• Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Melbourne Rebels
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Wallabies
    • All Blacks
    • Argentina
    • Barbarians
    • British & Irish Lions
    • England
    • Fiji
    • France
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Samoa
    • Scotland
    • Wales
  • Women’s Rugby
  • Rugby World Cup
    • 2023 Rugby World Cup Fantasy League
  • Sevens
  • Schoolboy
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

September 25, 2023

Rank Your Top 5 Players – Australia v Wales – Pool C

September 25, 2023

Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

September 25, 2023
Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter
Green and Gold Rugby
Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Melbourne Rebels
    3. NSW Waratahs
    4. Queensland Reds
    5. Western Force
    6. View All

    Friday’s Rugby News – 23/6/23

    June 22, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 12/6/23

    June 11, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News – 9/6/23

    June 9, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Thursdays Rugby News 1/6/23

    June 1, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 5/6/23

    June 4, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 29/5/23

    May 28, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/5/23

    May 14, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 8/5/23

    May 7, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News –Eddie Jones Is the Answer for Australian Rugby

    August 24, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – The Chocolate Wheel of Injustice

    August 17, 2023

    Thursdays Rugby News – May the Force Be With Them

    August 10, 2023

    Happy Thursday – Its Not a Conspiracy If They Are Picking On You

    August 3, 2023
  • Wallabies
    1. All Blacks
    2. Argentina
    3. Barbarians
    4. British & Irish Lions
    5. England
    6. Fiji
    7. France
    8. Ireland
    9. Italy
    10. Japan
    11. Samoa
    12. Scotland
    13. Wales
    14. View All

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Game Review: France v New Zealand – Pool A – Friday 8 September

    September 9, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: C’est l’heure.

    September 8, 2023

    Game Review: Argentina v Samoa – Pool D – Friday 22 September

    September 22, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Game Review: England v Argentina – Pool D – Saturday 9 September

    September 10, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 25/5/23

    May 25, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 15/11/21

    November 15, 2021

    Monday’s Rugby News – 20/09/21

    September 20, 2021

    Five observations from the Barbarian match

    November 4, 2014

    Thursdays Rugby News 1/6/23

    June 1, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 13/3/23

    March 12, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 20/09/21

    September 20, 2021

    Thursdays Rugby News

    August 19, 2021

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Live Chat: England v Japan.

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Eddie Has to Go!

    September 18, 2023

    Live Chat & Game Review: Fiji v Australia – Pool D – Sunday 8 October

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    France v Namibia – Pool A – Thursday 21 September

    September 22, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    South Africa v Ireland: Live Chat

    September 24, 2023

    Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

    September 21, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    The Chewsday Chew

    April 10, 2023

    Live Chat: England v Japan.

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Game Review: Japan v Chile – Pool D – Sunday 10 September

    September 10, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #7: It’s the Final Countdown!

    September 4, 2023

    Game Review: Argentina v Samoa – Pool D – Friday 22 September

    September 22, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 18th July 2022

    July 17, 2022

    Monday’s Rugby News – 11th July 2022

    July 10, 2022

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #8: Let’s Get ready to rumble!

    September 11, 2023

    Live Chat: South Africa v Scotland

    September 11, 2023

    Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

    September 25, 2023

    Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

    September 25, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #9: David v Goliath

    September 18, 2023

    Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

    September 25, 2023

    Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

    September 25, 2023

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

    September 25, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

    September 22, 2023
  • Women’s Rugby

    Compare and contrast of AU and NZ women’s rugby

    September 7, 2023

    Friday’s Rugby News: The Gaul of it.

    August 25, 2023

    Kirby Sefo on Women’s Rugby

    August 24, 2023

    Yowie on the Loose: World Cup squads, coach-helpers and some catch-up for women’s rugby

    August 23, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 24/7/23

    July 23, 2023
  • Rugby World Cup
    1. 2023 Rugby World Cup Fantasy League
    2. View All

    Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

    September 25, 2023

    Rank Your Top 5 Players – Australia v Wales – Pool C

    September 25, 2023

    Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

    September 25, 2023

    Game Review: Scotland v Tonga – Pool B – Sunday 24 September

    September 25, 2023

    Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

    September 25, 2023

    Rank Your Top 5 Players – Australia v Wales – Pool C

    September 25, 2023

    Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

    September 25, 2023

    Game Review: Scotland v Tonga – Pool B – Sunday 24 September

    September 25, 2023
  • Sevens

    Australia’s Iona College brave but beaten in Rugby Heritage Cup Final

    September 7, 2023

    Brisbane’s Iona College through to the world semi-finals of Rugby Heritage Cup

    September 6, 2023

    Happy Thursdays Rugby News 27/7/23

    July 27, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 20/3/23

    April 20, 2023

    Monday’s Rugby News – 10/4/23

    April 9, 2023
  • Schoolboy Rugby

    Nudgee College win 44th QLD GPS Rugby Premiership

    September 14, 2023

    Thursday’s Rugby News 24/3/22

    March 23, 2022

    Rugbycology report -Super Rugby AU Round 6

    August 10, 2020

    It all starts with ambition: A schools rugby analysis piece

    August 4, 2019

    Australian Schools Championships – the tradition continues

    July 4, 2019
  • Podcast

    The Dropped Kick-Off 97 – Put it in H

    September 20, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 96 – ‘First Gear’ Wallabies (RWC2023 Fiji Preview) with Hoss

