An attacking explosion could well be on the cards for this
week when Israel Folau and the Waratahs taking on Quade Cooper and the Reds.
Each side got their campaign off in entertaining fashion
last week. The Waratahs beat up on the hapless Force running in 6 tries
including 3 to their superstar fullback. The Reds meanwhile, up against much
tougher competition in the form of the Brumbies, ran in 3 tries to 1 despite
being on the short end when it came to territory (37%) and possession (42%)
with Cooper pulling the strings.
But these two sides weren’t without their faults, as is to
be expected at this early stage of proceedings. The Waratahs still gave up 21
points, including 2 tries, to a Force team that isn’t exactly renowned for
their attacking flare and discipline proved to be a big issue with 15 penalties
and a yellow card, the Reds will be far more inclined to punish the Waratahs
for their indiscretions. The Reds meanwhile were far from the teacher’s pet themselves
giving away 14 penalties and a yellow card of their own. There is plenty of
points from genuine attacking Rugby in both sides, but the points are even more
likely to flow if they carry on with similar antics this week.
Both teams were solid when it came to the set piece and the
breakdown for such an early outing, which is what both of these backlines will
desire to provide a strong platform to launch from. The Reds showed plenty of
steel metal in defence against a Brumbies side that has a lot to offer on
attack also, but the Waratahs, already all guns blazing, will find a way to put
at least a couple on the board. Battles between these teams have at times been
staunch defensive showdowns, such as their last encounter a 14-12 Reds win in
Sydney, but this week I expect the points to fly. Both sides loaded with
attacking weapons and each likely to commit a few indiscretions should see this
one eclipse the current offered total of 40.5 points.
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