On attack Hunter Paisami will switch with Stewart as second receiver and Jordan Petaia will move in from the wing. Meanwhile O’Connor and Campbell are likely to share fill-in duties defensively at fullback. Expect to see Bryce Hegarty used as a frontline defender, teaming up with Hamish Stewart to nullify the straight running threats of Matt To’omua and Reece Hodge. James O’Connor’s backline suggests a more defensive mindset and a shift from the high-tempo attacking plan employed at the last meeting with the Rebels. What game plan the two bring on Saturday night will be of intrigue. The latter aspect alone has been sorely missed from the national side over recent years. Both are showing a willingness to alternate their game plan depending on the opposition and to ensure points of any quantity are taken when in the opposition half. The opposing captains have exhibited maturity in their game management this season. 10 we see two veterans of the game who I believe will safely assume starting positions in the July Tests. 9 we see two operators with similar qualities – quick delivery and a running game that means no tight five can afford to lazily catch their breath on the edge of the ruck. Questions aside, what will be appreciated is the match-up between the scrum and flyhalves, particularly how they manage their teams around the park. Do we know who is the preferred loosehead prop? Does Ryan Smith offer more in the second row than Angus Blyth? What is Seru Uru’s best position – second row, flank or lock)? How does Bryce Hegarty push Jock Campbell to the wing and Filipo Daugunu to the bench? For a side that has won all five games, there still appears to be an element of experimentation and lack of clarity as to who the first choice 15 are.
While the Rebels appear to be improving their cohesion and game management each match, the Reds’ game-day selection casts a number of questions.
0 kommentar(er)
