Andrew Kellaway takes on the Drua defence.Credit: Getty Images
3. Sinclair patron saint of the underrated
It hasn’t taken Dan McKellar long to appreciate the merits of the unsung Hugh Sinclair. He has already emerged as the senior second-rower in Sydney this year, with Miles Amatosero showing on Friday that he is still rough around the edges.
Sinclair has been the glue in the Waratahs pack in the opening rounds, doing the sort of quality unseen work that coaches love. It was Sinclair who quickly cleaned up what looked suspiciously like a knock-on from replacement prop Tom Lambert just before the match-winning try against the Highlanders, and he continued that form on Friday (aside from a neck roll at the end of the game).
The Waratahs have good depth in a number of positions, but Sinclair is one player the Waratahs can’t afford to lose after the exits of Jed Holloway and Ned Hanigan last year.
Tate McDermott has been in great form for the Reds to start the season.Credit: Getty Images
4. Why Reds have their noses in front
Queensland are looking the most likely of the Australian sides in the early Super Rugby running, winning twice despite clearly not being at their best. Tate McDermott is causing havoc with his running game, and when their big forwards get their offload game going, they are great to watch.
But the part of their game that is serving them well at present is their ability to absorb pressure in their own 22m. They flirted with another yellow card against the Force in Perth – captain Harry Wilson was lucky not to go to the bin after the Force scored a first-half try – but they largely managed to restrict the Force on the scoreboard despite struggling for territory and possession.
It is a good sign for coach Les Kiss, although the loss of classy centre Josh Flook to injury will be a bitter pill to swallow.
5. Brumbies can’t stop the leaks
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The Brumbies have conceded an average of 42 points a game during the first three rounds – a very un-Brumbies statistic that needs to change quickly before their game against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday. The Chiefs are a pretty complete team with threats across the park, but they were very happy to take the Brumbies head on in Hamilton on Saturday, with second-rower Nick Frost lifted off his feet trying to stop big Chiefs No.6 Samipeni Finau.
The Brumbies scored some dazzling tries, with the back three of Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead and Corey Toole in outstanding form, but even before the Chiefs game they didn’t have anyone in the top 15 for dominant tackles across the competition.
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The post Will Americans embrace rugby league? Rugby union is miles in front, and it can’t crack US first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-03-03 05:21:30
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