Super Rugby AU Wrap Up - Round 4

Strong wins for the Rebels and Brumbies characterised Round 4 of Super Rugby AU. The Waratahs' discipline left much to be desired as the Rebels capitalised to build a 29-10 scoreline while the Force were never in the game against an electric Brumbies outfit who ran out 24-0 victors. 

Waratahs v Rebels:

The Rebels dominated the Waratahs 29-10 as the men from Sydney failed to make the most of their home-ground advantage.

The Rebels drew first blood early on with a penalty from fly-half Matt Toomua.

Shortly thereafter, the Waratahs got on the board with a sneaky intercept by Alex Newsome after Rebels attempted to run the ball out of their 22.

Toomua slotted two easy penalties to gain a two point lead on the 15 minute mark as the Rebels defence went from strength to strength.

Will Harrison kept the ‘Tahs firmly in the game with a penalty, taking the score to 10-9.

At the 30 minute mark ‘Tahs flanker Michael Hooper was sent to bin for repeated offside.

Scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens crashed over after a strong scrum from the Rebels just before the teams left the field for half-time with the Rebels leading 19-10.

The third quarter passed with no change to the score line but the momentum lay soundly with the Rebels, their forward pack working well to help them routinely string phases together as the ‘Tahs’ discipline continued to let them down.

Tahs’ Jed Holloway was sent from the field 45 seconds after he arrived on it for an offside infringement, giving rise to an additional three points for the Rebels.

The final nail in the Waratahs’ coffin was hammered down by Marika Koroibete who pounced on a loose ruck ball and pierced the ‘Tahs defence to dot down under the poles.

Scorers:

Waratahs

Try: Alex Newsome

Conversion: Will Harrison

Penalty: Harrison

Rebels

Tries: Ryan Louwrens, Marika Koroibete

Conversions: Matt Toomua (2)

Penalties: Matt Toomua (5)

Brumbies v Western Force:

The Brumbies were too good for the Force as they over-powered them 24-0 in Sydney.

The writing was on the wall early on as the Brumbies put together a cracking start with two tries in the first five minutes courtesy of Tom Wright and Irae Simone .

The Force’s three-year absence from the competition was evident as they struggled throughout the game to keep pace with the Brumbies.

Will Miller and  Connal McInerney both dotted down in the second half to cement the final score.

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa was pleased with his side’s efforts:

"The best thing was how we started both halves and then it was backed up by good defence, so really proud of the boys.

"I think our big improvement was our defence, to keep (a clean sheet) you've got to be proud of the effort. That's something we'll continue to build on for next week," he said.

Scorers:

Brumbies

Tries: Tom Wright, Irae Simone, Will Miller, Connal McInerney

Conversions: Bayley Kuenzle (2)