag Werchon because he’s nothing to be bagged for - because he’s basically done nothing. Not his fault. He’s the third choice scrum half. But are you rating him better because you read something online somewhere because I’m not sure how you could make any other sort of meaningful judgement.

Thomas has taken some time to find his feet at this level, but he was introduced very prematurely as a 19 year old. His last two games have been very strong and deserves credit where it’s due.

White is a shadow of his former self. If he holds his place it’ll purely because Schmidt doesn’t want to blood someone new v the Lions. Probably fair enough but if we have to play White I’ll be pretty concerned.

Fair enough - he's been pretty rubbish for a while in my view but if he's turned a corner that's good. From the few times I've seen Werchon play he's seemed way more dangerous.

 

[Shiggins]

I don't think the Force were the better team. They were not dangerous with the ball in hand, they had one freak try and two from tight forward play. The Reds back outplayed them completely.

The Force absolutely destroyed the Reds lineout and did nothing with this advantage. By being so effective at the lineout, it meant the Reds dominance in the scrum was wasted as the Force would pinch it back at the lineout.

BOK should have sent one of the Force players before Bryant was held up. There were so many consecutive penalties to the point where it was cynical.

Lynagh had close to a perfect game and that offload was so bloody good.

Khalni backed up with another solid performance and it was great seeing him being so vocal around the park.

Between Lonergen, Wilson and Khalni, I really cannot see how you take White as the third scrum half. Outside of a couple of bombs he was a passenger.

I was nervous seeing Hunter scratched just before kick off but Dre stepped up once again. Bloody incredible his journey considering he was playing QPR last season.

What was the freak try ? The great run over the ad line and offload for a prop to stroll 40m? Lynaghs offload was great but it was a fluke. Bounce of the ball off a poor lineout and got lucky. Lynagh did well with a lucky bounce of the ball. I think the force were playing to a game plan and not trying to be flashy with the ball. It was obvious and was working for wet weather rugby

They didn't deserve a yellow for the penalties on the line. It was from one attacking phase and the following phases they didn't give anyway and held up the player over the line. I was much happier with the forces discipline in this game than others. Their game plan almost worked and they lost the game due to a couple of poor decisions late.

It's great signs for the reds. Plenty of solid players to come back and they did what they needed to win. I think they are the best Aussie side this year for sure. Reds fans should be pretty happy.

 

[Adam84]

also I missed it, what happened to Paisami? Why was he out

 

[Derpus]

also I missed it, what happened to Paisami? Why was he out

I read broken nose somehow?

 

[Adam84]

Third choice? Behind who … Werchon? What is that based on?

Not want to bag Werchon because he’s nothing to be bagged for - because he’s basically done nothing. Not his fault. He’s the third choice scrum half. But are you rating him better because you read something online somewhere because I’m not sure how you could make any other sort of meaningful judgement.

Thomas has taken some time to find his feet at this level, but he was introduced very prematurely as a 19 year old. His last two games have been very strong and deserves credit where it’s due.

White is a shadow of his former self. If he holds his place it’ll purely because Schmidt doesn’t want to blood someone new v the Lions. Probably fair enough but if we have to play White I’ll be pretty concerned.

Yeah agreed Thomas has matured and his performance last week against Highlanders was dam impressive…

Werchon has showed glimpses of brilliance, but not the maturity of controlling game which sets players apart. Kalani any day over Werchon and I expect other Oz Super Rugby teams will be chasing him as a starting half for 2026

 

[TSR]

Anyway, that aside great game and very happy to get the result. Lineouts were a dogs breakfast but otherwise very positive performance and handling in the conditions generally pretty good for both sides. Well done to the Force who really stuck it to them physically.

Don’t want to get ahead of myself as I am very aware there is plenty of games left and some very tough one’s coming up - but it’s been so long since the Reds were top of the table I have to mention it.

Great to still see 4 Aussie teams in the top 6.

Edit: 13 yrs since the Reds last topped the table, apparently.

 

[Major Tom]

Big game for the force. Reds are the best Aussie side this year for sure. Murray was in touch. Jeez that was close. They gonna check it ?

Come on mate. Force pass was forward. Murray was out. All squared.

 

[Shiggins]

Come on mate. Force pass was forward. Murray was out. All squared.

What pass was forward? There were none. And Murray wasn't out.

 

[Hogan]

Turning point was Donaldson's error kicking out on the full from the lineout outside the 22m.

Thought the Reds managed field position pretty well over the last 15m despite a disaster of a lineout. That was the difference

Lineout was 1m inside the 22. Terrible decision by the ref.

 

[dru]

How did Force not win that game? Amazing. Relief for the Reds though. WTF in the lineout? Slightly balanced by a very dominant Reds scrum.

Thought Daugunu is on fire. Lynagh starting to possibly make a c;aim for the WN 10 jersey.

All things considered though, if we are to live up to this ranking we desperately need a number of key players back. The wider squad has done miracles getting us here, kudos, but we really need to get back closer to strength.

Well done Force, things starting to look good, pleased you missed by a squeak here but I'm watching you guys closely through the reset of the season.

 

[Major Tom]

Hahahaha. Righto. Reds had a try allowed when murray cleary in touch. I haven't seen one late hit from Dolly but there have been a couple on force players. If BOK is going to let it go let's see how often it happens in the second half. Reds lineout is a mess, don't blame an oppositions players mouth for the reds problems.

Agree the lineout was a mess but force players were just closing the space everytime. It was a fair game, reds were better.