Super Rugby AU Wrap-Up: Round 7

Round 7 threw out one major surprise as the Rebels slumped to a 19-3 defeat against the Reds after the former’s impressive showing against the Brumbies last week. As was expected, the Waratahs proved too much for the struggling Force, despatching the men from Perth 28-8.

Force v Waratahs:

The Waratahs continued the momentum they gathered in their 45-12 thumping of the Reds last weekend to over-power their Force rivals in Perth.

The ‘Tahs crossed the try line three times courtesy of Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks and Harry Johnson-Holmes.

Young fly-half Will Harrison was on point with the boot, contributing 13 points through two conversions and three penalties.

‘Tahs captain Rob Simmons said:

“We haven’t won two in a row since March 2019, so that was huge for us. We knew we would encounter a physical battle and the first 20 minutes was a real slog, but it slowly started to open for us.”

The victory takes the ‘Tahs to third spot on the overall standings, three points behind the table-topping Brumbies, while the Force, who have yet to post a win, are languishing at the bottom in fifth spot.

Reds v Rebels:

The Rebels gave a somewhat uncharacteristic performance in light of their recent form as they were knocked over by a determined Reds outfit.

The men from Melbourne had the opportunity to take top spot on the table after a brilliant victory over the Brumbies last weekend but were met with some unexpected fighting spirit in Brisabne.

The Rebels struggled in the first half, finding some rhythm in the second but the Reds’ defence was militant and precise, allowing them to ultimately seal victory.

“That was brilliant. Melbourne were very classy and held onto the ball and kept us in our half [second half], but our boys held strong. We’ve got a lot of tough men in that team and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” said Reds skipper Liam Wright.

The victory puts the Reds second on the log behind the Brumbies with the opportunity of taking top spot should things go well for them in Perth in Round 8.