    September 15, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 95 – World Cup Bites (RWC2023 Week One) with Hoss

    September 13, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 94 – Your Ultimate 2023 Rugby World Cup Predictor

    September 6, 2023

    The Dropped Kick-Off 91 – A Moral (Oral) Victory

    August 3, 2023
Green and Gold Rugby
Home»Super Rugby»Queensland Reds»Match Preview: Sunwolves v Reds
Queensland Reds

Match Preview: Sunwolves v Reds

Reg RobertsBy Reg RobertsMarch 14, 201923 Comments0 Views
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Duncan Paia'aua makes a break
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Its rivalry round in Tokyo, as two of the oldest of Australian Conference foes meet at the picturesque Prince Chichibu Stadium for the second time in as many years. The Sunwolves will be looking forward to getting home  on Saturday afternoon after impressing in the last three rounds of Super Rugby. The Reds on the other hand will be desperate to notch their first win of the season but, perhaps more importantly, break their longest losing streak against the Sunwolves in Japan in their history.

FORM

Neither team would have looked at their draw and been particularly enamored at what the scheduled held for the first four weeks.  In fact both teams probably would have had this fixture circled as an opportunity for a little respite from the top tier teams. As it stands, the Sunwolves have probably surprised most in going down to the Tahs by 1 point in Round 2 and then backing up to beat the Chiefs away in Round 3. All this despite not having the majority of their international players as they prepare for the RWC.

If you were to chart the performances of the Reds on a graph, then it would likely be a steady decline.  From the highs of a first round bye to their frustrating efforts against the Tahs in Sydney last week.  In reality the 2nd round performance in their loss to the Highlanders gave their beleaguered (and former) supporters a glimmer of hope and us, overly optimistic fans were able to scramble together some positives in their loss to a weakened Crusaders team. The Tah game though? There’s not too much we could take from that barring a couple of individual performances.

HISTORY

What an intriguing history these two great rivals have. Dating all the way back to the mid-2016s when they first met, when names like Browning, Neville, Matjiwow and (of course) Goromaru were running around for the Reds.  On that sunny afternoon at Suncorp, with the local Japanese community coming out in force to cheer on their beloved Ed Quirk, the Sunwolves gave the Reds a hell of a fright before the home team closed out the match for a 35-25 victory.

The return clash, in true Hollywood tension building mode, would not eventuate for another 23 months and 21 days.  This time the Sunwolves would be the hosts and they will pull out a performance that would shock the rugby world.  Well perhaps just the western world because, following the Japanese knocking off the Spingboks in the last RWC, these types of upsets are more anticipated than unexpected.  In a remarkable afternoon of rugby the Sunwolves were as excellent as the Reds were dire and ran away winners 63-28 highlighted by a personal haul from flyhalf Hayden Parker of 36 points.

Retribution would flow from the Reds when they returned to their home base of Suncorp Stadium to once again host the Sunwolves, this time in the last round of the 2018 season.  The home team would celebrate, arguably, their most impressive win of the season and run away 48-27 winners, delivering departing players Jono Lance and Eto Nabuli the perfect send off.

TOP OPTA FACTS

  • This will be the fourth Super Rugby meeting between the Sunwolves and the Reds, with each of the previous three won by the home team on the day.
  • The Sunwolves have earned competition points in four of their last five Super Rugby games on home turf (W4, 1LBP).
  • The Reds have lost their last eight games in a row away from home in Super Rugby, conceding an average of 39 points per game in that period.
  • The Sunwolves’ 100% goal- kicking success rate continues for a fourth round; they remain the only team with a flawless record in front of the uprights (18/18).
  • Reds’ Harry Hockings won eight lineouts in Round 4, more than any other player (excluding steals); the last time any Reds player won more in a single Super Rugby game was in June 2015 (Jake Schatz -9)

TEAMS

The Reds have made a bunch of changes from last week, the most significant being the non-selection of Izack Rodd and Taniela Tupou who are on ‘Rugby Australia Workload Management Leave’.  It sees Lukhan Salakai-Loto moves back to lock with Angus Scott-Young ensuring we still have a hyphenated name on the side of the scrum.  Ruan Smith will join his twin brother in the starting side for the first time this year.

Out wide, Isaac Lucas has been named at flyhalf, replacing the injured Bryce Hegarty, which opens up the fullback spot for Hamish Stewart (where he first featured for Queensland in the corresponding game last year). A shuffle of the bench sees us with two loosehead prop reserves and potentially the first sighting of Filipo Daugunu this season.

The Sunwolves selectors haven’t sad idle either with even more changes than the Reds.  Jason Emery moves from the centres to fullback, relegating Semisi Masirewa to the bench. It means Japanes international Sione Teaupa will start at 13 in a potentially damaging centre combination with his skipper, Michael Litte.  Further out, another Tongan born player Hosea Saumaki will start on the wing.

Significantly, flyhalf Hayden Parker is back in the starting team after being on the bench last week, ready to torment the Reds as he did this match last year.  In the backrow we get to see former QLD Schoolboy star, and Gunnedah product, Ben Gunter get his chance at blindside. And speaking of backrower, the most notable change to the team is the selection of former Australian Super Rugby player of the year, Amanaki Mafi (still fighting assault chargers) named on the bench.

Sunwolves: 15 Jason Emery, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Sione Teaupa, 12 Michael Little (c), 11 Hosea Saumaki, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Ben Gunter, 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Tom Rowe, 3 Hiroshi Yamashita, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Pauliasi Manu Substitutes: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Asaeli Ai Valu, 19 James Moore, 20 Amanaki Mafi, 21 Keisuke Uchida, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Semisi Masirewa

Reds:  15 Hamish Stewart, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Samu Kerevi (c), 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Isaac Lucas, 9 Moses Sorovi, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith Substitutes: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa , 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Feao Fotuaika, 19 Angus Blythe, 20 Caleb Timu, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Filipo Daugunu

Angus Blyth Reds v Chiefs trial 2019 (photo credit: QRU Media/Brendan Hertel)
The Reds pack, in particular Salakai-Loto, Blythe and Hockings, need to lift their game big time.

KEY MATCH UPS:

Flyhalves: Hayden Parker is back in the starting line-up after having a ‘break’ on the bench last weekend.  His selection provides the Sunwolves, not only a dead-eye dick of a goal kicker, but a controlling play maker capable of setting his dangerous backline alight.  Opposite him will be the extremely talented rookie, Isaac Lucas, who has been thrown the much shared Queensland 10 jersey in just his second start.  How much Lucas can free up his fellow backs, and how much the team can stymie Parker, will go a fair way to deciding this match.

Blindsides:  As mentioned, the former Brisbane based BBC backrower, Ben Gunter will make his Sunwolves debut as a stepping stone to his potential RWC selection later this year.  The massive 21 year old is an imposing figure capable of making his presence felt on either side of the ball.  Angus Scott-Young, meanwhile, has made his way back into the starting team thanks to the resting of Izack Rodda. Scott-Young doesn’t have the physically imposing stature of Gunter, and is less likely to make the dynamic impact of his opposite number. But ASY will be critical in ensuring the Sunwolves pack don’t get a roll on and, more importantly, will need to work his but off to chase the ball the home team’s backline is likely to throw around.

FEARLESS FUL PREDICTION

With absolutely no confidence or reason behind it I think the Reds will win by 2.

MATCH DETAILS:

Date: Saturday 16 March, 2019
Kick off: 1:15pm local time (2:15pm QLD time)
Venue: Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees:  Shuhei Kubo& Aki Aso
TMO: Minoru Fuji
Weather forecast: Early showers – 13 °C

 

News reds Sunwolves
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleRugby Report Card 76 – Tucked In
Next Article Preview: Brumbies v. Waratahs
Reg Roberts
  • Twitter

The original prop in a prop's body, but thankfully I have the rugby mind of a prop as well.

Related Posts

Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

September 25, 2023

Game Review: Scotland v Tonga – Pool B – Sunday 24 September

September 25, 2023

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #10: Did we just see the Final?

September 25, 2023

Game Review: South Africa v Ireland – Pool B – Saturday, 23 September

September 24, 2023
GAGR Podcast
Our Picks

Eddie Has to Go!

September 18, 2023

Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

September 25, 2023

Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

September 22, 2023

Happy’s Thursday Rugby News – Week Two What Did We Learn

September 21, 2023
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Don't Miss
Analysis

Hamish and Eddie! It is time for you both to go and write your books now!

By Brisneyland LocalSeptember 25, 202324

Well well well! Here we go now. And no this isn’t a jump on the…

Rank Your Top 5 Players – Australia v Wales – Pool C

September 25, 2023

Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

September 25, 2023

Game Review: Scotland v Tonga – Pool B – Sunday 24 September

September 25, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news from Green & Gold Rugby.

About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Eddie Has to Go!

September 18, 2023

Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!

September 25, 2023

Friday’s Rugby News: Utopia?

September 22, 2023
New Comments
  • Bobby Nations on Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!
  • Damo on Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!
  • Brisneyland Local on Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!
  • Brisneyland Local on Wales v Australia: Just Beat It!
  • Tomthusiasm on France v Namibia – Pool A – Thursday 21 September
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2023 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.